Kwestia kary – część 2

Kwestia kary – część 2

Jeśli więc Bóg nie zajmuje się nakładaniem kar, sprawianiem bólu, zadawaniem cierpienia i śmierci nienawróconym grzesznikom, to co Bóg robi z grzesznikami? Co Bóg robi z tymi, którzy są zarażeni grzechem ale nie pozwalają Bogu, by ich uzdrowił?

Jako rodzic, co byś zrobił swojemu dorosłemu synowi czy córce umierającym na białaczkę, jeśli odmówiliby przyjęcia donacji Twojego szpiku kostnego? Co byś zrobił? Czy nie ‘pozwoliłbyś im odejść’? Czy nie uszanowałbyś ich wyboru? Jeśli tak, to czy by to znaczyło, że ich zabiłeś albo torturowałeś? Z pewnością nie! Ale czy nie cierpieliby z powodu własnego wyboru i w końcu zmarli? Niewątpliwie! Jednak przyczyną zgonu byłby ich własny, nieuleczony stan i odmowa uzdrowienia. Dokładnie tak naucza Biblia:

Rzymian 1:18-31 mówi, że „objawia się gniew Boży z nieba na wszelką bezbożność i nieprawość ludzi” (BWP), a następnie w wersetach 24, 26, 28 trzy razy dokładnie określa Bożą działalność, kiedy odrzucają Boga, kiedy Mu odmawiają do siebie dostępu, kiedy nie dopuszczają Go do siebie. Bóg nie pozostawał bezczynny – Bóg „poddał ich”, “wydał ich”, „pozwolił im odejść”. Tak samo, jak kochający rodzic w końcu pozwoliłby odejść swojemu dorosłemu dziecku, które odmówiło leczenia, tak Bóg pozwala odejść swoim dzieciom, które odmawiają Jego interwencji. To właśnie jest gniewem Bożym.

„Nie ma bowiem wierności i miłości ani poznania Boga na ziemi. … Lud mój wydany jest na zgubę, bo mu brakuje poznania Mnie. To wasza wina, kapłani, bo sami odmawiacie poznania Mnie… Zamienili chwałę Bożą na haniebnych bożków.” (Ozeasz 4:1,6,7; tłum. wspólne)

W jaki sposób lud ‘wydany jest na zgubę’? Poprzez odcięcie się od Boga, odmówienie poznania Go, odłączenie się od kręgu miłości – prawa życia, które emanuje od Boga – co niezawodnie prowadzi do ruiny i śmierci.

Bo gniew mój wybuchł już wielkim płomieniem i trawi wszystko aż do dna szeolu, niszczy ziemię i wszystkie jej plony, kruszy nawet gór podwaliny. I zgromadzę nad nimi różne nieszczęścia, wypuszczę w ich stronę moje strzały” (Ks. Powtórzonego Prawa 32:22,23 BWP)

Zwróć uwagę, jak mocnych słów używa Bóg w powyższych wersetach; niemniej jednak, co w rzeczywistości nastąpiło? Biblia mówi dalej:

„Gdyby byli mądrzejsi, zrozumieliby, jaki czeka ich koniec. Czyż bowiem może jeden człowiek rzucać się w pościg za tysiącem albo czy dwóch może sprawić, by zaczęło uciekać dziesięć tysięcy? A wszystko to dlatego, że zostali sprzedani przez ich Skałę, a Jahwe wydał ich na pastwę losu” (Ks. Powtórzonego Prawa 32:29,30 BWP).

Raz jeszcze zwróć uwagę na to, że ‘gniew Boga’ oznacza ‘wydanie ich’, ‘pozwolenie im odejść’ – tak jak zrobiłby to każdy kochający rodzic w odniesieniu do dziecka, które uparcie nalega na odejście.

Goryczą Go napełniali, czcząc bogów na wyżynach, i pobudzali Go do gniewu swoimi bóstwami. A Bóg, ujrzawszy to, zapłonął gniewem i Izraela odrzucił od siebie. I opuścił swoje mieszkanie w Szilo, namiot, w którym przebywał wśród ludzi. I zezwolił, by Jego potęga poszła do niewoli, a Jego święta arka dostała się wrogom” (Psalm 78:58-61 BWP).

Wyleję na ciebie mój gniew, rozniecę przeciwko tobie ogień mojej zapalczywości i wydam cię w ręce ludzi dzikich, sprawców zniszczenia” (Ezechiel 21:31 BT).

„Oto wyciągnę swą rękę przeciwko tobie i wydam cię na łup poganom; wytnę cię spośród narodów, wytracę cię z ziem i wyniszczę cię” (Ezechiel 25:7 UBG).

Ponownie zauważ mocny język Boga – jednak czy Bóg zrobił tak, jak zapowiedział? Nie! Zrobił natomiast wszystko zgodnie z tym, co ‘oburzenie’ i ‘gniew’ Boży oznacza – dał im własny wybór, wydał ich, pozwolił im pójść własną drogą, zostawił ich na pastwę losu – zgodnie z tym, co sami sobie wybrali. Bóg nie musi zadawać kary, ponieważ grzech odcina człowieka od Boga, i automatycznie sam grzech prowadzi go do ruiny i śmierci.

Jedna z założycieli mojego kościoła w XIX wieku zdawała sobie sprawę z tych samych prawd i doszła do tych samych wniosków. Dobitnie wyraziła swoje myśli w swoich pismach:

Nie mamy uważać Boga za kogoś, kto czeka, aby ukarać grzesznika za jego grzech. Grzesznik sam sprowadza karę na siebie. Jego własne czyny uruchamiają pasmo okoliczności, które wywołają niezawodny skutek. Każdy akt przestępstwa oddziałuje na grzesznika, powoduje w nim zmianę charakteru i sprawia, że jest mu łatwiej dopuścić się kolejnego przewinienia. Wybierając grzech ludzie oddzielają się od Boga, odcinają się od kanału błogosławieństwa, a niezawodnym tego skutkiem jest upadek i śmierć. (EGW, WP1 223.1)

Na początku wielkiego konfliktu Szatan oświadczył, że prawa Bożego nie da się przestrzegać, że sprawiedliwości nie da się pogodzić z miłosierdziem, a jeśli prawo zostanie kiedykolwiek złamane, winowajca nie może znikąd oczekiwać przebaczenia. „Każdy grzech musi być ukarany!” żądał Szatan, „a jeżeli Bóg umorzy i kary nie wymierzy, to nie jest on Bogiem prawdy i sprawiedliwości.” (EGW, ŻJ 549.1)

Zwróć uwagę na fakt, że wszystkie powyższe dowody biblijne wskazują na to, że to nie Bóg wymierza ostateczną karę nienawróconym grzesznikom. Ich własny grzeszny stan odcina ich od Boga i prowadzi do ruiny i śmierci. Tak więc, powyżej wspomniana autorka doszła do wniosku, że ci, którzy sugerują, że „każdy grzech musi być ukarany, a jeśli Bóg umorzy i kary nie wymierzy, to nie jest on Bogiem prawdy i sprawiedliwości”, promują ewangelię szatana, szatańskie argumenty i błędny obraz Boga przedstawiany przez szatana.

No więc… jeśli Bóg nie wymierza kary, jeśli Bóg rzeczywiście interweniuje na naszą korzyść w sprawie niszczycielskiej natury grzechu i jeśli po prostu ‘daje grzesznikom odejść’; grzesznicy natomiast giną w wyniku własnego, nieuleczonego stanu – to jak zrozumieć teksty w Biblii mówiące o ogniu, siarce, piekle, paleniu, itd.?

Na dalszą dyskusję zapraszamy do blogu „Kwestia kary – część 3” w następnym tygodniu.

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Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 26

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA