I've noticed a good number of religious degree holders post here and thought I would take the opportunity to get some views on some questions/thoughts i have. Preface: These will be Christian in nature, and I do believe in the bible. I would not like to seem argumentative, or start a fight here. 1. The Messiah must be a descendant of David. Mary's history is covered very little. Even though Joseph would not be the biological father(virgin birth), would we consider the line of David to move from him to Jesus? (Rev 22:16 NIV) "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." 2. What constitutes “being saved” Is the act of believing enough? John 3:16 Must you perform works of faith? Is baptism(physical) a requirement? 3. "Hell" vs. Destruction vs. Eventual Redemption. What are you views on the afterlife for sinners? Eternal punishment? Utter destruction(nonbeing), or perhaps punishment with eventual redemption? 4. Why would God wait to return? Since the number of non-believers will continue to grow doesn’t God continually dam more and more people to hell? What reason would you give as to why God would not return sooner rather than later?
First, I am not a Biblical expert. Second, your geneology question can be answered by reading Matthew 1:1-17. Third, the rest of your questions will elicit various interpretations of Scripture depending on the theological persuasions of the responders. Blessings, Jimmy
Although not a "Bible expert" or "Bible scholar" by any means, the answers to your questions according to my traditional religion are: 1. Both Mary and Joseph must have been of the line of David, distantly related. 2. Works of faith - "no" (saved by "faith and faith alone", which excludes "works"), physical baptism - "yes" 3. Eternal damnation for those who are evil in nature; eternal life for those who have goodness in their hearts; maybe some aspect of reincarnation for those in between, although this is not supported in any Biblical reference 4. Well, if you were God, why not wait? The time has been but an instant in terms of eternity. 2,000 years is a blip on the cosmic scale. Perhaps technological advancement for mankind is somehow necessary to encounter the second coming? Perhaps mankind needs to be utterly humbled first by natural and self-inflicted catastrophes? Who knows? Hope it helps.
Abbacabba, For one interpretation of Scripture, click here. The lessons are interesting reading. I don't personally subscribe to some of what is taught, but I do to most of it. Blessings, Jimmy
Abbacabba, Here is another site that will give you some perspectives. Mind you the websites I suggest are, like me, in the minority of generally-held Christian viewpoints.
Is believing enough? Yes, if your definition of "believing" is full enough. Perhaps the question might be phrased what constitutes faith or belief? What does genuine faith look like?
