Have you been born again? Or begotten again?

Post by **_Paidion** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:28 pm

i was wondering how one could reason with somebody in torment. it's hard enough to reason with unbelievers who AREN"T in torment.

I think I understand your thinking, TK. Yet, if the spirit of God operates, a person can submit while in great pain.

It frequently happens in hospitals when Christ's disciples visit those who are in great pain.

It frequently happens in certain countries where people are suffering from hunger and disease.

It frequently happens in prisons where a number of people are suffering from a lot of mental and spiritual conflict, or in some cases physical abuse.

In any case, we are not certain that those in Gehenna will be suffering at the time of the visit of the saints. God may give them temporary relief, or at least diminished suffering during the times of these visits. The two combined might induce repentance when the sufferers realize what they are missing in their rebellious state.

Post by **_Michelle** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:30 pm

Well said, Paidion. I was thinking the same thing.

Post by **_Paidion** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:40 pm

Thanks, Michelle.

As for the saints needing "asbestos robes",TK, I notice that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego got along fine without them while they were in the fiery furnace.

Post by **_TK** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 3:28 pm

Indeed they did. Apparently the 4th person with them kept the heat off. they didnt even smell like smoke.

TK

Post by **_Paidion** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 8:20 pm

Perhaps "the 4th person" will also be with the saints who minister to the lost in Gehenna.

Post by **_TK** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 7:51 am

Paidion-

perhaps this should be over on the eternal torment, etc thread. But if your view is correct about the saints ministering to those in gehenna, what do you think the message will be? do you think it will be different for what is preached to the living? Will an icebreaking line be: "Well, this is a fine mess you've gotten yourself in to?" or "see, we told you so?" It would seem that, in the lake of fire, those there would have little doubt about the truth of the matter. i.e., it is not clear that they would need to be taught who Jesus is, etc. The emphasis would seem to be trying to get them to repent, but one would think the agony would convince them of this. Perhaps, however, those in Gehenna will not realize they are ABLE to repent and get out, being deceived by the devil. Perhaps the job of the saints will be to convince them of this possibility.

I am curious because until I heard this from you I had never heard it before.

TK