rcj1@ihuxi.UUCP (06/16/83)
First off, I beleive the God in Genesis is the same and only God in existence today. He is the same today as he was back then. Why? Because the Bible says so, which is the inspired word of God. I know the bible was'nt written personally by God but by ...Holy men of God speaking as they were moved by the Holy Ghost II Timothy 3:16,17. On "Being Saved".. Yes, Jesus did say "...Ye must be born again" (John 3:7), but what exactly is being 'Born Again'? Jesus says in John 3:5, Except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. I was personally baptized twice. The first time as an infant of about 3 months of age. The second time at 33 Yrs. of age. I don't think I felt anything at 3 months except the water probably made me uncomfortable. The second time had more meaning in that I actually knew what was going on. The bible says ...Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remmision of sins (Acts 2:38). One of the key words here is "REPENT". How could I repent as a baby? I believe If I had died as a baby without baptism I would have gone directly to heaven (do not pass go, do not collect $200). I'm not saying that the Baptism saves, but one of the essentials of being saved is REPENTING and being baptized. Some think just believing on the name of Jesus Christ is enough. The devil believes in Jesus Christ also. Another essential is the type of baptism. I was baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost as an infant. As an adult I realized that I should be baptized according to Acts 2:38, i.e. ....in the name of Jesus Christ. But even after these essentials I felt (and still do) something is missing. Oh I felt relieved after repenting and baptism but something inside is telling me theres more to come. Could it be the remainder of Acts 2:38, ...and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.? ...The same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie..." I John 2:27... This is where I am in my life concerning being saved, as the bible says, testing the spirits. (Can't recall were though) On rainbows: Could it be that before the great flood it never rained. You might ask, well, how did all the vegetation survive without water? How about the morning dew? I've seen it get awfully wet out without rainfall... On existance of Heaven and Hell: If you believe in God you better believe in life hereafter! And that life will be either Heaven or Hell. Both of which exist right now, as Jesus proclaimed.."Let not you heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Fathers house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:1-3). Likewise, Jesus said:....."and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a 'furnace of fire'...." (Matt 13:41,42). Now we all know what a furnace is right? "....And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of 'fire' " (Rev 20:15). Sounds like a Hell to me. Speaking of the life hereafter: I believe that the instant a saved person dies, his spirit goes to be with the Lord. "....Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it" (Ecc 12:7). And all saved ones are "....now resting in paradise" (Luke 23:42). When Jesus returns, these will come back with Him to be reunited with their bodies(probably recreated one's). Then all believers (they must be saved first) ".....will be changed" (I Cor 15:51,52) and together will be caught up in the air with Jesus!!! By the way, this is called the Rapture of the Church. Yes!! I believe that all saved ones that are alive here on earth when Jesus returns will leave this world without dieing! "they will not pass through the valley of the shadow of death" (Xxx XX:XX). The same thing that happened to Enoch in the O.T. "Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him" (Gen 5:24). I think the same thing happened to one other person in the Bible but I can't remember who or where... On What is God up to today?: Obviously the Bible does'nt go into what God will be doing in the 80's but I believe He is probably putting the finishing touches on the place he went to prepare for us (mansions). I believe He's almost finished and His second coming could very well be very near... Now I'm not one of those "repent you sinners Jesus is coming" freaks but if you know anything about Bible prophesy, all prophesy regarding Jesus' second coming has been fulfilled!!! But if you really want to know, send me mail and I'll tell you when the Lord is coming back!!! Well I'm about worn out for now. But any questions, comments, critisisms(sp?), etc, feel free private or public... Ray, ihuxi!rcj1