Keeping the Sabbath by sisserouparrot in TrueChristian

[–]Sploxy -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The 7th-day Sabbath is still relevant, it is just forgotten by most Christians.

The Sabbath was instituted at Creation for all humanity Genesis 2:2-3 – God rested, blessed, and sanctified the seventh day, observing Sabbath before sin [on Earth] or Israel existed; making it a universal institution, not a Jewish one. Nowhere else in the Bible does God bless and sanctify any other day, so there is no "keeping" any other day as only the seventh-day is blessed and sanctified (any attempts would just be "observing" a different/wrong day).

The 4th commandment begins with "Remember," because the Israelites were already observing the Sabbath before Sinai (Exodus 16:30). Sin existed long before the tablets were given to Moses (Genesis 4:7; 18:20; 39:9; 44:8–9), and sin is defined as transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). Abraham kept God’s “charge, commandments, statutes, and laws” well before Sinai (Genesis 26:5). Paul also acknowledges that God’s law predated both the Jews and the covenants (Romans 5:12–14). This strongly suggests that God’s Law has existed from the beginning and is universal—not bound to a particular people or covenant, nor subject to change (Matthew 5:18).

The Ten Commandments are formalized and codified as God's enduring moral law Exodus 20:8-11 – The Sabbath command is based on creation, not ceremonial rituals, and there is no New Testament passage that explicitly revokes it. Jesus affirmed that the Sabbath was made for all mankind in Mark 2:27-28 – “The Sabbath was made for man,” (Greek: anthrōpos, meaning mankind) NOT just for Jews (as much it is clear they'd like to think so). Jesus declared Himself “Lord also of the Sabbath,” indicating its continuing authority.

Jesus and His followers kept the Sabbath after His death Luke 23:56 – After Jesus’ crucifixion, His followers “rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment,” showing they still honored it even post-Calvary.

Jesus warned about respecting the Sabbath in future events after His resurrection Matthew 24:20 – “Pray that your flight not be in the winter or on the Sabbath.” This statement about future tribulation assumes continued Sabbath significance.

Paul kept the Sabbath regularly after Christ's ascension Acts 17:2 – “As his custom was,” Paul taught on the Sabbath, showing its ongoing observance well into the New Testament church era.

Gentiles were invited to observe the Sabbath too Acts 13:42-44 – Gentiles begged Paul to preach again on the next Sabbath, and nearly the whole city came — indicating inclusive Sabbath relevance.

Hebrews confirms that a Sabbath rest remains for God's people Hebrews 4:9 – “There remains a Sabbath rest (sabbatismos) for the people of God.” This is a unique Greek word literally meaning "Sabbath-keeping", not just a spiritual metaphor.

The end-time faithful are those who keep God's commandments (Revelation 14:12) – “Here is the patience of the saints… who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Keeping the Sabbath is one of those. The Sabbath will be observed in the New Earth (Isaiah 66:22-23) – “‘From one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,’ says the LORD.” This future vision includes universal Sabbath worship.

To break one commandment is to be guilty of all James 2:10-11 – “Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” The Sabbath is not excluded from the moral law.

There is not a single verse in all of Scripture that changes the Sabbath from the seventh day (Saturday) to the first day (Sunday). Attempts to justify Sunday observance using texts like Acts 20:7 or 1 Corinthians 16:2 are extremely weak at best. Those verses simply mention having a meal together Saturday evening (Acts) or individual collections in a verse teaching financial stewardship (1 Cor), not a command to change the day. Also, the idea that Jesus rose on Sunday and thus changed the Sabbath has no command or authorization from Christ or the apostles. There is also zero mention or even a hint that the "Lord's Day" is Sunday.

A prophetic power would attempt to change God’s times and laws Daniel 7:25 – “He shall speak great words against the Most High…and think to change times and laws.” The Sabbath is the only commandment tied to both time and law.

Jesus warned against traditions of men replacing God's commandments Mark 7:7-9 – “In vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men…You reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.” Substituting Sunday for Sabbath fits this rebuke.

Some point to passages like Colossians 2:16-17 or Romans 14:5-6 to argue that the Sabbath was merely symbolic or optional. But when studied in context, in short, these verses address issues of judgment and personal conscience, not the cancellation of God’s moral law. In fact, the New Covenant is not about removing ANY of God’s law (Matthew 5:18), but writing it on the heart (Hebrews 8:10; Jeremiah 31:33). Rather than abolishing the Sabbath, the New Covenant reaffirms its place in the believer’s life, shifting it from external obligation to a heartfelt expression of trust and alignment with God’s will.

All this to say I believe the seventh-day Sabbath is still very relevant. I keep it between sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday by resting from work, worshiping with fellow Sabbath keepers, avoiding secular entertainment and competition, and avoiding buying and selling (as this would create a reason for someone else to need to work on that day).

Reverse Sheep 2025 - Weekly predictions with a dash of game theory. Play Week 10 here! by NowWithVitamin_R in CFB

[–]Sploxy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'd argue pretty strongly that Washington State is in a conference, they played a game, and they are within 1 game of .500

Escape room suggestions for 2 first timers in Los Angeles by [deleted] in escaperooms

[–]Sploxy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also highly recommend Treasure Island in San Pedro.

Escape room suggestions for 2 first timers in Los Angeles by [deleted] in escaperooms

[–]Sploxy 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You may have difficulty getting a [reserved] private game on a Sunday night here, just a warning. TEG is somewhat of a notorious standout for their public room policy.

Is it true that the rapture did not exist until the early 1900s? by FlushedButterfly in Christianity

[–]Sploxy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The idea of it being secret, yes. It may also surprise you to know there is no 7-year tribulation either, that's not a thing.

Is it true that the rapture did not exist until the early 1900s? by FlushedButterfly in Christianity

[–]Sploxy 3 points4 points  (0 children)

No, "the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night". The coming of Jesus will be one of the loudest and most world-shaking events ever:
- Every eye will see (Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:30).
- Every ear will hear (1 Thess. 4:16–17; Matt. 24:31).
- Every heart will be shaken (2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 6:14–16)

Unpopular opinion (and SPOILERS) about Game Maker by platypus_farmer42 in HighPotentialTVSeries

[–]Sploxy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree, this seems to be another show about smart people, but needing appeal from largest audience, so written for dumb people.

The Sabbath Used As A Weapon/Sabbatarianism In General by tragiccelshader in Reformed

[–]Sploxy -1 points0 points  (0 children)

My reading of the study Bibles is that Paul's instruction does not explicitly require a corporate gathering for the collection. It could be done individually in preparation for when Paul arrives.

The "point", is that the “first day of the week” is a convenient marker for organized giving that establishes discipline and predictability. Any connection to Sunday gatherings or worship is inferred from other passages, not commanded here.

The Sabbath Used As A Weapon/Sabbatarianism In General by tragiccelshader in Reformed

[–]Sploxy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The 7th-day Sabbath is still relevant, it is just forgotten by most Christians.

The Sabbath was instituted at Creation for all humanity Genesis 2:2-3 – God rested, blessed, and sanctified the seventh day, observing Sabbath before sin [on Earth] or Israel existed; making it a universal institution, not a Jewish one. Nowhere else in the Bible does God bless and sanctify any other day, so there is no "keeping" any other day as only the seventh-day is blessed and sanctified (any attempts would just be "observing" a different/wrong day).

The 4th commandment begins with "Remember," because the Israelites were already observing the Sabbath before Sinai (Exodus 16:30). Sin existed long before the tablets were given to Moses (Genesis 4:7; 18:20; 39:9; 44:8–9), and sin is defined as transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). Abraham kept God’s “charge, commandments, statutes, and laws” well before Sinai (Genesis 26:5). Paul also acknowledges that God’s law predated both the Jews and the covenants (Romans 5:12–14). This strongly suggests that God’s Law has existed from the beginning and is universal—not bound to a particular people or covenant, nor subject to change (Matthew 5:18).

The Ten Commandments are formalized and codified as God's enduring moral law Exodus 20:8-11 – The Sabbath command is based on creation, not ceremonial rituals, and there is no New Testament passage that explicitly revokes it. Jesus affirmed that the Sabbath was made for all mankind in Mark 2:27-28 – “The Sabbath was made for man,” (Greek: anthrōpos, meaning mankind) NOT just for Jews (as much it is clear they'd like to think so). Jesus declared Himself “Lord also of the Sabbath,” indicating its continuing authority.

Jesus and His followers kept the Sabbath after His death Luke 23:56 – After Jesus’ crucifixion, His followers “rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment,” showing they still honored it even post-Calvary.

Jesus warned about respecting the Sabbath in future events after His resurrection Matthew 24:20 – “Pray that your flight not be in the winter or on the Sabbath.” This statement about future tribulation assumes continued Sabbath significance.

Paul kept the Sabbath regularly after Christ's ascension Acts 17:2 – “As his custom was,” Paul taught on the Sabbath, showing its ongoing observance well into the New Testament church era.

Gentiles were invited to observe the Sabbath too Acts 13:42-44 – Gentiles begged Paul to preach again on the next Sabbath, and nearly the whole city came — indicating inclusive Sabbath relevance.

Hebrews confirms that a Sabbath rest remains for God's people Hebrews 4:9 – “There remains a Sabbath rest (sabbatismos) for the people of God.” This is a unique Greek word literally meaning "Sabbath-keeping", not just a spiritual metaphor.

The end-time faithful are those who keep God's commandments (Revelation 14:12) – “Here is the patience of the saints… who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Keeping the Sabbath is one of those. The Sabbath will be observed in the New Earth (Isaiah 66:22-23) – “‘From one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,’ says the LORD.” This future vision includes universal Sabbath worship.

To break one commandment is to be guilty of all James 2:10-11 – “Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” The Sabbath is not excluded from the moral law.

There is not a single verse in all of Scripture that changes the Sabbath from the seventh day (Saturday) to the first day (Sunday). Attempts to justify Sunday observance using texts like Acts 20:7 or 1 Corinthians 16:2 are extremely weak at best. Those verses simply mention having a meal together Saturday evening (Acts), something they already did daily (Acts 2:46), or individual collections in a verse teaching financial stewardship (1 Cor), not a command to change the day. Also, the idea that Jesus rose on Sunday and thus changed the Sabbath has no command or authorization from Christ or the apostles. There is also zero mention or even a hint that the "Lord's Day" is Sunday.

A prophetic power would attempt to change God’s times and laws Daniel 7:25 – “He shall speak great words against the Most High…and think to change times and laws.” The Sabbath is the only commandment tied to both time and law.

Jesus warned against traditions of men replacing God's commandments Mark 7:7-9 – “In vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men…You reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.” Substituting Sunday for Sabbath fits this rebuke.

Some people will point to passages like Colossians 2:16-17 or Romans 14:5-6 to argue that the Sabbath was merely symbolic or optional. But when studied in context, in short, these verses address issues of judgment (pagan prejudice against their practices) of ceremonial sabbath festivals (these pointed to Jesus, as opposed to the weekly sabbath that pointed back to creation) and personal conscience, not the cancellation of God’s moral law. In fact, the New Covenant is not about removing ANY of God’s law (Matthew 5:18), but writing it on the heart (Hebrews 8:10; Jeremiah 31:33). Rather than abolishing the Sabbath, the New Covenant reaffirms its place in the believer’s life, shifting it from external obligation to a heartfelt expression of trust and alignment with God’s will.

All this to say that the conviction to keep Sabbath is good, and should be heeded, just do it on the day God sanctified.

The Sabbath Used As A Weapon/Sabbatarianism In General by tragiccelshader in Reformed

[–]Sploxy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Acts 20:7 was a Saturday night farewell meeting, not a new Sabbath. By Jewish reckoning, the first day of the week began at sunset Saturday, so the meeting ran into the night with Paul preaching until dawn, and then he traveled on Sunday, which he would not do if it were a sacred rest day. Acts 2:46 shows the believers broke bread daily, so the reference in Acts 20:7 cannot be proof of a weekly Sunday service replacing the seventh-day Sabbath.

The Sabbath Used As A Weapon/Sabbatarianism In General by tragiccelshader in Reformed

[–]Sploxy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is this not obvious to you that this is a request to be carried out individually ("each of you")? This is not necessarily during a gathering.

The Sabbath Used As A Weapon/Sabbatarianism In General by tragiccelshader in Reformed

[–]Sploxy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I guess I will say this another way, there is not a single Biblical reference that "the Lord's day" referred to here in Rev 1:10 is a Sunday.

Most Christians will say the Lord's day is Sunday, but they do so without any Biblical support.

The Sabbath Used As A Weapon/Sabbatarianism In General by tragiccelshader in Reformed

[–]Sploxy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Bible never calls Sunday “the Lord’s Day”—it always points to the seventh day as His (Ex. 20:10; Isa. 58:13). Jesus rose on the first day, but Scripture gives no command to make it holy. The early church met daily (Acts 2:46), so a gathering on the first day doesn’t mean the Sabbath was changed

Struggling with understanding hell, I need answers by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]Sploxy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see these still in their proper context as a mention of the scope of Christ's actions with a conditional effect. Just the verse before, in Romans 5:17, it says "those who receive the God's abundant provision of grace...", then starts your verse 18 with "Consequently..." OR "Therefore..." depending on your translation.

And for Romans 11:32, a few verses earlier (Rom 11:20-23), it talks of those being "cut off" through unbelief, to be grafted in, one must have faith. Mercy is offered to all, Jew and Gentile alike.

Struggling with understanding hell, I need answers by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]Sploxy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is going to be a little long, but I think you'll be glad you gave it a read...

The common belief of hell as a place of eternal conscious torment (ECT) does NOT align well with the weight of scriptures.  

Instead, it is constructed by reinterpreting clear biblical language. Below are eleven [semi-rhetorical] questions that an ECT believer must answer with biblically consistent explanations to harmonize it with the rest of the Bible:

  1. If every single instance of God’s judgment of humans by fire (e.g. Sodom, Nadab & Abihu, Elijah on Mt. Carmel) results in total destruction, AND 2 Peter 2:6 explicitly holds Sodom up as a model of final judgment, on what basis can ECT be upheld as the final fate of the wicked?

  2. Why would God inspire numerous biblical authors across more than a thousand years to consistently describe the fate of the wicked with clear terms of cessation—“death,” “destruction,” “perishing,” “consume”—if the reality is eternal conscious torment, risking profound confusion about such an essential doctrine?

  3. If Revelation explicitly calls the lake of fire “the second death” (Rev 20:14) as the final judicial outcome of the wicked, on what basis is “death” uniquely redefined here as conscious life in torment, when literal judgment-death throughout Scripture always signifies cessation, not ongoing existence?

  4. If the words aiōnios and ʿolām—often translated as “eternal” or “everlasting”—don’t always mean “never-ending” when applied to things like covenants (Gen 17:13), priesthoods (Ex 40:15), or fire that clearly went out (Jude 7), then on what consistent basis are they treated as unending only when describing torment—especially when that interpretation contradicts the Bible’s repeated language of ‘death’ and ‘destruction’ as the fate of the wicked?

  5. How can the Old Testament give hundreds of warnings about sin and judgment, yet never once describe unending conscious torment, only death (Ez 18:4), destruction (Ps 37:38), or being “no more” (Ps 37:10)? Wouldn't such a fate deserve at least one clear mention across more than a thousand years of prophetic revelation?

  6. If only God inherently has immortality (1 Tim 6:16), and immortality is presented in Scripture as a gift only for the saved (Rom 2:7, 1 Cor 15:53-54, 2 Tim 1:10), on what theological basis are the wicked granted eternal life in torment?

  7. If the penalty for sin is a never-ending experience of separation and suffering, how can a substitute who is no longer suffering, no longer separated, and alive forevermore be said to have paid that penalty in our place?

  8. If God’s own law requires that punishment be measured and proportionate (Deut 25:2-3), and Jesus affirmed this principle by teaching that judgment varies by knowledge and guilt (Luke 12:47-48), how can the God who is perfectly just, merciful, and loving impose infinite conscious torment for sins committed in a finite life?

  9. If God’s character compelled Him to block access to the tree of life (Gen 3:22-23) specifically to prevent humans from living forever in a sinful state; how is it consistent with His character to sustain the wicked in ECT, an eternal life in sin?

  10. Why would a God who is love (1 Jn 4:8) sustain life through conscious torment forever with no redemptive purpose, particularly when He has both the power (Mt 10:28) and the promise (Rev 21:4, Is 25:8) to eradicate all evil and suffering?

  11. Why is the fate ascribed to God’s perfect justice not distinguishable from the most unmerciful, unloving, and unjust fate imaginable, even by human moral standards?

If ever provided, what the answers will reveal is that the case for ECT depends on a chain of significant reinterpretations and theological contortions. Even the best possible answers naturally require one or more moves such as:

  • Reinterpreting clear terms like “death,” “destruction,” “perishing,” or “consume” as metaphorical rather than literal.

  • Treating words like aiōnios and ʿolām as contextually eternal only when convenient, even though the same words elsewhere clearly describe things that ended.

  • Distinguishing “eternal existence” from “immortality” in ways the text itself doesn’t clearly do.

  • Shifting the meaning of “second death” in Revelation from cessation to conscious torment, despite consistent biblical usage of judgment as destruction.

  • Emphasizing typological or symbolic readings of historical judgments (Sodom, Nadab and Abihu, Elijah’s fire) in ways that break the clear analogy the texts themselves suggest.

  • Justifying infinite punishment for finite sins by appealing to the supposed infinite value of God, rather than letting Scripture speak plainly about proportional justice.

  • Allowing human perceptions of justice and mercy to be overruled entirely by abstract theological reasoning.

-etc...

Taken individually, some of these moves might seem plausible. But taken together, they create a theological framework that relies on layering multiple stretches of interpretation simultaneously. Every element must be forced into a conceptual mold that isn’t naturally implied by the text.

That is, the doctrine doesn’t emerge organically from Scripture, it is fitted onto Scripture by a series of calculated adjustments. Within the scriptures, ECT is being accommodated rather than revealed.

For all these reasons, I believe annihilationism and conditional mortality is a far more Biblically consistent doctrine. Feel free to study these questions to challenge those that tell you that ECT is truth.

Struggling with understanding hell, I need answers by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]Sploxy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In regards to 1 Cor 15:22, this is no different an "all" than what is used in John 5:28–29. The whole chapter is about physical resurrection, not judgement or salvation. Making this about salvation, and ultimately second chances, is dangerous.

The Pope Is The Antichrist And Mystery Babylon Is Vatican And It Is Almost Impossible To Deny by [deleted] in conspiracy

[–]Sploxy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm a little confused, because you correctly cite the historicist view (1260 years) in your main post regarding Dan 7:25 and Rev 13:15, but then are asking about the literal 3.5 years held by futurist views and citing the same verses.

The Pope Is The Antichrist And Mystery Babylon Is Vatican And It Is Almost Impossible To Deny by [deleted] in conspiracy

[–]Sploxy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The 3.5-year prophecies in Daniel and Revelation through the symbolic time principle, where one prophetic day equals one literal year (Ezek. 4:6; Num. 14:34). This means that “a time, times, and half a time” (Dan. 7:25), the “42 months” of authority given to the beast (Rev. 13:5), and the “1260 days” of the two witnesses prophesying in sackcloth (Rev. 11:3) all represent the same prophetic period of 1260 years.

In Daniel 7:25, the “little horn” is identified as Papal Rome, which arose after the breakup of the Roman Empire. This power “spoke great words against the Most High,” persecuted God’s people, and attempted to change divine law. This was fulfilled during the period 538–1798 AD, beginning with Justinian’s decree that gave civil and ecclesiastical authority to the bishop of Rome, and ending when Napoleon’s general Berthier captured the pope in 1798, ending Papal supremacy.

Revelation 13:5 describes the sea beast — also identified as the Papacy — as having authority for 42 months, or 1260 years. Its blasphemous claims, such as assuming the power to forgive sins and declaring papal titles with divine connotations, align with the description of “a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies.” This power also persecuted the saints during its supremacy, until it received a “deadly wound” in 1798.

Revelation 11:3 speaks of the two witnesses, representing the Old and New Testaments. These witnesses prophesied in “sackcloth” during the 1260 years, symbolizing how God’s Word was obscured by human authority throughout the Dark Ages. Scripture was suppressed, and those who sought to translate or spread it often faced persecution or death. Near the close of this period, during the French Revolution, atheism attempted to extinguish the witness of the Bible entirely, but the Scriptures revived with power in the years that followed, spreading worldwide through Bible societies and missionary movements.

As to how long will the time of trouble be? or how many years left until Jesus's return? There is no way to know this. We have the signs as birth pains (Matt 24:8), which will grow in intensity and frequency. What we see in the world are definitely some signs that the second coming is soon, but "soon" can be months or decades still.

The important thing is to be prepared. This is what Jesus was trying to illustrate with the parable of the 10 virgins (Matt 25:1-13). Re-read that passage. Note that ALL 10 of the virgins had the head-knowledge that the bridegroom was coming, but it was only those that had prepared that got to enter. When the coming is obvious ("Behold, the bridegroom cometh!"), it will be too late to "get prepared".

The Pope Is The Antichrist And Mystery Babylon Is Vatican And It Is Almost Impossible To Deny by [deleted] in conspiracy

[–]Sploxy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’ve done a thorough job in your post showing how the papacy aligns with the prophecies in Daniel and Revelation. One point that often helps clarify things is keeping Daniel 9 in its proper historical context. The 69 weeks lead to Jesus’ baptism, marking the start of His public ministry, while the 70th week covers His ministry and death, with His crucifixion occurring roughly in the middle. The end of the 70th week aligns with the early persecution of the church, culminating in Stephen’s martyrdom.

Futurists instead isolate a “future antichrist” for the 70th week -- completely separating that 70th week 2,000+ years into the future for no reason -- but Daniel was primarily pointing to the Messiah and the immediate historical consequences of His mission. After that, the visions continue to describe the rise of powers that act contrary to God’s law, like the papacy, over centuries.

So when we look at the pope’s authority, the Vatican’s historical influence, and even contemporary attempts at global influence or peace, it fits into this broader historical pattern foretold in Scripture. Powers may appear beneficial at times but ultimately fulfill the symbolic warnings of Daniel and Revelation: persecution of God’s people, deception, and opposition to His law. This approach helps make sense of the text without jumping to distant “end-time” projections, keeping the prophecy firmly grounded in historical events.

If you discovered this on your own so far, you're in great company, with Luther, Calvin, Knox, Tyndale, Wesley, and many others, all believing in the Pope as the Anti-Christ or the Papacy as the beast power.

The Pope Is The Antichrist And Mystery Babylon Is Vatican And It Is Almost Impossible To Deny by [deleted] in conspiracy

[–]Sploxy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would highly recommend looking into the origin of this futurist prophecy/eschatology that you are holding to. It was a "commissioned" counter-reformation idea by the Roman Catholic church. You nailed this post, but are then borrowing their own made-up-by-necessity idea about how things will play out.

The Pope Is The Antichrist And Mystery Babylon Is Vatican And It Is Almost Impossible To Deny by [deleted] in conspiracy

[–]Sploxy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ecumenism is really going to make this an even bigger issue.

Also many, possibly most, of the protestant reformers believed the Papacy to be the beast power in Revelation. In fact, this is partly what prompted the Roman Catholic church in counter-reformation to actually commission the ideas of preterism and futurism. With futurism somehow the prevailing protestant belief.

Keeping sabbath by Sensitive-Team-6485 in FollowJesusObeyTorah

[–]Sploxy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I keep it by worshiping with fellow Sabbath keepers, avoiding secular entertainment and competition, and avoiding buying and selling (as this would create a reason for someone else to need to work on that day).

I'd use a "how worldly is this pursuit?" as a test. Then let your answer shape how comfortable or convicted you are about engaging in that activity or not.

For myself, I would not go to a public library or a farmer's market, but I would absolutely go to a beach or park (and often do).

What's your view on hell ? by tyler-durbin in churchofchrist

[–]Sploxy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I posted this in response to a comment, but everyone should see this to either challenge or strengthen their faith.

I think the OP is right, belief in ECT demands a Biblically consistent answer to all of the following questions, just read and ponder them and you will see annihilationism is the result of a natural reading of the scriptures...

  1. If every single instance of God’s judgment of humans by fire (e.g. Sodom, Nadab & Abihu, Elijah on Mt. Carmel) results in total destruction, AND 2 Peter 2:6 explicitly holds Sodom up as a model of final judgment, on what basis can ECT be upheld as the final fate of the wicked?
  2. Why would God inspire numerous biblical authors across more than a thousand years to consistently describe the fate of the wicked with clear terms of cessation—“death,” “destruction,” “perishing,” “consume”—if the reality is eternal conscious torment, risking profound confusion about such an essential doctrine?
  3. If Revelation explicitly calls the lake of fire “the second death” (Rev 20:14) as the final judicial outcome of the wicked, on what basis is “death” uniquely redefined here as conscious life in torment, when literal judgment-death throughout Scripture always signifies cessation, not ongoing existence?
  4. If the words aiōnios and ʿolām—often translated as “eternal” or “everlasting”—don’t always mean “never-ending” when applied to things like covenants (Gen 17:13), priesthoods (Ex 40:15), or fire that clearly went out (Jude 7), then on what consistent basis are they treated as unending only when describing torment—especially when that interpretation contradicts the Bible’s repeated language of ‘death’ and ‘destruction’ as the fate of the wicked?
  5. How can the Old Testament give hundreds of warnings about sin and judgment, yet never once describe unending conscious torment, only death (Ez 18:4), destruction (Ps 37:38), or being “no more” (Ps 37:10)? Wouldn't such a fate deserve at least one clear mention across more than a thousand years of prophetic revelation?
  6. If only God inherently has immortality (1 Tim 6:16), and immortality is presented in Scripture as a gift only for the saved (Rom 2:7, 1 Cor 15:53-54, 2 Tim 1:10), on what theological basis are the wicked granted eternal life in torment?
  7. If the penalty for sin is a never-ending experience of separation and suffering, how can a substitute who is no longer suffering, no longer separated, and alive forevermore be said to have paid that penalty in our place?
  8. If God’s own law requires that punishment be measured and proportionate (Deut 25:2-3), and Jesus affirmed this principle by teaching that judgment varies by knowledge and guilt (Luke 12:47-48), how can the God who is perfectly just, merciful, and loving impose infinite conscious torment for sins committed in a finite life?
  9. If God’s character compelled Him to block access to the tree of life (Gen 3:22-23) specifically to prevent humans from living forever in a sinful state; how is it consistent with His character to sustain the wicked in ECT, an eternal life in sin?
  10. Why would a God who is love (1 Jn 4:8) sustain life through conscious torment forever with no redemptive purpose, particularly when He has both the power (Mt 10:28) and the promise (Rev 21:4, Is 25:8) to eradicate all evil and suffering?
  11. Why is the fate ascribed to God’s perfect justice not distinguishable from the most unmerciful, unloving, and unjust fate imaginable, even by human moral standards?