Forgiveness

kathparker · Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2002 2:16 pm Post subject: Forgiveness

Hello all, I'm not only new to this site, but new at studying the Bible. My question is: I've always been under the impression that our Lord is a loving and forgiving God. That everyone is entitled to forgiveness even those that ask for it just before death. In reading Proberbs 1: 27-33 it says just the opposite. Can anyone please explain this to me. Thank you

Van · Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2002 4:30 pm Post subject: Forgiveness

I think the point here is that you must listen to God before you can obtain God's blessings. Also in play may be the idea that our earthly actions have earthly consequences. If by your actions and words, you teach your kids to sin, you cannot make your training go away by saying you are sorry. There are people that ignore God, except for when they are in trouble and then they say, please God help me. Proverbs is teaching that that is not an effective prayer. If your prayers are all about you and your needs, if your prayers are simply pulling the golden slot machine handle in the sky, then you are still the God of your life.

To obtain forgiveness you must turn from your self directed life to God and place your trust in Jesus and make him the boss (Lord) of your life. But being forgiven does not mean you will not suffer, and especially being forgiven does not mean the consequences of your actions will not affect you or those close to you.

But being forgiven means that God will not punish you, but instead will show you mercy.

[This message has been edited by Van (edited 10-28-2002).]

kathparker · Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2002 5:18 pm Post subject: Forgiveness

Thank you Van, I had not looked at it from that perspective. The way you explain it makes sense.

Tiger75 · Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2002 12:41 am Post subject: Forgiveness

Hi Kath,

If you look at the preceeding verses of Proverbs 1 you read:

23Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.
24Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,

This teaches the love and desire God (cf Wisdom in the passage) has for all men to be saved, however there are those who have and will reject this plea. When we get to the verses you quoted yourself they are passed the point of opportunity to repent and in that day "I will mock ..." etc. Justice will be done because God is Just.

There is a parallel here I think with Psalm 2

1 Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing?
2The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3"Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us."
4He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision.
5Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
And distress them in His deep displeasure:
6"Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion."
7"I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.
8Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
9You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel."'
10Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling.
12Kiss the Son,[2] lest He[3] be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Tiger

[This message has been edited by Tiger75 (edited 10-29-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Tiger75 (edited 10-29-2002).]

Tiger75 · Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2002 12:42 am Post subject: Forgiveness

T

[This message has been edited by Tiger75 (edited 10-29-2002).]

kathparker · Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2002 6:43 am Post subject: Forgiveness

Again Thank You Tiger,
This is such a wonderful site, I have been searching for a site that would help me with my questions. I can't believe I have found the perfect place. I have known that quotes can be taken out of context, (especially with politics) but it didn't occure to me that I was doing the same thing. From now on I will review in complete what I have read.