If this is necessary to the ideology of salvation, then one might do well to scoff at it. It does not seem to be legitimate to project that Christ will save the world from the evil which is wrecked upon it by humans or by nature. Indeed, it seems remarkably irresponsible for a modern human to merely sit waiting for Christ to save the world rather than take active steps as part of the social community to assure that the world is preserved. (for example, it has been suggested that Bush's radical policy in the Middle East is "literally and determinedly drawn, consciously and unconsciously, toward the enactment of such a [endtimes] scenario, as he believes, for God's sake" [Hill] if this were true, it would be a perfect example of the sort of irresponsibility that might arise from a faith in the eschatology of Revelations)
However, I do not believe that this physical return and conquest is inherent in salvation. On the contrary, I think that the references to Christ's physical return which will bring about global warfare and destruction are not physical prophecies, nor do they relate to the actual "endtimes." Rather, those that are not specific references to current or near-current events (such as the sack of Jerusalem or the depredations of Rome) --and possibly even those specific references-- are metaphors for that which goes on in the soul. As Jesus said in John 18:36: " John 18:36: "Jesus told Pontius Pilate, My kingdom is not of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews." There was never a point in the early church where Christians took up arms, even against the most extreme oppression, for they seem to have understood what is being missed here -- that the kingdom was not physical, and could not be won with arms, nor would it ever be.
I believe it is a legitimate claim to suggest that Jesus can provide personal salvation. If one were to truly follow the teachings of Jesus, so as to overcome their own self-will,...
Furthermore it is with Isaiah that one first becomes acquainted with the idea that the Messiah would die. "And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth." The passage clearly predicts a Messianic figure who dies, in order to bring peace to the multitudes. "Out of the anguish of his
Jesus in Beijing: How Christianity Transforming China Changing Global Balance Power 'Jesus in Beijing' is a book authored by Aikman. The book has taken a keen interest on transformation and the changes taking place in the international power balance and a keen eye on the society within China. Aikman has focused on how the religion of Christianity is slowly penetrating deeper into the society under the rule of the government. The
Jesus tells his listeners not to worry about what they eat and drink, given that God is infinitely bounteous, despite the fact that the kosher laws are part of the commandments of Mosaic tradition. This shift in emphasis to the importance of poverty and charity required by Mosaic Law, away from specific rituals and concepts of ritual purity indicates that while Jesus respected the teachings of his predecessors, the
In truth, much of the negative connotations given to the Islamic religion are inaccurate (Rogers, 2006). Most Muslims are peaceful individuals who want to submit to the will of God and live their lives without being bothered by other individuals. They have tolerance for other religions, and do not set out to kill any individuals who choose not to belong to the Islamic religion (Rogers, 2006). There is very
Jesus, God and Man The book, Jesus, God and Man, contributes to the ongoing theological discussion regarding the key issues to Christians and Catholics. If Jesus was God in the flesh, then he is the unique expression of complete divinity, and complete humanity. If Jesus was God, then the core teachings of Christianity are separate, and distinct from all other religions on the planet. If Jesus was God, his request of
As an adolescent, Mohamed managed to make use of his businessman nature and his remarkable communicational skills. At the age of twenty five he was entrusted with taking care of the caravans of a rich widow which he later married. Being very fond of religion, Mohamed paid a great interest to Judaism and Christianity, but was quick to dispose of both of them as he didn't share the principles
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