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- Jan 29, 2013
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Tarheel Baptist said:Questions for Smellin as to his personal religion:
Sorry about the late response. End of year stuff at work. Really tied up last couple weeks and probably next week as well.
Tarheel Baptist said:Was Jesus virgin born?
And, why does that matter.
Personally, I do believe He was born of a virgin. There is no soterioligal significance so in that aspect, it doesn't matter.
Tarheel Baptist said:Did Jesus live a perfect, sinless life?
And why does that matter?
Yes. I believe because it was through Him the final covenant was made and unlike with Abraham and Moses, the covenant He fulfilled was for Gentiles as well. This was done at the Last Supper, not the cross, IMHO. The new covenant was perfect because He was perfect.
Tarheel Baptist said:Was Jesus death necessary or just a whim of the cultural times?
Why does that matter?
Yes, He needed to be publicly executed to bring significance to His resurrection. He also needed to be seen publicly forgiving those same people who were literally in the act of murdering Him to show we are capable of forgiving those who wrong us, even in the worst of circumstances. He is our example in loving our enemies, even to the most horrific of deaths.
Tarheel Baptist said:Do you believe that the veil in the temple was torn at His crucifixion?
What is the significance of this, if any?
Yes, I believe the veil was torn. I believe it was a portent of things to come: the temple's impending destruction and the literal departure of God's presence (Shekinah) from the Holy of Holies (which was fulfilled when Titus had the temple destroyed for good).
Tarheel Baptist said:Was the resurrection necessary?
Why or why not?
Yes. A public resurrection after a public death proved He was who He said He was: the Son of God. It verified the words He taught while on earth were from God and those were the same words that were to be given from the disciples to the world to come, making those words of utmost importance to the Christ-follower.
I have answered my questions with all sincerity. Several times (not just in this thread) you keep dodging the one sincere question I ask of you.
So do you include Matthew 6:14-15 in your salvation message?
If you don't, why not in light of the fact Jesus makes it crystal clear about non-forgiveness being a hindrance to our receiving God's forgiveness?