Why there is NO torment for the dead.....

[Hockeycowboy]

I've often wondered if we could go back in time and sit in on one of the original apostles study meetings if it would at all resemble modern Christianity or any of its denominations. I think we may all be surprised.

Yes, that would be awesome! There's much in the Scriptures that give us a good idea, but actually being there like in Jerusalem during the events of Acts of the Apostles 15:1-29, would be so enlightening, no doubt.

 

[David1967]

Yes, that would be awesome! There's much in the Scriptures that give us a good idea, but actually being there like in Jerusalem during the events of Acts of the Apostles 15:1-29, would be so enlightening, no doubt.

It would be great to know with certainty which of our teachings and traditions are really in sinc with the original church. But then what would we debate? The weather?

 

[Hockeycowboy]

there is a parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man

of course it leans to life after death
and the torment (though dealt in terms of flesh).....is of spirit

I provided a non-JW source for you to check out. Just thought you'd appreciate it more. Take care.

"The Rich Man and Lazarus
This parable of Jesus has been quoted for centuries in attempts to prove the existence of a Hell Fire. However, was that what Jesus was really describing? Notice the context. At Luke 16:14, 15 we read, 'Now, the Pharisees (who loved silver) were listening to these things and were looking at him with contempt. So he said to them: 'You are the ones who claim to be righteous before men, but God knows your hearts, and things that are considered important by men are disgusting in God's eyes.'

So with the above setting in mind, notice the next two points that Jesus went on to make:

First (at Luke 16:16-18), he condemned the haughty Pharisees by saying that 'anyone who divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery' – so much for righteousness, because leaving their wives (after the women had grown old) and taking younger ones was common practice among such men.

Then (at Luke 16:19-31) Jesus tells the story of a 'rich man' (like the Pharisees) and a 'beggar' (like the common people) who both 'died.' And the point was this: These men who were considered the 'spiritually rich' were about to see a major change in their situation. For after the death of Jesus, their high position as the spiritual leaders of God's people (the favored position of IsraEl's ancestor AbraHam, through whom their nation had received their Covenant with God) was going to be taken from them and given to the spiritually poor. And this is what actually happened to them just thirty-seven years later when JeruSalem (along with its entire form of worship) was destroyed and the true arrangement for worshiping God was passed on to the lowly Disciples of Jesus.

So this second point that Jesus made (and which the Pharisees doubtlessly understood at least partially) is that; because they had failed to learn from the Law and the Prophets, their high position was going to be taken from them and given to common people. Therefore, this isn't a tale that describes the torture of Hell Fire; it was a verbal picture (or parable) that was a warning to the haughty Pharisees. For more information, see the linked document, 'Is There a Burning Hell?'"

http://www.2001translation.com/LUKE.htm#_The_Rich_Man_and_Lazarus

 

[moorea944]

I've often wondered if we could go back in time and sit in on one of the original apostles study meetings if it would at all resemble modern Christianity or any of its denominations. I think we may all be surprised.

Yes, I agree. Look at the Apostle's speeches, like Act 2. Wonderful words for the people and for us!!

 

[Thief]

I provided a non-JW source for you to check out. Just thought you'd appreciate it more. Take care.

"The Rich Man and Lazarus
This parable of Jesus has been quoted for centuries in attempts to prove the existence of a Hell Fire. However, was that what Jesus was really describing? Notice the context. At Luke 16:14, 15 we read, 'Now, the Pharisees (who loved silver) were listening to these things and were looking at him with contempt. So he said to them: 'You are the ones who claim to be righteous before men, but God knows your hearts, and things that are considered important by men are disgusting in God's eyes.'

So with the above setting in mind, notice the next two points that Jesus went on to make:

First (at Luke 16:16-18), he condemned the haughty Pharisees by saying that 'anyone who divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery' – so much for righteousness, because leaving their wives (after the women had grown old) and taking younger ones was common practice among such men.

Then (at Luke 16:19-31) Jesus tells the story of a 'rich man' (like the Pharisees) and a 'beggar' (like the common people) who both 'died.' And the point was this: These men who were considered the 'spiritually rich' were about to see a major change in their situation. For after the death of Jesus, their high position as the spiritual leaders of God's people (the favored position of IsraEl's ancestor AbraHam, through whom their nation had received their Covenant with God) was going to be taken from them and given to the spiritually poor. And this is what actually happened to them just thirty-seven years later when JeruSalem (along with its entire form of worship) was destroyed and the true arrangement for worshiping God was passed on to the lowly Disciples of Jesus.

So this second point that Jesus made (and which the Pharisees doubtlessly understood at least partially) is that; because they had failed to learn from the Law and the Prophets, their high position was going to be taken from them and given to common people. Therefore, this isn't a tale that describes the torture of Hell Fire; it was a verbal picture (or parable) that was a warning to the haughty Pharisees. For more information, see the linked document, 'Is There a Burning Hell?'"

http://www.2001translation.com/LUKE.htm#_The_Rich_Man_and_Lazarus

on rare occasion the Carpenter would take aim at the example on hand....but...
the teaching would apply to all that have ears ....that hear

the parable deals with action (or the lack thereof)
and the consequences pending

no exceptions

 

[djhwoodwerks]

Just curious then.... Why haven't you told the brother studying the Bible with you about your obvious animosity toward Jehovah's organization? Is that honest?



Please, do not go OT (Off Topic) anymore.

He actually does know where I stand.