Bible Study: Introduction

Having studied the Bible intensely for over thirty years I can say with absolute certainty that one of the most, if not the most considerations when undertaking serious Bible study is the recognize that the Bible has been grossly misrepresented and misunderstood, either intentionally or irresponsibly, by apostate organized religion as well as atheist propaganda.

Many of the teachings most often associated with the Bible are not taught in the Bible, but come from ancient pagan philosophy, like Plato and Socrates, as well as other places. The reason for this is that religious thinking more often than not tends to be syncretistic, meaning it blends with other religious beliefs. One example of this is the immortal soul. Though most Bible believers may think the soul is immortal, the Bible teaches the exact opposite. (Ezekiel 18:4; Matthew 10:28; compare translations at links below) According to the Bible the soul dies and can be destroyed. So, where does that idea come from? As it turns out, it comes - Socrates. That is, the much older concept of the immortal soul was taught by Socrates and through his influence became theology and tradition. If you go to a Bible college they will teach Socrates, not the Bible.

Other teaching commonly believed to be biblical when in actuality pagan, are hell (Dante/Milton), trinity (Plato), the cross (Constantine), Christmas (Saturnalia/Dickens) and Easter (pagan goddess of fertility, Ishtar).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syncretism
https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/18-4.htm
https://biblehub.com/matthew/10-28.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inanna

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shuhak · M

The concept of "hell" is taught in the bible. It may not be called that exact name (in some translations), but it is real. It is the place where the unsaved (those who do not choose God/Jesus) will spend eternity. In the bible, "death" usually means separation . The soul "dies" means it is separated from its creator, God. "hell" is a place where God isn't - no aspect of him (love, light, etc.). The soul is eternal (created by God in His image). ALL people (past, present, future) will exist eternally in either "heaven" (with God in His presence) or in "hell" (away from God's presence).

The term "trinity" isn't stated in the bible, eluded to -
(Genesis 1 ("Spirit hovered over the waters", "let US make man in OUR image", Matthew 3 - God's voice, Spirit in form of a dove, and Jesus himself.)
The cross was a Roman way of execution (quite referenced in history). Few people deny that Jesus died on a cross 9referenced in several historical documents).

True - Christmas and Easter are not in the bible (although the word "easter" is in one translation).

Ferise1 · 46-50, M

@shuhak that’s a horrific concept 😰😰😰

shuhak · M

@Ferise1 Precisely. That's why God doesn't want anyone going there (it was made for the devil and his angels). However, all who don't come to Jesus for salvation (from God's wrath towards sin) will spend eternity there.

Ferise1 · 46-50, M

@shuhak that’s most people!!! It does not sound like the work of a supreme being!!!

shuhak · M

@Ferise1 God is holy (perfectly pure). As such, he can neither overlook or condone sin (rebellion against Him). But He made a way to get rid of our sin... if we choose to. And that's through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus.

Ferise1 · 46-50, M

@shuhak you realise most people are atheists right?

PathwayMachine · M

@shuhak

Precisely. That's why God doesn't want anyone going there (it was made for the devil and his angels). However, all who don't come to Jesus for salvation (from God's wrath towards sin) will spend eternity there.

No. The Bible doesn't teach anything like that. First of all, hell, being the grave, means that God does want us to go there. That's why he is there,. Since he cursed us to die the grave is where he wants us. Secondly, the Devil and his angels were in heaven until Michael (Jesus) kicked them out in a war. To earth, not hell. Those who find salvation do go to hell along with everyone else, just as Jesus himself did.

shuhak · M

@PathwayMachine Ah, but it does. "Hell" is not the grave. All must die (physically - this is called the first death). This death is the separation of body and spirit (the body goes back to the dust from which it was made, while the spirit goes back to God who made it. We were "cursed" to die because we sinned and God did not want us living in that condition (that's why He cut off access to the tree of life that was in the Garden of Eden).
Yes, Satan and his angels were in heaven. However, they rebelled and were thrown out. Yes they came down to earth to try to tempt and try to mess up God's creation - people. ... and they still are.
No, Jesus did not go to "hell". He died, was buried and rose on the third day. In fact, as of now NO ONE is in or has gone to "hell". That wont take place until AFTER the final judgement. ALL who find salvation in Jesus Christ WILL live with Him eternally. That is the Good news (gospel) preached by Jesus Himslef.

Ferise1 · 46-50, M

@shuhak nonsense I’m falling into hell as we speak

PathwayMachine · M

@shuhak No. Here is a detailed explanation of hell refuting all of those claims which I made some time ago. https://similarworlds.com/beliefs/hell/4313827-The-Reality-of-Hell-The-English-Word-Hell-The-old