Another day in the life of a slave continued 3-31-09 - Eric Nolan's Blog

You know I am beginning to wonder, not so much question but just really wonder. Please allow me to explain. I read alot of news locally and from around the world and keep arriving at the same question. With all the hate and destruction that goes on daily and with each passing day is seems to grow more and more horrific, I ask at what point or with what act of insanity do we fall from God's good graces ? It is written that God forgives us for our sins, but at what point are we condemned to hell ? What act against mankind gets us a ticket to eternal damnation ? Is it the Hitler's of the world that send them out of heaven ? or is it a lesser crime ? is it being unrepentant at the end that does it ? I just wonder. Lets say for example that someone commits brutal acts in their lifetime and feels remorse for their crimes and repents does that excuse their crimes ? If this is the case then what is to stop the evil of mankind ? Also where would be the justice for their victims ? You see where I am going with this ? It just makes me wonder. Say for example that Hitler was repentant at the end of his life for all the evil carnage he was responsible for, would he be forgiven ? Or are his crimes so horrific that he was beyond absolution ? I would like to hear from as many people as possible as to their views on this, because so far I find this all very confusing. Thank you for your time. &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>

Douglas Ace Date: 4/23/2009 1:13:00 PM Eric, In response to the end question of your blog, I point to the example of a young,zealous law keeper back at the time of Christ, One,who, like his father before him was a pharisee, in fact, as he said, a pharisee of the pharisees. Responsible for the torture and demise of so many who were followers of the Way(possibly almost 3000),Saul of Tarsus actually thought he was doing God service through this.WAS HE WRONG OR WHAT! Upon his conversion to the faith he had so strongly persecuted, he went on to proclaim it for the next thirtysome years throughout the then exiting Roman empire and author a large number of N.T.books. Call it a change of heart, but this man knew that crimes didn't get any more horrific then what he committed. Time doesn't allow me to continue, but you get the point. Countless lives have changed throughout the ages because of him and the One he pointed to. I'm interested in hearing from you. Write me. From the heart,Doug Login to Reply

Eric Nolan Date: 4/3/2009 9:37:00 PM Veronica I would agree with your assessment to a point. The Hitlers, Vicks, Mansons,and Bundy's of the world do represent true evil and are unrepentant but are they beyond absolution ? That is the core question of the blog, which you did answer. Though given what I have read in the good book in the area of God giving his only son for our sins, the questions remains as to at what point is an individual beyond hope and condemned to eternal damnation ? Is it their refusal of repenting, the acts they committed or both ? In any event I enjoyed your response. It was well crafted and I thank you. Login to Reply

Eric Nolan Date: 4/3/2009 9:28:00 PM Lainie, interesting comments to be sure. Kinda of a walk in the other persons shoes to understand approach. I believe that would work for some people and work well. I would say children would benefit more from that type of lesson, but then again I myself am just as kid with adult privileges so I see where your coming from. Good thoughts, thank you. Login to Reply

Veronica Joseph Date: 4/3/2009 8:10:00 AM If someone purposefully and knowingly commits acts against another, with the intent to hurt or destroy physically and/or psychologically - especially if these acts are repeated for the pleasure of the person performing them and they delight in the horrifc results, there is no forgiveness for this sin - whether it is murder, verbal abuse, the mocking and humiliationof a spouse, the cruel treatment of an animal. I can say the God I know could never forgive Hitler, or Michael Vick, or men and women who betray and humiliate their spouses, even their children, to make themselves feel powerful and whole. THe problem is (Hitler, Vick, Manson, Bundy) the powerful feeling has to be renewed constantly and is neverending. There is no forgiveness for this, as they are not ever repentant. Login to Reply

Elaine George Date: 4/3/2009 3:17:00 AM Much food for thought here. Great blog, Eric. I think in the end it will be God who decides; and God is Love. I truly believe that we learn love and compansion for others only after we have experienced transgressions upon ourselves. And we learn to forgive others only after knowing we too have sinned and want the same forgiveness alotted us. Is there true evil - yes ! It is hate! the opposite of love. lainie Login to Reply

Eric Nolan Date: 4/2/2009 9:25:00 PM L'nass I have not read that yet about blasphemy. My understanding is that means taking the Lord's name in vain, am I mistaken about that ? I thought that it was part of the ten commandments given to Moses. Please let me know, because I am wondering if my research is incorrect. If it is I would like to know and thank you for your response. Login to Reply

Eric Nolan Date: 4/2/2009 9:18:00 PM Larry I like what you have said in response to my inquiry, it makes sense. However I do have one question, you said "If you break 1 of the laws, you are guilty of breaking all of them" I must admit I do not understand that completely but the rest is as they say spot on. Though from my research I understand it was Eve that was tricked by the serpent and ate of the tree of knowledge ? Adam simply followed her lead. Thank you for your comments Larry they are appreciated. Login to Reply

L'Nass Shango Date: 4/2/2009 1:31:00 PM Only one sin is taught in the bible to be unforgiven ... that is balsphemy. Don't ask what it is but how it is? Every sin can potentially be blasphemy if the Holy spirit's appeal against its transanction is stubbornly ignored. If Hitler defied the Holy Spirit's entreaty he is then a blasphemer. Login to Reply

Eric Nolan Date: 4/1/2009 8:08:00 PM Thank you Bob, some things you have said I have yet to read and I look forward to those teachings. The more I read the more questions I have so I keep the faith that answers will be revealed. However I am not so sure about Hitler, even God cast out his second in command who apparently became Satan, but then again I am just a believer looking for answers to what I believe are the only real worthwhile questions of who, what, where, when and why. Everything else is just petty filler to occupy our days before the end. Thank you very much for your thoughts they are appreciated. Login to Reply

Bob Tyler Date: 4/1/2009 7:54:00 PM These are very tough questions and of course none of us know all the answers. God gives us understanding a little bit at a time and builds on what we have received from Him. His mercy and Grace are unfathonable. He loved Hitler and would have forgiven him in a second if he had believed and repented. The apostle Paul was a destroyer of the church yet found grace in Christ. The bible says that where sin did abound, grace did much more abound and there is forgiveness with repentance. Jesus laid down guidelines in the gospel for us to follow and as we follow and obey His word we experience the "washing of the water of the word" which cleanses us and changes us into His image. We keep our faith in Him and look for His return. Whosoever puts their trust in the Lord will not be disappointed. I hope you find the answers to your questions. Just remember that Jesus says He will never leave or forsake you. Thats the love of God. Login to Reply

Eric Nolan Date: 4/1/2009 7:10:00 PM Deborah you have an interesting take on this it reminds me of a favorite line in a movie that says "humans define their existence through suffering" (The Matrix) I find that a strangely brilliant statement. There are sadly to many people that believe they live in hell. Everyone has their version I suppose, I try to look at it all as a test, a test of character to see what is truly in your heart, people make bad choices in their lives all the time, but what remains is what is in their heart. Do they repent or relish for their victims ? You are right though it is all about balance you can't have good without evil and I have seen to much evil to simply discount the good. It's definitely a war of conscious and a battle we all wage daily. What side will you be on ? As always thank you for your thoughts. Login to Reply

Eric Nolan Date: 4/1/2009 7:00:00 PM Vince I share your fears for the afterlife and it is exactly why I am trying to live the life I am supposed to. Daily temptations are to numerous and as the book has told me that is exactly what Satan wants. I also agree that it is confusing very confusing, I have been reading the old testament and have been shocked at the amount of killing that occurred. Apparently we as a species haven't progressed much beyond the point of efficiency in killing each other. So to that end I am on a personal mission to understand the word of the good book and have found that I am failing miserably but I shall remain steadfast and not give up in my quest for answers. If I am going to go down I am going down swinging. Thank you for your views and good to hear from you. Login to Reply

Eric Nolan Date: 4/1/2009 6:52:00 PM Lolita I am keeping the faith that you are right. I wished that Eve would have picked another tree to be sure but it is what it is. I myself for the current times pick the electronic age as our modern downfall. I wish for the days of "leave it to beaver" and all it's innocence but sadly we have to progress. Though I truly believe we are devolving than evolving. More and more we become autonomous to the point of a living coma with individuality ultimately being banned. Maybe I am stating overkill but it's just my two cents. Thank you for your thoughts. Login to Reply

Eric Nolan Date: 4/1/2009 6:45:00 PM Yoni I hear you loud and clear and please do not apologize, it is views like yours that keep my faith in the human spirit alive. Keep fighting my friend you are not alone. Login to Reply

Debbie Guzzi Date: 4/1/2009 9:11:00 AM Some would say their lifes now are hell and damnation. I for one believe all life is about seeking balance, and can neither always be heaven or always be hell if to be whole and balanced all must exsist best not to rail against the infinite. Light & Love Login to Reply

Vince Suzadail Jr. Date: 3/31/2009 1:38:00 PM I do believe that if the repentence was true, one could be forgiven. I believe Judas was chosen as the betrayer and someone had to fulfill the prophecies, so, if he were truly repentant, he would have been forgiven. It is confusing. I don't know if politicians go to heaven or if they just talk their way out of hell but I do think SATAN took the form of a snake in the Garden of Eden because there were no lawyers or politicians then. My biggest fear of death is the fact that I probably won't need a jacket because I'll be going to a warmer climate (much warmer).Seriously, I believe in a forgiving and merciful God. If I'm wrong, I'm in big trouble. God Bless. Vince Login to Reply

Lena Townsend Date: 3/31/2009 8:23:00 AM Eric, I am loving this blog. I think you will really get a variety of responses and strong feelings with this one. As for God casting the stone... yes, you are so right. None of us are without sin. This blog has really gotten my mind stirring. It started me thinking about the Garden of Eden and Eve eating the apple... she was not supposed to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge for she was not to know all that God would know. Maybe that is the answer to the wuestion here. For if we take too much knowledge into ourselves would we then be Godlike and take a bigger risk of turning our back on Him? I do not know. I know that somewhere in yourself you can connect with God one on one and there will be the answers that you seek. It says in the book of Matthew... Ask, Seek, Knock and it will be given... I believe that is where the true answers you seek will be found, with God. Stay true to your faith the answers will follow. Smiles from Lolita Login to Reply

Yoni Dvorkis Date: 3/31/2009 8:15:00 AM Oh ok, sorry if I seemed too aggresive, I tend to do that without realizing it. I'll just say my answer to your question would be 'never'. Thanks again Eric. Login to Reply

Eric Nolan Date: 3/31/2009 8:04:00 AM Yoni, I understand your logic especially when it comes to GW Bush. With my introduction into middle age I have become interested in the words of the good book, but find more questions than answers and gravitate more to a poets view than any other due to the fact they seem to think outside of the box more than anyone even those in the religious sect. I could not have been more right. You choose to replace evil with corrupt and I can agree with that, there are different degrees of it and from what I understand it can be undone. I am simply asking at what degree of corruptness is one beyond hope ? when does one cross the line or point of no return as it were ? I myself wish I could reduce my level of denial but I find that it seems like I am simply lieing to myself and I just can't do that. As it is said "To thy own self be true" simple statement but it works. As always Yoni, thank you for your views. Login to Reply

Eric Nolan Date: 3/31/2009 7:52:00 AM I agree with most of what you said Lolita, you said "We can not just be washed in the water " I am assuming you are speaking of a baptism ? It is said that "let he who is without sin cast the first stone" I know of no one who is free of sin, so I can only assume that God would be the one to cast otherwise the evil deeds of man would go unpunished. I am gratified at the responses thus far, yet I remain confused from my initial question. I shall have to continue pondering and searching for answers. I thank you for your response it is appreciated. Login to Reply

Yoni Dvorkis Date: 3/31/2009 7:52:00 AM Hi Eric, thank you for your blog post, It gave me a chance to rant and I always look forward to those chances. I say no one is evil because in my head I replaced the concept of evil with that of corruption. I'm not about to say no one is corrupt but the good part about corruption is that it can be undone. To me evil, hell, sin, all that seems more absolute. It seems like a way to justify very intense judgments towards people who are, again in my opinion, just mistaken. If you can convince these people, GW Bush comes to mind for some reason, that they are not evil just that they agree with the wrong ideas, such as corporate run politics instead of a legitimate democracy, then when they're ready to let go of their misguided belief systems they will let them be replace with the right ones, ie democracy, freedom to not be tortured in a prison cell for speaking out, love for humanity instead of money, etc. I didn't invent any of these concepts, I'm just trying to reduce my denial levels. Login to Reply

Eric Nolan Date: 3/31/2009 7:46:00 AM Very interesting response Yoni, you say "prove to you there is a hell" I can only respond that it is a leap of faith on my part as I do believe there is a Heaven. You also ask "whats a sin ?" My belief is the ten commandants, the other laws are of man and some do have their place others are absurd. You say you believe no one is evil I am puzzled by that statement and would ask you why you think that. Thank you Yoni, I always enjoy your views. Login to Reply

Lena Townsend Date: 3/31/2009 7:18:00 AM It is not just about confessing the sins an asking for forgiveness it is about taking Jesus into your heart and letting the blood of him wash away the sins of our lives. This is how true forgiveness works. We must agree to walk the path that God has given with Jesus leading as the perfect light to guide us. Only when we are completely ready to surrender all unto Him shall we be truly free and pure enough for eternal life in heaven. We can not just be washed in the water but must be washed in the blood and cleansed by the fire of Spirit. If we can do that our path is surely laid with golden brick before us on the road to everlasting life. This is not something that can be done in a last dying breath, it is something we do with our soul, it takes time. It is not our place to judge or define others on their path, it is our place to form a bonding, personal relationship with God ourselves and pray that others will learn to do the same. Blessings to you. Smiles from Lolita Login to Reply

Yoni Dvorkis Date: 3/31/2009 6:46:00 AM Hitler is the easiest scapegoat for evil in the world. Everyone looks at him and says 'he was evil he should go to hell. he deserves to be punished for his unimaginable crimes against humanity'. The problem is that everyone makes too many assumptions that are flat out wrong that they then take to draw very judgemental conclusions out of. Hitler should go to hell? prove to me there is a hell, unless you count the world now, which I'll agree very much seems like a hell. Hitler should repent for his sins? what's a sin? who defined this term? the bible right? so what? who wrote the bible? God? Should Hitler be forgiven? by who? who has the authority to forgive him and grant him the right to enter heaven? I sure as hell don't. At the absolute core of this type of logic is the distinct belief that evil is real any anyone who 'is evil' should be punished. I believe no one is evil they just listen to really really stupid ideas that come from other people in severe denial about what is right. Login to Reply