Question for Christians...theological stuff...kinda long

[Aurora63]

Hi...get ready, I'm sure this question has been asked before, but I've never heard an answer for it.

For background, my family is Christian. My mom was raised Episcopalian, and my dad went to a Congregational church for most of his young life. They didn't start taking us to church until I was about ten or so...though I have always been a "seeker," talking to God in my head, and even reading about religions as a child.

Anyway, I went to a Lutheran Church from then on, though now I have no church home, and consider myself a nondenominational Christian.

Further, I am married to a Muslim. I have learned a lot about his religion, and have found it to have much in common with Christianity. Except, of course, for one "minor detail" - they think Jesus was just a prophet (albeit an important one) while I believe Jesus is God. That is one thing I will never question.

However, why was the crucifixion and ressurection necessary? Being that God is all powerful, and could scoop us all up into heaven right now if he wanted to, why was the physical death and resurrection of Christ necessary? Does anyone else ever wonder this? Can anyone tell me what the accepted answer to this is?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

It was the proof to humanity that he was indeed the Messiah, the savior of the human race.

 

[DD2Disney]

dictating for DH:

Christ's death and subsequent ressurection was neccessary for two reasons.....one was to show God's willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for us, the death of his own son. It also provides a means of salvation, by which man can accept or reject God's payment for our sins in the shedding of his son's blood. The acceptance or rejection of this gift (the offering of Jesus as a sacrifice) is, according to the bible, the only determining factor in spending eternity either in Heaven or Hell, "not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:9

 

[Aurora63]

Originally posted by The Mystery Machine
It was the proof to humanity that he was indeed the Messiah, the savior of the human race.

Okay...I do agree with this.

But, then why do most Christian faiths say that his death and resurrection saved us, that had he not paid that ultimate price, we would be condemmed?

 

[Aurora63]

DD2Disney, I was posting as you were, thanks for your answer.

 

[momm2four]

I am no theologian, but the way I understand it is that God is a perfect God. In the Old Testament, men had to offer blood sacrifices (lambs, goats) for their sins. These sacrifices were to atone for their sins and allow them to have a relationship with a sinless God.

Jesus came to earth as a man, and because he never sinned, he offered himself as a final, perfect blood sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Because of this sacrifice, we can choose to accept him as our Lord and believe that his blood atonement for our sins gives us direct access to a relationship with God (which was the reason he created Adam and Eve in the first place), without having to go out and offer up animal sacrifices in our back yard every week (and for that I am really thankful )

Lori P.

 

[CRB#33]

I addition to the wonderful things I have read on this thread, I would suggest that you read Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose Filled Life."

He talks about why we were created, and the purposes that we were made for. I believe it probably can pull full circle the answers your question.

 

[chadfromdallas]

Originally posted by momm2four
(which was the reason he created Adam and Eve in the first place),

Is the story of Adam and Eve still taught in Christian churchs?

 

[chadfromdallas]

Anyone know? Curiosity is killing me here! lol

 

[KingsFanInRI]

Originally posted by chadfromdallas
Is the story of Adam and Eve still taught in Christian churchs?

I would imagine that as long as it is still in the Bible it will still be taught.

Thanks to my beautiful DW for dictating for me earlier
I love you

 

[Otto's Doll]

Originally posted by chadfromdallas
Is the story of Adam and Eve still taught in Christian churchs?

I belong to the Presbyterian Church USA and yes, Adam and Eve are still being taught. We are a Bible believing denomination, which means that we believe in the Bible as God's Word to us, meaning the full Bible, including this story. Why do you ask?

 

[chadfromdallas]

Originally posted by Otto's Doll
. Why do you ask?

With all the findings of evolution and such, I have just been wondering if they still carried on that one story. Thats a whole nother discussion though, so lets not get that started up

Thanks for the answers

 

[Otto's Doll]

Since this is not the debate board, we won't go there (but if we did... I would defend the Bible in it's entirety).

 

[KingsFanInRI]

Would someone please move this to the debate board so I can tell ChadFromDallas how misled he has been?

 

[Otto's Doll]

good idea!

 

[chadfromdallas]

Originally posted by KingsFanInRI
Would someone please move this to the debate board so I can tell ChadFromDallas how misled he has been?

No no no, now come on. There isn't a need. I don't believe in Christianity(I'm leaning toward taking up buddhism).

 

[Beast]

http://www.answersingenesis.org/

 

[Otto's Doll]

Originally posted by chadfromdallas
No no no, now come on. There isn't a need. I don't believe in Christianity(I'm leaning toward taking up buddhism).

It is a good thing that God still believes in you.

 

[hipporina]

I'm going to skip the whole Adam & Eve vs. evolution topic other than to say, I too accept the Bible in its entirety.

I agree with other 2 answers to your first question and would like to add something of my own. God is a perfect God and His Holiness keeps him from even being able to look at sin. Therefore, we as sinners are seperated from Him. Also, as is stated in Romans 6:23 "the wages of sin is death."

So we have ours sins that both seperate us from God and come at a cost. Someone has to pay that cost and without Jesus the only to pay it is with our souls. Through Jesus's death and resurection, our debt from sin is "paid off" and we can again be with God.

Think of a traffic ticket. If you speed and get a ticket, there is a cost that you now owe. Well, no huge deal, you can pay it. But what if the cost of a speeding ticket was several million dollars and you couldn't pay it? Someone would have to cover it for you. Same with sin. It comes at an enourmous cost, that we can't pay except by death. So, Jesus paid it for us, and all we have to do is accept the gift.

I hope that makes sense to you. If not, please ask more questions and I'll do my best to help you out.

Kristy

 

[chadfromdallas]

Originally posted by Otto's Doll
It is a good thing that God still believes in you.

What god?

ok ok seriously....no more

hipporina I'm going to skip the whole Adam & Eve vs. evolution topic other than to say, I too accept the Bible in its entirety.

Thank you