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NASB | Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever. |
Bible Question:
I have a question about Acts 5:1. I'm a relatively new Christian, and I am working my way through the Bible. I found the Old Testament to be somewhat violent...people being killed immediately for sins, stoned to death, falling over dead. I sure am glad for Jesus even more after reading the OT. But, in the NT, in Acts 5:1, Paul is accepting gifts from those who sold their property to give the money away. There is a couple that lied about how much money they got, and they were instantly killed for that. Being new to reading the Bible, please forgive my ignorance, but that seems a little over the top for being post-Jesus. Am I way off base here? I'm just not sure what to think. Seems like they should have been given a chance to repent and ask for forgiveness before being immediately stricken with death. I'm sorry to sound negative, and I love Jesus with all my heart. I just wondered what others' opinions were. Thanks, Dan |
Bible Answer: Dan, Good question! It does seem like a harse judgement from our perspective, but I believe God was setting a presidence. Have you heard the saying "Nip it in the bud"? Well recognize the Church was in it's infancy and God wanted to make sure that everyone took it very seriously what it means to lie to God (Holy Spirit). Can you imagine the reaction of the Church, well it is described in Acts 5:11, where it says that "Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events." Do you think that was a deterent the next time someone thought about holding back something that is promised to God? I am sure it was. You will find a similar story in Lev. 10 in the OT. Where it seems from our perspective that God treated Aaron's son's harshly, not at all. Dan, one thing you always must keep in mind, when you mention being in the post-Jesus time. If you read the book of Revelation you will discover that when Christ returns, He is returning as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. There is a whole lot of Justice that is going to be served when he returns. He came the first time as innocent as a Lamb to be our sacrafice, but when he returns in Judgement he will be the Lion of the tribe of Judah. It is true that God is Love, but never, never forget that He is also Just and must punish all sins. Thank God that He has already punished the sins of those who have placed ALL their trust in Him for their salvation and have been given Christ's Righteousness so we will not have to endure the Wrath of God! Heb 10:31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. In Christ...Doug |