Verses 10-12 state: And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? 11Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. 12Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.
This passage illustrates the reaction of Joshua after they were routed in battle. Joshua lamely states that it would have been better to not have entered where they were than to be routed by the Amorites. He ignores promises 400 years prior about the fullness of the iniquity of the Amorites; but is totally blind to the REASON for the event; which boiled down to one person coveting gold and other things which were cursed objects somehow tied into the demonic realm that were; as the rest of the populus to be devoted unto destruction. Joshua 6:18 warns about such behavior; and Achan was the individual responsible and was summarily stoned afterwards; followed by victory on the battlefield. They should have learned from what happened with Korah's rebellion in Numbers 16:32 when they were swallowed up by the earth after trying to usurp the role of Priesthood that Moses had. We see in both these passages that unless the sin was dealt with the entire people would be destroyed.
In today's New Testament church we see Ananias and Sapphira in the same sort of swift judgment in Acts 5. Normally; of course our first priority has to be our own sin but we have to guard not only our own hearts but watch out for the "enemy in the camp" which today often involves "damnable heresies" ( 2 Peter 2:1); also see 1 Timothy 4:1 on last days false teaching.
Concluding statements on the "emotions" of God related to His covenants
It has been said that the book of Revelation is the "Grand Central Station" of scripture. Here we see His righteous 144,000 and their entourage of countless multitudes which overcome; and the return of Christ where He rules and reigns from Jerusalem (as stated in Revelation 19-21) and finally the last chapter which goes to the eternal state. The struggle of Israel at that time is brought forth in Revelation 12 with the woman and the other signs of the sun and moon and stars.
When considering the extent of God's wrath we understand it is eternal (and conversely also for all the saved saints enjoying bliss in heaven). Man was made with eternity in their hearts ( Ecclesiastes 3:11) as God Himself is eternal who is their Creator. The seemingly volatile and unhinged behavior that many outside the faith blame the God of the Bible of having is in reality evidence of His longsuffering; we see a preview of hell for the first time literally in the book of Numbers 16:22-35. This was due to the sons of Korah attempting to be part of the priesthood and to usurp the authority of Moses. We see evidences of the people attempting to intercede to stop more widespread destruction in verses 22 to 24 with some success; also in verses 45 through 48 Moses didn't have to ask what to do after God promised widespread judgment; he was allowed to intercede standing in front of the Lord between the dead and living (v. 48). These chapters are interesting and warrant further study as to things that are purified and made holy and in light of the present observations more I'm sure could be deduced.
These and other passages show that the Lord offers a way out from His wrath in His prescribed methodology only. The rebellion the day after people literally were swallowed up and sent to hell because of being annoyed with Moses for God being angry and following through on His threats serves as a warning to us all.
Then the LORD told Moses to tell Eleazer, son of Aaron, to collect all of the censors that the 250 had used and forge them into plates to cover the altar, for since they were offered before the LORD, they were hallowed. These were to serve as a memorial to the people to remind them that no one but the seed of Aaron is to come near to offer incense to Him, exhorting them to not be like Korah and his company.
But the next day, the people began again to murmur against Moses and Aaron. (It seems they are stubborn and unteachable). They said that Moses and Aaron had killed the people of the LORD. They had not honor for the LORD, but were interested more in self-preservation. Once again the glory of the LORD appeared at the tabernacle and the LORD said to Moses and Aaron to get away from these people so He can consume them. They provoked the LORD again without fear. God sent a plague among the people and many were dying. Moses told Aaron to go and take a censor and stand in the middle of the people burning incense in the censor as an atonement for the people. He stood between those who had died and those who were alive and the plague was stayed at that point where Aaron stood. Over 14,000 people died of the plague that day because of the influence of Korah and the rebelliousness of those who questioned and murmured against Moses and Aaron.
How stiff-necked these people were. Before their very eyes they experienced God's judgment and they still were set against Him. God knows the hearts of all and He was right to decide that those people will die in the wilderness for their rebelliousness and unbelief in Him. The people were not concerned about provoking God with their sin, perhaps because they knew they were going to die in the wilderness, as God had said. They had a sense of hopelessness that caused them to not care about their future. They were bound up with sin and refused all the mercy and grace offered to them.
So, Moses set the stage for the "proving". The following day all of those rebelling with Korah were to bring censors with fire to burn incense before the LORD along with Aaron. And so they did the next day. Korah also called all of the congregation to meet with them to oppose Aaron and Moses at the door of the tabernacle
When everyone was assembled, the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation. He spoke to Moses and Aaron telling them to separate themselves from the congregation because He wished to consume them (destroy). But, again, Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before the LORD and interceded for the people. So the LORD told them to tell the congregation to go to the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. So Moses, Aaron, and the 70 elders went to the tents of Dathan and Abiram. Then they spoke to the congregation, telling them to depart from the tents of these wicked men, touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed by their sins.
So the people backed off from the tents of Dathan and Abiram, but surrounded the tents. Dathan and Abiram came out of their tents with their wives, sons, and children. Moses confronts them saying, "Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me tp do all of these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind." He goes on to say that if these men die in a way common to men, then they will know that the LORD had not appointed Moses. But if the LORD does something new by opening up the earth and swallowing them (a prophecy) then the people will know that these men have provoked God and are against God's choice of Moses and Aaron.
Just as he ended speaking this, the ground opened up around Dathan and Abiram and their families and all were engulfed by the hole and fell in alive and perished. All of the congregation fled from this place fearing that if they stayed they may be swallowed up, too. Then God sent out a fire from Himself and consumed the 250 men who offered incense.
Moses did not argue with them, rather, he simply said that the LORD will reveal the ones He has appointed over the congregation.
Then he prophetically explained the test that will show God's choice. Each of the 250 leaders along with Korah and his buddies were to take golden censors used to burn incense to the LORD and God will show who is the ones selected to be holy, anointed, and appointed to lead.
Then Moses chastises Korah the Levite, turning Korah's words back upon him (ye take too much upon you, ye son of Levi) and goes on to say that Korah should not deem his service in the tabernacle to be a small matter by God's choice of the Levites. Korah was not satisfied with the role chosen for him in the service to the LORD and in ministry to the people, he desired to be a priest, which he was not a son of Aaron to be so. He was questioning how God appointed priests. He coveted what was not his to have. Then Moses tells them that he and his company are gathered against the LORD and disrespect Aaron by murmuring against him. Moses, as a good leader, pointed out their sinfulness, because it was seriously wicked.
Next, Moses calls up Dathan and Abiram to present themselves before him. They refused to come to Moses. They charged that Moses had brought them out of a land of milk and honey (Egypt) to kill them min the wilderness and Moses has made himself prince over them. How they deflect away from their own sin of unbelief that sealed their judgment to die in the wilderness and not enter into the land of promise. They blame Moses instead of repenting and letting their hearts be transformed by God.
Moses was very grieved and spoke to the LORD asking Him to not accept any offering from these leaders. Moses speaks that he has not done anything to harm these men, and that was true. He had stood in the gap multiple times for the people interceding for them with the LORD. He refused to walk away from the calling God had placed upon him. ..cont.
In this chapter we read of the rebellion fostered by Korah (a Levite) and a few other associates, Dathan, Abiram, and On (from the tribe of Reuben). These men were questioning among themselves the legitimacy of Moses and Aaron as leaders of the nation. They stirred up dissent among the leaders among the tribes (250 men) to question why Aaron was the only one who could burn incense to the LORD as the High Priest. They spoke to Aaron and Moses, saying they take too much upon themselves as leaders and, since ALL of the people of Israel's congregation were holy and the Lord is amongst them, why do you (Moses and Aaron) lift themselves above all the others.
Interesting, none of these men were present when God called Moses from the burning bush or when God sent Aaron to Moses and spoke to both of them, appointing them both as leaders of the people of Israel, giving them the authority and power to lead the people out of the bondage of Egypt, go against the Pharaoh, and be the go-between between the LORD and the people.
Yet, these rebels thought that they knew better that Moses and Aaron how to run things. They did not esteem the wisdom of the LORD in choosing Moses and Aaron. These rebels were puffed up with pride and thought more of themselves than they ought to have. Moses was the meekest among men. They were unduly arrogant. They were willing to contend with Moses and Aaron, which was , in essence, contending with the LORD.
Moses' response to this incident was to fall on his face before them. He was a humble servant. He was also a prophet. In this instance he spoke to Korah and the others with him saying, "Even tomorrow the LORD will shew who are His; and who is holy;
and will cause him (the one set apart for holy service) to come near unto Him (the LORD); even him whom He hath chosen will He cause to come near to Him." Instead of arguing with the rebels or exerting any authority over them, cont. to pt. 2
I have had a situation where a brother attending our church in small group has expressed doubts as to whether the lost remain in hell forever; as well as whether there is a state of "soul sleep" between the death of the body and our Resurrection.
This isn't the first time I've run into someone who felt that there was a "soul sleep" due to verses describing what appears at first glance to verify that theory. The answer lies in the meaning of the passage as to the word "qeber" which indicates the body ceasing to exist and "sheol" which is the realm of the underworld (in O.T. times where all went before the Resurrection allowed Satan not to hold the power of death). ( Heb. 2:14-15; Psalm 68:18; Matt. 27:52-53).
A logical analysis would determine that if we did cease to exist; there would no longer be wrath against us so that if we were to revive and we didn't exist for a time; then He would suddenly have to rekindle wrath; and also have to take into account the time when we weren't around as we couldn't still have a sin nature in that case. It also nullifies what appears to be a real account of Lazarus and the rich man in hell where Abraham was mentioned; along with those who appeared at the Transfiguration having to be explained away as some apparation.
It also puts a major damper on our evangelism. What kind of conviction do we have if the messenger is in doubt of God's Word in such a metter? There are dozens of mentions of hell even in the Old Testament in Psalms; as well as the account in Numbers where Korah and his immediate family was taken alive to hell ( Numbers 16:32-33). I haven't seen the stats on that subject but with the rejection of many key doctrines by today's so called "evangelicals" I would bet at least half don't believe in a literal hell.
In short to not include hell with heaven is like cutting all verses about the wicked attached to ones about the righteous; decimating Psalms.
I understand what you are saying and agree. The invitation goes out to the whole world as mentioned in 1 John 2:2 "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. The thing is many will not come, many will travel the wide gate as mentioned in Mathews 7:13. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: "MANY WILL BE DECEIVED"
God knows who will come to him being he is omniscient; he is all-knowing in the sense that he is aware of the past present and future as he stands outside of time looking in.
I believe you see an example of this in Numbers 16:5 "And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.
"The knowing comes before the choosing"
WHEN IT COMES TO BACKSLIDING.
We can look at the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 and those described as the dogs and pigs in 2 Peter 2:9-22.
The prodigal son and the pigs went back home!
THE PRODIGAL SON BACK TO HIS FATHERS HOUSE, and the dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
The son went the way of the world but he never lost his sonship, a lost child of God will always be found by the great shepherd!
He will return or he NEVER was a child of God.
Those described in 2 Peter 2:9-22 returned back to the world because they never were sheep.
You can "profess" Christ and go through all the motions and great deeds all your life and never have Christ and be told depart from me I never knew you. Mathews 7:21-23.
Hi Sariah, I'm sure someone would be happy to help if you have a more specific question, but have you first tried just looking at the outline or commentary? These types of summaries already exist and might be good to read that first before asking people to take time to repeat the work already done.
Korah was a Levite, a cousin of Moses, and a man of ability and influence. Though appointed to the service of the tabernacle, he had become dissatisfied with his position and aspired to the dignity of the priesthood.
Korah led a revolt against Moses; he died, along with all his co-conspirators, when God caused "the earth to open her mouth and swallow him and all that appertained to them" ( Numbers 16:31-33).
Korah is the central figure in the story of the revolt against the authority and status of Moses at the time of the wanderings in the wilderness ( Num. 16). According to the story in its present form, Dathan and Abiram of the tribe of Reuben, together with 250 chieftains of the community, also took part in this revolt.
It was significant this accusation was made publicly, in front of 250 leaders of the congregation; men of renown.
Men like Korah are always playing to an audience, always trying to draw a following after themselves - after Moses has already gathered the nation and led them this far, of course.
Verse 32-35 says; that the earth open up and swallowed them because they provoked the Lord, so did these people soul ended up in hell? I thank God for His mercy and Grace that he has not open up the earth upon us, we are living in some evil times, seems like some people act like that they are beyond death, we all got to see God and give in account of all of our deeds, good, or bad. I believe the end time is near, and closer than what some of us think.
Those that didn't die in Christ, that weren't 1st fruits, take part in the 2nd resurrection. Only anti-christ (spirit), false prophet (spirit), and the devil (spirit) are tossed in the lake of fire. Take those 3 spirits away, and we'll live as God intended us to. Therefore, everyone gets in because God doesn't create junk. Judas, Stalin, and bogey man Hitler etc, get in. We are all part of the grand scheme unfolding.
Joyce,nothing has changed with people today.Look at the so called people of GOD in the LGBT group that profess GOD.(Leviticus18:22)"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination." Here GOD has spoken and what is mankind still doing?GOD has the final word and his word shall never perish.Not the same for disobedience they perish daily in their sins.
Jehovah God executed judgment against those who spoke against and disrespected his representatives. This shows that we should have respect for ones that Jehovah has placed in authority.
I can't understand these people. After seeing so many signs and wonders they were still so disobedient and disrespectful. No respect for God's chosen servant
V. 38 is interesting in that God can use ANYTHING and any situation for our advantage. The gold of the censers were used as a sign to remind them - God is to be obeyed.
Always be contented with your position and gift of God in your life. Crossing, Envying and Coveting others Ministry is really dangerous.
John Buyan song said He that is down need fear for fall , he that is low no pride he that is humble shall ever have God his Guide.
Great lesson for me and you to learn. Humility is great before God.
It is evident that Korah and his rebellious group had no idea who God is and they ultimately had no fear of God.The bible said they gathered against God and his anoited and the Lord destroyed them. You would believe that the rest of the people would have learnt a lesson, but they continued to rise against the anointed of the Lord and paid again with their lives. People have to learn obedience.
These isrealites had no regard or fear of God! It is fearful to see his presence as fire or cloud combined with all the miracles and yet no fear. God pls correct me if am behaving thus I will repent.
Verses 10-12 state: And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? 11Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. 12Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.
This passage illustrates the reaction of Joshua after they were routed in battle. Joshua lamely states that it would have been better to not have entered where they were than to be routed by the Amorites. He ignores promises 400 years prior about the fullness of the iniquity of the Amorites; but is totally blind to the REASON for the event; which boiled down to one person coveting gold and other things which were cursed objects somehow tied into the demonic realm that were; as the rest of the populus to be devoted unto destruction. Joshua 6:18 warns about such behavior; and Achan was the individual responsible and was summarily stoned afterwards; followed by victory on the battlefield. They should have learned from what happened with Korah's rebellion in Numbers 16:32 when they were swallowed up by the earth after trying to usurp the role of Priesthood that Moses had. We see in both these passages that unless the sin was dealt with the entire people would be destroyed.
In today's New Testament church we see Ananias and Sapphira in the same sort of swift judgment in Acts 5. Normally; of course our first priority has to be our own sin but we have to guard not only our own hearts but watch out for the "enemy in the camp" which today often involves "damnable heresies" ( 2 Peter 2:1); also see 1 Timothy 4:1 on last days false teaching.
See Romans 12:19 on God's vengeance.
It has been said that the book of Revelation is the "Grand Central Station" of scripture. Here we see His righteous 144,000 and their entourage of countless multitudes which overcome; and the return of Christ where He rules and reigns from Jerusalem (as stated in Revelation 19-21) and finally the last chapter which goes to the eternal state. The struggle of Israel at that time is brought forth in Revelation 12 with the woman and the other signs of the sun and moon and stars.
When considering the extent of God's wrath we understand it is eternal (and conversely also for all the saved saints enjoying bliss in heaven). Man was made with eternity in their hearts ( Ecclesiastes 3:11) as God Himself is eternal who is their Creator. The seemingly volatile and unhinged behavior that many outside the faith blame the God of the Bible of having is in reality evidence of His longsuffering; we see a preview of hell for the first time literally in the book of Numbers 16:22-35. This was due to the sons of Korah attempting to be part of the priesthood and to usurp the authority of Moses. We see evidences of the people attempting to intercede to stop more widespread destruction in verses 22 to 24 with some success; also in verses 45 through 48 Moses didn't have to ask what to do after God promised widespread judgment; he was allowed to intercede standing in front of the Lord between the dead and living (v. 48). These chapters are interesting and warrant further study as to things that are purified and made holy and in light of the present observations more I'm sure could be deduced.
These and other passages show that the Lord offers a way out from His wrath in His prescribed methodology only. The rebellion the day after people literally were swallowed up and sent to hell because of being annoyed with Moses for God being angry and following through on His threats serves as a warning to us all.
Pt. 4
Then the LORD told Moses to tell Eleazer, son of Aaron, to collect all of the censors that the 250 had used and forge them into plates to cover the altar, for since they were offered before the LORD, they were hallowed. These were to serve as a memorial to the people to remind them that no one but the seed of Aaron is to come near to offer incense to Him, exhorting them to not be like Korah and his company.
But the next day, the people began again to murmur against Moses and Aaron. (It seems they are stubborn and unteachable). They said that Moses and Aaron had killed the people of the LORD. They had not honor for the LORD, but were interested more in self-preservation. Once again the glory of the LORD appeared at the tabernacle and the LORD said to Moses and Aaron to get away from these people so He can consume them. They provoked the LORD again without fear. God sent a plague among the people and many were dying. Moses told Aaron to go and take a censor and stand in the middle of the people burning incense in the censor as an atonement for the people. He stood between those who had died and those who were alive and the plague was stayed at that point where Aaron stood. Over 14,000 people died of the plague that day because of the influence of Korah and the rebelliousness of those who questioned and murmured against Moses and Aaron.
How stiff-necked these people were. Before their very eyes they experienced God's judgment and they still were set against Him. God knows the hearts of all and He was right to decide that those people will die in the wilderness for their rebelliousness and unbelief in Him. The people were not concerned about provoking God with their sin, perhaps because they knew they were going to die in the wilderness, as God had said. They had a sense of hopelessness that caused them to not care about their future. They were bound up with sin and refused all the mercy and grace offered to them.
Pt. 3
So, Moses set the stage for the "proving". The following day all of those rebelling with Korah were to bring censors with fire to burn incense before the LORD along with Aaron. And so they did the next day. Korah also called all of the congregation to meet with them to oppose Aaron and Moses at the door of the tabernacle
When everyone was assembled, the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation. He spoke to Moses and Aaron telling them to separate themselves from the congregation because He wished to consume them (destroy). But, again, Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before the LORD and interceded for the people. So the LORD told them to tell the congregation to go to the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. So Moses, Aaron, and the 70 elders went to the tents of Dathan and Abiram. Then they spoke to the congregation, telling them to depart from the tents of these wicked men, touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed by their sins.
So the people backed off from the tents of Dathan and Abiram, but surrounded the tents. Dathan and Abiram came out of their tents with their wives, sons, and children. Moses confronts them saying, "Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me tp do all of these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind." He goes on to say that if these men die in a way common to men, then they will know that the LORD had not appointed Moses. But if the LORD does something new by opening up the earth and swallowing them (a prophecy) then the people will know that these men have provoked God and are against God's choice of Moses and Aaron.
Just as he ended speaking this, the ground opened up around Dathan and Abiram and their families and all were engulfed by the hole and fell in alive and perished. All of the congregation fled from this place fearing that if they stayed they may be swallowed up, too. Then God sent out a fire from Himself and consumed the 250 men who offered incense.
cont. to pt. 4
Pt. 2
Moses did not argue with them, rather, he simply said that the LORD will reveal the ones He has appointed over the congregation.
Then he prophetically explained the test that will show God's choice. Each of the 250 leaders along with Korah and his buddies were to take golden censors used to burn incense to the LORD and God will show who is the ones selected to be holy, anointed, and appointed to lead.
Then Moses chastises Korah the Levite, turning Korah's words back upon him (ye take too much upon you, ye son of Levi) and goes on to say that Korah should not deem his service in the tabernacle to be a small matter by God's choice of the Levites. Korah was not satisfied with the role chosen for him in the service to the LORD and in ministry to the people, he desired to be a priest, which he was not a son of Aaron to be so. He was questioning how God appointed priests. He coveted what was not his to have. Then Moses tells them that he and his company are gathered against the LORD and disrespect Aaron by murmuring against him. Moses, as a good leader, pointed out their sinfulness, because it was seriously wicked.
Next, Moses calls up Dathan and Abiram to present themselves before him. They refused to come to Moses. They charged that Moses had brought them out of a land of milk and honey (Egypt) to kill them min the wilderness and Moses has made himself prince over them. How they deflect away from their own sin of unbelief that sealed their judgment to die in the wilderness and not enter into the land of promise. They blame Moses instead of repenting and letting their hearts be transformed by God.
Moses was very grieved and spoke to the LORD asking Him to not accept any offering from these leaders. Moses speaks that he has not done anything to harm these men, and that was true. He had stood in the gap multiple times for the people interceding for them with the LORD. He refused to walk away from the calling God had placed upon him. ..cont.
In this chapter we read of the rebellion fostered by Korah (a Levite) and a few other associates, Dathan, Abiram, and On (from the tribe of Reuben). These men were questioning among themselves the legitimacy of Moses and Aaron as leaders of the nation. They stirred up dissent among the leaders among the tribes (250 men) to question why Aaron was the only one who could burn incense to the LORD as the High Priest. They spoke to Aaron and Moses, saying they take too much upon themselves as leaders and, since ALL of the people of Israel's congregation were holy and the Lord is amongst them, why do you (Moses and Aaron) lift themselves above all the others.
Interesting, none of these men were present when God called Moses from the burning bush or when God sent Aaron to Moses and spoke to both of them, appointing them both as leaders of the people of Israel, giving them the authority and power to lead the people out of the bondage of Egypt, go against the Pharaoh, and be the go-between between the LORD and the people.
Yet, these rebels thought that they knew better that Moses and Aaron how to run things. They did not esteem the wisdom of the LORD in choosing Moses and Aaron. These rebels were puffed up with pride and thought more of themselves than they ought to have. Moses was the meekest among men. They were unduly arrogant. They were willing to contend with Moses and Aaron, which was , in essence, contending with the LORD.
Moses' response to this incident was to fall on his face before them. He was a humble servant. He was also a prophet. In this instance he spoke to Korah and the others with him saying, "Even tomorrow the LORD will shew who are His; and who is holy;
and will cause him (the one set apart for holy service) to come near unto Him (the LORD); even him whom He hath chosen will He cause to come near to Him." Instead of arguing with the rebels or exerting any authority over them, cont. to pt. 2
I have had a situation where a brother attending our church in small group has expressed doubts as to whether the lost remain in hell forever; as well as whether there is a state of "soul sleep" between the death of the body and our Resurrection.
This isn't the first time I've run into someone who felt that there was a "soul sleep" due to verses describing what appears at first glance to verify that theory. The answer lies in the meaning of the passage as to the word "qeber" which indicates the body ceasing to exist and "sheol" which is the realm of the underworld (in O.T. times where all went before the Resurrection allowed Satan not to hold the power of death). ( Heb. 2:14-15; Psalm 68:18; Matt. 27:52-53).
A logical analysis would determine that if we did cease to exist; there would no longer be wrath against us so that if we were to revive and we didn't exist for a time; then He would suddenly have to rekindle wrath; and also have to take into account the time when we weren't around as we couldn't still have a sin nature in that case. It also nullifies what appears to be a real account of Lazarus and the rich man in hell where Abraham was mentioned; along with those who appeared at the Transfiguration having to be explained away as some apparation.
It also puts a major damper on our evangelism. What kind of conviction do we have if the messenger is in doubt of God's Word in such a metter? There are dozens of mentions of hell even in the Old Testament in Psalms; as well as the account in Numbers where Korah and his immediate family was taken alive to hell ( Numbers 16:32-33). I haven't seen the stats on that subject but with the rejection of many key doctrines by today's so called "evangelicals" I would bet at least half don't believe in a literal hell.
In short to not include hell with heaven is like cutting all verses about the wicked attached to ones about the righteous; decimating Psalms.
I understand what you are saying and agree. The invitation goes out to the whole world as mentioned in 1 John 2:2 "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. The thing is many will not come, many will travel the wide gate as mentioned in Mathews 7:13. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: "MANY WILL BE DECEIVED"
God knows who will come to him being he is omniscient; he is all-knowing in the sense that he is aware of the past present and future as he stands outside of time looking in.
I believe you see an example of this in Numbers 16:5 "And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.
"The knowing comes before the choosing"
WHEN IT COMES TO BACKSLIDING.
We can look at the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 and those described as the dogs and pigs in 2 Peter 2:9-22.
The prodigal son and the pigs went back home!
THE PRODIGAL SON BACK TO HIS FATHERS HOUSE, and the dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
The son went the way of the world but he never lost his sonship, a lost child of God will always be found by the great shepherd!
He will return or he NEVER was a child of God.
Those described in 2 Peter 2:9-22 returned back to the world because they never were sheep.
You can "profess" Christ and go through all the motions and great deeds all your life and never have Christ and be told depart from me I never knew you. Mathews 7:21-23.
God bless.
Leviticus 8:33-36, Exodus 30:1-10, 2Chronicles 2:4, Revelation 8:4,
Numbers 16:46,47, 1Chronicles 6:49, Exodus 29:36,37,
Isaiah 1:11-20, Romans 5, Hebrews 10,
Hopefully these are helpful in your study
THE SIN OF KORAH First cousin to Moses and Aaron
These three associated, because encamped together on south side.
PUNISHMENT:Conspirators. against Moses and Aaron , Threat to consume.
Message to the People.
28-30. Message to conspirators.
31-35. Conspirators. Threat carried out
They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the grave, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the assembly.
Numbers 16:5,
Matthew 20:16, Matthew 22:14,
John 6:70, John 13:18, Acts 1:2,
Hopefully these are helpful
Numbers 8:14, 1Kings 8:53, Jeremiah 1:5, Matthew 25:32-41, Luke 6:22, Acts 13:2, 2Corinthians 6:17, Hebrews 7:26, Matthew 22:1-14, 1Peter 2:9,
Romans 9:21-24,
Hopefully these are helpful
Korah was a Levite, a cousin of Moses, and a man of ability and influence. Though appointed to the service of the tabernacle, he had become dissatisfied with his position and aspired to the dignity of the priesthood.
Korah led a revolt against Moses; he died, along with all his co-conspirators, when God caused "the earth to open her mouth and swallow him and all that appertained to them" ( Numbers 16:31-33).
Korah is the central figure in the story of the revolt against the authority and status of Moses at the time of the wanderings in the wilderness ( Num. 16). According to the story in its present form, Dathan and Abiram of the tribe of Reuben, together with 250 chieftains of the community, also took part in this revolt.
It was significant this accusation was made publicly, in front of 250 leaders of the congregation; men of renown.
Men like Korah are always playing to an audience, always trying to draw a following after themselves - after Moses has already gathered the nation and led them this far, of course.
John Buyan song said He that is down need fear for fall , he that is low no pride he that is humble shall ever have God his Guide.
Great lesson for me and you to learn. Humility is great before God.