Thank you for your civility.
But it is not my practice to give my "interpretation." Nor are we afforded "another view", our answer is either "Yah or Nay" or we are spit out.
I would also caution your logical approach. The leaders in Israel were logical and even knowledgeable in the scriptures, but still did not understand and were not grieved in the face of Jesus, but offended. The gentile Christians now suffer the same kind of blindness as the day draws near. This is the "destruction" of the "wide" way foretold by Christ, to be overtaken by slumber and only know the truth in death.
But, No, rightly dividing the word of truth which I have expressed here, is not my interpretation...it is the truth from God rightly divided, as to what was spoken to the dead, as opposed to the living. This is the very reason that "rightly dividing" anything from God would seem wrong and offensive, but on the contrary, it is established.
Interesting your analogy to being spat out. This was aimed at the church of Laodicea.
14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.
15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!
16 So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
Rev 3
Jesus commands us to bear fruit or we will be rejected. We must follow, and obey to truly know His love or more precisely
to understand His love. And I am not speaking of a logical approach, but something that has been with me my whole
christian life. It is easy to start to consider a perfect spirit, eternal born into a believer when they come to faith, but this
has no foundation in scripture. Equally Gods work in us is demonstrated by the fruit of His work. Without this there is
nothing. It is so clear, unless we walk in His ways and let love rule our hearts we do not know Him and we are liars.
Again this is very clear. And on top of all this I know the sermon on the mount holds the key of life, as I have walked it
so the Lord has built life and love within me. So I have good reason to question your proposition and your assertion as if
it has value without establishing it by the word of God.
I have met many hard hearted folk, who openly declare their sinful lifestyle as if this is a badge of honour. They have no
shame and do not realise evil is something we repent of and turn away from. And those who do not are rejected from the
fellowship of believers. This is what we are commanded to do. And as His sheep we listen to Jesus and follow Him.
Our very lives depend upon this, and He is the foundation of all that we do. So I wonder where you come into this.
God bless you, may His love and grace rule in your heart every day, Amen.