Hey Delete!
Obviously you have some faith in some sort of "Higher Power" and you pray and are seeking answers. That's great! We're all familiar with the verse "Seek and ye shall find". I'm not sure if I can answer all your questions and I'm not trying to do "better" than anyone else here. My knowledge is limited compared to many who have already posted, but I do have some thoughts that might help understandings on some of your questions. If possible I'd like to address 1 or 2 at a time indepth before we keep moving on. (although I may give quick answers on this post, I'd still like to address starting from the top all of the questions indepth to avoid confusion)
You asked.
Why is Christianity the only Abrahamic religion that believes Heaven is reserved for them?
Why didn't Jesus die on the cross for all mankind; doesn't God loves all men equally? (Romans 3:29)
Why is man punished eternally for a finite time spent sinning?
If Jesus was the Messiah why are only a handful of prophecies fulfilled? Why didn't he fulfill them ALL?
What did Jesus do that made him different than any other prophet?
- He performed Miracles? So did Elijah!
- He Raised the dead? So did Elisha!
- He Was punished for the sins of His people? So was Moses!
Have you ever wondered why the only synoptic gospel that doesn't fit the other three is John - and it just happens to be the one most quoted by Christians as proof of Christ's divinity?
Why is Paul so willing to denounce those that ask for proof when he himself required divine intervention to "see the light."
Why do Christians believe some commandments are relevant and others are not? You no longer have to keep the Sabbath holy, but you DO have to void lust?
Why do Christians no longer follow the 613 Commandments when it clearly says "Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law." (Romans 3:31)
Why is Christianity the only Abrahamic religion that believes Heaven is reserved for them?
It's not. LOL, most religions believe they're the only ones going to heaven. Jews don't believe Christians will and I'm not sure what exactly Muslims think, but from what little I understand, they don't think so either.
Why didn't Jesus die on the cross for all mankind; doesn't God loves all men equally? (Romans 3:29)
The verse you quoted is dealing with a different subject. Salvation through works (observing the Law) vs Salvation through faith. (Believing in Jesus) This subject of Law vs Faith is very long and drawn out. But, for the context of your question I do believe that God loves all men. One verse 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This chapter is talking about the "last days" where people will scoff and ask where the return of Jesus is. And, it's letting us know that the Lord is not being slow, and that he will return, but he's giving time for everyone to repent. There are many more verses so this is one subject I'd like to address more indepth with you. But, I need to find some more verses that also explain this.
Why is man punished eternally for a finite time spent sinning?
This question will be addressed along with the previous. It seems to me to be tied into it. Admittedly, I often felt that eternal damnation was fairly harsh. But,t here's alot we don't understand and there's many viewpoints on this. One thing I'll add at this time is this. Hell and the Lake of Fire weren't created for man. It was created for Satan and his fallen angels. However, if it was created for them, and if we don't follow God the Bible claims that we follow Satan and therefore are condemned to his alotted place. But, in the same sense, God has provided a way for us to have Salvation and we didn't have to do anything at all. God knew what was going to happen and as He promised provided a way out for us. My next post I'll address this subject entertwined with the previous question.
He performed Miracles? So did Elijah!
So did all the apostles. So did moses and many others. But who exactly did they perform those miracles through? Could a mere man of his own lay hands on the sick or raise the dead? We don't even have the ablility to cure the common cold.
He Was punished for the sins of His people? So was Moses!
Moses was punished for his own sins and was banished from the promised land. He disobeyed God. However, Moses was also the High Priest. He was charged with the his people, it was his responsiblility to make attonement and to enforce the laws of God with his people.
Have you ever wondered why the only synoptic gospel that doesn't fit the other three is John - and it just happens to be the one most quoted by Christians as proof of Christ's divinity?
I never noticed it doesn't fit. But, now that you mention it, the Verse Romans 3:29, the verse that you quoted, also says Jesus is God, if you read the first few verses, you'll see in context. But, we'll come back to this too.
Why is Paul so willing to denounce those that ask for proof when he himself required divine intervention to "see the light."
Paul was a man of Faith devout to God. As far as he was concerned he was doing the will of God and killing those who were God's enemies. (sound familiar). Paul didn't seek a sign from God. God chose Paul and revealed Himself to Paul. And, if you notice Paul obeyed what the Lord said with no question. He was blinded, told to do certain things and He did. The people Paul referred to are the People that should've believed but rejected Jesus because of their supposed lack of proof.
Why do Christians believe some commandments are relevant and others are not? You no longer have to keep the Sabbath holy, but you DO have to void lust?
Why do Christians no longer follow the 613 Commandments when it clearly says "Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law." (Romans 3:31) [/quote]
Kind of just one question here. There's a huge debate over this with alot of Christians. Some actually do follow all of the laws except for the Law of Sacrifice which they believe that Jesus has fullfilled that Law so it's not needed. And, this also goes alone with the Romans 3:29 verse.
As I said, I'll come back to the first 2 questions later this weekend. These are just some of my immediate thoughts reading these questions. My answers aren't indepth by anymeans I appologize for this. I'm not good a remembering exactly what verse and chapter or book says what in the Bible, my mind doesn't work that way for some reason. It will take me a little time to find them so I can give you something tangeable. Another thing, I'm not meaning to speak for every believer these will be just what I understand and what I feel the Lord has explained to me (either by revealing wisdom to myself personally or by revealing wisdom through others whith greater understanding)