Questions - Why?

(Vegie;20769)
Hello everyone I don't know if I've put this in the right forum or not as I'm not exactly a non Christian - just unsure.I have a few questions that I don't know if anyone will be able to answer but unless I have some clear sort of reasoning on these issues I just can't believe in God. Don't get me wrong - I hope God is real, I'm not out to disprove him... I'm out to prove him (if that makes sense).Firstly I'm an animal lover and it breaks my heart to see so many animals suffering in this world, at the hands of humans. Especially the animals used in the meat industry. They are treated so badly, even though they try and make out their practices are humane... believe me they are not, just google the clip "meet your meat" and watch. Anyway I can't believe a loving compassionate, just God would say its ok to kill animals to eat, after all why would he want to cause pain, suffering and fear in something he created and gave a survival instinct to. It goes against everything God stands for and everything the Bible says he is.Also I know the Bible says Jesus died for our sins but my question is WHY was it necessary? Why did God require such a brutal act of torture and cruelty to be able to forgive us? It doesn't make sense to me. How does someone else dying for my sin, make it any easier for God to forgive me. If God knows what's in our hearts wouldn't my heartfelt repentance be enough. Why does God require someone else to die??? It's unfair, unjust and contradicts what God is supposed to be - Love.These seem to be characteristics of the devil, with sacrifices, etc.So Jesus died and rose from the dead... ok - but how does that make it better for God? Any insight into these things from anyone will be a great help.. Thank you
Dear Vegie,John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.God did indeed create animals, whether it was water or on land, sea animals and animals, God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:20-25) Animals are so beautiful.As for animals, people has pets, and we buy food. We eat the food.Now I'm going to go something deeper. Back in the Old Testament Times, we shed the blood of a physical lamb for a sin offering and a burnt offering.The lamb we shed blood now for the sin offering, is the Lamb of God Himself (Christ/God) (Genesis 22:8, John 1:29)While God is a not a man that He should lie. (Numbers 23:19) God is a Spirit. (John 4:24)God went down to Earth, did his ministry for 3½ years, and He died on the cross. ( I Timothy 3:16)Hence the fact that Jesus says that in John 10:30 - I and my Father are one.Would you be grateful enough if someone died for you, so you can live? (John 15:13)Jesus (Son of God/God) died for us that He might bring us to God. (Father) (I Peter 3:18) We are not worthy to be with Him, (Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23) but God still did it for us. God loves us so much that so we can have eternal life. We can not earn our way, we can only received the gift from God. (Romans 6:23)We will still suffer alot since we are still in our flesh body. Since God suffered for us, we should take up our cross and suffer for what is right and true. Not for what we did wrong. The Word of God can quicken us if we continue to grow in faith, as the Holy Ghost (Spirit) is the Comforter. (John 14:26)God is Just, True, Honest, etc.Lovest ye in Christ Yahshua our Lord and Saviour.

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."(Ephesians 6:12)

II Corinthians 5:21 - For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.Hebrews 4:15 - For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.I Peter 2:22 - Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:Jag

Not misunderstanding Astral, it's quite appropriate to the other verses. Of course He did not sin. But God made him to be sin for us, so He could save us from our sins.God is so wonderful. As God is three are one. (I John 5:7)JagLovest ye in Christ Yahshua, Lord and Saviour.

Very well then...John 1:1-3 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.Colossians 1:16 - For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:John 10:30 - I and my Father are one.JagLovest ye in Christ Yahshua, Lord and Saviour.

Nope I was just clarifying the fact that Yahshua is God. All things made by Him. And Yahshua did not and can not sin. (I John 1:5)JagLovest ye in Christ Yahshua, Lord and Saviour.

The Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost, these three are one. That is no contradiction. You are looking at it like there is three gods. It is still one God.God can not lie, and God can not break His Laws, and God can not grant second death to his childrens, but eternal life.Satan has no truth, Satan is the Law breaker, and Satan grants second death to people.JagLovest ye in Christ Yahshua, Lord and Saviour.

(Vegie;20891)
Thanks for your replyI know the Bible says Jesus died for our sins, etc. so that God could forgive us and give us eternal life.But my question is WHY did Jesus have to die for our sins... HOW does that make any difference to God. Why does an innocent being have to suffer horrendous pain for a "loving, compassionate, just" God, to be able to forgive us. Surely what's in our hearts would be what's important.It doesn't make sense... if someone sinned against me, it would be pointless them killing their dog as an offering for my forgiveness, in fact I would be horrified that the poor animal had to endure pain and death for what it's owner had done. Do you get what I mean? To me this sort of unfair reasoning by God isn't loving or kind.
Dear Vegie, God came down here in the flesh (John 1:1, John 1:14, I Timothy 3:16) as a simple man, not being God, but in a form of a servent (Philippians 2:7)......Reason that we need a Saviour is because sin was brought in this world. Adam was the first man in the flesh that sinned. (I Corinthians 15:22, Romans 5:12) And Lucifer was the first real person (an fallen angel) that sinned since he is the first condemned to the Lake of Fire. (Ezekiel 28:18)The first prophecy that Yahshua being crucifiction(sp?)Genesis 3:15 - And I will put enmity between thee (Satan) and the woman, (Eve) and between thy seed (Satan's offspring/sons of Cain) and her seed; (Christ to come through) it (Yahshua/Jesus Christ) shall bruise thy (Satan) head, and thou (Satan) shalt bruise his (Yahshua/Jesus Christ) heel.We need Him, because He paid the price, that we are so unworthy to be with Him, but thank God that He found a way to come back to Him.John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.Lovest ye in Christ Yahshua, Lord and Saviour.

(Astral;20897)
You missed his question. He wants to know why God requires others to suffer for our sake ( others being Jesus, and in the Old Testament, animal sacrifices ).We will always be unworthy to be with god sinful or not, he will always be infinitely more superior to us. I dunno why you want to be with God so much anyways, your only in it for selfish reasons ( subconsciously of course, because quite honestly I don't believe you have a conscious of your own anymore ). Eternal life, that you will be infinitely happy at just sounds like a bribe to me.
(Astral;20898)
thesuperjag, You're corrupt right now. Even if the bible is the whole truth and the word of God. You have given up the one true, and beautiful gift God gave you, the ability to think and decide on your own. I don't think you've chosen Jesus anymore, rather your just following him now. There is no longer any thought and question in your belief, which is completely ruins the beauty in your connection with the "Lord". I don't believe it's a relationship anymore, but rather, a teacher and his student.
And I just answered his question on John 15:13. Animal sacrifices are no longer needed, because Christ is the Lamb that we need to shed blood on. (John 1:29)Now as for your comment, I find it immature as it is. God gave us a reality and Truth is reality. God expects us to use common sense, not to throw it out of the window.John 8:32 - And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.John 8:36 - If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.Now I want to wonder why do you want to lose your own soul?...when God wishes to save you I am not ignorant to truth, as Satan sucks. You know, Christians and Jews who truly loves the Lord Yahshua/Jesus Christ, cares for the souls of millions and billions (All souls) especially yours. You know I love you, and I always will.Love you so very much, JagLovest ye in Christ Yahshua, Lord and Saviour.

(Astral;20900)
No you did not.WHY!!! Why did he have to suffer for OUR sins. Since God is great and almighty, couldn't he of just of wiped our sins away without making such suffering!How does sacrificing something purify others? It doesn't, it's just an evil outdated way of thinking...
That's your way of thinking, it's not evil. I think the reason God died for us, is that we humans are so prideful and boastful about what we do and what we want......Reason is that we humans can see what we have done to our Maker on the cross... We humans are so proud to cruify Him. ...so that we have a chance to repent to confess our sins that we are so guilty of to Him. As God loves us so much and Satan hates us.Love much, Jag(Astral;20901)
I don't want to lose my soul!!! I love God just as much as any hardcore Christian out there. I just think you are crazy in how you "justify" your beliefs (not that I quoted justify, meaning you think you do). I care about the souls of millions and billions too! I'm not a bad person.
It's Ok, if you think and say I'm crazy. As the world knew Him not. (John 1:10) It doesn't stop me from loving everyone. Yahshua says that the world hated Him, The world will hate me too when I follow Him. (John 15:18) Because they received not the truth that they might be saved. (II Thessalonians 2:10)

Yes he did die for our sins, but we are guilty to crucify Him. (at that time) The so called Jewish priest, elders, wanted to kill him really badly, and they did so according to the scriptures, and truth will cnotinue to fulfill.Even though My Saviour died (physically) He is alive forevermore. We can repent for our sins, cause He died for our sins, for the whole entire world. I'm glad God gave us a way to be with Him. God is a wonderful God He is.Jag

(Astral;20906)
(thesuperjag;20904)
Yes he did die for our sins, but we are guilty to crucify Him. (at that time) The so called Jewish priest, elders, wanted to kill him really badly, and they did so according to the scriptures, and truth will cnotinue to fulfill.Even though My Saviour died (physically) He is alive forevermore. We can repent for our sins, cause He died for our sins, for the whole entire world. I'm glad God gave us a way to be with Him. God is a wonderful God He is.Jag
I hope you don't think that it's factual the Jews killed him. I'm sick of the world using them as scape goats. Are you even human? Did you ever do any research on that particular scripture?First off, I said the so-called Jewish cheif priest and elders that killed Him. Secondly I'll go down a little bit deeper. It was the offspring of Satan that killed Him. It said it in Genesis 3:15. I'll confirm it with this scripture.Revelation 2:9 - I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.Jag

(Astral;20906)
I hope you don't think that it's factual the Jews killed him. I'm sick of the world using them as scape goats. Are you even human? Did you ever do any research on that particular scripture?
Jesus came to claim his bride. Meaning, he came to collect his people and establish a kingdom on Earth. However, his own people did not accept Him as Lord. I like to think that the Jewish priests didn't want to accept Christ because they might have had a demonic influence. In other words, Satan feeding them lies that they would believe in. Anyhow, they asked Pilot to crucify Him. Then Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice. Because He was pure, He was the only one in history who was acceptable by God alone. So after he was crucified, our sins are accepted by Him. And because our sins are accepted by Him, two things occur. One, we are now clean and acceptable to God unless if we sin again. Two, because Jesus now accepts our sins, he did go to the bottomless pit. And because He is God, He took the keys of death (figuratively speaking) and ascended into His throne, where He is now.Also, after He died, He started a new church. Where all people (including gentiles and Jews who accept Christ) are accepted into Heaven. And this is the church, and we are waiting for Jesus to come again and accept His bride, and establish a new Kingdom in earth.That is the story, it's kind of vague. Also the Jews aren't a scapegoat.

(Astral;20901)
I don't want to lose my soul!!! I love God just as much as any hardcore Christian out there. I just think you are crazy in how you "justify" your beliefs (not that I quoted justify, meaning you think you do). I care about the souls of millions and billions too! I'm not a bad person.
Also, if you peruse your Christianity, you come to realize that the only type of Christianity is the "hardcore" Christianity you see. Any other Christianity where you don't minister for Christ, and you don't dedicate your life to Christ, and do everything to glorify Christ is just carnal. And the "normal" Christianity won't get your into heaven. I would love to spent time and talk to you personally about this .

(Vegie;20910)
Hi I appreciate your responses and help with my questions but I still don't know the answer. I know the mechanics of what is said in the Bible but I still don't know why or how.1. Why does God require death/pain/suffering for our sins.2. How does an animal sacrifice (in the OT) atone us of our sins- (THIS IS THE MAIN QUESTION I'M SEEKING ANSWER FOR)-after all the animal didn't sin, the human did, how does the animal dying appease God other than the bearer of the sacrifice had to give up his lamb dinner or something to that effect. To my understanding the only one paying the price here is the lamb or animal being used in the sacrifice - surely this doesn't make God happy3. God is love, so why does a loving God require such brutalityIf a human being demanded or took such liberties with others lives they would be condemned. God tells us to turn the other cheek, forgive others, love your neighbour as yourself... It seems a bit like "do as I say, not as I do".I don't wish to offend, I'm searching for answers... I want to believe in God :study:BTW - I'm a she not a he
Dear Vegie,1. Sacrificing a lamb (animal) did atone us for our sins, (back in OT times) because God said it to shed a lamb's blood...A lamb without blemish, if they do not provide a lamb that is without blemish, (for sin offering) they have to provide two turtledoves or two young pigeons. (One for sin offering and one for burnt offering)2. Now since animal sacrifice is done away with, they are fulfilled in Christ. Christ became the Lamb that we now shed the blood of.3. There is no possible way to understand God with human reasoning and understanding. We can only understand God, through the Holy Spirit speaking to us and teach us truth.P.S. Sin bringeth death, and that's why we suffer for our wrong doing. If we love everyone, say truth in the Lord, and we will suffer for what is right, just and true cause the world hated Him, knew Him not (John 1:10) and the flesh can not comprehend the Light. (John 1:5)Love much, JagLovest ye in Christ Yahshua, Lord and Saviour.

(Vegie;20910)
Hi I appreciate your responses and help with my questions but I still don't know the answer. I know the mechanics of what is said in the Bible but I still don't know why or how.1. Why does God require death/pain/suffering for our sins.2. How does an animal sacrifice (in the OT) atone us of our sins- (THIS IS THE MAIN QUESTION I'M SEEKING ANSWER FOR)-after all the animal didn't sin, the human did, how does the animal dying appease God other than the bearer of the sacrifice had to give up his lamb dinner or something to that effect. To my understanding the only one paying the price here is the lamb or animal being used in the sacrifice - surely this doesn't make God happy3. God is love, so why does a loving God require such brutalityIf a human being demanded or took such liberties with others lives they would be condemned. God tells us to turn the other cheek, forgive others, love your neighbour as yourself... It seems a bit like "do as I say, not as I do".I don't wish to offend, I'm searching for answers... I want to believe in God :study:BTW - I'm a she not a he
Also it wasn't really his choice to suffer in pain. The people who crucified Him didn't have to torture Him. They could have hung Him for example. IT wasn't through His suffering that we are saved. It was the fact that He allowed Himself to become a sacrifice.And God isn't all love. In the Bible it states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The only thing you would fear is His beauty and His power.It's hard to explain. But alot of stuff is revealed once you pursue Christianity.