I have Faith in God.
I have faith in the Plan.
I think God is working through the Plan.
That being said, I see the news and continue to hear normies repeating it--and I just can't help but think that "we ain't seen nothin' yet" when it comes to what people need to be shown in order for them to wake up.
The level of desensitization is so high among so many people that nothing seems to phase them... and the slow drip has actually reinforced that desensitization. And unfortunately, if we don't see real hardship and suffer real pain--economic, social, psychological, etc., then the Awakening will not reach enough people. But NCSWIS, so that must mean that there will be a moment--perhaps the precipice--when almost everyone is thunderstruck and suddenly awake (that is, if they believe it... and the only way they will believe it is if it has personally impacted them).
I feel like we reached a point where the level of corruption has been revealed to us, but too many people don't care or defend the Biden family (and others) just because they hate Trump. It is still way too many people. We talk about Anons being a small group of digital warriors making a difference... well, even if 10% of idiots refuse the truth, that's 30+ MILLION people. That's not a number that will result in peace and understanding.
What's my point? I feel like we're in the eye of the storm, in fact, and there hasn't been a lot of hardship, yet. But I think we will pass out of the eye of the storm soon and enter the most dangerous part of the storm, meaning that real pain and suffering will wash over this country. It has to be that way in order to overcome the desensitized mindsets of so many people still asleep.
Therefore, although we may be aware and thus more ready, we will also be challenged because the pain will be real for us, too. Many of us have lost jobs or businesses, friends and family, and other assets and opportunities. I think it will get worse... and that is why we are important to each other as a community. Faith in God, and faith in the Plan... and faith in each other. I guess that's what I wanted to say. Thanks for reading.
2Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Your second question I am unable to answer at this time.
My point is WHEN is one absent from the body. I think you're assuming the body has a spirit that is everlasting / eternal and leaves the body at death. That is not what this scripture says.
The SOUL is defined in Genesis as the Body + the breath of life. Given this clear definition, I think the scripture becomes clear: when the (human) body is replaced by the new body at the resurrection when the breath of life returns then you will be with the lord. That's how I would read that promise. There is no everlasting spirit that is eternal. Only God can grant eternal life and for most believers that happens at the resurrection of the righteous.
Once a believer rejects these teachings of man that we are all immortal and either go to eternal bliss or eternal torment, the sonner one will understand the true nature of God. God would NEVER subject his children to eternal torment. And if he did I would immediately reject Him as a tyrant and unjust (eternity is forever) no way.
I understand your point. It may be correct. It is not the only way to see it. I agree with you about eternal punishment being wrong. I admit it is my personal preference to not accept soul sleep. I may be wrong but on this issue, what differences does it make. Belief in an afterlife that is continuous keeps me going. I am older so I guess I will know soon enough or not.
Thanks for the question fren.
I believe it makes a huge difference, otherwise Satan would have told a different lie in the garden. Believing there is an eternal human sprit leads people to think they are eternal and hell cant be that bad (i.e. lets party in hell or there are levels or whatever).
Immortality can only be achieved by being washed (covered) in Christ's blood.
Also in my personal opinion, once a soul is cast into the lake of fire and their sin is consumed / eradicated from the universe they it will be as if they never existed. How else could there be full joy in heaven ... thinking about those lost loved ones. Just my opinion.
Finally it matters because people can be deceived into thinking they are communicating with the dead. Many fall into this Satanic trap because they believe their loved ones are "still alive" in heaven or elsewhere (purgatory). When they do make contact they are connecting with demons.
Believing in a pre tribulation "Rapture" also gives the false belief that they will get one more chance. This false teaching can lead to sin because one (like me in the past) might think: well Ill get a final chance, so live it up now and Ill be strong then. Certainly not good thinking but I know it yo be true from personal experience.
Sorry for the diatribe.
I sure cannot prove the human spirit is eternal and I don't really find it in the scriptures except in "the wisdom of Solomon" a book that is not in our bible which says "God created man in the image of his own eternity." That certainly is not enough to hold a dogma. The reasons you give for not believing man having an eternal spirit I think are clear and valid. Thanks