Disclaimer: About This Blog

THIS BLOG IS: my personal journey of how I am rethinking some of my spiritual beliefs.
THIS BLOG IS NOT: intended to point fingers at people who I think are wrong.
I do not believe the final judgement will be based on how many correct answers we get on a theology exam. I believe many people throughout history have had genuine relationships with God, despite holding questionable beliefs and practices. I make no claim to having it all figured out or being your judge. If we end up disagreeing over these topics I pray we can find a way to demonstrate grace.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Playdough Scripture James 5:20

"remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from premature death and cover over a multitude of sins."

James 5:20 (Playdough Version)


Does death mean death here?

Or does death here mean eternal torment in hell? Christians read death to mean hell in many verses like Romans 6:23. But then what about once saved always saved doctrines?

So if we say premature death... does that fixes it... not if you know of someone who died early with no fault of their own... like the many children that die from hunger every day...

And is that really what the verse says?

Young's Literal Translation reads James 5:20 like this:
"let him know that he who did turn back a sinner from the straying of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins. "
But don't all souls live forever? Either in hell or in heaven?

Maybe death means death here, and maybe in many other verses... Maybe they don't get to live for eternity. No eternal torment... just death... which is still sad enough, I don't want to die, I'd rather live for eternity with my Lord.

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