beads wrote:Ok, so you're saying that the exception to the rule is that "only the soul that sins will die", right? So, babies do not die (i.e. are not condemned to hell) because they supposedly do not sin, right? Is that the way you are trying to make this argument?
Because if it is, then you have to show me why babies are not included in the "all" part of "all have sinned". Why does it say "all" instead of "some" or "all those who have knowledge of the law"? What is your justification for changing the word "all" to mean anything less than "all"?
Sorry if I am off topic, but I would like to comment on the word "
all" and its meanings as found in scripture. Does
all literally mean
all in
all verses?
All:{pas}individually, each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything, collectively or some of all types.
Here are several passages within the bible where all does not literally mean all:
- Matthew 10:22 - And ye shall be hated of all{pas}men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
- Mark 5:12 - And all{pas}the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
- Mark 5:20 - And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all{pas}men did marvel.
- John 12:32 - And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all{pas}men unto me.
- 1 Corinthians 15:22 - For as in Adam all{pas}die, even so in Christ shall all{pas}be made alive.
Take a look at the last verse in particular, it states that "All" shall be made alive. If all is to be taken literally then that verse is indicating that all will be saved, and as the scriptures clearly teach that all will not be saved. I'm not stating that babies are exempt from sin, but merely stating how the word "all" must be considered contextually in scriptures.
(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. (Romans 2:13-17)
When does a babies conscience come to the realization that a lie is a sin?, or that stealing is a sin? Since it is quite obvious that babies cannot understand the Gospel, thus they have "not the law". Therefore as the scriptures state, God will judge all who have not the Law by judging their "secrets", i.e., the (hearts). What will the verdict of an Absolutely just and righteous God be before a baby who stands(or crouches) before His Almighty Presence be? Let God be True and every man a liar, that is Judgement lies in the Sovereignty of God alone.
For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. (Romans 9:15)
It is absolutely absurd to question the the righteous character of the Infinite God, especially by a finite man and his limited understanding of the unlimited and sovereign God. Whether God decides to condemn or show mercy upon a baby or not is beyond my reasoning and judgement, and therefore I leave it as that.
God Bless!