Winston wrote:Adama wrote:Winston wrote:Question for you guys:
So the Bible, at least the OT, does seem to condone getting wealthy or attaining material success, as long as you are righteous, hard working and virtuous, and you fear God right? So doesn't the OT condone what Joel Osteen is doing?
Unless the wealth was literally gifted to you, or you penny pinched your entire life, you're probably in deep trouble.
Jesus tells us at least two times about how HARDLY (as in hardly) rich men will enter into heaven, and that it is easier for a CAMEL to go through the EYE OF A NEEDLE than for rich men to make it into heaven. Can a camel go through an eye of a needle? That should tell you the chances that a rich man is righteous. It's nearly impossible.
Many Christians say that is a wrong translation, and that Jesus actually said "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a man who TRUSTS in riches to enter the kingdom of God." So he wasn't saying that rich man can't go to heaven, but that those who trust and have faith in riches and worship money rather than God, cannot go to heaven. Haven't you heard this before?
How do you explain the riches of King Solomon and King David and Job? They were considered blessings from God as long as they were righteous. The book of Proverbs say that it is ok to be prosperous as long as you earn it or work hard for it. The Bible can be used to condone anything, even slavery. I'm sure capitalists agree with this. lol
Even if it is a mistranslation, in other places where Jesus talks about rich men, it doesn't go well for them. It's actually very clear. Just you don't want to hear it.
Cite chapter and verse in Proverbs about riches, and most of the time you will find that He is saying such as that a good name and loving favor are better than riches and gold.
As for Job, as far as I remember those were gifts from his friends. Solomon also received some money in the form of gifts. I don't think they were going around preaching the prosperity doctrine though.
The point is you don't need money. You're supposed to trust in Jesus to deliver to you the things you need. Exalting money is idolatry and is serving the god of money. The love of money is the root of all evil.
Somehow you just refuse the truth. That's okay Winston. It's your soul.
