One of the things which I am working with is to understand which of Jesus' statements are directed specifically at the Jews of His day and which are directed to mankind in general. The passsage in Matthew 7 seems to have implications which point to the Great Tribulation of AD 70 in which those Jews who hated Christ were finally and conclusively sent out of the kingdom.

As regards the article mentioned, where can any soul go that God is not there? Is there a place in all of the universe which is without God's presence? I would have to say no. I lean to the idea that Christ redeemed all mankind unto God, just as Adam separated all mankind from God. But for those who are brought to God who hate Him, that warm fire of His love will be sheer torment to them.

It is only those who have loved Him, who have cut covenant with Him through Jesus Christ, and who have grown in that love which is holiness and righteousness, who will enjoy the love of God forever.

I wonder why such a view wouldn't be more in line with the essential character of God as expressed in the scriptures, i.e., that God is love.

I am not denying that there will be eternal torment for God haters in the afterlife. But I do question the manner in which that torment is administered. The Calvinist paradigm makes God appear a monster Who arbitrarily torments men without any reason at all. I never could accept that God sends "non elect" infants to hell based on nothing but His will to do so.

Brother Ed