(May 24, 2012 at 10:10 am)Alter2Ego Wrote: Why are you quoting these verses? They are all presenting different circumstances in which fire is used.[/color].I merely used 'fire' in various contexts as an example of how to interpret biblical symbolism accurately by comparing multiple references. When you shift back and forth between literal interpretations and symbolic ones without any specific methodology then your arguements lose their force. For example, in your OP you interpret the word fire inconsistenty.
(May 24, 2012 at 10:10 am)Alter2Ego Wrote: b]NOTE #1:[/b] The Bible uses the word "fire" symbolically to indicate cleansing OR permanent death OR permanent destruction. In the few times when the Bible used the word "fire" literally, it was with reference to events such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah--at which point, the individuals did not suffer eternal torment, they died immediately.
NOTE #3: In the Bible, the expression "the lake of fire" and the word "Gehenna" are figurative or symbolic language that refer to permanent death or permanent destruction.
As I showed in my earlier post fire relates to love or the lack thereof. Likewise, water relates to truth, or the lack thereof, in some way, which I could also demonstrate with multiple references. The evil men of Sodom burned with lust, an infernal love. The ‘lake of fire’ describes the fate of those who immerse themselves in lies (lack of truth) in which they are tortmented by their own hate (lack of love).
