(February 6, 2017 at 10:53 pm)Wyrd of Gawd Wrote:(February 6, 2017 at 10:50 am)Godschild Wrote: Jesus was trying to teach them about the forgiveness He was bringing to the world.
GC
Sure, Jesus is full of forgiveness as long as everyone sucks up to him.
John 15:6 (TLB) = "If anyone separates from me, he is thrown away like a useless branch, withers, and is gathered into a pile with all the others and burned."
You're using a paraphrased Bible and sometimes the wording lacks the real meaning of some words. Now don't get me wrong I have two of them, they make an easier read but, when it comes to arguing the Bible you should use translations that come from the oldest languages.
An example from the verse you quoted. The word "separate" above sounds like one was already a Christian. The NASB says "if you do not abide," the ESV uses the very same words, both are excellent translations. Both these translations show us the verse means "if you do not believe," then you will suffer the punishment. This is the message of the NT.
GC
God loves those who believe and those who do not and the same goes for me, you have no choice in this matter. That puts the matter of total free will to rest.