Was the Transfiguration a vision, or an actual appearance of Moses and Elijah?

  • Welcome to Christian Forums, a Christian Forum that recognizes that all Christians are a work in progress.

    You will need to register to be able to join in fellowship with Christians all over the world.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

St. SteVen

Well-Known Member
Feb 5, 2023
13,927
5,682
113
69
Minneapolis
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
you have lost the debate.
My claim is that God is good. You say the opposite (or refuse to answer) and claim victory.
What's wrong with this picture?

It seems that you have chosen View #1 below. Correct?

The two views of God's plan for humankind stand in stark contrast.

View #1)
God created humankind to glorify himself in punishing them for their unworthiness.
He hand-selected a few as an Elect, predestined to avoid the destruction he would bring on the vast majority.
And it is not clear why he selected those he did, and bypassed the rest. Random selection?

View #2)
God created humankind in his own image. In the same way human children bear the image of their parents.
Even the terminology informs his relationship with us. God the Father. As the model for human fatherhood.
This parental love informs his plan and good intentions for all of humankind. This longing for family and
togetherness is woven into the human heart. We long for nothing as much as to be safe at home.

[
 

St. SteVen

Well-Known Member
Feb 5, 2023
13,927
5,682
113
69
Minneapolis
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
You have your Bible-so are you cutting out "the stinking parts?"

You are something.
Wow.
You are clawing and snapping like a cornered animal.

I may be a bad debater, but I have managed to reduce you to your baser instincts. Why?

[
 

St. SteVen

Well-Known Member
Feb 5, 2023
13,927
5,682
113
69
Minneapolis
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
You have your Bible-so are you cutting out "the stinking parts?"

You are something.
This might help.


[
 
J

Johann

Guest
Wow.
You are clawing and snapping like a cornered animal.

I may be a bad debater, but I have managed to reduce you to your baser instincts. Why?

[
psa. 9:27 says: "AND THE WICKED SHALL BE TURNED INTO HELL AND ALL NATIONS THAT FORGET GOD" AS MUCH AS THERE IS A HEAVEN TO GAIN, THERE IS A HELL TO SHUN. BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED. LEST YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH. HE THAT HATH THE SON HATH ETERNAL LIFE, AND HE THAT HATH NOT THE SON SHALL NOT SEE LIFE, BUT THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH ON HIM........

J.
 

St. SteVen

Well-Known Member
Feb 5, 2023
13,927
5,682
113
69
Minneapolis
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
psa. 9:27 says: "AND THE WICKED SHALL BE TURNED INTO HELL AND ALL NATIONS THAT FORGET GOD" AS MUCH AS THERE IS A HEAVEN TO GAIN, THERE IS A HELL TO SHUN. BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED. LEST YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH. HE THAT HATH THE SON HATH ETERNAL LIFE, AND HE THAT HATH NOT THE SON SHALL NOT SEE LIFE, BUT THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH ON HIM........
Now you are SCREAMING in ALL CAPS. - LOL

What does that say about the character of God?

BTW: there are only 20 verses in Psalms chapter 9.

[
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: TheHC
J

Johann

Guest
What does that say about the character of God?

BTW: there are only 20 verses in Psalms chapter 9.

[
I will give thanks to Thee, Hashem, with kol lev of me; I will show forth all Thy marvellous works.
Psa 9:2 (3) I will be glad and rejoice in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy Shem, O Thou Elyon.
Psa 9:3 (4) When mine oyevim are turned back, they shall fall and perish at Thy presence.
Psa 9:4 (5) For Thou hast maintained my mishpat and my cause; Thou as Shofet Tzedek dost sit on the kisse.
Psa 9:5 (6) Thou hast rebuked the Goyim, Thou hast destroyed the wicked, Thou hast blotted out their shem l'olam va'ed.
Psa 9:6 (7) Choravot lanetzach (endless ruins) have come to the enemy: and Thou hast rooted out cities; their memory is perished with them.
Psa 9:7 (8) But Hashem shall reign l'olam; He hath established His kisse (throne) for mishpat.
Psa 9:8 (9) And He shall judge the tevel (world) in tzedek, He shall govern the nations with justice.
Psa 9:9 (10) Hashem also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of tzoros.
Psa 9:10 (11) And they that know Shemecha will put their trust in Thee; for Thou, Hashem, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.
Psa 9:11 (12) Sing praises to Hashem, enthroned in Tziyon; declare among the nations His deeds.
Psa 9:12 (13) When He avenges [shefach] dahm, He remembereth them; He forgetteth not the cry of the aniyim (humble, afflicted, the helpless ones).
Psa 9:13 (14) Have mercy upon me, Hashem; consider my sufferings which I suffer of them that hate me, Thou that liftest me up from the sha'arei mavet (gates of death);
Psa 9:14 (15) That I may show forth all Thy praise in the Sha'arei Bat Tziyon. I will rejoice in Thy Yeshuah (salvation).
Psa 9:15 (16) The Goyim are sunk down in the shachat (pit) that they dug; in the reshet (net) which they hid is their own foot caught.
Psa 9:16 (17) Hashem is known by the mishpat which He executeth; the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgayon. Selah.
Psa 9:17 (18) The resha'im shall be turned into Sheol, and all the Goyim that forget Elohim.
Psa 9:18 (19) For the needy shall not always be forgotten; the tikveh of the poor shall not perish forever.
Psa 9:19 (20) Arise, Hashem; let not enosh (mankind) prevail; let the Goyim be judged in Thy sight.
Psa 9:20 (21) Put them in terror, Hashem; that the Goyim may know themselves to be but enosh. Selah.


Holiness: God is set apart, pure, and without sin. Isaiah 6:3 declares, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory." God's holiness is central to His nature.

Love: 1 John 4:8 says, "God is love." His love is unconditional, sacrificial, and eternal, expressed through His relationship with humanity.

Justice: Deuteronomy 32:4 calls God "a God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He." God's justice ensures that He deals rightly with sin and upholds moral order.

Mercy: Exodus 34:6 reveals God as "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." God's mercy tempers His justice, offering forgiveness to those who repent.

Immutability: Hebrews 13:8 states that God "is the same yesterday and today and forever." This means God's character does not change, remaining consistent through all time.

2. God's Attributes vs. Human Character
When theologians discuss God's attributes, they often distinguish between communicable and incommunicable attributes:

Communicable Attributes are those that can be shared or reflected in humans, such as love, mercy, justice, faithfulness, and wisdom. These reflect how humans can, in a limited way, mirror aspects of God's character as we grow in godliness (Ephesians 5:1-2).

Incommunicable Attributes are those unique to God and not found in humans, such as omnipotence (all-powerful), omniscience (all-knowing), omnipresence (present everywhere), and immutability (unchanging). These demonstrate God's transcendence and uniqueness from His creation.

3. God's Unchanging Nature
One key aspect of God's "character" is that it does not evolve or change over time. In contrast to human character, which can be shaped by circumstances and choices, God's attributes are eternal and unalterable. James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." This means God's character—His holiness, love, justice, mercy—remains consistent and trustworthy.

4. Revelation of God's Character through Jesus Christ
Christians believe that Jesus Christ reveals the full character of God. Colossians 1:15 calls Jesus "the image of the invisible God." In Christ, God's love, holiness, mercy, and justice are seen in action, particularly through His sacrificial death on the Cross (John 3:16). Jesus' life and teachings help believers understand God's character in a personal and relational way.


God's attributes are in tact and you show no reverential fear to Messiah or the Father on your threads-but a certain lighthearted humor unbefitting for a conversation.

Have a great day.

J.
 

St. SteVen

Well-Known Member
Feb 5, 2023
13,927
5,682
113
69
Minneapolis
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
I will give thanks to Thee, Hashem, with kol lev of me; I will show forth all Thy marvellous works.
Psa 9:2 (3) I will be glad and rejoice in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy Shem, O Thou Elyon.
Psa 9:3 (4) When mine oyevim are turned back, they shall fall and perish at Thy presence.
Psa 9:4 (5) For Thou hast maintained my mishpat and my cause; Thou as Shofet Tzedek dost sit on the kisse.
Psa 9:5 (6) Thou hast rebuked the Goyim, Thou hast destroyed the wicked, Thou hast blotted out their shem l'olam va'ed.
Psa 9:6 (7) Choravot lanetzach (endless ruins) have come to the enemy: and Thou hast rooted out cities; their memory is perished with them.
Psa 9:7 (8) But Hashem shall reign l'olam; He hath established His kisse (throne) for mishpat.
Psa 9:8 (9) And He shall judge the tevel (world) in tzedek, He shall govern the nations with justice.
Psa 9:9 (10) Hashem also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of tzoros.
Psa 9:10 (11) And they that know Shemecha will put their trust in Thee; for Thou, Hashem, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.
Psa 9:11 (12) Sing praises to Hashem, enthroned in Tziyon; declare among the nations His deeds.
Psa 9:12 (13) When He avenges [shefach] dahm, He remembereth them; He forgetteth not the cry of the aniyim (humble, afflicted, the helpless ones).
Psa 9:13 (14) Have mercy upon me, Hashem; consider my sufferings which I suffer of them that hate me, Thou that liftest me up from the sha'arei mavet (gates of death);
Psa 9:14 (15) That I may show forth all Thy praise in the Sha'arei Bat Tziyon. I will rejoice in Thy Yeshuah (salvation).
Psa 9:15 (16) The Goyim are sunk down in the shachat (pit) that they dug; in the reshet (net) which they hid is their own foot caught.
Psa 9:16 (17) Hashem is known by the mishpat which He executeth; the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgayon. Selah.
Psa 9:17 (18) The resha'im shall be turned into Sheol, and all the Goyim that forget Elohim.
Psa 9:18 (19) For the needy shall not always be forgotten; the tikveh of the poor shall not perish forever.
Psa 9:19 (20) Arise, Hashem; let not enosh (mankind) prevail; let the Goyim be judged in Thy sight.
Psa 9:20 (21) Put them in terror, Hashem; that the Goyim may know themselves to be but enosh. Selah.
Are you Jewish or Goyim?
Bad news if you are Goyim. - LOL

[
 

St. SteVen

Well-Known Member
Feb 5, 2023
13,927
5,682
113
69
Minneapolis
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Holiness: God is set apart, pure, and without sin. Isaiah 6:3 declares, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory." God's holiness is central to His nature.

Love: 1 John 4:8 says, "God is love." His love is unconditional, sacrificial, and eternal, expressed through His relationship with humanity.

Justice: Deuteronomy 32:4 calls God "a God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He." God's justice ensures that He deals rightly with sin and upholds moral order.

Mercy: Exodus 34:6 reveals God as "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." God's mercy tempers His justice, offering forgiveness to those who repent.

Immutability: Hebrews 13:8 states that God "is the same yesterday and today and forever." This means God's character does not change, remaining consistent through all time.

2. God's Attributes vs. Human Character
When theologians discuss God's attributes, they often distinguish between communicable and incommunicable attributes:

Communicable Attributes are those that can be shared or reflected in humans, such as love, mercy, justice, faithfulness, and wisdom. These reflect how humans can, in a limited way, mirror aspects of God's character as we grow in godliness (Ephesians 5:1-2).

Incommunicable Attributes are those unique to God and not found in humans, such as omnipotence (all-powerful), omniscience (all-knowing), omnipresence (present everywhere), and immutability (unchanging). These demonstrate God's transcendence and uniqueness from His creation.

3. God's Unchanging Nature
One key aspect of God's "character" is that it does not evolve or change over time. In contrast to human character, which can be shaped by circumstances and choices, God's attributes are eternal and unalterable. James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." This means God's character—His holiness, love, justice, mercy—remains consistent and trustworthy.

4. Revelation of God's Character through Jesus Christ
Christians believe that Jesus Christ reveals the full character of God. Colossians 1:15 calls Jesus "the image of the invisible God." In Christ, God's love, holiness, mercy, and justice are seen in action, particularly through His sacrificial death on the Cross (John 3:16). Jesus' life and teachings help believers understand God's character in a personal and relational way.
How do any of these character qualities refute Ultimate Redemption? (UR)

[
 

St. SteVen

Well-Known Member
Feb 5, 2023
13,927
5,682
113
69
Minneapolis
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
God's attributes are in tact and you show no reverential fear to Messiah or the Father on your threads-but a certain lighthearted humor unbefitting for a conversation.
That's your problem, not mine.
My father warned me about Christians that appear as though they were baptized in pickle brine. (sour demeanor)

BTW: intact (as you are using it) is one word not two. Intact

[
 
J

Johann

Guest
My father warned me about Christians that appear as though they were baptized in pickle brine. (sour demeanor)
Your numerous threads lack reverence for God and the Messiah, and they only stir up confusion. The concept of ultimate redemption is nowhere to be found in my Bible and my father warned me about people like you.

In short, your doctrine is incorrect.

But hey, many believe as you.

J.
 

St. SteVen

Well-Known Member
Feb 5, 2023
13,927
5,682
113
69
Minneapolis
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
In short, your doctrine is incorrect.

But hey, many believe as you.
Why do you assume you are right and the many others are wrong?
Is your view somehow superior? Does the one with the most books win?

Does God evaluate us on knowledge, or on transformation?

[
 

St. SteVen

Well-Known Member
Feb 5, 2023
13,927
5,682
113
69
Minneapolis
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Your numerous threads lack reverence for God and the Messiah, and they only stir up confusion.
Christians hate it if anyone rocks the boat.
They prefer it if everyone one keeps their mouth shut and plays the game by their rules.
What they long for is a social situation that is an echo chamber for their view.
Pointing out their cognitive dissonance is very upsetting.

Case in point;
I reduced you to a clawing and snarling beast by asking you repeatedly about the character of God.

[
 

Wick Stick

Well-Known Member
Sep 21, 2023
1,444
924
113
45
Phoenix
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Revelation 20:2
2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;
There isn't a good reason to assume that the Revelation is talking about Genesis.

Ezekiel, on the other hand, makes specific reference to Genesis.
 

Jack

Well-Known Member
May 3, 2022
11,403
4,675
113
Midwest
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
There isn't a good reason to assume that the Revelation is talking about Genesis.
Let's try again.

Revelation 12:9
9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Ezekiel, on the other hand, makes specific reference to Genesis.
I think you're defending the serpent of old!