Paradise on Earth

[onewithhim]

When I learned that the Bible speaks of a restored Garden of Eden and the restoration of mankind to the perfection and endless life that Adam forfeited, I was thrilled. Who doesn't want to keep living on this beautiful earth, with our loved ones, and being able to do all the things we love to do---endlessly?

If God said to you today, "When do you want to die?" would you say "now!!"? I don't think very many people would say that.

We CAN live forever here on Earth. The Bible tells us that we can.

Matthew 5:5
Psalm 37:9-11,29

[Capbook]

... me a fire that can burn is not a symbol.

A symbolic fire, with symbolic burning can is.

And symbolic ashes?

[JehovahsWitness]

... me a fire that can burn is not a symbol.

A symbolic fire, with symbolic burning can .

And symbolic ashes?

Exactly! Now you're getting the hang of it.

[onewithhim]

I just believe hell (gehenna) is not symbolic.

Could that be because you don't have a clear understanding if what the word "symbolic" actually means ?

How do you define symbolic then.

Online definition of symbolic;
1. serving as a symbol.
"a repeating design symbolic of eternity"
2. involving the use of symbols or symbolism.
"the symbolic meaning of motifs and designs"

Online definition of symbol;
1. a mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process,

Could it be you dont understand how the above can apply to a scripture in the bible?

Because I don't see any "symbol or symbolic" in the verse. Even lexicon and commentaries doesn't mentions "symbol or symbolic"

So you don't know what "symbol" or "symbolic" mean. Do you understand the symbolism that JehovahsWitness posted for you regarding the sheep? It is an animal, yet it is a symbol of a person who hears Jesus' voice (through the scriptures) and follows him.

At least one translation uses the word "symbols," referring to the book of Revelation. "This is the revelation which God gave to Jesus Christ to show his slaves what must soon occur. He sent it by means of symbols through his angel, to his slave John." (Revelation 1:1, 21st Century New Testament)

[onewithhim]

... me a fire that can burn is not a symbol.

A symbolic fire, with symbolic burning can is.

And symbolic ashes?

Yes.

[onewithhim]

[Replying to onewithhim in post #3074]
With the nice weather we have been having here in Connecticut, I have been reflecting on what it will be like in the new system of things after Armageddon....enjoyable weather in all the seasons, beautiful land kept up like gardens, the house we've always wanted, true peace with the animals and other humans, no sickness, no old age. It gives me an awesome hope that keeps me going in this system of suffering and injustice.

[onewithhim]

[Replying to onewithhim in post #3075]

I am thinking today about this beautiful earth and how it will be totally beautiful in the new system that God promises. No more evil people, no more pollution, no more sickness, no more death, returning to our youth, etc. How can anyone not want that, I wonder. Jesus is handing it to us on a silver platter, if we would just accept that he died so that we could take up where Adam dropped the ball, and be on loving terms with our Father forever.

[Capbook]

... me a fire that can burn is not a symbol.

A symbolic fire, with symbolic burning can .

And symbolic ashes?

Exactly! Now you're getting the hang of it.

Lexicon doesn't define it as symbol. It is define as ashes.
אפר 'êpher
BDB Definition:
1) ashes

[onewithhim]

... me a fire that can burn is not a symbol.

A symbolic fire, with symbolic burning can .

And symbolic ashes?

Exactly! Now you're getting the hang of it.

Lexicon doesn't define it as symbol. It is define as ashes.
אפר 'êpher
BDB Definition:
1) ashes

Things don't have to be defined as "symbols" in the same text. Does Revelation 13: 1,2 say that it is a symbol of something else? No, but we know the wild beast symbolizes governments of men.

[onewithhim]

Whenever I observe the blue skies and clouds, the complexity of a lovely flower, the process of reproduction, and much more, I draw closer to God. What wonderful works are His and His Son's. We will have the ability to live forever with all this beauty.

[Capbook]

I just believe hell (gehenna) is not symbolic.

Could that be because you don't have a clear understanding if what the word "symbolic" actually means ?

How do you define symbolic then.

Online definition of symbolic;
1. serving as a symbol.
"a repeating design symbolic of eternity"
2. involving the use of symbols or symbolism.
"the symbolic meaning of motifs and designs"

Online definition of symbol;
1. a mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process,

Could it be you dont understand how the above can apply to a scripture in the bible?

Because I don't see any "symbol or symbolic" in the verse. Even lexicon and commentaries doesn't mentions "symbol or symbolic"

So you don't know what "symbol" or "symbolic" mean. Do you understand the symbolism that JehovahsWitness posted for you regarding the sheep? It is an animal, yet it is a symbol of a person who hears Jesus' voice (through the scriptures) and follows him.

At least one translation uses the word "symbols," referring to the book of Revelation. "This is the revelation which God gave to Jesus Christ to show his slaves what must soon occur. He sent it by means of symbols through his angel, to his slave John." (Revelation 1:1, 21st Century New Testament)

Greek semaino does not define "symbol" in Lexicons.

σημαίνω sēmainō
Thayer Definition:
1) to give a sign, to signify, indicate
2) to make known