Posted by Amazing [Anointed] on November 09, 1999 at 15:59:52 {4Hfg918T5g0hi4VK0MIQASIIcexUto}:
Hello Bibleman: I posted a response to you under the main topic below to FaithfulJW and asked you for a concise statement of your theory. I then read more in the threads, and relized you have already done that. So no need to respond that posting. However, I have some questions and comments to ask to test your theory.
I understand your theory, but I have to disagree at this time. I can see the prodigal son parable, etc. equally applying to several possibilities:
1. A repentant Satan? Afterall, he would be an ideal one who squandered his inheritance to live a debauched life of lies and making our lives miserable. What a statement that would make if Satan repented! (I personally would not make that application, but maybe some could.)
2. Repentant Israel, thus accounting for many of the restoration prophecies? (This possibility has more merit in my mind.)
3. Repentant Christians who come to know and have faith in Jesus and then leave him for a time, then return to following Jesus? (This is the position I currently hold to.)
4. I cannot at this time accept any application to an imperfect Jesus. I understand now why you are making that application, but I find several problems with it.
A. If Jesus comes back again as an imperfect human, by that definition, must also become a sinner. Does he then require salvation?
B. As an imperfect sinner, who pays for his sins?
C. Does he put faith in his own earlier perfect ransom and faith in himself in order to be saved from his sins upon his return?
D. What will be the benefit to his followers who now find themselves saddled with a sinful Jesus? Will it be assumed that a sinful Jesus somehow is more understanding of sinful nature? Such understanding, while perhaps having emotional appeal, will not negate his followers from having to repent and put faith in Jesus and his earlier ransom. Nothing seems to be gained here.
E. As stated in my earlier posts, all that is spoken of with respect to Jesus coming/returning has to do with Kingdom power, the final harvest, riding in Glory with the angels, engaging in final judgment, and shepherding the earth with an iron rod. Nothing in these scenes depicts Jesus as an imperfect sinner.
Perhaps if you could take some time to address my questions that would be helpful, and I will likewise take more time to review what you have written already.
Thanks -- Simply Amazing