Posted by Gary [GLamotta] on April 01, 1999 at 22:32:07 {feW1wc1uNQMRXA6xmpscboLUiPtahc}:
In Reply to: *****Joseph, Judgment Day-Moved UP posted by Joseph Malik on April 01, 1999 at 14:23:17:
Hi Joseph,
You said:
>>
Matt. 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill
the
soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.>>>
First of all, why on earth would you use "hell" in this scripture when that can be confused with "Hades" or the common grave, compared specifically to "Gehenna" which is the Greek word used (geenna).
Hell and Gehenna are not the same in JW context.
>>>This doctrine is true and absolute. There are no restrictions or exceptions. Anybody, mortal,
immortal, human or not
can be totally destroyed by HIM. It was true then and is just as true
now.>>>
I didn't see anything in this scripture that talked about "immortality." So perhaps you're misapplying something.
The Society's explanation of this is symbolic. That is, with respect to your future life. I'm sure you're familiar with the analogy which would mean he was expressing the thought that you shouldn't be afraid of someone who can kill you physically, since your ultimate life can be restored to you during the resurrection.
But be in fear of a person who can destroy you physically as well as your soul or your life, now and in the future in GEHENNA. That is someone to fear because your ultimtae eternal life is at stake.
Or, it can be thought that a person might be able to kill your body, but your soul he cannot destroy since Jehovah has the ability to raise it up again. Better to fear Jehovah who can destroy both in Gehenna. Specially, the "second death", not "hell" which is Hades or mankind's common grave.
On that note, however, there is no specific mention that the "soul" is immortal, Joseph. So "immortality" has nothing at all to do with this verse.
Anyway, it was nice to go over this unreleated verse, I love the scriptures.
Try finding a scripture that actually says "fear him that can destroy your immortal soul in Gehenna" and we'll discuss it.
Thanks,
Gary