Bible Discussion Thread

This chapter; as many others in scripture-demonstrate the level of depravity one may reach.

There are two possible outcomes here; that of Manasseh who indeed humbled himself after suffering greatly and knowing that God was indeed Lord (v. 13). The resulting behaviors listed up to verse 20 show that there was a genuine conversion and that must characterize anyone who claims to have faith today. His son; Amon only had 2 years to serve and was killed by his own servants at the age of 24. (v. 24).

Testimonies are always effective; as say someone like Niki Cruz who was profoundly affected by David Wilkerson who himself put his own life in jeopardy to witness the gospel. It is only through unconditional "agape" love that we can truly "love our enemies; and do good to those who despitefully use us." ( Luke 6:27-28). It is; of course no benefit to manifesting sins so that we can later have a more dramatic testimony. God does; of course come to us "while we are yet sinners" ( Romans 5:8). We also need to be reminded of the exhortation in Ezekiel; even one sin disqualifies a rightous man ( Ezekiel 33:13). Note the man in that verse is TRUSTING in his own righteousness! These passages help to demonstrate the unity of scripture and that the God of the O.T. is the same today. There is no room for boasting; except in Christ ( Jeremiah 9:24; 1 Cor. 1:31). These passages also are stark warnings for those who have Godly examples; we are held more accountable and perhaps judged sooner than the world itself. We see this in the case of Nebuchadnezzar's progeny at the time of the writing on the wall; for example. In short; there are those who learn from chastisement who are His chosen; and others who only harden their hearts further; such as Pharaoh.