(Amos 2:4-5) This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Judah, even for four, I will not turn back my wrath. Because they have rejected the law of the LORD and have not kept his decrees, because they have been led astray by false gods, the gods their ancestors followed, I will send fire upon Judah that will consume the fortresses of Jerusalem."
(Isaiah 62:1-2) For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.
These passages portrait several concepts that are frequently found in the Bible. God will punish the people of Israel when they sin and God will redeem the people of Israel because of the covenant God made with their ancestors. These passages are part of a long tradition that still exists in the minds of many people today concerning the judgment and salvation of the entire world. However, the Urantia Book gives us a much different view, and shows that traditions like these are dead wrong.
The idea that each of us will be punished for our sins while living on this planet is just not true. Jesus said, “All too long have your fathers believed that prosperity was the token of divine approval; that adversity was the proof of God’s displeasure (1830.3).” And also, “The Father causes his rain to fall on the just and the unjust; the sun likewise shines on the righteous and the unrighteous (1830.4).” Divine punishment does not happen while we are living on Urantia. We certainly reap what we sow, but that is entirely a social phenomenon not a celestial one. Ultimate judgment comes when we irrevocably turn ourselves away from God. And judgment will not come quickly; adequate time will always be given for individuals to make their choices (1233.3). The idea that the wrath of God is going to sweep down on top of us in the middle of the night is not correct. We certainly may die in the middle of the night but if we haven’t had enough time to make our eternal choices, more time will be given to us in the next life (1233.4). The final judgment for each of us will not necessarily come during or at the end of this life. What is important is whether we have made the choice for eternal life or eternal death.
The above passages are also incorrect when they say that whole people groups will come under divine judgment. God loves individuals, cares for individuals, and helps individuals. God also brings down judgment upon individuals. In response to the man who talked about the judgment and redemption of Israel Jesus said, “a good and true father not only loves his family as a whole – as a family – but he also truly loves and affectionately cares for each individual member (1597.3).” In the discussion Jesus tries to take his listeners beyond the ancient concept of a wrathful God dealing out punishment upon the nations. The Urantia Book says, “The Adjuster is truly the path to Paradise, but man himself must pursue that path by his own deciding, his freewill choosing (1232.5).” We are given the choice, as distinct individuals. The decisions of our culture, our race, or our ancestors make no difference when concerning our eternal salvation. The idea of people groups being judged from on high should be discarded. It would not be fair for me to be punished for the sins of the nation I happen to live in. Our heavenly Father is eternally fair. It would not be just for my children to suffer for the sins of their parents. Our heavenly Father is ultimately just. And it would not be right for people all around the world to endure terrible world wide tribulation as a result of God’s divine judgment upon collective or cumulative sins. Our heavenly Father is cosmically righteous.
This great message from the Urantia Book is something that our world desperately needs to hear. God allows us to make our choices until we irrevocably face towards heaven or away. God gives us all the time we need to make them. No actions from the people around us or even from the heavenly hosts will be allowed to interfere with our own freewill choosing. We are allowed to stand on our own. Therefore, my friends, cast off the tired and obsolete traditions that have held back the faithful believers of this world and embrace the advanced spiritual concepts of the Urantia Book. Strive to love God and love people and nothing will stop you from reaching paradise.
God Bless You,
William Whitehead
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