Andy Anderson on the "Overcomers"

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Igzy

ZNP and aron,

I understand the need to "rightly divide the word of truth." What I think really happens in the Church at large is that there is so much potential and realized disagreement on the details of end times and the specifics of reward of punishment, etc. that most practical teachers try to stay focused on the essentials, to avoid the bog of those peripheral controversies.

And we all know there is the danger of worrying too much about the details to the point of shoving out the essentials, and becoming like the scribes and Pharisees who "tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness." (Matt 23:23)

I think in the grand scheme, heaven versus paradise are dill and cumin.

At the same time, Jesus continued on to say, "these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others," so there are arguments both ways, as long as you see the overall priorities of things, which was His main point.

I understand the distinction ZNP is speaking of here, having discussed this on numerous occasions. But now, I am no longer certain that paradise has not been taken into heaven. (Eph 4)