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is based upon the belief that Scripture will interpret Scripture when personal bias is left out of the deduction. Whether symbolic, spiritual, literal or whatever the interpretative method, Scripture will not contradict when "rightly dividing the word of truth."

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Dividing the Concubine

Offending, Cutting off the hand, and worms Added: 
Sep-13-04
Question: What is the sin of offending in Mark 9:42-48? Answer: In verse 42 Mark quotes Jesus concerning the terrible sin of offending. The offence is: causing others to stumble, that is, leading others to sin. The "little ones" here not only refer to children, but all those who believe in me. Jesus often refers to believers as "little ones" or "children." (See also Matthew 18:1-7 and Luke 17:1-4). How do we lead someone to sin. There are several ways. 1). By teaching them to sin: "Oh, come on now, no one will know;" "It's not going to hurt you;" "We can get away with it;" "It's alright." 2). We can lead someone to sin by our example, the, "If it's alright for him to do it, it's alright for me," syndrome. 3). We may lead someone to sin by overlooking or passing over wrong; by softening the sin: "Oh, there's not that much wrong with it," or "if it doesn't hurt anyone, it's OK;" or the "Oh, just forget about it" ideal. The Warning: "it is better for him (the offender) that a millstone (large, heavy grinding stone) were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea." Offending someone by causing them to sin is a serious matter before God.

Cutting Off The Hand or Foot: This is a radical and strong point. Offending with the hand or foot is serious business (vs. 43-45). The word "hand" occurs about 1046 times in the Bible. It is used in about twenty different ways as types of attitudes and actions. A few of the representations are: human power (Genesis 9:2;39:6); position of service (II Kings 3:11); honor or favor (Psalm 110:1; Romans 8:34); a sign of friendship, confidence and trust (II Kings 10:15); conquering power (Exodus 14:8; Numbers 33:3); personal possessions (I Kings 11:31); counsel or agreement (II Samuel 14:19); personal sufficiency (Proverbs 3:27); and a myriad of other things. The foot is also used in such a manner in Scripture: as enemies of God being cut off (Deuteronomy 32:35); a spiritual walk of richness and sweetness (Deuteronomy 33:24); drifting from God's path (Psalm 94:18); walk and manner of life (Ecclesties 5:1); and so forth. The Lord used the hand and foot as examples of stumbling blocks. In essence, He reflects, that whatever is causing the offence, STOP IT - CUT IT OFF! Stop it quickly as that of cutting off the hand or foot. It is better to get rid of the offence than to let it drag you into hell.

Hell and Worms: Hell is a place of continual torment. It is where "their worm dieth not" (Mark 9:44,46,48). This does not refer to an earthworm or maggot or any such creature. It is their worm. This is a metaphoric semblance of a worm. It will be a twisting and squirming with pain likened to the movement of a grub, earth-worm or maggot in hot ashes. In addition, there will be weeping (wailing) and gnashing (grinding) of teeth (Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30; Luke 13:28), also a sign of extreme pain and suffering.

Fire Not Quenched: Hell is a place where the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:43,45,46,48). The word fire is found 83 times in 79 verses in the New Testament. It is translated from six Greek words which differ slightly in meaning. The bulk of the translated words for "fire" in the New Testament is pur, a literal burning flame of fire. This flame is as that of ignited wood or gas or vapor which flames and causes heat. It must be noted that the intensity of flames of fire may range in degree. For instance, under natural conditions, the red flame is not as hot as the blue flame. The hottest known flame of fire is completely black. This would align with the terms given concerning hell. Jesus referred to hell as "outer darkness" (Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30). He also connects hell and individuals who go there with a flame of fire (Luke 16:24), indicating a personal flame of fire for unsaved individuals. The word for "fire" in Mark 9:43-48 is "pur," a literal, everlasting, burning flame of fire.

Does The Punishment Fit The Crime? If the punishment does not seem to fit the crime we must consider the seriousness of the crime. That is, what if the greatness of sin is based upon the greatness of whom it is committed against? We cannot fully comprehend the greatness of God, therefore, it is doubtless that we can comprehend the seriousness of sin against God. Note that God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked:

"For I have not pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye" (Ezekiel 18:32).

God does not want anyone to perish, but wants all to come to repentance (II Peter 3:9). However, a Holy God cannot tolerate wickedness:

For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee" (Psalm 5:4).

For a complete study on Hell (and Heaven) see the book, "When Death Comes."