I'll be blogging only at literalbible.org
Thank you.
Len
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
There is much violence today. The stories of abuse—financial, physical, marital, pastoral, etc. are increasing daily. Attitudes are worse. People yell and scream at each other of different opinions. There is road rage. The traits of sympathy and empathy are diminishing in the public forum. Government leaders are becoming more callous in many countries. Businesspeople make money more important than safety. The Scripture is becoming more true daily. 2 Timothy 3:1-6 NLT You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 6 They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.
Habakkuk noted this in Judah shortly before God’s judgment. The Defender’s Study Bible notes: He was evidently a contemporary of Jeremiah, in the closing years of Judah’s partial independence before the Babylonian exile. He clearly predicted the imminent Babylonian invasion and captivity (Hab_1:5-11). His ministry was probably in the turbulent years just following good king Josiah’s death.
Habakkuk was concerned about God’s apparent indifference to the violence of society. Habakkuk 1:2-4 NLT How long, O LORD, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. 3 Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. 4 The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted.
Yahweh responds that judgment is coming in Habakkuk 1:5-11. We see God’s patience. He wants repentance. He wants people to comprehend that their own ways lead to destruction, but God’s ways lead to life. Romans 2:4-6 NLT Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? 5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done.
The revelation of punishment coming shortly strikes fear into the prophet that the Jews will be annihilated, so he complains of this in Habakkuk 1:12-2:1.
Yahweh then reinforces that wealth cannot save from God’s wrath, nor any human effort—philosophy, technology, science, experts, etc.
What can save is faith. Faith is believing God. It is obeying God’s call to repent and live according to His ways. This salvation is forgiveness of sins yet has the effect of improvement in society. Habakkuk 2:4 NRSV Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith.
Yahweh then informs the prophet that even though he is utilizing Babylon to punish Judea, He will punish Babylon for their sins as well.
Yahweh is in His holy Temple (the heavenly Temple) and is ready to save. Those coming should be quiet and rest. Idols are useless, they can do nothing. They cannot teach, see, move, or save. Habakkuk 2:19-20 NLT What sorrow awaits you who say to wooden idols, ‘Wake up and save us!’ To speechless stone images you say, ‘Rise up and teach us!’ Can an idol tell you what to do? They may be overlaid with gold and silver, but they are lifeless inside. 20 But the LORD is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him.
Habakkuk then, in chapter 3, writes and sings a song as a prayer.
He praises God for His being and character. Habakkuk 3:1-4
He notes God’s righteousness in punishment. Habakkuk 3:5-12, 14-16
He notes God’s salvation for those who call out, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18:13). Habakkuk 3:13
He then rejoices that even though he (the prophet) suffers, he recognizes God’s goodness and salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-19.
We learn
God punishes sin.
God makes opportunity for all to repent, believe, and ask for mercy.
God’s people grieve at the evil in society.
Humans are evil. See Romans 1:18-32.
God gives grace to believers to remain steadfast and faithful. See Isaiah 25:8-10, Revelation 21:4, Psalm 94:19, and 2 Corinthians 1:4-6.
A Few Thoughts about Habakkuk
Habakkuk, Sin, Evil in society, Punishment for sin, Comfort for believers
21 Feb 21 by Len
Some questions
B1 Who are the Sons of God in Genesis 6:2?
B2 Who are the giants (also named nephilim and) mentioned in Genesis 6:4?
B3 Why did God bring the flood (Noah’s flood)?
B4 What is the wickedness spoken of?
B5 Can spirit beings have sex?
B6 Can spirit beings have sperm?
B7 Can the offspring of these be saved? Could they have entered the ark?
B8 How does Peter relate to Noah’s flood and the “spirits?” See 2 Peter 2 and Jude 1:6.
B9 What principles can we learn from this history?
Some study
B1 Who are the Sons of God in Genesis 6:2?
C1 Basic context
D1 Population of humans increase in Genesis 6:1.
E1 The people are following God’s command.
E2 When you live as long as these people did, the population expands rapidly. Because of the generations given in the preceding chapters on father begetting son, the age of the father, and the use of the word generations used in Jude 1:14, it seems most reasonable that people did really live for hundreds of years.
E3 Genesis 1:28 NRSV God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.
D2 Daughters are mentioned because of verse 2.
D3 Sons of god. They might be
E1 Angels specially fallen angels (as here).
E2 Righteous people in Seth’s lineage.
F1 Compare Nehemiah 13:23-27 and Joshua 23:12-13.
F2 This is the principle of separation. 2 Corinthians 6:17 GNB And so the Lord says, "You must leave them and separate yourselves from them. Have nothing to do with what is unclean, and I will accept you.
E3 Compare the term “sons of god.”
F1 The following verses having the phrase “sons of god” are most likely spirit beings. Compare Job 1:6, Job 2:1, and Job 38:7.
F2 The following passages having the phrase “sons of god” are most likely human beings. Compare John 1:12, Romans 8:14, Romans 8:19, Philippians 2:15, and 1 John 3:1-2. See also Hosea 1:10.
D4 Genesis 6:3, 5 reveals God’s anger against people (humans), not spirit beings.
B2 Who are the giants (also named Nephilim and) mentioned in Genesis 6:4?
C1 Genesis 6:4 mentions “giants.”
D1 The Hebrew word is נְפִיל nᵉphîyl. It means giants, tyrants, wonderful, strong, etc. TWOT (1393a) has this sentence, “The word may be of unknown origin and mean “heroes” or “fierce warriors” etc.” It is used in 2 verses Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33.
D2 Various translations have giants, Nephilim, fallen ones (YLT), etc.
D3 Some comments
E1 Clarke (see link to read more): There were giants in the earth - נפלים nephilim, from נפל naphal, "he fell." Those who had apostatized or fallen from the true religion. The Septuagint translate the original word by γιγαντες, which literally signifies earth-born, and which we, following them, term giants, without having any reference to the meaning of the word, which we generally conceive to signify persons of enormous stature. But the word when properly understood makes a very just distinction between the sons of men and the sons of God; those were the nephilim, the fallen earth-born men, with the animal and devilish mind.
E2 Utley:
This NOUN may be from the root, "fall" (BDB 656, i.e., "the fallen ones"). It seems to me that they are analogous to the giants.
However, other interpreters such as Martin Luther and H. C. Leupold assert that this term should be interpreted "tyrants," which implies the powerful kings of Cain's line who had large harems. See notes on "Mighty Men" and "Men of Renown" below.
J. Wash Watts in Old Testament Teaching, pp. 28-30, says "Nephilim refers to Noah and his family as those who separated themselves from those of Cain's line and Seth's line who were intermarrying. In this interpretation Nephilim are the sons of the "One true God" (cf. "the God" Gen. 5:22,24; 6:9).
E3 There are tens maybe hundreds of interpretations, so study the Bible and take the most reasonable understanding. This is not an issue of arguing among fellow Christians.
D4 That these “sons of god” are human suits the other use of the word in Numbers 13:33, which is to be understood as great warriors and large people. Compare Goliath, etc.
B3 Why did God bring the flood (Noah’s flood)?
C1 Various theories exist as evil, corruption of human DNA, etc.
C2 It is human evil, human actions, human thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. God mentions humans not half spirit, half human beings.
D1 Genesis 6:5–7 NIV The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the LORD said, "I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them. [Emphasis is mine].
D2 Humanity was corrupt and full of violence. Genesis 6:11-13 GW The world was corrupt in God's sight and full of violence. 12 God saw the world and how corrupt it was because all people on earth lived evil lives. 13 God said to Noah, "I have decided to put an end to all people because the earth is full of their violence. Now I'm going to destroy them along with the earth. [Emphasis is mine].
C3 Evil. The Hebrew word is רַע raʻ. It means evil and bad in many senses as trouble, sadness, etc., but one of the main uses is doing the opposite of what God has commanded. Some evils in the Old Testament: false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:5, adultery (Deuteronomy 22:22-24), kidnapping is called evil (Deuteronomy 24:7), etc. Some love evil, see Psalm 52:3. We are to hate evil, see Psalm 97:10. Fearing the Lord is to hate evil, see Proverbs 8:13. See Romans 1:18-32 for the downhill course of evil. A standard is needed. This standard is God’s law, which is summarized in the 10 Commandments. Even before they were written, these laws were known and in force; see Romans 2:14-15.
C4 Every action and every thought were evil.
D1 Genesis 6:5 NRSV The LORD saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually.
D2 Matthew 15:19 NRSV For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander.
B4 What is the wickedness spoken of?
C1 The specific sins are not mentioned.
C2 It is reasonable that every area of sin and rebellion against God’s standard (the 10 commandments) were desired, were planned, and were carried out. See Romans 1:18-32.
C3 It doesn’t appear that spirit beings having sex with human women is the sin.
C4 Evil spirits can seduce, etc. humans to sin. See Ananias in Acts 5:3 GW Peter asked, "Ananias, why did you let Satan fill you with the idea that you could deceive the Holy Spirit? You've held back some of the money you received for the land. In 2 Samuel 24:1 NIV, there is another example of satan leading a person to sin Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, "Go and take a census of Israel and Judah. The he in 2 Samuel 24:1 most likely refers to satan, see 1 Chronicles 21:1 NIV Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.
C5 God judges and punishes people and nations with death because of great wickedness. Some examples include
D1 Er in Genesis 38:7 NIV But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the LORD's sight; so the LORD put him to death.
D2 Pharaoh in Exodus 14:24-28
D3 Ahab in 1 Kings 22:20 and following verses
D4 God’s enemies as in Isaiah 66:16 GW The LORD will judge with fire, and he will judge all people with his sword. Many people will be struck dead by the LORD.
B5 Can spirit beings have sex?
C1 In mythology, we read that they can, but this is mythology, not Scripture.
C2 Spirits can appear as humans, specifically male. See Genesis 18, Genesis 19:5, Mark 16:5, etc.
C3 There are no verses in the Bible that teach spirits can have flesh. They can inhabit, that is, possess humans, but not being flesh. Luke 24:39 EMTV Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.
B6 Can spirit beings have sperm?
C1 Scriptures don’t say, but it seems unlikely. I suppose spirit beings could take human sperm and manipulate it in some way.
C2 Don’t marry as in Matthew 22:30.
C3 It is not mentioned anywhere in Scriptures that I know of where a spirit being impregnates a woman.
C4 God created everything to reproduce after its kind, that is, species (and possibly genera).
C5 Producing after one’s kind seems the principle of Scripture. This idea is found in 1 Corinthians 15:47-49 NRSV The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; and as is the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven.
B7 Can the offspring of these be saved? Could they have entered the ark?
C1 Jesus became a man, completely man, as well as completely God. Jesus is 100% God and 100% man.
C2 Jesus died for humans, not angels or half human-half spirit beings (so called demigods). Compare Romans 8:3, Philippians 2:8, etc.
C3 Noah preached the Gospel for 120 years (so most understand it). 2 Peter 2:5 EMTV and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, the eighth, a preacher of righteousness, when He brought a flood upon the ungodly world.
B8 How does Peter’s passage relate to Noah’s flood and the “spirits?” See 2 Peter 2.
C1 2 Peter 2:4-5 EMTV For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but rather confined them to Tartarus, and delivered them into chains of darkness, reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, the eighth, a preacher of righteousness, when He brought a flood upon the ungodly world.
C2 There are unclean spirits (demons) who are more evil than others.
D1 Matthew 17:21 EMTV However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.
D2 Ephesians 6:12 EMTV For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenlies.
D3 Daniel 10:13, 20–21 NIV But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. ... 20 So he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; 21 but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.
C3 In 2 Peter 2, Peter is teaching the people that God punishes sin. Peter gives some examples
D1 False prophets and teachers in 2 Peter 2:1-3
D2 Angels in 2 Peter 2:4
E1 satan sinned because of his pride and covetousness in Isaiah 14:12-15.
E2 satan recruited other angels to rebel against God, which they did willingly. Revelation 12:4 (as most understand the passage).
E3 The specific sin is not mentioned. Some think this refers to Genesis 6:1-6 but that is speculation. Based on Matthew 17:21, it would seem that some have an attitude of such hate and disrespect for God that they go overboard to rage against God, humans, and creation. Compare Matthew 12:45 NIV Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation. [Emphasis is mine].
E4 These eviler angels express increased wickedness as seen in Revelation 9:5 NIV They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes.
F1 See Revelation 9:1-11.
F2 The torment was so great that humans wanted to die but could not. Revelation 9:6.
D3 Another example is the world of humanity before the flood.
D4 Finally, Sodom and Gomorrah
C4 In Jude 1:6, Jude mentions those who did not remain in their proper dwelling. Jude 1:6 NRSV And the angels who did not keep their own position, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains in deepest darkness for the judgment of the great day.
D1 Here Jude warns people about sin, its consequences, and sin’s punishment by giving some examples.
E1 The first example, Jude 1:5, is when God destroyed those Jews who did not believe. See Numbers 26:64-65.
E2 The second are the angels who sinned as we spoke of above.
E3 Sodom and Gomorrah
D2 Estate
E1 The Greek word for estate is ἀρχή archḗ.
E2 It means beginning, place (rank and dignity), rule, magistracy, etc.
E3 It is used in Romans 8:38 NASB For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers.
E4 Ephesians 1:21 MKJV far above all principality and authority and power and dominion, and every name being named, not only in this world, but also in the coming age. (Principality is ruler, here understood by most to refer to evil angelic orders). See also Ephesians 3:10 and Ephesians 6:12.
E5 Colossians 2:11, 15 NKJV In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, ... 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
D3 Habitation, proper dwelling, proper limits, etc.
E1 The Greek word is οἰκητήριον oikētḗrion. It means dwelling place. It can be a house, the body (as house for the soul), etc.
E2 Their own habitation can mean heaven (their home at origin), the first heaven (the atmosphere as in Ephesians 2:2), some type of original covering they had, or position in God’s organization.
E3 Benson mentions the idea that satan wasn’t happy with his position and desired a higher and greater place. Isaiah 14:13 NIV You said in your heart, "I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.
B9 What principles can we learn from this history?
C1 Choices have consequences.
C2 Sin has consequences.
C3 Sin will be punished. Beings of the past, present, and future will have judgment. We are warned.
B10 Summary
C1 Spirits may appear in human form, but it doesn’t necessarily imply flesh and bones.
C2 Spirits do not have DNA or fleshly material as humans do.
C3 satan and his angels were not content with their position in heaven but wanted a greater authority and position above God’s. We read about this attitude in his temptation of Jesus. Matthew 4:9 NRSV and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.
C4 Sin has consequences.
C5 It seems most reasonable that the phrase “sons of God” refers to humans as in John 1:12, Romans 8:14, Romans 8:19, Philippians 2:15, and 1 John 3:1-2. See also Hosea 1:10.
C6 The godly line of Seth left their position and sought the evil line of Cain, as in Nehemiah’s day (Nehemiah 13:23-27). Solomon was led astray as well (1 Kings 11:1-8). The consequence of doing so resulted in God’s anger and then His punishing them.
There are tens maybe hundreds of interpretations, so study the Bible and take the most reasonable understanding. This is not an issue of arguing among fellow Christians.
A Few Thoughts about Lust
Lust is desire
Evil lust
B1 Sex, money, power, anything to satisfy sinful pleasures.
B2 The more one thinks about their pleasureful object, the more they want it, the more they seek it, and the more they will do anything to get it.
C1 They will seek in themselves. Some ways people work to get what they want.
D1 They will love bomb.
D2 They will manipulate.
D3 They will push boundaries.
D4 They will seduce.
D5 They will blackmail.
D6 They will lie.
D7 They will threaten.
D8 They will punish, abuse, use, control, etc.
C2 They will seek out others who have or do these things to help them.
C3 They will seek, even pay money, to pay those who supply such pleasures.
C4 They will turn to the devil and sell their soul.
B3 A list of some sinful pleasures. Galatians 5:19-21 WEL Now the works of the flesh are obvious. They are adultery, sexual sins, moral corruption, unrestrained lust, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strife, provoking jealousy, hot anger, pushing to be first, selfish scheming, dissensions, heresy, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, wild partying, and so on, about which I have told you before, and as I have also told you in the past that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
B4 James 1:14-15 NLT Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
B5 These actions have consequences. No matter how one may justify them, there will be consequences in this life and the next. Romans 6:23 NKJV For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Emphasis is mine]
Good lust
B1 Pastor
C1 1 Timothy 3:1 WEL This is a trustworthy saying, if anyone desires the oversight [of the church], he desires a good work.
C2 The qualifications, duties, attitudes, work, methods, etc. are given by God in 1&2 Timothy and Titus. Pragmatic and business models may bring numbers but are not usually in God’s plan. There are wrong motives, wrong goals, and many times fake results.
B2 Kingdom of God
C1 Matthew 6:33 GW But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you.
C2 To come. This is the kingdom where God rules. It is the kingdom of His worldview, lifestyle, and rules. It is the kingdom that brings, not necessarily happiness, which is temporary, but joy.
D1 Mark 1:15 EMTV and saying, "The time has been fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."
D2 Galatians 5:22–23 NLT But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
D3 Philippians 2:17–18 NLT But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.
D4 Isaiah 61:10 GW I will find joy in the LORD. I will delight in my God. He has dressed me in the clothes of salvation. He has wrapped me in the robe of righteousness like a bridegroom with a priest's turban, like a bride with her jewels.
C3 To be lived. We can live a life of living according to sinful pleasures or a life of godly pleasures.
D1 Psalm 16:11 CSB You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
D2 2 Timothy 3:4 CSB ...traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God...
B3 Souls be saved. There is pleasure and joy in
C1 God Isaiah 42:11 The LORD says, “Here is my servant, whom I strengthen— the one I have chosen, with whom I am pleased. I have filled him with my Spirit, and he will bring justice to every nation. (GNB92)
C2 Angels (God’s angels) Luke 15:10 GNB In the same way, I tell you, the angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents.
C3 Humans Jeremiah 9:23–24 CSB This is what the LORD says: The wise person should not boast in his wisdom; the strong should not boast in his strength; the wealthy should not boast in his wealth. 24 "But the one who boasts should boast in this: that he understands and knows me—that I am the LORD, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things. This is the LORD's declaration.
B4 These derive from pleasures that glorify God and help others with or without gaining anything for ourselves.
Let us find contentment in what we have in this life, in our salvation, and in God’s promises for our future.
B1 1 Timothy 6:8 GNB So then, if we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us.
B2 Hebrews 13:5 NRSV Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you.
B3 1 Timothy 6:6 NLT Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.
B4 Isaiah 26:3 NLT You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
B5 Matthew 6:19-21 NLT Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
B6 John 5:24 NRSV Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.
A Few Thoughts about Lust
lust, Christian life
A Few Thoughts about Luke 23:34
Luke 23:34 EMTV Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And dividing His garments, they cast lots.
Jesus’s prayer does not mean that these evil people have the sins forgiven and are now enjoying fellowship with God in heaven.
These evil people deserved to be killed instantly, but Jesus prays that this not happen. He prays for them to live longer in hopes that they might come to their senses, repent, believe, and trust in Jesus for salvation.
These evil people knew He was Messiah. They just didn’t like this Messiah but looked for a warrior type that would deliver them from Rome and let them sin (practice religion as they interpreted it).
This ignorance is because they didn’t know what any Messiah was doing by dying nor what this crucifixion meant in the future for Israel and their souls.
There is no such thing as forgive and forget. If a sin has been committed, it needs to be punished.
We pray for their salvation, but no one is required to stay in abuse or any other crime.
It is OK to flee. King David needed to flee from Saul, Elijah needed to flee from Ahab and Jezebel, the early believers needed to flee, etc. They were persecuted, threatened, and abused; all of which are reasons to flee.
A Few Thoughts about Luke 23:34
forgiveness, forgive and forget