Who are "the many?"

[PJM]

Luke.2: 34 [at the Presenation at the Temple of the infant Jesus] and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel,and for a sign that is spoken against”

 

[cazayoux]

Luke.2: 34 [at the Presenation at the Temple of the infant Jesus] and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel,and for a sign that is spoken against”

Good question … is tied to this ‘many’…

Matt 26:27-28
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you;
for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out **for many **for the forgiveness of sins.

 

[Richard_Kastner]

Luke.2: 34 [at the Presenation at the Temple of the infant Jesus] and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel,and for a sign that is spoken against”

Talking of the new birth experience in Christ. Those who fall on the rock of ages, Jesus, in faith will be lifted up unto eternal life. The Israel talked about here is spiritual Israel.
Rom.9:4-8

 

[ryanoneil]

Simeon’s oracle says Jesus is the Messiah who would draw a line in the sand of Isreal, causing the nation to divide itself by taking a stand for or against Jesus. Those who reject him stand self-condemned while those who embrace him would be blessed.

 

[PJM]

Good question … is tied to this ‘many’…

Matt 26:27-28
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you;
for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out **for many **for the forgiveness of sins.

Died for “ALL” or Died for 'Mny" ?

Both have biblical evidence of there truth, so how can this seemingly contradiction be?

One speaks of death and the other life [Eternal].

Christ died for ALL to “effect” the Redemption of humanity. On this most of us agree. The TRUTH though is in a proper understanding. Br “Redemption” the gates [access to] heaven was restored. They had been LOCKED as part of the penalty of Adam and Eves’ Orifinal Sin. In this sense, Christ did die for “All” as ALL have equal oportunity to chose for thmselves eternal life with God, or eternal life with Satan. It’s our choise; God “only” affirms our lifes decision.

While ALL have equal opportunity; MANY chose to reject God’s grace, which is “rejection if God himself.” This in effect is the “unforgivable sin.” MANY, not ALL wil attain heaven.

Matt. 7: 12-23 "So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. ***"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few. *** "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
[19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits. "***Not every one who says to me, Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.*** On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ " And then will I declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.’ "

God Bless,
Pat