The Virtuous Man: Introduction to Job 31

Job indeed was a righteous man. It is interesting to note his experience for an example in this evil day (and those to come), that God allowed Satan to take away all that Job had; only to return in the end and bless him with twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10). All Job had to do was maintain his integrity with God.

"This view from Job of the patriarchal age of so long ago concerning good and evil confirms our doctrine that men today are no different, but are plagued with the same temptations to sin."-Vft

So many today, want to justify themselves by submitting that 'times have changed'. Caday5 tried this on another thread, when he stated that what God required 'changed' through the years. At first glance this might seem correct; but an understanding of the scriptures will show that God has not changed, but all was fulfilled in Christ(Rom 10:4). Therefore it is through Him only that we can be justified(Acts 4:12). He also left us the perfect example: in all points tempted, yet without sin (Heb 4:15). He it is that we should emulate, for if we don't, we don't have the mind of Christ.

1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps...

As I was reading in Hebrews tonight, I felt as though I should pass along this encouragement:

Heb 6:10
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Look to the hills, Brother Valiant.

Psalm 121

Even as an atheist, I can appreciate the righteousness of a man like Job. He does embody many of the good morals most societies in this world would find admirable. Socities may change, but many of these qualities don't.

And they still persist in other more modern figures. One could argue Superman has all the righteous qualities Job and Jesus have and then some. But nobody worships superman (with the exception of extremely devouted fanboys but that's another story). Righteousness in a purely humanistic sense is a universial concept and something everybody can strive for, religious or not.

Umm, jack, Superman is not real, and never was.

Chiefest, I know superman isn't real. But Job wasn't real either in a historical sense so they're quite similar. Characters don't have to be real for them to espouse these values. It's just like the Illiad, the Oddessy, and for some the Lord of the Rings. The values are of equal worth. But based on my study of religion over the years and ethics, morals, etc. I've found surprisingly that Superman symbolizes more of those values than any other character in pop culture history. But that's just my finding.

To hear the opinion from you that the Bible and the characters in it are not considered real, is of no great suprise.

Some glad day, I hope to meet them.

I appreciate that you understand where I'm coming from Chiefest. These issues are still subject to belief so it's not possible to assert truth with any certainty. That's the essence of faith and belief. Some believe in other things while others don't. I don't believe. It's that simple.