A question for Christians

[Laura]

I guess a lot of this thread is precisely the problem I have with organized religion. I don't have all the answers. But I do know that no God I'll ever believe in would deny someone who is good of heart. My personal belief, take it for whatever it's worth.

I agree, but for whatever reason, the OP was asking Christians this question. I don't qualify, so I won't answer.

 

[CathrynRose]

I guess a lot of this thread is precisely the problem I have with organized religion. I don't have all the answers. But I do know that no God I'll ever believe in would deny someone who is good of heart. My personal belief, take it for whatever it's worth.

I agree with you.

There are people on these very boards whom are "Christians" and quite frankly real jerks, as far as Im concerned.

But they get up every Sunday and go to Church and seem to think they're 'getting in' and you or I, are not.

 

[Chloe'sMom]

The bashers have arrived.

clever

 

[salmoneous]

The bashers have arrived.

Some folks think that being told they cannot commune with God and will suffer and burn in an everlasting Hell falls under the heading of bashing.

 

[JoeEpcotRocks]

Some folks think that being told they cannot commune with God and will suffer and burn in an everlasting Hell falls under the heading of bashing.

Salvation is a gift. Your choice to accept or not.

 

[Chloe'sMom]

Salvation is a gift. Your choice to accept or not.

Christians of different denominations will need to learn to agree to disagree on this point, because I doubt either side will change their point of view.

~Amanda

 

[bluefairy13]

I agree with you.

There are people on these very boards whom are "Christians" and quite frankly real jerks, as far as Im concerned.

But they get up every Sunday and go to Church and seem to think they're 'getting in' and you or I, are not.

I always like reading your posts and you seem like a nice person, but saying something like this doesn't seem much better than what you say you dislike.

No one knows what is in our hearts but God. I'm going to worry about my own spiritual life and let others worry about theirs. If they want to try to involve themselves in mine, oh well, - they can't, so I don't feel threatened.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Salvation is a gift. Your choice to accept or not.

True, but it doesn't give anyone the right to condemn others for their choice. What happens after this life is over is more about what God thinks than what we think.

 

[MzDiz]

So, anyone have a guess about whether people living in jungles that have never heard of Jesus are going to burn in hell? Nobody ever answers that.

 

[bluefairy13]

So, anyone have a guess about whether people living in jungles that have never heard of Jesus are going to burn in hell? Nobody ever answers that.

We Catholics believe that those people are saved through God's grace. Many priests believe that even if they have heard they will be saved.

 

[jimmiej]

So, anyone have a guess about whether people living in jungles that have never heard of Jesus are going to burn in hell? Nobody ever answers that.

Romans 1

18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

 

[bluefairy13]

Romans 1

18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

That's not saying anything about Jesus, and exactly what we are supposed to understand and be responsible for is ambiguous at best.

You need to be careful pulling out bible verses like this as your "proof".

 

[jimmiej]

Thanks for all the answers everyone!

The reason I posted this question to Christians is because of the whole faith vs. works vs. both argument. I believe we are saved by faith in God through the blood of Jesus...period. However, the Bible says we are saved to do good works, i.e. to serve God with the gifts we have been given. I'm a musician- I serve God by playing my music & in turn helping others to worship Him. DW has the gift of hospitality- she serves God by making others feel comfortable & takes care of their needs when necessary.

Am I confident about getting into heaven? Yes, 100%!!! Not because of me, because as others have stated, I'm not worthy on my own. I'm getting in because of what Jesus has already done for me & I accept that by faith.

 

[jimmiej]

That's not saying anything about Jesus, and exactly what we are supposed to understand and be responsible for is ambiguous at best.

You need to be careful pulling out bible verses like this as your "proof".

From earlier in that same chapter:

Romans 1
1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4and who through the Spirit[a] of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

16I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[c] just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."[d]

 

[bluefairy13]

From earlier in that same chapter:

Romans 1
1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4and who through the Spirit[a] of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

16I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[c] just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."[d]

What does this have to do with those who have never heard the gospel?

The Bible talks a lot about rejecting false Gods. I think many Christians don't take into consideration that we are not all worshiping different Gods.

 

[live4christp1]

I think this song sums it up pretty well. One of my favorites from Newsong (well actually I like most all their songs the best ) This is how I think I will feel.

This Ones With Me lyrics
Newsong

Lyrics:
I was dreaming about heaven
I was standing at the pearly gates
We were all there and
I was so scared in the resence of one so great
I felt so very unworthy
I felt like running away
I bowed my head and I turned to go
When I heard someone say

Father, this one's with me
Part of the family
One of the reasons I died
On Calavy
Father, Welcome him in
I paid the price for him
Father, Oh Father, this ones with me

I was dreaming about heaven
When I looked up the gates were opened wide
And in the distance, I saw Jesus
Our eyes met,and I began to cry
Angels robed in their beauty,
Were there to show me the way
And all of heaven was singing
When I heard his voice say

Father, this one's with me
Part of the family
One of the reasons I died
On Calavy
Father, Welcome him in
I paid the price for him
Father, Oh Father, this one's with me

Finally, we were there face to face
And he placed on me heaven's crown
I fell down on my knees
And lay my crown at his feet
Then he said, tenderly

Father, this one's with me
Part of the family
One of the reasons I died
On Calavy
Father, Welcome him in
I paid the price for him
Father, Oh Father, this one's with me.

 

[MzDiz]

From earlier in that same chapter:

Romans 1
1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4and who through the Spirit[a] of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

16I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[c] just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."[d]

Put that in your words. Explain that to me and how it relates to my question.

 

[perdidobay]

I'd say ...
God, although I have never been baptised, and I have never professed belief in Jesus (although I believe in Him),
and I didn't attend Church for most of my life, I tried to live life without harm to anyone else and to help out others.
I loved my family and raised 2 children to be good adults.

Even though I never made my children go to church, they had the freedom to go to churchs of many faiths. I let them choose their own. I don't believe the bible is the true word of God, but of humans.

I ask to come in, believing you a loving God, who loves people of all faiths
and doesn't judge at all. Who sits on the Throne of Heaven, waiting for all the people of earth.

If you are this God, I'd like to come in.
If not, send me to the devil, I'd rather be there.

 

[bluefairy13]

I think that in the end Jesus said it loud and clear:

"Do not judge so that you will not be judged. "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (Matthew 7:1-5)

 

[Fitswimmer]

I think that in the end Jesus said it loud and clear:

"Do not judge so that you will not be judged. "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (Matthew 7:1-5)

That's why I believe that who gets into Heaven is all about God and anyone down here making any decisions is trying to take God's job away from Him.