A question for Christians

[Fitswimmer]

Yikes. Be careful dude. I would never be so presumptious to think so. Even Jesus questioned Himself. Pride is a deadly sin.

I was taught that too. "Pride goeth before a fall."

 

[Buckalew11]

I was taught that too. "Pride goeth before a fall."

Having assurance through Jesus Christ is nothing about pride. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

 

[JoeEpcotRocks]

Having assurance through Jesus Christ is nothing about pride. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

AMEN!!

 

[RickinNYC]

Well Buck, Joe and Jim, if that's the case, then this big gay guy will see you all in Heaven.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Having assurance through Jesus Christ is nothing about pride. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

I know you feel that way, but that's not how it comes across to others who don't share your belief system. I also don't feel that because some of us don't choose to proclaim our pass to walk right into heaven that it means we are any less Christian.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I was taught that too. "Pride goeth before a fall."

Actually it's "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

That's got to be one of the most misquoted verses in the Bible. Sorry, just makes me nuts

 

[Fitswimmer]

Actually it's "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

That's got to be one of the most misquoted verses in the Bible. Sorry, just makes me nuts

Sorry I don't have my Bible memorized...

 

[jimmiej]

Having assurance through Jesus Christ is nothing about pride. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

Exactly.

Ephesians 2
Made Alive in Christ
8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.

Romans 3
27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Sorry I don't have my Bible memorized...

Neither do I, but I've just heard that one so much that I finally had to look it up and found out it's been quoted wrong a lot to make a point.

Not flaming you, just pointing that out.

 

[Saphire]

It is so simple it is mind-blowing. Jesus paves the way through His death and resurrection for all of us imperfect people to come in. We get to enter heaven because of His work, not ours.

 

[JoeEpcotRocks]

Well Buck, Joe and Jim, if that's the case, then this big gay guy will see you all in Heaven.

We'll be there waitin'. (Be sure to skip Pergatory )

 

[Buckalew11]

I know you feel that way, but that's not how it comes across to others who don't share your belief system. I also don't feel that because some of us don't choose to proclaim our pass to walk right into heaven that it means we are any less Christian.

I am sorry it comes across to you that way. It is not meant to. I'm standing on a promise from the Bible, that is all. I do not think people are more or less of a christian, ever. I think there are different levels of maturity in Christianity but if one accepts Christ then we are the same in Him. I never said I thought having the assurance of Heaven upon my death means I am more of a christian, did I? (BTW, that is no asked in a snarky fashion).

Well Buck, Joe and Jim, if that's the case, then this big gay guy will see you all in Heaven.

Well, Rick, I look forward to meeting you there! But first I'll be looking for my dad.

 

[jimmiej]

It is so simple it is mind-blowing. Jesus paves the way through His death and resurrection for all of us imperfect people to come in. We get to enter heaven because of His work, not ours.

Good point!

 

[dsnyscrapper]

I would never in my life ever be so presumptious as to say that I know I'll be let into Heaven. Jesus and God are indeed a part of my life, but by the very virtue of being a human being, I have flaws. There never has been, nor ever will be anyone who is perfect. Nevertheless, I am also pretty confident that I do live my life in a manner that God would find acceptable and so for that, I'm grateful simply for the time I have spent on earth and will spend in the years to come. As for Heaven, it is only God's decision and no one else's whether I belong there or not.

All that being said, I wouldn't know what to say, nor would I have to, because God already knows.

I KNOW I'll be in Heaven. It has nothing to do with being presumptious; it has everything to do with accepting Jesus as my Savior. You don't have to be flawless to get into Heaven; you only have to accept Jesus and turn away from sin. Just because you leave a life that you feel is acceptable to God doesn't mean you will be in Heaven. You HAVE to accept his Son as your Savior and ask him into your heart. That is the only way into Heaven. None of us will ever act 'good enough' or deserve it. It is only by His love and grace we are allowed.

I'm not judging anyone of their faith or beliefs only merely expressing mine and what the Bible says.

 

[jimmiej]

Well, Rick, I look forward to meeting you there! But first I'll be looking for my dad.

Anyone ever read Ninety Minutes In Heaven? Great book! The first thing he sees in heaven are his relatives. They are so happy to receive him, he's overwhelmed with joy. He said he felt the presence of God without a doubt, but could not see him. Then he was brought back to life & for quite a while was angry with God for sending him back.

 

[Fitswimmer]

This whole thread reminds me of an old joke:

Man dies and goes to Heaven and is getting the tour from an angel. Of course, it's amazing, everything he had ever imagined and then some. But there's one thing that he has a question about, so he asks his angel: "What's going on over that wall?" The Angel answers: "oh, that's the Baptists, they think they're the only ones here!"

I heard this the first time from a Baptist, but any denomination works.

I think this thread illustrates the differences in Biblical interpretation that exist and the differences in denominational teachings. As much as I know that Joe, Buck and Jim believe what they have professed here and I'm not arguing that-I can't say those same words. To me, that would be taking a decision out of God's hands and putting it in my own.

 

[Buckalew11]

It is so simple it is mind-blowing. Jesus paves the way through His death and resurrection for all of us imperfect people to come in. We get to enter heaven because of His work, not ours.

I love your post.

2 things...1) the simplicity of it and

2) I love that you say we "get" to enter...

Somedays I just sit in awe that I "get'' to have a personal retaionship with God, who I believe created the universe. That is so awesome to me! I "get' to talk to Him, I get to listen to Him guide me with His Holy Spirit, I "get" to learn about Him, I "get" to read His Word, I "get" to be assured of what will happen to me when I die. He's God. He says He knows how many hairs are on my head. And yeah, I believe that! As a hairdresser, I think about it everytime I look at a head of hair to cut or style. I have no idea how many hairs each client has but the Good Lord does. Simple and yet He is so awesome.

 

[jimmiej]

He's God. He says He knows how many hairs are on my head. And yeah, I believe that! As a hairdresser, I think about it everytime I look at a head of hair to cut or style. I have no idea how many hairs each client has but the Good Lord does. Simple and yet He is so awesome.

In my case, it's a very low number! *baldy*

 

[frndshpcptn]

Hey Jimmie - do you have any additional thoughts regarding my questions on the Book of Life? I'm really curious to hear (well, read) your POV.

 

[jimmiej]

Hey Jimmie - do you have any additional thoughts regarding my questions on the Book of Life? I'm really curious to hear (well, read) your POV.

oops! Sorry. I meant to go back to that. Give me a bit & I'll respond. Thanks!