NonBelievers Go To Hell? Seriously...?

[asianangel]

don't forget asianangel that in addition to troubles, Jesus promises He will give us peace through it:

Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

oops! Missed that important point but I knew someone would correct me. Thanks!

 

[KellyLeigh]

. I feel like my friend has deserted me for no reason and I want her to read my posts on how I am feeling

well.... I saw it and I must say I am very shocked and just confused. I have no idea where you came up with some of these things

I have a friend, she used to be my best friend who since college has turned very Christian. She seems to take everything said in the Bible as literal. Now she won't even return my calls. I'm not a bad person, why is this happening?

To this I say that I have always been a strong Christian. I only applied to Christian colleges my junior year of high school. I went to the prayer at the flag pole every morning throughout high school. I never talked about it much with you because I know your beliefs and respect them and never wanted to make you feel like i was trying to convert you. Are you just thinking that I've changed so much because the invention of myspace and facebook allows you to see just how deep my faith is?

And as for not returning your calls and not getting together with you, I explained the situation to you. My cat had a seizure and we had to take him to the animal hospital. And I do not get cell reception at my house since I moved to that new 2 street town.

. It hurts me that people feel this way. It hurts more that my friend thinks I deserve Hell for trying to live life the best I can.

This part confuses me the most. I have never told you I think you deserve Hell, I've never even told you I think you are going to hell.


I'm not sure what is going on here, but whatever the real deeper problem is I'm willing to listen to what you say and talk it out. I'm just really hurt that you jumped to such strange conclusions about me and posted it on here for me to find instead of talking to me about your concerns yourself. I would have hoped you knew me better than that to think some of these things...

 

[klett777]

Flower...............Christianity is a faith, just like any other religion. I feel like believing in Jesus Christ is an act of faith first. (believing in something you dont see/cant confirm yet) You hafta have enough faith to put aside all doubts that seem unreasonable about him. If u just open yourself up enough for him to get through, he will confirm his existence to you. Thats really the only way that you will know that he exists. God is a Wonder , and u really cant expain wonders, can you? If your still wrapped up in finding evidence, facts, etc, it will take a while before you can understand him and his ways, and see the truth that your friend sees.

 

[Raph]

Flowerpower711, the reason why good people are going to hell is because humanity (as a race) poisoned (some kind of metaphysical genetic/spiritual poison) themselves when Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The result was a physical/spiritual dead and separation from God not only for them but for all their decedents as well. Hell is basically separation from God. We all know this because each one of us, will one day experience physical death. God's original intension was for humanity to live eternally with Him but our ancestors messed this up.

Now God had a problem on his hands because he liked being with people but all of them are separated from him by their physical/spiritual condition. God needed to fix humanity and he did this by infusing humanity metaphysically with his own genetic/spiritual material by becoming a human being .... that person is Jesus. While in physical form, Jesus died but came back from the dead, creating a new genetic/spiritual lineage for humanity. A lineage based on his metaphysical code rather than on Adams. While humanity can't bond itself physically with Jesus into God's lineage we can bond spiritually with him. Jesus joined with humanity at the physical level so that humanity can join with him at a spiritual level.

It is some kind of metaphysical adoption which allows those born physically into Adam's genetic/spiritual family to leave it and become part of God's family. This is why many Christian's call themselves Sons of God or Born Again. They are saved from going to Hell (being separated from God) because they are part of God's spiritual heritage. They will not experience the spiritual death as those of Adam and Eve's lineage will.

God is a loving God because he took on human flesh, endured the pain of this world and paid the ultimate price to redeem us on the cross. May people say that they love us but how may would endure torture and death just to be with us. Jesus did and if this is not love then nothing is.

I must say that before I became a Christian, I had no real interest in any religion at all. I though it was all garbage. I did not know it at the time but I had an encounter with the Holy Spirit which lead me in time to receive Jesus. Up to this point, my spiritual experiences were subjective until I was reading in the book of John where Jesus tells his disciples that he has to die and go to the Father so that the Holy Spirit would come a dwell in every believer. That is what I experience. The dwelling of the Holy Spirit in me is a real, a daily tangible presence of God. He dwells in me. I am not the only person on this planet to experience the presence of God within them. There is a great host of witnesses to the reality of God. I do not believe in God, I know God personally, why would I seek any other. No religion can offer you this. You too can know God if you put your faith in Jesus.

 

[Zeena]

LOVE THAT AVATAR RAPH!! ROFL!

And EXCELLENT posts in response to Flower, one and all!

I'll second that!

 

[concernedskeptic]

I listened to most of it, I did find some of it interesting.

Seeing that there are contrasting teachings on hell and other misunderstandings of the bible. How can you expect the unbelieving world to believe or trust anything that is said by Christian preachers and teachers?

 

[rocklife]

I listened to most of it, I did find some of it interesting.

Seeing that there are contrasting teachings on hell and other misunderstandings of the bible. How can you expect the unbelieving world to believe or trust anything that is said by Christian preachers and teachers?

actually the New TEstament says many times do not trust them. I found this one particular preaching on hell to match my own bible study about hell first (I read the bible prayerfully on my own mostly, not so much relying on preaching, but it is helpful to hear other confirmation too)

that is a good point concernedskeptic, and God knows this happens. Remember the religious leaders killed Jesus too, He knows many of them are wrong and evil. Many just pretend to be godly, that is a repeated Bible warning. the bible is actually different than many churches present God and bible unfortunately. thankfully we can learn the truth for ourselves though. The leaders do not always represent the common people (and God), it is easy to get caught up in power and ambition. I also urge you to look beyond the bad ones, and focus on Jesus Christ. He is the one christians are supposed to be pointing to

 

[concernedskeptic]

Thanks for your post rocklife. I’m glad there are some Christians like yourself that don’t believe and trumpet out this eternal torment nonsense for non-believers. I'm glad to hear the New Testament speaks out against corrupt leaders - this needs to be pointed out more often. But as you said it is easy for them to get caught up in power and ambition, there is obviously a lack of action taken by the church to keep these leaders accountable, otherwise there would not be so many of them.

And just to point out. It’s hard for me to focus on Jesus, simply because there is no cast-iron evidence that he exists. It’s hard to force yourself to believe in something that you can’t have contact with. Some people believe in ghosts, I have never seen any, so I do not believe in them. However if I did have contact with any of these spiritual beings I would believe.

Jesus as described in the bible has some good teachings which I admire, but there is no evidence to suggest it is a true/real religion.

 

[Mailman Dan]

I am an overall good person;

To those who say this, I often suggest taking the good person test.

www.needgod.com

People don't go to hell for simple un belief. People end up in hell because God is just.

Do you think God is good or evil? Well, obviously if He gave you life, and all that you have, most would conclude that He is good, which is in line with what the bible says.

So if God is good, should He punish evil? If God sees someone rape and murder, do you think that God would bring that person to justice?

You have to admire God's flawless justice system.

Heb 9:27.
For IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT-

Death insures that no one will escape judgement. Its a system that keeps anyone from escape, unlike here, where many have got away with all types of crimes.

So, when you die, everything you've ever done will come to light, good and bad. Good does not "earn" heaven, because we are supposed to be good, your conscience says so. God only have 10 laws to follow, have you ketp them?

Have you ever lied?

Ever stolen anything?

Eever used God's name as a curse word?

Eever hated someone? (Jesus said it was murder, and no murderer would be allowed into heaven- 1 John 3:15)

Thats 4 of the laws.

While it may seem that God's goodness will cause Him to overlook your sins, the opposite is actually true. Perhaps the following illustration will add some clarity: Imagine you're standing before a judge, guilty of multiple crimes. The judge is about to pass sentence when he asks, "Do you have anything to say for yourself?" You stand up, look the judge in the eye and say, "Yes Your Honor, I believe that you're a good man... and because you're good, you will let me go." The judge will probably say something like, "Well, you're right about one thing... I am a good man. And it's because I'm good that I'm going to see that you are punished for your crimes."

The very thing you are counting on to save you on the Day of Judgment -- namely God's goodness -- is going to be the very thing that will see to it that justice is done. Because God is so good He will make sure that every murderer, rapist and thief receives justice... but He won't stop there. He will also make sure every liar, blasphemer, and adulterer is punished. While this is something that is extremely tragic and far from God's ultimate desire for any person, the Bible is clear that the place of punishment for those who do not turn from their sins is Hell.

The core of Christianity is Christ, walking into the court room and paying your fine for you, when He took judgement on Himself. We all broke God's law, and Jesus paid our fine. Thats the core, not hard to understand at all.

Dan~~~>hopes it helps

 

[judastherealsavour]

no body goes to hell we return to the universe which gave us birth when we die

 

[calidog]

we definately will see our maker

 

[Godsgurl08]

God judges people by their motives, not what they do. If you repent of your sins, then He will forgive you and remember them no more.

Hope this helps

 

[concernedskeptic]

God judges people by their motives, not what they do. If you repent of your sins, then He will forgive you and remember them no more.

Hope this helps

If there was evidence he exists, by all means I would ask forgiveness of sins…

 

[calidog]

Call out to Him in earnest. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you.

 

[Zeena]

If there was evidence he exists, by all means I would ask forgiveness of sins…

John 18:37
Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

John 5:36
But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

1 John 5:8
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

1 John 4:14
And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father hath sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

John 3:11
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that which we know, and bear witness of that which we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

1 John 1:2
(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us)

John 16:8-11
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:Of sin, because they believe not on me;Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

John 1:9
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

John 1:10
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

John 7:7
The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

John 6:33
For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

John 3:19
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Romans 1:19-25
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Matthew 24:14
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

John 14:22-25
Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

 

[Seeker of the Truth]

You want proof of God?

Call out to Him!

As calidog said, call out to Him, ask Him to reveal Himself to you!

I don't think God would reject an honest prayer such as that.

 

[Reformationist]

Why do nonbelievers go to hell?

I assume you're talking about those that die without ever having faith. I clarify because many Christians were once non-blievers and God graciously converted them by giving them faith. If my assumption is correct, then the answer to your question is that they go to hell because they are sinners whose sins have not been atoned for by Jesus.

How can you be sure that they go to hell?

Because the inheritence of eternal life in Heaven is given only to believers.

Is that fair?

Certainly. They merit condemnation by their sin.

Because the thing is...I don't want to belong to a religion that promotes that kind of thinking; the belief that people who simply don't believe or are questioning the hardest and most unconcrete concept that we can ponder (the workings of the world and the "afterlife") are going to Hell.

Heaven is a place for those whom God has forgiven through the death of His Son. We appropriate the merits of Christ's death by faith. If you don't have faith, you aren't justified through Christ's sacrifice.

What if they practice most of his tenets: they don't steal, they don't committ adultry, they give to the poor, they are kind, they are overall what you would probably consider good people.

There are none that are considered good on the basis of their own works. No one is saved because of their obedience. Salvation is issued on the basis of God's choice to account someone righteous on the basis of Christ's work of atonement. Man's standards, if not based on God's holiness, are not definitive in determining whether someone is a "good person."

Why do they deserve to go to Hell?

All people deserve to go to hell. Those who are saved are the recipients of God's grace (unmerited favor). Those who are condemned are the recipients of justice.

I am an overall good person; sure I have my faults (who doesn't?), but I care about my family and friends. I am kind. I work hard in school and jobs; I strive to be my best. I can tell you all of these things and yet you would still tell me that I am going to Hell.

Your "goodness" is relative to something, even to you, a nonbeliever. You compare yourself with those you know. You may come off looking like an "overall good person" but when compared to the perfection of God's inestimable holiness, your righteousness is as filthy rags, just as all our righteousness is.

I have a friend, she used to be my best friend who since college has turned very Christian. She seems to take everything said in the Bible as literal. Now she won't even return my calls. I'm not a bad person, why is this happening?

We, of course, would not know why your friend does not return your calls.

My dad says that not all Christians believe that nonbelievers are going to Hell.

It may be true that there are those who identify themselves as Christians that would make such a claim but they do no do so based on anything in the Bible. Theirs is more wishful thinking than biblically supported. The Bible is explicit. Without the covering of Christ, you will be condemned to hell. The idea that a non-believer would not go to hell is not a Christian idea.

God bless

 

[Reformationist]

...(like a good person going to Hell)...

No good people go to hell.

People who have never came in contact with the Bible, people who never heard of Jesus, they are going to Hell?

Yes, but not because they have rejected Jesus. God does not condemn anyone for rejecting Christ if they never heard of Him.

God bless

 

[Zeena]

Romans 10:18
But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

 

[Seeker of the Truth]

John 1:9

"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."

I think this means that every person that is born into this world, is touched with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

No matter what language, tribe, etc. I believe that God touches all, maybe through angels. But, for God to send people to Hell that have never heard of Him (which what I'm saying is impossible) is unjust.