Hell

[Nostromadu]

Greetings all. I am new here... this is my first post.

Anyway, on with my question. If you don't believe in Hell are you still a christian? Or more broadly, what actually makes a Christian? What do you have to believe to be saved?

 

[12ogue]

Greetings all. I am new here... this is my first post.

Anyway, on with my question. If you don't believe in Hell are you still a christian? Or more broadly, what actually makes a Christian? What do you have to believe to be saved?

It's quite simple. Just believe that Jesus Christ saved you and died for your sins. It's a true blessing that one should embrace. Everyone sins and makes mistakes, but it is He would picks you up when you are down and places you on your path again.

Here's my take on it. Christians are basically believers of Jesus Christ. They believe the fact that Jesus died for them. But what makes it difficult for alot of people to even believe this?
A lacking of faith towards Him. They get discouraged by the sins they commit and feel like Jesus doesn't care to be interested in them.

 

[Atlantians]

Greetings all. I am new here... this is my first post.

Anyway, on with my question. If you don't believe in Hell are you still a christian? Or more broadly, what actually makes a Christian? What do you have to believe to be saved?

Well the simple version is above.

Ther is a much larger set of important truths that one can't deny if they are a believer. But ignorance of them is not lack of salvation.

So the answer above is the best on that issue. If you want a more indepth list, just ask.

 

[Harlan Norris]

Greetings all. I am new here... this is my first post.

Anyway, on with my question. If you don't believe in Hell are you still a christian? Or more broadly, what actually makes a Christian? What do you have to believe to be saved?

Well, first of all, I think everyone believes in hell. Ideas about the nature of hell vary.Some think this life is hell.Most view it as something that could be tolerated. Others say it is temporary punishment,and that all souls eventually go to heaven.The issue of hell is most likely not seriously considered by most. It's an abstract idea,just as the idea of God is. At some point in every life, there comes a time, when one sits down and seriously considers their mortality, and how short life really is. Those are the moments that produce questions like this one. I for one, believe hell is a place of eternal torture and horror,that goes on without end. Except for times of serious consideration of life,most think they will avoid hell,just because they see themselves as being generally good people.Frankly, according to the Bible, no one is good enough to enter heaven. Jesus said that out of all humanity born of woman, John the Baptist was the best,but, he was less than the least in heaven. So, clearly, we cannot enter heaven on our own good record. This is where Jesus comes in. The very reason for Jesus' comming was to secure salvation for all humanity. He accomplished this by taking all the sins of the world on himself,and allowing himself to be sacrificed for those sins.Christians believe that accepting this sacrifice and repenting of their sin, makes it possible for them to also enter heaven.That is the goal of Christianity. Enter heaven and avoid hell.The whole purpose of Christianity is to bring souls to Christ,saving them out of hell. Salvation is available to all,no matter what,for as long as they live.However,the offer is removed at death. We only have this life to decide.

 

[MikeMcK]

Greetings all. I am new here... this is my first post.

Anyway, on with my question. If you don't believe in Hell are you still a christian?

I can't say that it would disqualify you as a Christian, but it would certainly shoot some holes in your Christianity.

For instance, the Bible tells us that Jesus died to save us from Hell. If there is no Hell, then why did Jesus die?

If you can't answer that, then that would raise serious questions about where you're putting your faith.

If Jesus tells us that there is an eternal Hell, and you don't believe this, then what other teachings of Jesus are you going to toss out? Can one not believe that Jesus is God and be a Christian? Can one not believe that "[Jesus is] the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that no man cometh to the Father, but by [Him]" and be a Christian? Where do you draw the line?

If you don't believe Jesus' teaching that eternal Hell is punishment for the wicked, then you can't believe that God is just or righteous.

Or more broadly, what actually makes a Christian? What do you have to believe to be saved?

It will take you about fifteen minutes, but sit down and read Romans 5-7. That will answer your questions in much greater detail than I can answer them here.

If you don't have a Bible, PM me and I'll get you one.

 

[dvd_holc]

John 8:31…Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Math 22:36-40
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."​

Gal 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control...
Eph. 2:8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God 9not by works, so that no one can boast.​

Faith involves: 1) knowledge (in the thoughts) 2) commitment (it is a relationship) 3) all out pursuit be like Jesus (chutzpah; bold persistance)...we have faith in Christ, God provides righteousness and heaven permenantly enters our lives as a present reality.​

 

[Godslilgurlalways]

How to Become a Christian

The central theme of the Bible is God's love for you and for all people. This love was revealed when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into the world as a human being, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. Because Christ died, your sins can be forgiven, and because He conquered death you can have eternal life. You can know for sure what will become of you after you die.

You have probably heard the story of God's love referred to as the "Gospel." The word Gospel simply means "Good News." The Gospel is the Good News that, because of what Christ has done, we can be forgiven and can live forever.

But this gift of forgiveness and eternal life cannot be yours unless you willingly accept it. God requires an individual response from you. The following verses from the Bible show God's part and yours in this process:

God's Love Is Revealed in the Bible

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." --John 3:16 (NIV)

God loves you. He wants to bless your life and make it full and complete. And He wants to give you a life which will last forever, even after you experience physical death.

We Are Sinful

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." --Romans 3:23 (NIV)

You may have heard someone say, "I'm only human -- nobody's perfect." This Bible verse says the same thing: We are all sinners. We all do things that we know are wrong. And that's why we feel estranged from God -- because God is holy and good, and we are not.

Sin Has a Penalty

"For the wages of sin is death." --Romans 6:23 (NIV)

Just as criminals must pay the penalty for their crimes, sinners must pay the penalty for their sins. If you continue to sin, you will pay the penalty of spiritual death: You will not only die physically; you will also be separated from our holy God for all eternity. The Bible teaches that those who choose to remain separated from God will spend eternity in a place called hell.

Christ Has Paid Our Penalty!

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." --Romans 5:8 (NIV)

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, has paid the penalty for all your sins. You may think you have to lead a good life and do good deeds before God will love you. But the Bible says that Christ loved you enough to die for you, even when you were rebelling against Him.

Salvation Is a Free Gift

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast." --Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

The word grace means "undeserved favor." It means God is offering you something you could never provide for yourself: forgiveness of sins and eternal life, God's gift to you is free. You do not have to work for a gift. All you have to do is joyfully receive it, Believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ died for you!

Christ Is at Your Heart's Door

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." --Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

Jesus Christ wants to have a personal relationship with you. Picture, if you will, Jesus Christ standing at the door of your heart (the door of your emotions, intellect and will). Invite Him in; He is waiting for you to receive Him into your heart and life.

You Must Receive Him

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." --John 1:12 (NIV)

When you receive Christ into your heart you become a child of God, and have the privilege of talking to Him in prayer at any time about anything. The Christian life is a personal relationship to God through Jesus Christ. And best of all, it is a relationship that will last for all eternity.

Receiving Him Now

If you want to receive Jesus now, and accept His gift of salvation, it's a matter of believing in Jesus Christ, repenting of your sins, and turning the rest of your life over to Him. This is not a ritual based on specific words, but rather, a prayerful guideline for your sincere step of faith.

“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”

If you decided to become a Christian today, welcome to God's family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.

Get baptized as a public statement of your new faith in Christ.
Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.
Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.
Seek fellowship with other Christians. Develop a group of Christian friends to answer your questions and support you.
Find a local church where you can worship God.

If you are making this commitment to Christ today, please let us know by clicking here.


The link is also at the bottom of the page, the very bottom where it says be a christian

 

[Nostromadu]

Thank you for answering my question. So what I got from what you said is that to be "saved," you only have to love God and man. However, the other laws are there to help you live a more virtuous life.

Also, sorry to keep asking questions, but I've always wanted to know...
Where in the bible does it say that doing drugs is bad?

Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions. I'm not about to convert just yet, but I am looking for answers to the many questions I have about Christianity. Even though I don't necessarily believe the ideology behind it, it certainly is the most appealing of any of the other religions I've been exposed to. The whole idea of God sacrificing himself for us... this was the only thing that kept me Christian for so long; although eventually I fell away.

 

[matthew241006]

The Bible does not explicitly mention drugs.
The Bible does mention drunkenness. Being drunk is being intoxicated and using drugs leads to intoxication. So drugs are wrong by analogy.
The Bible also does not mention videogames, dvd's, the internet or a whole host of other modern inventions.
It's the message of good and sensible conduct that matters.
Temperance, not abstinence, though I'm sure some would disagree with me on that point.

 

[dvd_holc]

The Bible does not explicitly mention drugs.
The Bible does mention drunkenness. Being drunk is being intoxicated and using drugs leads to intoxication. So drugs are wrong by analogy.
The Bible also does not mention videogames, dvd's, the internet or a whole host of other modern inventions.
It's the message of good and sensible conduct that matters.
Temperance, not abstinence, though I'm sure some would disagree with me on that point.

Actually, you have to take it in its historical sense.
For instance,Gal. 5: 19-20
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions "
The Greek word here is "pharmakia," from which our English word "pharmacy" originated.

Most often, the use of drugs was vital related to obtaining a spiritual orcales or spiritual guideness. You might have heard of this in Native American traditions. Likewise also, at the Orcale of Delphi a priest was suspended in a cage over a pit in which fumes of a drug similar to glue but more strong would rise from. She would be high on that drug then speak the orcales. Further, incense was used to give sacrifice to the gods or people who wanted to proclaimed as gods. Also, I don't want you to be unaware in temple times the priest would use specific incense.

So then how does this relate to mordern times? Mordern science has been able to use specific drugs for benefical medical purpose; to save lives. This is good. However, the use of drugs for the purpose of release, escape mechanism, or what other justification a person would think of is a miss us and should not occur.

 

[prophecystudent]

Regardless of what some believe, or profess, HELL IS REAL. Christ went there when He died on the cross. On the 3rd day He rose again and took the keys to death and hell with Him when He ascended to heaven.

Any person who professes to be a Christian and denies the reality of hell has a terribly warped (uneducated) view of the realities.

Other posts have described how to be saved. It is easy to be saved, not quite so easy to then follow in Christ's path. Or, to put it another way, to live our lives as Christ would have us live them.

The sequence is: Get saved, try your/our best to live as Jesus would have us live.

When we fail to do so, we ask forgiveness and try to do better the next time. Christ understands our weaknesses because He came to earth in human form and experienced all the temptations we face every day. In His case, He didn't fall prey to those temptations. He does, however, understand how hard it is for us, and thus forgives us when we fail.

Fred

 

[RealSorceror]

Greetings all. I am new here... this is my first post.

Anyway, on with my question. If you don't believe in Hell are you still a christian?

That all depends on who you ask. I'd say yes, you are still a Christian.

Or more broadly, what actually makes a Christian? What do you have to believe to be saved?

A Chrsitian must believe that Jesus was someone special and use his teachings as an example of how to live a good life. Thats my take on it anyway.

 

[Nostromadu]

Actually, you have to take it in its historical sense.
For instance,Gal. 5: 19-20
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions "
The Greek word here is "pharmakia," from which our English word "pharmacy" originated.

Most often, the use of drugs was vital related to obtaining a spiritual orcales or spiritual guideness. You might have heard of this in Native American traditions. Likewise also, at the Orcale of Delphi a priest was suspended in a cage over a pit in which fumes of a drug similar to glue but more strong would rise from. She would be high on that drug then speak the orcales. Further, incense was used to give sacrifice to the gods or people who wanted to proclaimed as gods. Also, I don't want you to be unaware in temple times the priest would use specific incense.

So then how does this relate to mordern times? Mordern science has been able to use specific drugs for benefical medical purpose; to save lives. This is good. However, the use of drugs for the purpose of release, escape mechanism, or what other justification a person would think of is a miss us and should not occur.

So you are saying that drugs are bad because they were used for rituals (witchcraft). That makes sense, but what about recreational use? I don't use drugs to perform rituals, I use drugs because they are fun. Also, please note that I am not referring to hard drugs such as cocaine, heroine, meth, etc... I have seen first hand the results of these drugs and I'm never going to do them.

 

[dvd_holc]

So you are saying that drugs are bad because they were used for rituals (witchcraft). That makes sense, but what about recreational use? I don't use drugs to perform rituals, I use drugs because they are fun. Also, please note that I am not referring to hard drugs such as cocaine, heroine, meth, etc... I have seen first hand the results of these drugs and I'm never going to do them.

Eph 4:17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.

20That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

28Those who have been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Eph 5:8Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,

Phil. 4:4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Math 11:
28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”



Do you need a break in life? Do you desire joy? Do you desire rest? Central to being a Christian is being restored; that is reworked into being a complete health creation of God. There is a renewing of the mind to find sustaining peace and joy in life through the development of our relationship with God. The happiness that we find is not in bottles or in drugs, but in relationship with God and being kind to, caring for, and loving others to build them up and providing for them. Our drug is the Spirit of goodness. We don’t accept anything less because we don’t exchange sustenance for what might appear good for the right now. The hope that we live with is the realization that the purpose of life is not in things that just take and leave people empty and thirsty but in things that will last the testing of time. Everything we put into our bodies leaves us, but everything we build up in the Spirit last. It does matter what we put in our bodies because that effect how long we are here, but the heart of our commitment to God is love of others. So don’t look to satisfaction of a bottle or drug that empties out, when you want a lasting joy and peace of the soul right now.

 

[Nostromadu]

I understand, but I don't use drugs to "feel happy," I use drugs recreationally. I use them for fun. I have a very fulfilling life and I am happy with the way it is going, I use drugs like most people watch T.V. It's hard to explain to people who haven't had experience with drugs because the stereotype of the person using drugs as a substitute for life is widely accepted. So, my question is: is it possible for someone who uses drugs to be Christian?

 

[dvd_holc]

Ok, you asked a question and I will rephrase it in a different way...Can a Christian lie and still be a Christian? The answer is yes. Can a Christian steal and still be a Christian? The answer is yes. However, a Christian does not make a lifestyle of lying and stealing.

The reason is because the grace of God saved us. Through grace we don’t have to be “perfect”. When we slip up, we misuse the name of Christ. And, people recognize it for this reason the name of God becomes blasphemy among the un-believers because of our slip ups. Still, God gives grace not to burden the believer with perfection. We learn from our mistakes to change from them.

We all begin our renewed life with the same problems we had moments before. We don't escape the effects of our life to start a new one, and the evil desires aren't zapped away. Being saved or set free of sin is to be changed in the mind, spirit, and walk to not desire, pursue, and seek to justify sinful passions. Our desire is the relentless pursuit of maturing into the image of Jesus Christ.

We can confidently say that Christ did not go around getting high on drugs. So then, we don’t do that also.

Now, I do ask what do you see in drugs? Why are you set to have drugs in your life and still think that you are not hooked? Yes, you are not a crackhead. But really what is that you are seeking to hold on to? Seriously, is the drug use our stumbling stone? Is the drug use what is holding you back from being a Christian? Is it giving you a reason or excuse? Who in your past showed you that drugs where good for you? What purpose does it serve? What are you substituting drugs for?

 

[Nostromadu]

Now, I do ask what do you see in drugs? Why are you set to have drugs in your life and still think that you are not hooked? Yes, you are not a crackhead. But really what is that you are seeking to hold on to? Seriously, is the drug use our stumbling stone? Is the drug use what is holding you back from being a Christian? Is it giving you a reason or excuse? Who in your past showed you that drugs where good for you? What purpose does it serve? What are you substituting drugs for?

I was asked similar questions from one of my christian friends. I like to experience all things - I'm open to experiencing and living life. This lead me to try drugs. I enjoyed the experience, and so I began using them recreationally. Actually, I'm not set in having drugs in my life. I just don't see how they are a sin. Just because Christ didn't do drugs doesn't make it a sin. And no, the drug use is not holding me back from being a christian, certain christians made me leave christianity. At the church I attended, almost everyone was a "fake" christian. They could care less about being kind and loving to their fellow human beings, they were just judgemental and rude. However, I have met many good christians and I have also found many on this forum as well, and I am slowly realizing that I really never knew all that much about christianity - and as such I am trying to get a clearer picture on the gray areas... hear some different opinions and see where I stand.

Actually, John, a close friend of mine showed me that drugs, when used in moderation, are not as dangerous as they are made out to be. John was a straight-A student, very intelligent, an accomplished philosopher, and very active in politics. And he was a recreational drug user. The purpose drugs serve for me is recreation. I don't use them all the time, they are more like a hobby. I have my normal friends and I have my drug friends. I hang out with my normal friends most of the time, but about once or twice a month I'll get together with my drug friends. It's really hard to explain... I don't know what the drug use is substituting, but for a time I was doing drugs while I was still a christian, and it didn't interfere at all with my faith... it was just something I did for fun. I dunno...

Anyway, sorry for the long-winded response. Thank you very much for your patience in dealing with my questions.

 

[dvd_holc]

Your welcome, and any time...

 

[rocklife]

Greetings all. I am new here... this is my first post.

Anyway, on with my question. If you don't believe in Hell are you still a christian? Or more broadly, what actually makes a Christian? What do you have to believe to be saved?

Christians do more than intellectually believe in Jesus. The bible says if we want to be His, we have to live like Jesus, and carry a cross daily.

So, look into and pray what is His cross for you, as a believer. And study more of Jesus in order to learn how to live like Him.

"This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6

 

[rocklife]

Greetings all. I am new here... this is my first post.

Anyway, on with my question. If you don't believe in Hell are you still a christian? Or more broadly, what actually makes a Christian? What do you have to believe to be saved?

the punishment for sin is death. there is punishment, I'm not sure exactly how it all will work out, but the bible talks about things, and I believe some are illustrations, and some are prophecy, so we'll see at that time what God means. I believe some of the ideas of hell may have some Greek or Roman mythology mixed in that isn't biblical. It is best if you try to look into the bible prayerfully about that for yourself.

we should be prepared and seek shelter in the Savior from sins, Jesus. Learn more of Him. Jesus saves