Hello

[Aej30146862]

I'm not really into religion, but I am into hearing about other people's points of view when it comes to what's right and wrong, even if it is against their religious beliefs.

During the past couple of weeks, I've done some minor research on the Christian religion (among other things) and how it works. Even though I don't buy into some of the ideas it holds, I like what it's all about.

Really, 2 of the main reasons why I registered for this forum is to find out about Hell and to get answers, so let me get to the point.

1. Even if your a good person who respects other people, do you still have to go to Hell because of your religion?

2. I don't like the idea that God allows people to burn in Hell for eternity...Is there some information behind that that I don't know about?

3. How does God expect people to follow his path if he never shows any sign that he exist?

and Finnaly...

4. This may sound extremely stupid, but can a Demon from Hell be converted?

 

[Orchids]

I'm not sure I can answer your questions to your satisfaction, but here goes:

1. Repentance is necessary for salvation.
2. Orthodox belief is God is omnipresent, even in hell, and God's love is always there. We do not know the exact place that hell is, as we believe that is a mystery.
3. The creation is the sign that God exists.
4. Orthodox do not put a limit on God's mercy and forgiveness - but if I have to make a guess, probably not. However, we leave the final decision up to God.

None of your questions are "stupid" - by the way.

 

[Aej30146862]

People ridicule me because of my differences. They mock me for my traits and taunt me for of my imperfections. Even my own friends do this because they have what I don't.

Years later, I'm still trying to hang on to every last possible hope. They're still the same hateful people they've always been.

Just because they go to church means they have a better chance of being accepted into Heaven?

If that's how it goes, then Hell has always been my destiny, as much as I hate it.

 

[Orchids]

Oh my, that sounds perfectly awful, to me. I have had some extremely horrid experiences with previous churches I've been to. Each denomination has their differences.

Finding forgiveness and mercy from God is really quite simple, and the salvation comes through Jesus Christ. Just read what Jesus had to say in the New Testament, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Don't just go on what your friends say, because Jesus said it much better - and more complete, I think.

 

[Jesusizthe1]

People ridicule me because of my differences. They mock me for my traits and taunt me for of my imperfections. Even my own friends do this because they have what I don't.

Years later, I'm still trying to hang on to every last possible hope. They're still the same hateful people they've always been.

Just because they go to church means they have a better chance of being accepted into Heaven?

If that's how it goes, then Hell has always been my destiny, as much as I hate it.

Your friends have their own inperfections, because no one is perfect. I don't understand why you would call them your friends if they are so hateful to you. You need to surround yourself with people that appreciate you for your differences and won't ridicule you for them. No, they do not have a better chance at heaven than you do just because they go to church. Salvation is available to all people whether you go to church or not. It does not have to be your destiny, you can choose that for yourself.

 

[jessesgirl]

Thread moved to QBNC by staff. Thread clean up has occurred. Enjoy!

 

[Adstar]

I'm not really into religion, but I am into hearing about other people's points of view when it comes to what's right and wrong, even if it is against their religious beliefs.

During the past couple of weeks, I've done some minor research on the Christian religion (among other things) and how it works. Even though I don't buy into some of the ideas it holds, I like what it's all about.

Really, 2 of the main reasons why I registered for this forum is to find out about Hell and to get answers, so let me get to the point.

1. Even if your a good person who respects other people, do you still have to go to Hell because of your religion?

Good is a term that humans use when they refer to people who are nice most of the time. But to God the term Good means perfect. Clearly no human is perfect so no human is good from the viewpoint of God.

i believe people will go to an eternity in the Lake of Fire for rejecting Jesus as their Savior.

2. I don't like the idea that God allows people to burn in Hell for eternity...Is there some information behind that that I don't know about?

The source behind that is the Bible.

3. How does God expect people to follow his path if he never shows any sign that he exist?

He has through the scriptures.

and Finnaly...

4. This may sound extremely stupid, but can a Demon from Hell be converted?

Well demons are not from Hell, but anyway. There is nothing in scriptures that state that any such conversion ever happens.


All Praise The Ancient Of Days

 

[MrFreshdew]

hi
Aej30146862

make sure u read the bible 4 yerself

john 3:16
john 8:12
romans 6:23
romans 10:8-15

enjoy the read

 

[salida]

God doesn't send people to hell but go there because they reject the true and living God. Jesus died for our sins so that mankind can be saved spiritually. Its like a guy drowning but swims 20 more feet away from the true branch (Christ) to get saved. He wants a branch that can't save him.

God has shown himself alone in His creation. Go to www.reasons.org - its about science and belief. All religions can't be true at the same time - because they are vastly different. Yes, I have studied other religions and none come close to these characteristics. The true one has the most intellectual evidence behind it even though its a spiritual decision. Also, Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell (it would stand up in a court of law).

The bible has hundreds of detailed prophesies that have come true and more to be fulfilled. Only a God could have written it because of its characteristics not even counting prophesy.

Biblical Evidence – This is a very small amount of information
out of large amounts of information out there.

Internal Evidences-Prophesies that are confirmed with Bible;

mentioning only a few – but there are hundreds.

Life of Christ
The Tribe of Judah, Gen. 49:10, Luke 3:23-28
(Genesis was written 4004 BC to 1689 BC)
(Luke’s time period is 60-70 AD)

Royal Line of David, Jer 23:5, Matt 1:1
(Jeremiah 760 to 698 BC)/(Matthew 60-70 AD)

Born of a Virgin, Isaiah 7:14/Matt 1:18-23
(Isaiah 760 to 698 BC)/(60-70 AD)

Rise of Empires
In the book of Daniel, Chapter 2 – four kingdoms are described in the interpretation
of the dream of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greek – Daniel 8:21, 10:20/ and a fourth great kingdom to follow which was part iron and clay – which is the
Roman Empire – during this empire, Christ came and the church was established – Daniel 2:44.

Historical Accuracy

The Bible is loaded with historical statements concerning events of hundreds of years ago, yet
none of them has been proven to be incorrect.
(Bible compared to other ancient documents)
New Testament – starts at 25 years – between the original and surviving copies
Homer- starts at 500 years/Demosthenes – at 1400 years/Plato – at 1200 years/
Caesar – at 1000 years

Number of Manuscript Copies

New Testament – 5,686/Homer – 643/Demosthenes – 200/Plato – 7/Caesar – 10

Consistency – Written by 40 men over a period of time exceeding 1400 years, and has no
Internal inconsistencies.



Claim of Inspiration- It claims to be spoken by God, 2 Tim 3:16-17). No other religious book makes such claims.


External Evidences

(Prophesies Outside the Bible)
These cities were prophesied to be destroyed and never to be built again- and they haven’t.
Niveveh – Nahum 1:10, 3:7, 15, Zephaniah 2:13-14
Babylon – Isaiah 13:1-22
Tyre -Ezekiel 26:1-28

Bible before Science

He hangs the earth on nothing – Job 26:7
(Job was written at least 1000 years ago – some scholars think it could have been even 3000
years ago)
Note: Man only knew the above for 350 years.
Earth is a sphere – Isaiah 40:22/Air has weight – Job 28:25/
Gravity – Job 26:7, Job 38: 31-33/Winds blow in cyclones, Eccl 1:6

Documents that Prove Bible is True

Gilgamesh Epic, The Sumerian King List, Mari Tablets, Babylonian Chronicles

Archealogical Evidence (Still adding to this list today- it hasn’t stopped)
Excavations of Ur, Location of Zoar, Ziggurats and the foundation of Tower of Babel

 

[Lukaris]

Perhaps one approach to getting a foothold in the Bible & the Christian faith would be to read Romans chptrs 1 & 2 in which St. Paul outlines the condition of man in sin after the fall from Eden. Then read chptr 7 in Acts; St. Stephen's testimony & overview of the Old Testament covenant & his martyrdom which mirrors that of Jesus Christ. Then to get the core of the Gospel, read Matthew 5, 6, & 7. Now go to the Gospel of John & read chptr 1 & note how Jesus Christ is God, the witness of St. John the baptist, how God became man (1:14), & the call to the apostles. Now as far as hell, well it is real but scripture shows our Saviour regards people in their hearts too: reread Matthew 5:3-12 (the Beatitudes), read Luke 10:25-37 (the good Samaritan), & then Matthew 25:31-46. Lastly read Matthew 22:34-40 & John 3:16. Hope this is helpful and God bless.

 

[zaksmummy]

People dont go to heaven because they go to church they go because they have accepted the salvation that Jesus offers and live a life pleasing to him.

The Apostle Paul says that if I speak with the tongues of men and angels but have no love then I am nothing. Thats in 1 Corinthians 13 - its a chapter about how we should show people love, not the wishy washy here today and gone tomorrow type of love, but the love that God has that endures forever.

Catrin xx

 

[Stinker]

I'm not really into religion, but I am into hearing about other people's points of view when it comes to what's right and wrong, even if it is against their religious beliefs.

During the past couple of weeks, I've done some minor research on the Christian religion (among other things) and how it works. Even though I don't buy into some of the ideas it holds, I like what it's all about.

Really, 2 of the main reasons why I registered for this forum is to find out about Hell and to get answers, so let me get to the point.

1. Even if your a good person who respects other people, do you still have to go to Hell because of your religion?

2. I don't like the idea that God allows people to burn in Hell for eternity...Is there some information behind that that I don't know about?

3. How does God expect people to follow his path if he never shows any sign that he exist?

and Finnaly...

4. This may sound extremely stupid, but can a Demon from Hell be converted?

Feels to me that you are very much in tune to God's moral law that we are all born with. It always leads the person to God's word: the New Testament. Though most choose to reject it.

The fear of future eternal punishment is what seems to get most unbelievers to respond. I think these people are the ones that have given themselves the opportunity to understand the the Lord the He wants to be understood. The ones who do not respond have chosen to understand the Lord the way Satan wants then to understand God.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

You are asking questions that even scholars have struggled with for centuries. Many here have given you advice; some good, some not so good. Here's mine:

The Bible is known as the 'word' of God, but it is more; it is the 'words' of God; God speaking in print.

If you really want answers ask God himself. Of course this isn't easy because when you begin to listen to God, you listen. God's sermon to you begins in Genesis and ends in Revelation. So sit down, shut up, open the book, and read what God has been saying to man for thousands of years.

You may even have your questions answered.

owg

P.S. Don't rely on others to tell you what God has said. They have no clue because they haven't read it.

 

[visionary]

I'm not really into religion, but I am into hearing about other people's points of view when it comes to what's right and wrong, even if it is against their religious beliefs.

During the past couple of weeks, I've done some minor research on the Christian religion (among other things) and how it works. Even though I don't buy into some of the ideas it holds, I like what it's all about.

Really, 2 of the main reasons why I registered for this forum is to find out about Hell and to get answers, so let me get to the point.

1. Even if your a good person who respects other people, do you still have to go to Hell because of your religion?

Being a good person does and does not prepare you to meet God. Sin burns in the presence of God. God loves you, but if sin is part of you or clings to you, you may find it difficult to be in His Presence. That is why He warns, and He wants to meet you in a way that can prepare you to live with Him.

2. I don't like the idea that God allows people to burn in Hell for eternity...Is there some information behind that that I don't know about?

Just like any other object in a fire, humans do burn up. Just like Sodom which was burned up with fire and brimstone, the results last for eternity, but the fire itself has gone out.

3. How does God expect people to follow his path if he never shows any sign that he exist?

There is a promise in the Bible that He will meet with you... Rev 3:20.

I would pray and read the Bible to find out how everyone else in the Bible meet with God, and what did they do to prepare to meet Him, and what did they see, hear and experience. I would pray to God to have the same experience. I would pray for God to lead you through the Bible and teach you how to prepare to meet a Holy God. That is where the problem is. God is Holy.

Sin burns up in the presence of God. God doesn't want you to burn up. God figured out a way that He can meet with you. You have to give up all your sins though, all of them, even your secret favorite ones. He is worth it. Think about specific sins that you need forgiven.

Ask God to forgive you of them, then ask God to show you more sins, and ask to be forgiven those. If you do not understand how they can be sins, ask God to show you the sinfulness of them. He will open your mind to understand the tentricles of sins and how deep they mangle all of life.

Keep working on getting God to remove all your sins, until He places the robe of righteousness on you. Then you will be ready to meet God. He will come then and talk to you. He is real and He is all that He says He is.

and Finnaly...

4. This may sound extremely stupid, but can a Demon from Hell be converted?[/QUOTE]

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

1. Even if your a good person who respects other people, do you still have to go to Hell because of your religion?

2. I don't like the idea that God allows people to burn in Hell for eternity...Is there some information behind that that I don't know about?

A lot of modern Christians are really wrapped up in this idea of 'punishment for not following the rules. This is a new idea that is especially popular in America, but it's not the traditional Christian mentality.

We do good things because they bring us closer to God- God is goodness. They make us happier, better people. Evil people are miserable, good people are happy- everyone can see this.
The rules don't exist as some 'test' to take while on Earth, passing which gets us into Heaven. The 'rules' are there to help and guide us to becoming better people. They perfect who were are.

People go to hell because they spend their lifetime rejecting the good- the things that make us happy. They are obsessed with themselves and despise other people. There's no time after death- so whomever you are when you die is who you remain. Hell is a place for people that reject God and other people. They want to be separate from others and that is where they remain- continually and permanently unhappy.

3. How does God expect people to follow his path if he never shows any sign that he exist?

God is love and truth- and we see things every day. Some people reject the idea of real love and real truth. We can't comprehend God in our lifetime- but He makes Himself available to see every day in every little act- we just choose to ignore it. He's deep within our hearts, calling out to us- but He never forces us to listen.

4. This may sound extremely stupid, but can a Demon from Hell be converted?

No. As stated above, time is something that exists within our universe- not outside of it where angels and demons exist. Because there is no time, when God created the angels (a nice name we give to beings which are purely spiritual, not spiritual and physical like humans, or only physical like animals).. they shaped themselves in an instant.

Our lives are like a canvas, we add brushstrokes over time and a work of art is continually created. When we die, that artwork is complete and can not be changed. For the angels, they don't exist within time, so that painting is made in one instant. They also have a kind of perfect intellect- which means they don't need to 'think' about things, nor are they restricted by the flaws we have as human beings.
When many of the angels were created, they decided to follow their own will and not God's. Satan wasn't hanging around in Heaven and decided one day to go against God. He has always gone against God, since that moment he was made.

Human beings are different, because we exist in time and have the capacity for change. Change is necessary because we need to 'figure things out'. We make mistakes, but we can correct them. Angels don't 'make mistakes'- they make fully conscience decisions.

 

[Emmy]

Dear Aej30146862. You had some good replies, and may I join? God loves us ALL, He made us in His image, we are His Own. When Jesus was on Earth, He showed us how God is really, a loving Heavenly Father, who wants us back again. Jesus reconciled us to God, and Jesus told us to Repent, to exchange our selfish and wilful natures, into loving and caring selflessly, for our fellow-beings. Jesus will help and guide us all the way, we just have to ask in prayer. Hell is for Satan and his followers, and I do not believe that a Demon would ask God for forgiveness, not if he is a satanic being. May I point out strongly, Aej, Jesus died for all of us, for you as well as for me, and for all Mankind. Jesus died, that we might live. I say this with humility and love, and send greetings. Emmy, sister in Christ.

 

[ebia]

I'm not really into religion, but I am into hearing about other people's points of view when it comes to what's right and wrong, even if it is against their religious beliefs.

During the past couple of weeks, I've done some minor research on the Christian religion (among other things) and how it works. Even though I don't buy into some of the ideas it holds, I like what it's all about.

Really, 2 of the main reasons why I registered for this forum is to find out about Hell and to get answers, so let me get to the point.

As long as you understand that hell isn't central. The bible is about the Kingdom of God, and while the possibility of people choosing not to be part of that is ever present, the bible doesn't say much directly about what that will mean except through some (often misunderstood/mistranslated metaphors). The traditional image of people buring in eternal firery torment owes more to medieval fantasy than the bible.

1. Even if your a good person who respects other people, do you still have to go to Hell because of your religion?

In order to be part of the Kingdom of God people need to be made fit for it - otherwise they wouldn't cope and neither would it. God will give them every chance, but ultimately if they refuse to accept Jesus' transformative Lordship then they cannot be part of the Kingdom of God.

2. I don't like the idea that God allows people to burn in Hell for eternity...Is there some information behind that that I don't know about?

Most of the metaphors for those who exclude themselves are of stuff being thrown on a fire that burns them up (chaff on the winnowing fire, prunings on the bonfire, rubbish on Jerusalem's ever-smoldering rubbish tip). The fires might be 'eternal', but the thing is burned up quickly and gone.

3. How does God expect people to follow his path if he never shows any sign that he exist?

Maybe you are looking for the wrong sort of sign.

4. This may sound extremely stupid, but can a Demon from Hell be converted?

I'm guessing not by definition. It (not he) wouldn't be a demon if it could. "Demons" aren't people, but ultimately sub-human powers. When there is no more evil in the world, there will be no more "demons".

 

[visionary]

It was explained to me that the reason that angels were not offered redemption is because they had already partaken of the fruit of eternal life, and man had not. Man is still given the option, angels (demons/devils) make an eternal selection without any redemption offered. Our redemption offer comes with the option of eternal life (eating of the fruit of the tree of life) which we have yet to get a bite of.