Help me

[Fin1234]

Ok, I am not a christian. I left to sunday school when I was 5 and have never looked back. I live my life in a more taoist way but I only relaised a couple of weeks ago that my philosiphy does not comply with that of christians.

In my time have done some VERY sinful things. e.g as a joke making a satanic comment to a catholic friend of mine. As a result I want to repent for the things I have done; yet I still do not fully believe in the christian ideal. Will I go to hell for this?


I am a martial artist. I have met bouncers, soldiers and some very unsavoury characters who have intentionaly or unintentialy killed a man. The majority of them are friendly caring poeple: some of which, I look up to. Although they are moral people will they go to hell? Will the billions dead in ww1/2 go to hell becuase of thier part in the war? Will the masses who worshiped pagan gods before christianity go to hell?

Please I want the light of jesus and to go to heaven I just refuse to belive that many brilliant people I know and the trillions that I don't will/have gone to hell.

please enlighten me.

 

[PrettyLittlePrincess]

Some your questions require more of a knowledge of theology than I'm able to put into words, so I'll let someone else answer this.

What I will say, though, is that we aren't the judges here.All sins are forgivable, except blasphemy against te Holy Spirit, but the most important thing here is that we don't always know what goes on between God and people like the soldiers, or the other morally good people that aren't Christians, as they die. Accepting Jesus is the only way to Heaven, yes, but it's really not for us to decide or know who does that and when. God knows their hearts and souls, and what goes on in them, better than we can ever hope to, so only He knows that.


I think I should also say that God doesn't send people to Hell. God is everything good (my 6th grade math teacher always said the word "is" is the same as an = sign, meaning the two things on either side are one-in-the-same, so it's cool to think of it like that), above and beyond the examples of "good" that we know on Earth, to a point that we just can't comprehend. All the bad things in the world come from the things that separate us from Him i.e. anger, greed, etc. We're human, not God, so we all have these things in us, and no matter what we do, they will show themselves. But by acknowledging that and asking for forgiveness, we grow closer to God again. People who stay away from Him in life continue to stay away from Him in death. Earth is the middle ground, kind of, where both good and evil exist, so by choosing the path that is everything good (God), people set themselves up to continue that when they die and go to Heaven to be in the presence of everything good and loving and peaceful, which is God. When people choose not to allow this "everything good" into their hearts (through the acceptance of Jesus Christ, who is the method God gave us for coming back to Him) they never have that light of goodness that is above everything else and that comes from God. It separates them from that piece of God that goes into your heart when you accept Him, so since they're separated from God in life, so they will be in death. God allows you free will to choose that for yourself. It has to be that way, because if it wasn't, none of it would be genuine. God loves everyone more than we can possibly imagine, so it must pain Him more than us to see people staying away from Him in life and going to that torment after Death.

And, as a Christian, I admit it hurts to think that some people will never accept Christ and be tormented like that. I don't want that to happen to anyone, least of all the generally good non-Christians that I know, but it doesn't make it any less true.

I hope this made sense somehow. If not, I'm sure someone else can answer it much better than me. You say you want the light of Jesus and to go to Heaven, so keep following that. God will take that desire and work with it in due time if you just listen to Him. He'll make it make sense to you, if that's what you need. I'll keep you in my prayers. God bless.

 

[Fin1234]

thank you for replying.

So you are saying that good non christians however morale will be damned. I have always loved budhist teachings and meditation has always calmed me when I was deppressed, but if what you are saying is true then I feel sorry for all my MA teacher's who have tuaght me loads, about combat, respect, values and being a nice person, but are still going to hell. I'm actually nearly in tears over this.

I guess my renewed question is "what happened to the religion of everlasting peace and love?".

 

[RomanumCatholicam]

Hey Fin1234
Yes unfortunatly those who did not believe, and those who today do not believe, are damned and going to hell, however, our God is a loving and just God, He will not send a good person to hell if they have never heard the gospel or of Christ, such as some undiscovered tribe of people living in the Amazon jungle, for example. But the truth is this, there is no other way to heaven except through Christ, you must repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If, as you say, do truly love your friends and MA teachers, then you as a Christian, if you become one, should preach the Gospel of Christ to them, you should save them from the fires of hell. Christianity is a peaceful religion, but remember Jesus's words concerning the end of the world, father will turn against son, mother against daughter, brother against brother, or something like that. Anyway the point is, we are living in the end times, yes some Christians are very judgemental, but people make mistakes, there is going to be alot of fighting between religions, but this fact will never change, Jesus loves you, He died for your sins to be for given, accept Him as your Lord and Savior and you will go to heaven, if you don't you will be judged according to what you have done, and according to Romans: For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. If you want to go to heaven you can only get there by Jesus. I hope this helps you, God bless and may He guide you to His awesome power.

 

[PrettyLittlePrincess]

thank you for replying.

So you are saying that good non christians however morale will be damned. I have always loved budhist teachings and meditation has always calmed me when I was deppressed, but if what you are saying is true then I feel sorry for all my MA teacher's who have tuaght me loads, about combat, respect, values and being a nice person, but are still going to hell. I'm actually nearly in tears over this.

I guess my renewed question is "what happened to the religion of everlasting peace and love?".

Well, yes, the only way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ. We don't know how many people come to Christ in their final thoughts, or private thoughts, or how God decides to judge the people that never learn of Jesus. We can make assumptions, and people who know more about the technicalities of Christianity than I do may be able to tell you that, but I don't think there's really any way of ever knowing.

As for everlasting peace and love, it is. Like I said, it hurts God and Christians to see people not coming to God and experiencing all that means for our lives here on Earth and in Heaven, because we do love those people. I know in my case there are non-Christians I don't like because they're so full of anger and pride or whatever (Christians like that too) that they're hard to be around, but they're miserable here and will suffer through that misery for the rest of their lives here--it's not all about Heaven and Hell--- and for eternity if they don't open up to Christ and allow all of His goodness in. I don't mean that to condemn them, because, more than anything, they're suffering, some more than others of course. Another reason I don't condemn them is that I'm not better than they are. All sin is the same in the eyes of God, and we are all sinners.

So, anyway, back to what makes it loving and peaceful is that the goal of God isn't to send people to Hell,it's to save them from sending themselves there, so the goal of Christians should not be to go around telling people they're condemned to Hell. As Christians, we should want to bring people to this goodness and light that we've found, and telling people they're going to Hell is just going to make them afraid or angry and drive them more away, which is not what God or anyone wants. Not to mention, it's not loving, and it's not our place judge. Some Christians are misguided in that, yes, but it's not Christianity, or faith, that's to blame. My greatest prayer in life is that my life will reflect my love for Jesus and, much more importantly, His love for me so that others can see how good He is and seek Him out for themselves. It's truly indescribable. So, that's the love you're asking about, I hope.

 

[Fin1234]

hmm. I now feel discouraged.

Becuase if heaven does exsist; then how can I feel happy in heaven when I know that the majority of my family, friends and people I respect are in pain?

 

[calidog]

chances are they'll be in heaven if you are.

 

[Fin1234]

what do you mean? that becuase I have turned to jesus for salvation they will be saved too.

another question: my dad believes in a god, heaven and jesus, however he rejects the idea of hell and damnation/ does this class him as a heretic and going to hell?

 

[calidog]

Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

You'll be a witness to them.

If your dad believes in God and Jesus he's going to heaven.

 

[PrettyLittlePrincess]

hmm. I now feel discouraged.

Becuase if heaven does exsist; then how can I feel happy in heaven when I know that the majority of my family, friends and people I respect are in pain?

I've wondered that too, not my family really because they're all Christians too, but other people. The best I can offer is that Heaven is so much in the presence of God, that it's free from all suffering, including worry. I can't wrap my mind around that, but I have faith that it's true. It a huge leap of faith, yes, but I would be no comfort to them in Hell-- I can't wrap my mind around that kind of suffering-- so any worrying would be fruitless, I guess? So, while I'm still here, I'm just going to focus on the fact that I want everyone to know the true happiness that comes from God and go to Heaven too. I pray about it, along with many other things of course, and just try to live my life as much as possible in a way that reflects the goodness of God.

They could be influenced by you. God could use you in their lives, if that's what He's working on in your life.

 

[aiki]

Ok, I am not a christian. I left to sunday school when I was 5 and have never looked back. I live my life in a more taoist way but I only relaised a couple of weeks ago that my philosiphy does not comply with that of christians.

Yes, Taoism is in some very basic and crucial respects totally different from Christianity.

In my time have done some VERY sinful things. e.g as a joke making a satanic comment to a catholic friend of mine. As a result I want to repent for the things I have done; yet I still do not fully believe in the christian ideal. Will I go to hell for this?

It is never sin (no matter how bad) that keeps us out of heaven, but our refusal to repent of it and accept Christ as our Saviour.

I don't know which part of the "Christian ideal" you don't believe in, so it isn't possible to say for sure if you are going to Hell for those parts which you don't believe.

I am a martial artist.

Hey, me too! I've been practicing and teaching Aikido (and a little Systema) for many years.

I have met bouncers, soldiers and some very unsavoury characters who have intentionaly or unintentialy killed a man. The majority of them are friendly caring poeple: some of which, I look up to. Although they are moral people will they go to hell?

God doesn't want us to be moral, but perfect, just as He is. "God is light," the Bible says, "and in Him is no darkness at all." (1 Jn. 1:5) He demands that you and I "be perfect as He is perfect" (Matt. 5:48) in order to have fellowship with Him. Being moral with a few bad spots isn't going to cut it with God. Nothing less than His faultless, holy standard will do.

Will the billions dead in ww1/2 go to hell becuase of thier part in the war?

Not the ones who trusted in Christ as their Saviour.

Will the masses who worshiped pagan gods before christianity go to hell?

Yes, except those who turned to faith in the God of the Israelites.

Please I want the light of jesus and to go to heaven I just refuse to belive that many brilliant people I know and the trillions that I don't will/have gone to hell.

Here is the blunt, awful truth, friend:

"Enter you in at the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be who go in thereat: because narrow is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be who find it." (Matt. 7:13, 14)

Brilliance, cheerfulness, even kindness doesn't qualify us for Heaven. Many people of this sort have gone to Hell; for none of them were perfect. The Bible tells us there is only one who can make us perfect and acceptable to God: Jesus Christ.

"...if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Ro. 10:9, 10)

"For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Ga. 3:26, 27)

"And you who were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind (toward God) by wicked works, yet now has he (Christ) reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy, and unblamable, and unreprovable in His sight. .." (Col. 1:21, 22)

please enlighten me

This only God can do. I can tell you the truth, as I have done above, but only God can enlighten you as to it's reality.

Peace to you.

 

[Fin1234]

Thank you all!

I will continue with meditation as I do not see it as going against god, but I am going to make an effort to read the bible, and attend church occasionaly . Thank you so much everyone, you have taken a huge wieght of my mind.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

 

[ralangley]

I know I'll probably be tossed out for saying this, but not all Christians believe in hell in the traditional way. Many of us will never reconcile the idea of a loving, merciful God with a condemning, vengeful God.
And for as many biblical references in support of hell, there are as many or more refuting it. Depends on your intepretation and how the Holy Spirit leads you. So in my opinion, the threat of hell is more a deterrent to seeking God than the promise of oneness with Him. No matter. Some people strongly believe in hell and that's okay. I don't.

I do believe that we can reach God only through Jesus. I say this as a former New Ager with years of mystical experiences under my belt. Nothing compares to the power of the Holy Spirit and the healing power of God's presence. New Age mysticism exalted me; Jesus in my life redeemed me and saved my soul.

I'm glad you're questioning your beliefs. I went through the same process and ending up asking Jesus into my heart. I might not be a traditional Christian, but I am a servant of God. I know eternal life with God awaits me.

 

[Fin1234]

I know I'll probably be tossed out for saying this, but not all Christians believe in hell in the traditional way. Many of us will never reconcile the idea of a loving, merciful God with a condemning, vengeful God.
And for as many biblical references in support of hell, there are as many or more refuting it. Depends on your intepretation and how the Holy Spirit leads you. So in my opinion, the threat of hell is more a deterrent to seeking God than the promise of oneness with Him. No matter. Some people strongly believe in hell and that's okay. I don't.

I do believe that we can reach God only through Jesus. I say this as a former New Ager with years of mystical experiences under my belt. Nothing compares to the power of the Holy Spirit and the healing power of God's presence. New Age mysticism exalted me; Jesus in my life redeemed me and saved my soul.

I'm glad you're questioning your beliefs. I went through the same process and ending up asking Jesus into my heart. I might not be a traditional Christian, but I am a servant of God. I know eternal life with God awaits me.

yes! That is exactly what I'm getting at.

I have realised that christian religon apart from muslims etc are about the only religon with hell.

I don't think that a religion like this. That has such a positive effect on people could possibly have something so terrible like hell for those who messed up in the religion department.

Thank you everyone!!

 

[aiki]

I don't think that a religion like this. That has such a positive effect on people could possibly have something so terrible like hell for those who messed up in the religion department.

John 3:36 - "...he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him."

John 3:18 - "He who believes on him is not condemned: but he who believes not is condemned already..."

Rev 21:8 - "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone..."

God hates sin. He absolutely hates it. He will have nothing to do with sin except to judge it. This is because, above all, God is holy. And Hell, rather than being an expression of meanness on God's part, is actually an expression of His holiness and justice. Never forget: God is not only or even mainly love. As Scripture tell us, God is, first and foremost, "Holy, holy, holy."

If you want to read a bit more about the Hell issue, take a look at my last couple of blog entries.

Peace to you.

 

[Fin1234]

Well I can't believe in it. All I know is; if I am sorry for my sins, reprent, pray and believe in god and jesus I will be fine.

Basically if you accept jesus and follow the teachings you will do well.

The bible does not say its a sin to not fear hell or think about it every 5 minutes. Fact is: god loves all of us beyond belief, and to me holy means good, and good does not mean torture people.

 

[BonnieBee]

We are judged on the light that we have been given. If someone grows up and learns about something that is not of Christ, but doesn't realise that Christ died for them, they are not judged on that, but rather on their knowledge of good and evil.
Only God can judge who will be with Him and who will not... It isn't up to us to say anything...

 

[Digit]

I think a study of hell will reveal much, as it's not quite the hollywood version of things that we seem to have adopted. ie Devils torturing people for eternity with no hope of salvation.

Digit

 

[RomanumCatholicam]

Woah! People Hell is a real place and you definitly don't want to end up going there. God is a perfect God and if He says He is going to punish you if you don't obey Him, then there is definitly going to be a punishment for heretics. God doesn't lie, and His judgement is perfect. The moment Christians start doubting a belief in hell, is exactly what the devil wants!!! Hell is real don't be fooled by satan!

 

[aiki]

The bible does not say its a sin to not fear hell or think about it every 5 minutes. Fact is: god loves all of us beyond belief, and to me holy means good, and good does not mean torture people.

I don't think anyone who is saved should spend any time at all fearing Hell.

Your definition of "holy" is not complete. For the Christian, holiness is defined by God. We don't decide what the definition is and then demand God live up to it. He is not accountable to us; we are accountable to Him.

It's been said that the gates of Hell are locked from the inside. If people are tormented in Hell, it is by their own choosing. God would much rather they'd chosen Him.

Peace to you.