How would you feel if non-Christians went to heaven?

[InterestedAtheist]

Hello all,

How would you feel if nonbelievers - people from other religions and atheists - all went to heaven too?

In previous discussions in the GA forum, I've seen some Christians defend the existence of hell by saying that God must send unbelievers there; and that unbelievers would not be able to survive in heaven, or maybe would not enjoy it. Thinking about this prompted my question.

Thanks!

 

[Aceybee]

Personally, I think I'd be thrilled. I hate the thought of people missing out. I can imagine that there would be those who'd feel a bit threatened, but the Bible does say people from every nation, language and people, which allows for the diversity that perhaps there will be others.. And the God I know, waits hoping that he can maybe sneak one more into heaven.. he doesn't want to leave anyone behind, so I reckon he'll take any excuse he can find, unless they really don't want to come.
I think its more that we are going to be spending a lot of time with God, and for some people, that wouldn't be a fun experience, they don't want to be there, and he won't force them.. I don't know.. accepting him is really important, but I don't pretend to know everything.
Those are my thoughts anyway..

 

[Digit]

I think posing such a question is restructuring the entire belief system we Christians adhere to. One of my main stumbling blocks, has been the existence of purgatory. Of an eternal punishment, which I saw for a while as eternal torture. Conscious eternal anguish, shame and torment was to me, torture, not punishment. However I have come to understand this a little more and don't view it in such a way now. Although as a Christian, my heart clenches when I think about those that I have known who have died unsaved.

I would wish it upon no one.

If non-believers went to heaven, it would be a different religion. I can't really say how it would make me feel, as so many things hinge off of the fact there are consequences for not obeying The Lord. I guess I would be surprised first of all, and then immensely thankful. I hope these people could come to accept God then, when they are standing in Heaven.

Digit

 

[InterestedAtheist]

Thanks for your answers!

It does seem like it would be a different religion - but I've certainly met people who call themselves Christians, and defend their right to do so, who don't believe in hell.

Apologies, it's late in my time zone, and I'll be back tomorrow. Thanks again for the responses, and goodnight!

 

[salida]

InterestedAthiest--

Seems great- but once in awhile this is possible because if christians pray for their lost family member - sometimes God honors this and they get saved seconds before death. I know instances where this has happened.

The reality is - in most cases they arn't going to heaven. An unbeliever would like it in heaven - in a gospel it mentions someone wanting to get in heaven but they weren't dress right for the wedding feast (didn't have the Holy Spirit) - so they got thrown out into outer darkness.

Whoever claims they wouldn't like it anyway - doesn't know their scriptures or this one at least.

 

[Sketcher]

I'd be more surprised than anything. Of course, that's not going to happen, since God cannot dwell with the wicked. The only reason anybody is going to Heaven at all is that Christ forgave us, and will make us righteous.

 

[Silouan]

"God is looking for any excuse to save a man", as one Orthodox elder once said.
As it says in Ezekiel 33:11, " Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’
If all peoples of the world, Christian or otherwise, were permitted into heaven, I would rejoice for God desires life for all men.
If one looks at the idea of Hell as God casting a person into a place of fire simply because he didnt "accept Christ as his personal savior." suggests an egotistical God who demands the praise and adoration of his creation, which is not the case.
Second, if one reasons that God would not permit non-Christians into heaven because "he can not dwell with sinners", then how do you justify the incarnation where God became man and dwelt among us, or being filled with the Holy Spirit? Both of these events are examples of God dwelling among sinners.

I suppose this is enough banter for now

 

[Merlin]

Jesus is the only way.
It is by what He did that we may enjoy the Lord's presence.
He lays down the rules.
Not Christians. Not the church.
It's His place to say.
I rejoice at any He choses.

 

[rocklife]

Hello all,

How would you feel if nonbelievers - people from other religions and atheists - all went to heaven too?

In previous discussions in the GA forum, I've seen some Christians defend the existence of hell by saying that God must send unbelievers there; and that unbelievers would not be able to survive in heaven, or maybe would not enjoy it. Thinking about this prompted my question.

Thanks!

God's people are humble, if an atheist is humble and repentant, they are welcome with God, but they must be humble and repentant. We are all sinners.

But if not repentant and people want to continue sinning, they have no place with God and His people.

If I am murdered by someone here on earth, and then my murderer dies a natural death and comes to heaven, if he is apologetic and truly sorry for murdering me and has no wish to ever do such a terrible thing again, I forgive him, that is God's way. If the murderer is not repentant, and he is happy to murder me and happy to keep his habit of murdering people and wants to murder more people for fun and pleasure, there is no room in heaven for that kind of person. How is that right for the victims? it isn't, the murderer who loves to murder is to be separated. God is a good God and He knows all things, I trust His judgments

 

[Cygnus]

I'd be perfectly happy with that.

 

[039]

Even though I don't want to see anyone go to hell, knowing what I know of God's plan, I actively agree with anything God has set up, even hell, based on his nature of justice, mercy, and goodness. Call that heartless, if you will, but... that's my response.

 

[reverend B]

i would be........relieved.
if one lived by the principles that Christ taught but had never heard of Him, how could you justify casting them aside? i don't know.
if that is God's way, in the end it will be revealed to me so i understand and can stand before God in awe of His wisdom and majesty. from my puny man-sized sensibility, i do not yet understand it. so i would be.......relieved.

 

[prophecystudent]

First of all, if unbelievers go to heaven it invalidates the scriptures. The scriptures are very clear on what is required to experience salvation (spend eternity with God and Christ).

Secondly, it would mean that the horrible death suffered by Christ for our salvation was for nothing. If anybody gets to heaven without accepting Christ, then what good was Christ's suffering and death?

If the scriptures are to be believed, then it is an impossibility that unbelievers will be in heaven.

All those "peoples, nations, etc" spoken of in Ezek. refer to BELIEVERS from the groups named in the scripture. It does not mean that anybody, regardless of their belief, experiences salvation.

Fred

 

[GottaBeMare]

I'm really disappointed more of you aren't thrilled at the very thought of having the non-Christians you know and love joining you in Heaven. What could be more wonderful? I know many, many, many wonderful non-Christians and it's hard sometimes on my faith to think that they will be punished despite how well they may have lived their lives.

 

[039]

GottabeMare, again, though I would like everyone to go to heaven, wanting that which goes against the will of God doesn't make sense to me. It's up to Him anyhow.

 

[heron]

The more the merrier.

 

[OldChurchGuy]

Hello all,

How would you feel if nonbelievers - people from other religions and atheists - all went to heaven too?

In previous discussions in the GA forum, I've seen some Christians defend the existence of hell by saying that God must send unbelievers there; and that unbelievers would not be able to survive in heaven, or maybe would not enjoy it. Thinking about this prompted my question.

Thanks!

Along with the majority of posts, I like to think I would be pleased to see unbelievers in heaven. I would probably be a bit confused and, if so, would start looking for the lecture entitled "God explains it all"

Put another way, decisions on eternal judgment are God's domain, not mine.

OldChurchGuy

 

[heron]

There's an interesting contrast to your question --

But beware of the false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inside they are plundering wolves. From their fruits you shall know them. Do they gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?

Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but the ones who do the will of My Father in Heaven.

Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many works of power? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; "depart from Me, those working lawlessness!"



- From Matthew 7​

 

[MikeMcK]

Hello all,

How would you feel if nonbelievers - people from other religions and atheists - all went to heaven too?

I would love for everyone to go to Heaven. That's why I preach the Gospel the way I do.

Unfortunately, God says that unrighteousness cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven and we are unrighteous because of our sins.

I have to wonder, though, why they would want to spend eternity worshipping and fellowshipping with God, when they've spent their whole lives rebelling against Him.

 

[InterestedAtheist]

Thank you all for your answers! Most interesting.

This isn't a debate forum, so I won't say much about them, just that I'm glad to have had the responses.

If this were a debate forum, I'd point out that I've never rebelled against anyone in my life, and know no atheist who ever has.