Question about monotheism...

[thedream233]

Christians believe that no one can be saved except by accepting Jesus as their lord and savior, and that Jesus is God. They also believe that there is only one God. If other monotheists consider God their lord and savior, does that means they will get into heaven because they have accepted the one and only God into their lives?

 

[FrAnthony]

Christians believe that no one can be saved except by accepting Jesus as their lord and savior, and that Jesus is God. They also believe that there is only one God. If other monotheists consider God their lord and savior, does that means they will get into heaven because they have accepted the one and only God into their lives?

To answer your question simply, I'll say "no" as a generic response, but recognize at the same time that salvation is God's judgment alone. In the Gospel of Saint John, Chapter 14, verse 6, Jesus Christ tells us that "no one comes to the Father except by me". For this reason, Christianity is required of us and not simply believing in some unknown "above all" God. Again, this is not judgement. It's simply what we were told by Jesus Christ, and we believe it.

 

[Merlin]

There are 3 distinct aspects of God.
We humans, trying to understand that which is not human, describe God with our limited understanding.

God Himself describes Himself in human-like terms too.

God the father, for instance.
God describes Himself as a loving father.
Jesus, a Son. Dedicated to His loving father.
Jesus describes Himself as the Son of God.
Then sometimes the Bible refers to the 'Spirit' of God.

Father-Son-Spirit
Three distinct aspects of the one God

We (who choose to be Christians) are described as a bride, so that we can understand our relation to God
We have a choice and must 'say I do'. we are not married by de fault or birth.
Heaven is more or less our home that our husband will take us to.

All metaphors to help us understand better.


GOD is a generic term, like Mister.
Accepting any old Mister would not get one to 'heaven'
Accepting any old 'Jesus' is not enough either.
There are thousands of men named Jesus.

Metaphorically speaking, we must marry the right man (Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph and Mary) in order to live with Him.

.

 

[ebia]

Christians believe that no one can be saved except by accepting Jesus as their lord and savior, and that Jesus is God. They also believe that there is only one God. If other monotheists consider God their lord and savior, does that means they will get into heaven because they have accepted the one and only God into their lives?

None of us have anything approaching a perfect understanding of God. I trust God to deal justly and mercifully with those who are genuinely seeking God but who's knowledge of him is flawed.

 

[EmbracingHim]

Christians believe that no one can be saved except by accepting Jesus as their lord and savior, and that Jesus is God. They also believe that there is only one God. If other monotheists consider God their lord and savior, does that means they will get into heaven because they have accepted the one and only God into their lives?

There is only 'one' true God. It is not being a monotheist that will get one to heaven, but God's decision that a person will enter or not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Gods (there are many) are identified and worshipped exclusively. For example, Baal in scripture was a triune god and he was worshipped by some in ancient eras as the one god. The trouble with this is that if a god is worshipped...yet the god is not a god...how can the god whether baal or a golden calf have the power to save?

See my point? We must identify Christ for Him to recognize us. Scriptures point out that many will 'think' they are doing works in the name of Christ, but in the end Christ will not recognize these ones who failed in their hearts to recognize Him (they were called workers of lawlessness as they recognized there works...yet did they know that it was but by grace (God's love for us or literally translated...grace = undeserved kindness) that Christ has come?). Different gods have different teachings.

Hugs.

 

[EmbracingHim]

None of us have anything approaching a perfect understanding of God. I trust God to deal justly and mercifully with those who are genuinely seeking God but who's knowledge of him is flawed.

This is a good point. Apostle Paul wrote that we could have the faith to move mountains and we could know all the mysteries of the world...but without 'love' it is nothing.

What is important for us to know is in the Bible. Don't allow anything else to become a stumbling block that gets in the way of accurate knowledge as is important as far as our salvation. Hugs.

 

[Rafael]

Christians believe that no one can be saved except by accepting Jesus as their lord and savior, and that Jesus is God. They also believe that there is only one God. If other monotheists consider God their lord and savior, does that means they will get into heaven because they have accepted the one and only God into their lives?

The Bible tells us that we are created in the "image of God". We possess our souls that He gave us, and the experience we have in life shows us who God is in many ways if we take the time to look deeply at the gift we have and take more than passing interest. God speaks of Himself in plural from the very begining of scripture, as "us", when saying, "let us make man in our image" (Gen.1:26), and must have thought it bad for us to be alone because soon after He created a companion and helpmate for Adam in Eve. This should speak to us about our God and His attributes
Now as far as judgment goes, God tells us to not worship any other gods before Him as His first commandment later on in scripture. This is His instruction, and as Creator, it is His right to expect truth in man - especially after it has been revealed to them.
There are actually a number of fallen angels who are beings that might accept worship from mankind. That would depend upon their general satan, but the Bible does mention some incidents in scripture that also speak towards us not going after false gods and false worship - such as the "prince of Persia", that hindered the answer to the prophet Daniel's prayer in the book of Daniel. This spiritual being fought with and slowed the messenger angel for 21 days until the archangel, Michael, helped in bringing the answer.
God identifies Himself with man and says to worship Him (God) alone - not His creation. He desires family with mankind and has chosen us to follow towards tha goal in faith - to learn and know true love which requires a choice.

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.
25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Ephesians 1:4 Long before He laid down earth’s foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love.
5 Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into His family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure He took in planning this!)
6 He wanted us to enter into the celebration of His lavish gift-giving by the hand of His beloved Son.
7 Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, His blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free!