What if non-Christians go to heaven?

[woobadooba]

As I get older, and am awed by the mystery of God, I'm convinced that God's ways are more mysterious than I once thought. I used to think that one had to confess Jesus as savior in order to be saved.

That may be true. But what if it's not? Maybe there will be people in Heaven who, for one rerason or another, didn't confess Christ as savior but still had a longing for something like Christ. Perhaps God sees the heart's desire, and if it was desiring something like Christ, then perhaps that person will be with God in the end.

What do you think?

ltrain

I'm sure some will take what I am about to say wrong, as they have done with the OP, but the truth is: A person won't be saved by being a Christian, but by loving God.

God will only judge us according to the light that has been given to us. And what we do with that light will determine the outcome of our fate. Rev. 20:13

 

[ps139]

Very true. God's word is clear about salvation and universalims isn't there.

I just want to point out that the OP did not advocate universalism, which is the belief that all will be saved.
I think he is simply saying that all will have a chance to be saved.

 

[Caliban]

This doesn't mention anything about Christians, it looks like all are judged, and it looks like its talking about the works of man and not entiely about the faith of man. Maybe this is where those who never believed will be judged on what they did in life, maybe this is their second chance before the second death!

Rev 20



12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

 

[Andyman_1970]

The interesting thing is there are already non-Christians in Heaven........Moses, Abraham, Elijah...etc.

 

[Andyman_1970]

Jesus made it very plain to Nicodemus that to see the kingdom of heaven one had to be born again.

Keep in mind when a 1st century Jewish rabbi (which Jesus and Nicodemus were) says "Kingdom of Heaven" it doesn't mean where you go when you die but a present reality where God's Kingdom is at work here on earth.

 

[armothe]

If it isn't true, the Jesus died for nothing,

Actually it would mean that Jesus died for everything (everyone) even despite their own actions & sins.

-A

 

[ps139]

Keep in mind when a 1st century Jewish rabbi (which Jesus and Nicodemus were) says "Kingdom of Heaven" it doesn't mean where you go when you die but a present reality where God's Kingdom is at work here on earth.

I disagree Andyman. Christ clearly states when he talked to Pilate, that "My Kingdom is not of this world."
The biggest error of the Jews at that time was that they expected a Messiah who would establish a worldly kingdom. When Jesus did not do this, many considered Him a false messiah.

 

[Andyman_1970]

I disagree Andyman. Christ clearly states when he talked to Pilate, that "My Kingdom is not of this world."
The biggest error of the Jews at that time was that they expected a Messiah who would establish a worldly kingdom. When Jesus did not do this, many considered Him a false messiah.

So Jesus wasn't a 1st century Jewish rabbi??

 

[ps139]

So Jesus wasn't a 1st century Jewish rabbi??

Why did you think I implied that?

I am only saying that Kingdom of Heaven means Heaven itself, and not something on earth.

Although I do believe that the "1000 year reign" began when the Church began, and continues. (obviously I see the 1000 years as a symbol for a long time). But I do not think that is applicable in this discussion.

 

[Jebediah]

So Jesus wasn't a 1st century Jewish rabbi??

Funny, that wasn't what what was said. He said that the kingdom was not of this world.

I ought to try that tactic in court...

"Sir, can you state your name and occupation for the court."

"My name is John Smith, and I'm Batman."

"Sir, Batman is a fictional character from a comic book..."

"Are you saying my name isn't John Smith!??"

 

[Jebediah]

As I get older, and am awed by the mystery of God, I'm convinced that God's ways are more mysterious than I once thought. I used to think that one had to confess Jesus as savior in order to be saved.

That may be true. But what if it's not? Maybe there will be people in Heaven who, for one rerason or another, didn't confess Christ as savior but still had a longing for something like Christ. Perhaps God sees the heart's desire, and if it was desiring something like Christ, then perhaps that person will be with God in the end.

What do you think?

ltrain

I think God is not a liar.

John 14:6

6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Theology is not a matter of opinion. What we think about it is not really relevant, what the Bible tells us is.

 

[ps139]

I think God is not a liar.

John 14:6

6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Theology is not a matter of opinion. What we think about it is not really relevant, what the Bible tells us is.

Jebediah - I believe that what he is saying does not contradict John 14:6. In fact it upholds it:

Maybe there will be people in Heaven who, for one rerason or another, didn't confess Christ as savior but still had a longing for something like Christ. Perhaps God sees the heart's desire, and if it was desiring something like Christ, then perhaps that person will be with God in the end.

Can you apply this to someone who may never have been in contact with Christianity, never been taught about Jesus - but God was still reaching out to him (who says God can only work thru missionaries) and kindled in his heart a desire to know Him? Maybe a little bit like the "unknown god" in Athens that Paul preached about.

 

[Harlan Norris]

As I get older, and am awed by the mystery of God, I'm convinced that God's ways are more mysterious than I once thought. I used to think that one had to confess Jesus as savior in order to be saved.

That may be true. But what if it's not? Maybe there will be people in Heaven who, for one rerason or another, didn't confess Christ as savior but still had a longing for something like Christ. Perhaps God sees the heart's desire, and if it was desiring something like Christ, then perhaps that person will be with God in the end.

What do you think?

ltrain

I think you should be careful.Jesus himself said "I am the way the truth and the life,no man comes unto the father but by me". This is a clear illustration in my opinion.Of course we hate the idea that there will be those that we consider good people that will not be saved.However the choice is theirs.The most important thing in ones life should be ones salvation.If one is not concerned about this, that one will not enter heaven.Good deeds don't get one in.Jesus said your good deeds are as filthy rags.The gospel states in many different ways that faith in Jesus Christ is the only path to salvation.

 

[Andyman_1970]

Why did you think I implied that?

By saying that Jesus didn't mean Kingdom of Heaven was what the commonly held Judaic and rabbinic understanding of the day you do imply that. The terms Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God for a Second Temple, 1st century Jew are interchangable and mean the same thing.........God's working among His people on earth presently not where you go after you die.

I am only saying that Kingdom of Heaven means Heaven itself, and not something on earth.

That would be contrary to the 1st century Hebraic understanding of that phrase.

 

[Andyman_1970]

I think you should be careful.Jesus himself said "I am the way the truth and the life,no man comes unto the father but by me".

Please substantiate from the Old Testament were coming to the Father equals salvation, keeping in mind that the OT were the Scriptures for Jesus.

On a related note, it's interesting that in John's Gospel He equates the Messiah as the "Word" and in this Gospel we see Jesus refer to Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life"..........all of which are ways to refer to the Torah, which was known as the way, the truth and the life in Jesus day........just food for thought.

 

[ps139]

Of course we hate the idea that there will be those that we consider good people that will not be saved.However the choice is theirs.

Do you believe everyone has this choice? Including unevangelized tribesmen living in the jungle, and babies who are killed in the womb? Or 2 year old children whose parents are perhaps Hindu, or atheist?

 

[OrthodoxyUSA]

There are only two ways you can head in life.... towards God or away from God.

Heaven and Hell are not two seperate places...

All will stand in front of God for Eternity.... being exactly what we have made of ourselves.. I pray for forgiveness.

Forgive me.....

 

[Joykins]

I think God is not a liar.

John 14:6

6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Theology is not a matter of opinion. What we think about it is not really relevant, what the Bible tells us is.

When you cite that verse, it seems like you interpret it to mean:

""I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me[ and that way HAS to only be through acceptance of certain theological propositions about me / repentance and confessing me specifically as Lord/ being Elect of God from the dawn of time / receiving the sacraments of the Church / insert your own soteriology here]."

Couldn't this verse alternatively be intepreted to say that Jesus will be the one who performs the final judgment? The Bible also states that Father has given judgment to the Son, and this is borne out in Matt. 25 and Revelation.

 

[Harlan Norris]

Do you believe everyone has this choice? Including unevangelized tribesmen living in the jungle, and babies who are killed in the womb? Or 2 year old children whose parents are perhaps Hindu, or atheist?

I think the Bible says what it means.You have to remember it's not up to me.I didn't write the Bible.I've read a lot of debate on this issue,and frankly I thank God for my salvation.In my case he put up with a lot while waiting for my decision.However, I do believe that my time was about up.The wild man of Borneo has heard the missionary,and Jesus said "suffer all the little children to come unto me"which I believe means that those who die unsaved before the age of 12,are saved.Of course I have no idea really,who gets saved,or why.But I do believe that failier to acknowlege Jesus Christs supreme sacrifice for our sake,would result in one not being saved.

 

[Joykins]

As I get older, and am awed by the mystery of God, I'm convinced that God's ways are more mysterious than I once thought. I used to think that one had to confess Jesus as savior in order to be saved.

That may be true. But what if it's not? Maybe there will be people in Heaven who, for one rerason or another, didn't confess Christ as savior but still had a longing for something like Christ. Perhaps God sees the heart's desire, and if it was desiring something like Christ, then perhaps that person will be with God in the end.

What do you think?

ltrain

I hope it is true. I tend to believe it is true. I have seen scripture used to support and to deny this belief. In the end, I really don't know.