| heaven
Posted: 7/22/2006 12:45:49 PM | Jesus is the door one has to pass through to get to heaven. It matters not what denomination you are...but that you accept him as Lord and Savior of your life. So many denominations think they have the key to heaven and no one else does. It reminds me of a joke where St. Peter is walking with one of us...and he tells us not to speak or wave to those down the street. The person asks why? St. Peter says, "Because they think they are the only ones here."
Some of the most biggited and hateful people are Christians that are not of the same "fold" or denomination that they are. Some hate you because you wear your hair short, some hate you because you wear short sleeves...Jeeesh! Does Jesus care? | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 7/22/2006 10:53:42 PM | Ben, when someone dies, there is not an immediate trip to heaven or hell. We have to await judgment day. There is a time, of well, not sure what everyone is doing, but those that have lived well are at peace. Good question, let me add one more thing to add to this confusion, you must be baptized by one with authority to enter the Kingdom of God.
But, if your question is will any one faith have a monopoly on heaven, well, certainally the ones who have found and accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ will be there. Those that listened to teachers who taught for money or refused to accept the truth will not inherit the same reward.
Really, a complicated question, posed so simply. Makes you think!
Elphaba | |
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Posted: 7/22/2006 11:04:01 PM | Jimi, how can God be a triune God, meaning 3 in 1? Jesus openly prayed and called to his Father in heaven. And his Father answered from heaven. Jesus said to pray like this: Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Jesus also said, I go to my Father and your Father, my God and your God. And don't forget this one, My Father is greater than I.
I submit that they are three separate personages, one purpose. When Jesus says if you have seen me, you have seen the Father, he means he is the express image of his Father in heaven. This is a subject long debated, it takes careful study of the scriptures and prayer to understand. But, I always come back to the fact that over and over in the bible, Jesus is the only begotten son of the Father, Jesus is the Lord God. I think we need to understand who Jesus actually is, his connection to us is much closer than we normally consider.
I wish you luck in your search for truth.
Elphaba | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 4/15/2007 9:54:32 PM |
Do you believe that when someone dies, they have to be a "Christian" in order to be allowed into Heaven? Just curious as to your thoughts and opinions. I don't know, but I get the impression it depends on the god in question, which heaven we're talking about, and what is meant by "Christians". I would have to say, if someone want their own little exclusive neighbourhood in the afterlife, let 'em have it. I plan on enjoying mine, regardless. | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 4/15/2007 9:59:54 PM | Yup....but I will be right next door thowing a party at my feasting hall in Asgard! My eldest son's theory on it is that when he dies, he will start at Heaven with mommy, Jesus, God, and all the rest.....then hop the suttle bus over to Asgard and hang out with me, all of his Heathen ancestors and friends and the Norse gods and goddesses.....then back on the suttle bus to whereever his Wiccan buddies go......then to whereever his Nat. American buddies go......then back to Heaven. My reply was......what if it's all the SAME place?? He told me to talk with him when he grows up about that.....that my idea sorta made his head hurt to think about! LOL Anyhoo......feel free to hop the shuttle bus over for a pint of mead! Cheers!!  | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 4/16/2007 3:24:28 PM | As some have suggested on this and other threads, everyone will make their way to heaven. If that be the case, could it really be considered heaven if every foul hearted and evil minded person made it there? What then would differentiate heaven from earth?
Personally, I don't find that idea very comforting or appealing. I think I'll stick to the Christian faith that says it takes more then works and more than simply a believe in Jesus. It requires a combination of the two. As much as I wish there were exceptions to the rule and other possibilities that would allow beloved non-believers in I'm afraid, IMO, that is not the case. The road is narrow and few will enter. | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 4/16/2007 3:52:17 PM | | I think there are probably some very good and compassionate people in the world who have lived very honourable lives yet are totally ignorant of Christ. I believe in their final hour they are given a chance to get acquainted with Him and accept Him immediately and are saved. | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 4/16/2007 4:16:19 PM | | The path to God is individual in nature, I believe. No one particular faith has the "true and only" way. When one connects to that divinity within, then he/she has probably reached a heavenly state. | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 4/16/2007 8:47:05 PM | | I for one never said that "everyone" will get to the High Worlds. We of the Norse Way believe that you need to strive to always do better in this life to be able to proceed to the next.....or ya might get stuck back here......or worse. We have our own place for those who do evil in this world.....as do many other religions....including our Christian neighbors. Live well. | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 4/18/2007 8:04:16 AM | Do you believe that when someone dies, they have to be a "Christian" in order to be allowed into Heaven? Just curious as to your thoughts and opinions.
According to Christianity...the answer is yes.
The next question is "Are you Christian?" | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 4/18/2007 8:53:29 AM | hmmm, ok, if Christians believe they're the only ones going to heaven, ok, go with that.
Me? I believe that first of all, Christians who believe this line of thought will be the first to be denied as they put themselves as "better", and practice the epitomy of arrogance and intolerance. My understanding of Jesus is that He said no-one enters the kingdom without practising tolerance and do unto others.....
Matthew 7: 21 Not every one who says to me Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.
So what is the "will of My Father'? Read the Sermon on the Mount. Very clear. And Jesus does not say only this one will enter or that, just those who live lives of love, tolerance and respect for others. PERIOD. This includes everyone, as He preached to all faiths.
The Native Path has very similiar beliefs. If you're nasty in this life, you'll go to a place where like minded people as yourself are. If you've lived a fairly decent life, but still harboured deep resentments towards this or that or a person, then you'll go to that place. Kinda ties in nicely with the "many mansions" thing Jesus spoke of.
Cheers, Raven | |
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| Heaven???
Posted: 5/2/2007 11:04:40 AM | passionteman, interesting concepts there.
First of all..I have to say that man in his arrogance always thinks he can fathom out the creator...and in his arrogance feels he needs to know ALL the answers to everything.
The trinity may not make any sense to you..but that is because you are not God!!! You are the created...questioning the creator .
If He is the real God...well...in answer to that...if you believe the bible and it's teachings...and study it well...it will show you that the whole point of what it is saying..is that Jesus (part of the trinity)...would be coming to the earth..in human form as God loves his creation so much...he wants relationship with us again, and in His perfection He choose to send His Son to the earth...to die in our place..and take on our sins. Jesus was in the beginning...and is the Living Word...not just someone created to die on a cross. He created us...read Genesis.
I can't understand the trinity...but I have to believe...as I don't have all the answers...and I trust my perfect creator God is in control..it's about faith.
I would say...read the gospels...this will show you Jesus's heart.
We love Jesus...as He is God...and without Him...we would all be going to hell....a place where God does not dwell!!! We worship God...the creator of us all...and praise the Lord...for the gift of the Holy Spirit...who dwells in born again believers...
These are my beliefs....I don't push my faith on others...but like to put my opinion over when I read things I don't agree with. | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 5/3/2007 3:18:14 AM | | I believe to get to heaven you must believe and have faith in Jesus.... that Jesus is the son of God that he died on the cross for your sins and he rose from the dead on the third day....by your faith in him your sins are forgiven ......Or you died to young to make the decision on your own like a child. | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 5/3/2007 5:34:39 AM | | I KNOW my God is a perfect God...and we can't question what He decides to do with HIS creation....funny...but we brought up this subject in a recent bible study group..about babies and people who had no chance to choose God for themselves. We came up with God is perfect...and a just God.....and would choose to do as He wished....which we must trust as being right and good. | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 5/3/2007 5:40:52 AM | "I think there are probably some very good and compassionate people in the world who have lived very honourable lives yet are totally ignorant of Christ. I believe in their final hour they are given a chance to get acquainted with Him and accept Him immediately and are saved. "
Garry...we are told in the bible that our Lord God has made some pots for destruction...and some he will keep. People always get wrapped up in their deeds....as in "I have always been a good person..I don't harm anyone"..we are told in the bible we will not enter the kingdom by our deeds. It is only if we are predestined..and chosen by God will we enter the kindom of heaven.
I would love to think all people were given a chance...and it is hard to think on..especially as I have family members I know are not saved at this point in time...of course I want my kids to be in heaven with me....but I am not assured this will be.
Its sad people want to cry out to the Lord on their death bed...they miss so many blessings not searching for him in their lives....I can't imagine my life without my faith...what a scarey world it would be.  | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 5/3/2007 6:04:13 AM |
It is only if we are predestined..and chosen by God will we enter the kindom of heaven. I would love to think all people were given a chance...and it is hard to think on..especially as I have family members I know are not saved at this point in time...of course I want my kids to be in heaven with me.
Wait wait wait....you KNOW you're predestined to go to heaven?
Care to explain you're ability to see the future, beyond your own death.
How about your 'unsaved' family members...how do you KNOW they are not going to heaven. | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 5/3/2007 7:13:39 AM | "Wait wait wait....you KNOW you're predestined to go to heaven?
Care to explain you're ability to see the future, beyond your own death.
How about your 'unsaved' family members...how do you KNOW they are not going to heaven. "
I did say...family members I know are not saved at this time..as I just knew someone would comment..saying how do you know they are not saved.
As a bible believing Christian...and with a sure knowledge I am a born again Christian...who is filled with the Holy Spirit...and in relationship with my creator...it tells us in the bible that the saints are chosen at the beginning of time..so therefore...I was chosen right at the beginning. I would suggest reading a bible...mine is a New King James version...but there are others which will tell you the same. Of course..it is up to you if you believe it..and it is only God who chooses to open anyones eyes to the truth.
My children have no interest in God at the moment..in fact my eldest daughter hates anything Christian..and has chosen the life of a goth...and all it entails....so I can clearly see...at this point in time...she isnt following the scriptures...or in repentance for anything wrong in her life...my son too...and my youngest. I do NOT know if they are chosen....only time will tell...and even then....the Lord is in control...it is up to Him who he choses to be His.
So...please don't misquote me...I didn't say I KNOW they won't be in heaven!!!! | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 5/3/2007 7:49:02 AM |
As a bible believing Christian...and with a sure knowledge I am a born again Christian
Okay...so if God chose at the beginning of time, then what does it matter if you're kid is running around in black, smoking clove cigerettes, listening to crappy music.
God either chose them or he didn't. Same goes for you. You don't know what God is thinking and you sure as heck don't know what he supposedly did EONS before you we're born. Neither did the people who wrote the Bible.
the Lord is in control...it is up to Him who he choses to be His
Then since no one get's a say in the matter, then what difference does it make who reads which holy book.
Your logic is circular.
The Bible tells you something God has already Chosen. You believe the Bible is the work of God. The Bible says that it is the work of God. You believe this because the Bible is the work of God because the Bible says it is the work of God and since the Bible is the work of God it must be true the the Bible is the Work of God.
I'm assuming that you can literally pull yourself up by your own boot straps.
Only you know the answer to this and I sure as heck don't want an answer on the forums, but ask yourself if your kids trust you. Actually...ask your kids if they trust you?
If they are in a real bind...do they trust you. Can they count on you to give them a way out of a sticky predicament.
Do you preach at them and tell them to "do know wrong" or do you let them know if their friends are going out to do something stupid, you'll back them up when they tell them they can't go because they are grounded.
You will always have "problem" children when you love your religion more than them...sorry. I'm guessing because you will always see them as a problem and kids catch on to that pretty quick that there is no pleasing some people, so you're not worth dealing with. | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 5/3/2007 8:34:48 AM | What a true gem you are........!!!! I am wondering what Christian..other...means on your profile....I have mailed you to ask...but you havent replied. How dare you judge me as a mother....you do not know me....how insulent of you to assume I am not a good parent.
I could say then...why do people with no faith have kids that go off the rails...your arguement is ridiculous!!!
Do I tell my kids to go out and do no wrong you ask....I think any parent worth their salt will try to guide their kids the best way they can.
Are you a parent yourself I wonder?
My kids are definately NOT problem kids and more or less then anyone else...they are individuals who choose their paths. you could commend me by saying I am not brainwashing them with my faith...but as they are my family...yes...they do know what I believe.
I would answer idiots like yourself who make judgements and assumtions about people they know nothing about are NOT worth dealing with...crawl back under your stone...Christian basher!!!! Believe whatever you wish to believe....I wont cast pearls to swine. | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 5/3/2007 8:55:22 AM | I am wondering what Christian..other...means on your profile....I have mailed you to ask...but you havent replied.
I mailed ya back...sorry...I can't type 3000 words a minute. Hopefully you will take some comfort in the fact that I put thought into my e-mail, and the last thing I did was assume you we're angry.
How dare you judge me as a mother....you do not know me....how insulent of you to assume I am not a good parent.
I'm not judging you as a mother, but I am replying to your coment about your own children. You're the one who expressed that your children have no interest in God or Christianity.
If I have made an error it is only in assuming that you are concerned about your children's lack of interest in God or Christianity.
Otherwise everything I've posted is for readers in general and not directed at you alone.
I could say then...why do people with no faith have kids that go off the rails...your arguement is ridiculous!!!
There we go...obviously the faith of a parent has nothing to do with the sucess of a child. I guess believers and non-believers are more alike than some care to admit.
Do I tell my kids to go out and do no wrong you ask....I think any parent worth their salt will try to guide their kids the best way they can.
The question is...guide them to what?
Are you a parent yourself I wonder?
Gee Yogi...didn't you read my profile.
I guess my only example of parenting comes from the two wonderful and amazing people I call my parents.
My children have no interest in God at the moment..in fact my eldest daughter hates anything Christian..and has chosen the life of a goth
Do you think this is a "good" thing or a "bad" thing?
Do you think children concern themselves with the opinions of their parents?
crawl back under your stone...Christian basher
I can't...you've already thrown it | |
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mak68
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Joined: 4/14/2007
Msg: 98 | |
| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 5/3/2007 9:31:22 AM | As a bible believing Christian...and with a sure knowledge I am a born again Christian...who is filled with the Holy Spirit...and in relationship with my creator...it tells us in the bible that the saints are chosen at the beginning of time..so therefore...I was chosen right at the beginning.
Can you show me the passage/verse were it says this?
So you believe yourself to be a saint? If yes, how are you so sure? Do you know how saints are chosen by christianity?
My children have no interest in God at the moment..in fact my eldest daughter hates anything Christian..and has chosen the life of a goth...and all it entails....so I can clearly see...at this point in time...she isnt following the scriptures...or in repentance for anything wrong in her life...my son too...and my youngest.
Let us assume that your daughter does not turn to christ, and is condemned to hell when she passes. How would you feel knowing your daughter is suffering in eternal damnation, while you are in heaven? Please answer from your own perspective.
Do you think it's right that a person who has done good works all their life, yet has never heard of or been exposed to christianity, jesus, or god should be damned to hell?
One other question, do you believe that god is omnipotent? Meaning that he can do anything? If yes, please answer the following:
Can god create a stone so heavy that he himself could not lift it? | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 5/3/2007 10:14:14 AM | Mak68: You want to know the scripture reference for the passages that say the saints were chosen at the foundation of the world.
Here is one them: "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with his pleasure and will--to the praise of his glorious grace which he has freely given us in the One he loves" (Ephesians 1:4-7 NIV).
As far as God creating a stone that is too heavy for Him to lift, that is a nonsense question. It has no answer. God can do anything that He purposes to do. No one can stay His hand or hinder His purpose. I believe God's Will will be accomplished.
Your question about people doing "good works" all their lives is based on a false premise, and that is that they are good. If they are truly good and have no sin, they will not be condemned to hell. God does not damn the innocent.
The problem is that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" as it says in Romans 3 in my opinion. They are not condemned for not knowing about Jesus of whom they have never heard . They are condemned for rejecting the Father who is proclaimed throughout creation as it says in Romans 1 and 2. | |
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| Are Christians the only ones going to Heaven???
Posted: 5/3/2007 10:31:15 AM | As far as God creating a stone that is too heavy for Him to lift, that is a nonsense question. It has no answer.
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I think if we look at free-will, we may have an answer. I'm only saying this based off of the next part.
They are condemned for rejecting the Father...
Did these people choose to reject the Father, or we're they predestined to reject the Father?
I'm saying that God cannot make someone choose to love him. As modern Christianity teaches...people must choose to accept God, because God cannot force their hand.
Otherwise...as I'm seeing it...God created and predetermined people to rot and suffer in Hell. It would also mean that all the evangelizing in the world isn't going to make a difference, because there are those that are predestined to go to Heaven and there are those predestined to go to Hell. Is there something I'm missing here? | |
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