Some say God sends good people to hell... Do you know that there is no one that is Good?

Question

This is what God has to say about those who think they are Good.

...For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
As it is written:


"There is none righteous, no, not one;
There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one."*
"Their throat is an open tomb;
With their tongues they have practiced deceit";*
"The poison of asps is under their lips";*
"Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness."*
"Their feet are swift to shed blood;
Destruction and misery are in their ways;
And the way of peace they have not known."*
"There is no fear of God before their eyes."*

If this is the case... Is there any Good at all?

Answer 1

Yes, there is a lot of good in the world. It all comes from God. The passage you quoted is from the book of Romans. Here Paul is telling the people that none of us can earn our way into heaven. We are all sinners, Jews and Gentiles alike. Therefore the only way to recieve salvation is throught the grace offered to us by God. He tells them that this grace is offered to both Jews and Gentiles. But he emphasizes that neither deserves it. Shortly before his writing this, the Jews had been expelled from Rome leaving the Gentiles as the remaining church. When the Jews came back to Rome there were some disagreements between them and the gentiles. Paul addresses them here.

I think what causes most of the confusion here is the meaning of the word "GOOD". Today we may describe one product as being "good" , another as being "better", and another as being "best". In this context the word good, really means not as good. But in the biblical context of the preceding scripture the meaning was without fault or perfect.

Sorry, I just realized that I forgot to answer the part about God sending people to Hell. God doesn't force anyone into hell or heaven. Should he force an atheist to go to heaven? I don't think so. If the atheist chooses to not believe in God or to live apart from God, then thats his choice. Same with everyone else. God does not force you or I to live in heaven or hell. We can choose. He offers that choice to any and all. Unfortunately many people are looking for a God who will servre them instead of looking to serve God. So many people want God to conform to their wishes. Imagine that a God who knows all and is perfect in every way and I want him to change for me. Thankfully he is merciful and must have a sense of humor.

Answer 2

Resoundingly - YES. But you won't find it through Biblical or other religious quotes, which can be a substitute for thought. If we define "good" something along the lines of doing no harm whatsoever, we're sunk immediately. Even the best of intentions can harm sometimes (usually when exercised "by the book" without thought). But what if "good" is what enhances the experience of life (for the greatest number). Then those who honestly seek to enrich both their own experience and awareness, and that of others, could be said to be good. But it can't be done by prescribed dogma, because it entails an awareness of "other". So it's a two-way street. Don't those Biblical quotes betray the misanthropic thrust of a priesthood intent on securing power by making others "guilty" and "sinners"? The mindset reminds me of an unhappy four-year-old intent on getting others into trouble to make themselves feel good! It's juvenile in a four-y-o, and ridiculous and sad in anyone older.

Answer 3

"There is none righteous, no, not one;
There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;

Its right.Dats why Jesus Christ who was sinless came to this earth and died for all the sin of humanity.By His death and resurrection we can be justified in front of God even though we ourselves arent righteous.

Answer 4

u r true again..
people cannot be gauged by their activities in this world.
because any work that is done otherthan the search for the ultimate, is a sin( which will send him to hell with those ten signs).
one should earn the eye that would let him look into him
as i have said, we ppl here have the eye..
we know thw exact route to heaven..
but we have been given this misssion of finding worthy souls and take them with us to heaven since the ultimate final day is nearing ever so rapidly

Answer 5

You are right there is no one good but if that is the case god will judge them according how good things they do in comparison to the bad things,
God is merciful and he know that we are humans so that is why he always give us enough common sense to decide what way to follow in our lives.

Answer 6

In the Bible it is usually meant for a certain generation. Where God existence is denied, where they practice abominable and detestable things, and say in their hearts God does not see or care.

Answer 7

Define "Hell". If God is love would he really burn someone for eternity? I don't believe in a burning hell. If I die according to my works, I will scripturally cease to exist. Anyone saying otherwise has made God into their own evil image.

Answer 8

You have to believe in your heart what is good ....There are people all over this planet that believe what they are doing is God's work and they are good because of their work ... and some peoples actions are evil in other peoples minds ... who is right ... and who is wrong ? ... Once you die ... you don't get to choose anymore ... you don't have any choices anymore ... you decided what is really right ... and your God or all of our Gods will let you know !

Answer 9

Good coming from a spiritual perspective means without sin. When I use the word to describe people, it means that I think they have a lot of positive qualities. (nice, friendly, etc) The Lord does send decent people to hell if they aren't saved.

Answer 10

good and evil are relative terms. If you go by your own standards then good and evil are as you see good and evil. If god says your good doesn't match his, then I guess you're screwed.

Sometimes I'm good, but I'd rather be great.