If I knew the slate would be wiped clean every time why would I ever be good?

Question

just wondering...

Answer 1

Cause then you're just using the system. Being "good" is good for you anyways, no matter what you believe in. So, why not strive to be a better person?

Answer 2

This is a wonderful question....and essentially everything we do in life boils down to something similar to this question. The answer is...somewhat simple, but at the same time, people just choose not to believe it because of how it's presented at times.

Anyway, enough beating around the bush. Here it is: You would be good because it is the right thing to do, and you know you'll be rewarded after life.

I know right now, you might be thinking "oh great, another religious fanatic." But please, consider what I have to say unbiasedly.

First off, this question assumes quite a bit. It assumes there is a definition for "bad" and a definition for "good," and it also assumes that you know you're supposed to be "good," and not "bad." But the real problem is defining these terms. Who determines what's right and what's wrong? Is it the government? The majority of people? The most powerful people? Or does everyone determine what's right and wrong for themselves? What determines the "absolutes" in life?

Nowadays, almost no one can give you an answer. They just go with the flow and do what people tell them. But everyone has a sense of right and wrong in them; few people would say that murder for the sake of murder is okay. Not many people think you should cut in line. Stealing is generally looked down upon. This means that people have "moral laws" in them, and this means that there must be a moral law maker. Here, I could insert a whole theological argument for the existence of a God, but you can ask me about that later if you wish.

Wwhen you question where people get their definition of right and wrong, you can really shake them, because they don't know. I know I can, because I have a document given to mankind by the one and only God, telling us what's right and what's wrong. I've questioned, I've thought, and I've doubted anything that's come my way. But this is the conclusion I keep coming up with.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Answer 3

You are not the first person to wonder this, in fact the early Christians were accused of preaching just such a doctrine. I think it's in Romans where Paul points out that those who have truly given their lives to Jesus will find themselves changed from the inside, so that they will no longer want to do the things that are sinful. I found this out, when I became a Christian I stopped flirting (which was something I was famous for) and I stopped getting drunk, but not because anyone in the church told me to, just I couldn't do it any more......for other people it's swearing or gossip or fornication......this is the work of the Holy spirit. Some things take a little longer to deal with and naturally Jesus forgives you if you are really seeking to be free of the sins in your life.

Answer 4

No, that is your misunderstanding. The slate is wiped clean once, when you truly believe and give up your selfish behaviour. You can't just go to church confess and start over again whenever you feel like it. God is not your vending machine that you simply put in your sorry and get rewards whenever you want.

Try to understand what God is asking first.

Answer 5

You're missing the point. You wipe your slate clean to change your life and become more Christ-like. You don't wipe the slate clean just to dirty it again.

Answer 6

there are 3 types of "wrong doings" that which we commit against The Divine, that which we committ agaimst each other and that which we commit against ourselves.

The Divine Mercy forgives that which we commit against The Divine and oursleves as this is an issue between us and The Divine. Those injustices we commit against other people are recorded against us and the only way to wipe those clean is to seek forgiveness from those people directly and rectify the wrong done. We can do this in this life or in the next in the Divine Court........

Answer 7

these people are all wrong.
it's not about heaven or hell,
it's not about tallying up the good things on a scorecard,
and it's not about god or your relationship with him.
it is about you.
it is about the things you do and how they make you feel (about yourself).
right now you realize that you can wipe the slate clean whenever you want to. the maturation comes when you realize that you want to do things in life without thinking about that slate and how hard it's going to be to wipe it clean.

Answer 8

Claiming to be Christian and living as one are two different things. Drinking, cheating, fornicating and lying are all "Worldly" things. It is written "Be in the world, but not of it" Take the City of Sodom---all of these things and more were going on there and God choose to destroy it because no good people could be found there. Being a Christian is anything but easy. Trying to serve God in a world that rejected His own Son---not easy. God will forgive you of your sins but to keep going back and doing the same things over and over, I believe that's called being a transgressor. Remember, God said that He would not be mocked.

Answer 9

Do you really believe it? If so, then do as you please. Chaos will surely prevail. Sit back and reflect it'll come to you.

Even in real life bad behavior has its consequences or punishments.
When you do your time, the premise is to not return to the previous behavior. Hopefully to move you to levels of superior behavior. Good behavior has its own rewards and has no reason to be wiped out. Instead, it flourishes, just sit back and reflect it'll come to you.

Answer 10

VERY GOOD POINT TO ADDRESS!!!!!!
If we can get FORGIVEN of ANYTHING all of the TIME-----WHY BE GOOD??????
Excuse me, gottta laugh, I'm laughing now (HAhahahahhh, HOhahahahha, hahahah!!!!!!)
BECAUSE of the POLICE and THE COURT SYSTEM, and if they will do what GOD SAID TO DO----won't leave you hanging!!!(hahahahahah,hoahahahaha)----I will tell you(hahah)----Because SENTENCE for an unjust deed is not carried out PROMPTLY, the PEOPLE get WICKEDER!!!!!
HA ha ho ho humbug!!!! WELL, there it is in the Nut-Shell.
You got common sense, figure it out yourself.....Hohummm.....back to the, HEY even the wicked people know that!!!!! Ditto!!!! Later.......