If I was born in China 1000 years ago, when Christianity did not exist in China, how would I choose to reject the Christian God if I knew nothing of his existence? Would I go to hell for not believe in the Christian God, or would I go to heaven because I can't reject the Christian God since I don't know of his existence?
Am I predestine for Heaven or Hell based on when and where I was born?
2006-07-30 16:04:43 · 18 answers · asked by the enlighten one 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"If accountability comes with knowledge. If one has no knowledge of Christ, they cannot be held accountable, just like before a child reaches the age of accountability."
Doesn't that mean it's better to have no knowledge of Christ, than to put at risk to be damn in Hell for life?
2006-07-30 16:27:11 · update #1
Accountability comes with knowledge. If one has no knowledge of Christ, they cannot be held accountable, just like before a child reaches the age of accountability. Salvation is a choice, and you cannot choose something that you know nothing about.
Predestiny is not scriptural, although God is all knowing and of course knows what ones choices will ultimately be. He has given us all free will.
2006-07-30 16:08:50 · answer #1 · answered by Amy N 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The Bible teaches God predestines/chooses some to eternal life and this choice is by his grace and nothing good in them. It also teaches he does not choose others but lets them alone, passes them over to have what they want. Seperation from God in this life and in the next as well.
The father chooses before the foundation of the world his elect. He gives these to the Son, who accepts them and dies for them and will raise them up on the last day. They will never perish.
John 6:38ff John 10:28
You seem to believe in the misconception that everyone who does not hear the good news is innocent, which is not biblical. Therefore the good news should not be preached so more people will not hear and go to heaven. Not biblical either. God is the one who determined where you would be born and has it all in control...
2006-07-30 16:13:49 · answer #2 · answered by nobodiesinc 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard that question answered many decades ago, so I'm sure by your posing that question that you're not too old, or well studied in Christian theology. That being the case, I don't think Yahoo Answers is the place for the education you need. Having been raised Roman Catholic (as opposed to this media-born quirk they call American Catholicism, which by Catholic definition could not even exist) I can only recommend a Roman Catholic priest for a full education. It's going to take more than Yahoo Answers has space for to educate you in this area. Oh, but in the short term, no loving and forgiving and merciful God as Jesus our Christ would put you in hell when even He hadn't planned on being available in the earlier parts of humanity. Logic would tell you that. God Bless you.
2006-07-30 16:13:25 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, as someone else has said here, there is nothing in the Bible that says that people are predestined for Hell or Heaven.
Secondly, read the parable of the sheep and the goats in the gospel according to St. Matthew (chapter 25: 31-46). It is very clear about how people will be judged in regard to heaven and hell. It does not say anything about knowledge of "the Christian God" being the criteria for salvation (entering into heaven). It says, "Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me." ....and..."Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of my brethren, you did it to me."
The things described here are things anyone could do, provided they have the right heart. As St. Paul says, for those who do not have the Law (referring to the Mosaic law), but do the things required by the law, they are a law unto themselves because they have the law written in their hearts.
I hope this answers your question - no, no one is predestined to Heaven or Hell based on when or where they were born.
2006-07-30 16:36:07 · answer #4 · answered by LDRship 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Nowhere in the Bible does it say people are predestined for hell or heaven. Where in hell (excuse the pun) did you get this kind of an idea? Besides, what kind of a God would that make God to be, if that were true?
I believe you've been talking to uneducated Christians, who haven't even studied theology, and are ill-equipped to discuss spiritual dogma. Next time they tell you stupid things like that, tell them to shut up instead.
2006-07-30 16:17:09 · answer #5 · answered by fbillano 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter where you are born. 1000 years ago Chrisitianity did exist, it's been over 2000 years since Christ was crucified.
Well, regardless...... if you have never been exposed to Jesus, never heard mention of His name, was never witnessed to, you would go to heaven, but if you had, even one time...... that could of been your one and only chance to accept Christ, and if you die, then you would be held accountable.
The Bible says you are held accountable once you reach the age of accountability. That age is different for everyone, it's only something God would know..... for example a child at the age of 8 may be accountable, and another at 5 yrs. old. Aborted babies..... they have never been given the chance..... they are in heaven.
It's your choice where you spend eternity.....
Jesus said He wants none to perish, but for all to have everlasting life. And also says that before the end times, the Word of God will be preached to everyone.
2006-07-30 16:14:07 · answer #6 · answered by addicted2stamping 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible says that those who seek God will find him, and that there is evidence for the existence of God in the natural world all around us. God looks at your heart, not your circumstance. He knows what is in your heart, and he knows if you truly sought him during your time on Earth. I don't know if that means you automatically get into heaven or you're presented the choice once you get there or whatever, but there is definitely room within Scripture for people to go to heaven even when they're raised in a culture that has never heard of the Christian God.
2006-07-30 16:11:54 · answer #7 · answered by Tim 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People go to hell because they are sinners. All of us deserve to go to hell. To answer your question more directly, if you were living in China 1000 years ago, and you were truly seeking God, he would, somehow, reveal himself and his plan for salvation to you.
But, the fact is that you have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You know that Jesus died for sinners like you and me and that you need to repent and accept him as your savior if you want to avoid hell, so you won't be able to use ignorance as an excuse when you stand before God on judgment day.
When God judges us, he will be fair about it.
2006-07-30 16:16:01 · answer #8 · answered by David S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When Jesus was in tomb he went all the way back to generation of Noah to deliver His Grace Word and many believed and now in heaven.Father states in Bible that the laws are written on all hearts so ALL his children have same chance.Point is many different ways to overcome and many people in heaven NOW whom never touched church door.We ALL have one chance free will choice this means Fathers children who were brainwashed or in cult of all kinds also will be given chance in millennial times (after Jesus comes again)
2006-07-30 16:27:32 · answer #9 · answered by jas3tm 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Everyone is given an opportunity to accept Jesus Christ. God doesn't predestine everyone but He is an all knowing God. He knows who will accept and who will reject.
2006-07-30 16:09:02 · answer #10 · answered by rltouhe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋