Unfortunately, there is the idea in American Christianity (and by this, I don't mean all christians in america) that salvation is a "free pass" to sin like a devil and expect to avoid hell. That is by no means biblical. Atheists, if you see a Christian continuing in a perpetual pattern of willful sin against God's laws, you have good reason to doubt their faith.
Saving faith is born out of a God-given desire to prefer satisfaction in God and all He offers us over the fleeting pleasures of sin and the world. A heaven without God would not be heaven. What makes heaven a desireable place is that it is where God is.
The very faith that justifies us before God is the same faith that assures sanctification (progression towards holiness). The book of James is clear about this, in saying that faith without works is dead faith. Works are not a means to salvation, but they are an evidence.
Seek God because He is the only all-satisfying being in the universe.
Agree / Disagree?
2006-08-04 03:08:30 · 17 answers · asked by Aaron W 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As to ChooseRealityPLEASE's answer: I do not think there is any grounds to claim that God's nonexistence is a "likelihood." I think it is a baseless assumption.
As to whether secular works can be good, I argue from the biblical perspective of Hebrews 11:6 which states that "without FAITH, it is impossible to please God."
Also, Romans 9:31-32 states:
"but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works."
Good works that are not born out of faith in God are offensive to God.
2006-08-04 03:34:44 · update #1
And let me specify that the "fear" I'm referring to is a fear of hell, not a fear of God.
A fear and respect for God is certainly essential to wisdom, biblically.
I want to emphasize that I mean a fear of hell "ONLY" is no grounds for saving faith. I fear hell, but not for myself, thus I'm willing to stick my neck out, and look like a fool that God may win some away from hell.
2006-08-04 03:47:39 · update #2
god is not scaring or threatening us in any ways.
he has given us the freewill 2 choose between the right and wrong.
and its up to us 2 do wat we want to and never misuse the freedom he has given us.
every action has equal and opposite reaction. so does our will to do right and wrong.
what happens when u dont perform well in an xam. u fail and will be detained in same class.
now when u can follow the rules of man suffer the consequences, then by far u should be ready 2 face the 1 who created us.
2006-08-04 03:53:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Disagree... Why not just perform "works" in a secular manner? Why attribute all good things to a creature who in all likelihood doesn't exist? Humanity has the opportunity to do either good or evil.
I am atheist and i do good wherever i can. Sometimes i realize that Christians in trying to do good end up causing more harm as a result of it. Morality is a byproduct of causality. You have to analyze the end result of any action to know weather or not it is morally correct.
I do agree that the Hell tactic and free pass through Jesus is morally reprehensible however.
2006-08-04 03:18:05 · answer #2 · answered by ChooseRealityPLEASE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would agree except for one minor detail. Some people are saved with fear. I am one of those people.
Jude brings this out very plainly.
22And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Even Jesus used that kind of witnessing sometimes. It has its place but is not meant to be used as the sole form of witnessing.
Luke 12:5 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Acts 13:26 26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
2006-08-04 03:27:10 · answer #3 · answered by IL Padrino 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To your first question, we're not selling anything. Obviously, you draw more flies with honey, and all that. But hell is a reality, and shouldn't be ignored.
To your second question, yes I agree! The primary goal is to see the face of God! But the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Let's not forget that!
2006-08-04 03:18:02 · answer #4 · answered by Privratnik 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the first question, in that it makes no sense to try to threaten someone into believing something. If you have sufficient weapons, you can threaten them into acting like they believe, but that's the best you can do.
The rest of it about saving faith, etc., I don't agree with though, because faith is not a valid means of obtaining knowledge, even if accompanied by good behavior.
2006-08-04 03:24:13 · answer #5 · answered by lenny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree and disagree. Sometimes people need to be convicted of their sins and understand where their eternity lies. Christ said that if your brother has sinned against God it is your job to show him his sin with love and not with judgment. By doing this they feel guilty for what they have done. It is then that we need to show them that there is an alternative to Hell. Tell them that Christ died for their sins and by accepting him, they will be forgiven. This is how I gained my salvation. I Thank God everyday that he showed me what a bad person I am and how much I needed Christ's sacrifice.
2006-08-04 03:21:41 · answer #6 · answered by kevin m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think letting us know about the glories of God is encouraging, but forcing us to believe with threats of hell is very much the wrong approach.
If only they would think for a moment and realize, rather than bulldoze us with bible quotes.
2006-08-04 03:20:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Amen brother, I agree. There are Christians at different levels in their walk with the Lord. If someone just got saved, they are not rooted and grounded in the word. I wouldn't want to discourage a new Christian, but you are right, we should put off sin and put on love for our fellow man. Thanks for your input.
2006-08-04 03:22:01 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The very idea that we condemn others to hell is in fact judging them and that is clearly wrong. God is the judge, not us humans and who are we to say who God will save? We do not win others to faith through "fear"...but only through LOVE.
2006-08-04 03:15:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cannot speak for every atheist but I've never assumed that religions used fear to get others to convert.
2016-03-26 22:51:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋