Why do protestants, and other christians feel its so important to "accept Jesus"? Is this in the bible?

Question

Forgive me for being a christian and not knowing what this "accepting Jesus" procedure is. I am Catholic. What I don't understand is why other christians think that anyone who doesn't "accept" him will go to hell? Jesus never said that. The only thing he wanted us to do on earth was to love, and have faith in him and the father. There's so many rules in organized religion and every one believes they are right, but I tend to think we lose our focus on what the bible is actually teaching us.

I agree with most people so far. It sounds like something that was invented somewhere down the line by an eccentric pastor. I bring this question up because I had a protestant friend almost literally strangle me when I told her I've never "accepted" Jesus. What's the big deal?!

I guess I should clarify my question then. I can see why protestants feel its important, but my question is: Why do they feel that people who don't accept Jesus will go to hell? It just seems silly that a small pct of the world who took an "oath" as opposed to the rest of us, will go to heaven, and everyone else will burn for all eternity.

Answer 1

i dont think if you dont accept Jesus you go to hell.. the Bible states that Jesus said "no one comes to the Father, except through me" ..quite frankly i dont believe that most organized religions really teach the true gospel..and im not sure i even believe that most ppl are suppose to know the truth right now-- the Bible also says the "world is deceived" ... my advise is to acknowlege Jesus' sacrifice for us... can you imagine what a demotion it was for Him to be put in a human body, be seperated from the Father ( even for 33 years) treated as a criminal and crucified ..??? I cant... to accept Christ is to believe He paid our penalty for us, to understand that His sacrifice was the only way we could eventually be reunited with our Father.. and my brother your religion will not save you either way .. it is faith and grace and works ...just love God and love each other.. you will do fine

Answer 2

Jesus said in John 14 that nobody could come to the Father except through Him (Jesus). Not to get caught up in what some might consider a cliche, but "accepting Jesus" means trusting only in Him as the one who can forgive our sins and choosing to let Him be the master of our lives and not ourselves. Too many people think if they just agree mentally that a bunch of facts about Jesus are true, then that means they are His followers, despite how they live. Not so. To truly be considered a follower of Jesus, we can't just call ourselves Christians but then not do what Jesus commands us. But there are a lot of people filling our pews who think if they do all the right things, then they've got the assurance of salvation. But the Bible states clearly in Ephesians 2:8-9 and 1 Timothy 2:5 that our salvation comes not by anything we've done, but by grace through faith in Christ. Anything beyond that goes beyond what the Bible teaches. I don't think this is a matter of Catholic or Protestant or evangelical or whatever. We all just need to get back to the Bible and keep it as our authority rather than whatever else seems trendy or "user-friendly." Feel free to drop me a line at [e-mail] if you have any more questions.

Answer 3

John 14:1 is the basis, after which it was backed by redemption of sinners by Jesus' death on the cross.

However, going to heaven is not just simply believing Jesus. Believing in Jesus includes a life which is supposed to be lived as a disciple of Jesus. The Bible, particularly text in the new testament, mentions a lot about discipleship, which is basically forsaking your former (carnal) life and living your new (spiritual) life which is supposed to be reflected in what is termed as a life which is filled with the fruit of the Spirit (i.e love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self control to name a few). And most Christians do know (or should know) about the fact (if they believe) that they are accountable for their words and deeds, when they meet Jesus again upon His second coming. There is a chapter in the book in Revelation which warns against luke warm Christians.

Answer 4

As a Catholic you should know that you officially and personally accepted Jesus Christ for the first time when you were baptized, for the second time when you received him in Holy Communion, and for the third time, when you received the sacrament of Confirmation.

At Confirmation, the profession of faith that was originally made for you by your Godparents, became your own.

Furthermore, Catholics fully accept Jesus Christ, body, blood, soul, and divinity, daily, or at least weekly, in the most blessed sacrament of the holy Eucharist, at every Mass.

It sounds as though you may need to brush up on your Catholic heritage. If so, drop me an email and I'll send you a free Catholic Resource CD, which contains all of this, and much, much more.

Answer 5

I am muslim, but last week end I have read the Bible, just to see the info in it. I have read all 4 gospels and did not find anything about that:
-Jesus stated he is Son of God
-Jesus stated he is the savior

He always stressed by the way(and discribed as..) a Human being person.

At the same time. Bible is written by the people so could be possible versions where you can find info that Jesus is saviour.

Answer 6

you just probably dont know much because you have not read the entire bible. if people dont accept god and jesus they will perish. As it says it the bible, that we will have an idea when the world is coming to an end when we start seeing really bad things that we would not expect to happen. Accepting jesus will change your life for good and you will stop going through bad things. when you accept God and you heart and soul are truly with him, it is God and jesus that will give you eternal life in heaven.

Answer 7

Firstly, why don't you turn to Jesus and ask Him whether you need to accept Him or not. Secondly:
Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Putting on Jesus is the same as accepting Him only more intimate in nature.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Answer 8

Jesus said that "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me".

Jesus is the judge of the world, as the Father hath planned.

Those that reject Jesus, reject the Father and can not go to Heaven to be with Him.

Those who have not heard of Jesus or the Bible, will be judged on what they did know and what they did with that knowledge.

Answer 9

The only way to the father is but through me)..Jesus in the Bible...
For God so loved the whole world that he sent his one and only son and all who accept him will not perish...Jesus in the Bible
Father my prayer is for those you have sent to me, that you will protect and keep them safe and on that last day they might be with me...Jesus in the Bible
Anyway theres a ton more but....

Not to force anything on you, maybe you should try reading it just once and then make another confession of heart to the Lord, my friend

Answer 10

The creed behind "accepting Jesus" is not so much letting him into you, etcetera etcetera. It's simply about the salvation he grants. It's actually Jesus "accepting us" if we're willing. The Bible's message is to love, follow God's law, and accepting salvation THROUGH Jesus.


So yes, if anything, the other christians simply have the wording wrong. But it's the concept that matters more, right? (Of course, communication is vital).