Ok. Through the Christian God's tender mercies we have gotten the ability to make a choice using our own 'free will' on whether to serve him or not.
That 'choice' is simple, serving him will pretty much ensure that your life will be harsher than those who don't but you get eternal happiness in heaven as your reward.
The 'reward' for not serving this God is to burn eternally in the lake of fire.
But when you really think about it, what kind of 'choice' is that to throw out there? There definitely seems to be a 'right and wrong' decision to make in that case, as I am sure that there wouldn't be many would would 'choose' the eternal damnation thing.
So why is this presented as a 'choice' when the ultimatum is definitely Serve me or Burn in hell?
PS. Would you doom your children to eternal damnation if they didn't do exactly as you told them to? God calls us 'children' and I don't know any children at all that have obeyed their parents wishes to the letter.
2006-09-15 07:19:24 · 17 answers · asked by bleedcoltsblue 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
d_chino... that would depend.
I don't know any dictators that didn't have any friends. One does not rise to power without having people on their side (and taking care of them as that power increases).
I wouldn't say that's a fair comparison.
2006-09-15 07:27:58 · update #1
That's great RL.
But would 'mayo or mustard' be the same kind of choice if it were 'mayo or hemlock poison'?
What would you 'choose' there??
2006-09-15 07:30:09 · update #2
I like your question, and the answer you gave yourself. And I so agree with your PS. And your grammar. And I totally agree that you can only speak of a 'choice' if you have at least two reasonably fair options to consider. Thank you.
2006-09-15 07:29:10 · answer #1 · answered by chocolatebunny 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have choices all day long and everyday. Some have harsher consequences than others. You are making a choice right now.
How about "cross the highway during rush hour and get killed or not"?
And lastly, what is this about serving him makes your life harsher?. The exact6 opposite is true. But you don't know that because you refuse to serve him. What is so Harsh in service to God. How is staying out of strip houses "harsh" Howe is remaining faithful to your spouse harsh? It's actually less harsh because if you are caught...generally things take a turn for the worse. Wouldn't you agree?
Same thing. So if you steal from your friend, that is less harsh than not stealing?
What do you mean?
email me on this would you?
all decisions have consequences. and you are right no child obeys 100%...that is what forgiveness, Christ and salvation is all about. God doesn't expect you to be perfect. Did you know that? have you thought about it?
2006-09-15 14:30:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The choice is yours. Chose life! But the thing that you are missing. We do not receive eternal life by serving God. Many people who do will be surprised at Judgement Day. The Bible says that no one can be good enough. The only way is to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He paid the price of your sins by dying in your place. He did the work. All you have to do is admit that you are a sinner and believe Him and ask Him into your life. He will take away your old spirit and give you a new Spirit, The Holy Ghost! That is why we are called "Born Again", God now lives in us.
2006-09-15 14:29:39 · answer #3 · answered by Apostle Jeff 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Twisting the truth are we.. Well Let us consider a few simple facts
1) God sent his only begotten Son to die an excruciating death after a life of NOOOOOO sin, for the people (among others) who nailed Him to a cross...
2) All He asks in return is that u acknowledge the fall of man, accept Christ as ur Savior, get anointed with the Holy Spirit and try not to sin (God knows we r sinners, He doesn't expect the impossible)
3) As a reward for that we get the Eternal life..
Now call me crazy but I really don't see how that is such a HUGE request. How many parents do u know who would let their only child die to save unworthy sinners?
2006-09-15 14:40:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a confusion based upon misconceptions that get circulated thoughout our society. Christianity is not "serve me or burn in hell." In fact, it has nothing to do with serving him, it is a matter of simply believing in him and having a relationship with him. If you do not believe in him, then you will not burn forever, but simply be cut off from him, which could mean that you simply cease to exist, like the Atheists believe.
Islam, on the other hand, does command you to serve the Pagan god, Allah, and if you do not serve him, then you will be tormented forever in hell by Allah personally. Although, this does not mesh well with the fact that Islam teaches that everything is predetermined, so it doesn't matter what you do, you will be tortured in hell anyway.
2006-09-15 14:28:50 · answer #5 · answered by Icy U 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes,, it is a choice as many who have heard the choice and understand it and knew right from wrong has made the wrong one regardless.
2006-09-15 14:23:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you may make the enlightened decision NOT to believe in Santa Claus, The Easter bunny and man-made versions of God.
2006-09-15 14:22:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
God does not ask us to obey him to the letter, he only asks us to try. Jesus died for the times we disobey so we may ask for forgiveness from a penitent heart..
2006-09-15 14:24:14 · answer #8 · answered by Robert L 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Would you serve a ruthless dictator or stand up and fight his evil?
2006-09-15 14:23:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes, a choice means, you have more than one thing to choose from, DUH!
Mustard or Mayo!
2006-09-15 14:22:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋