My youth pastor told me that no matter how many times we go to church, no mater how much time we spend at church, and how much effort we put into settting up for the service, we can't all go to heaven. He said that just because we're Christians doesn't mean we'll go to heaven. I don't understand that. If we call ourselves Christians, then we should believe in Jesus, and have him in our hearts, correct? And all we need in order to go to heaven is believe in Him with our whole hearts. So then, why don't all Christians go to heaven? Don't call my youth pastor stupid, or weird, or say that he's wrong. And don't bother wasting your time if your going to say something stupid. Please. Help me understand so that i know for sure that i'll be going to heaven. I've felt God say that i am, but i'm not 110% sure yet. Please help me!
2006-09-25 15:00:11 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I personally feel that A human is not to say who goes to heaven. Jesus Christ died for our sins.If we believe Christ is our savior and ask forgiveness for our sins, it is written that we will go to heaven.Deeds do not get us into heaven.I know this seems illogical.It is our faith and belief in Christ that takes us there.Remember the two others on crosses to the left and right to Jesus.One mocked him the other saw Jesus for the son of God.Jesus said "today we will be together in paradise".Faith in Jesus Christ.I would ask your youth minister where it says this and for some examples to back it up.A man may sin everyday,torture, murder and steal, but in the end he is laying there and really believe Jesus died for his sins and Jesus's blood wiped away his sins,and truly ask for forgiveness, he will be in heaven.I like this fact.It puts me in my place as far as ""who am I to judge"" anyone.Its not my place,nor is it anyone elses.I use to wonder why so many people wouldn't make it to heaven.Since being on yahoo answers, there seems to be a lot of non believers.It makes me so sad at times.God Bless.Don't be afraid to ask specific questions to your pastor.We are all held accountable for what we say.I have just read some answers to your question and see that there are people of faith trying to help.Its beautiful.I don't go to church but I talk to God every day.He is with me all day long helping me in all I do.I have the holy spirit in me,I feel it.We have bible study as a family when we all can get together.We all believe and we all know he is the boss.My brother passed away on 03-06-06 and not one of us was angry at God.We were jealous of my brother instead.He got to go home first.
2006-09-25 15:50:14 · answer #1 · answered by kelliekareen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what kind of Church you go to, or the kind of crazy pastor that would say that, but he is wrong. I am Christian too, and God didn't set up like that. Everyone who believes in Christ for their salvation (accepts him as Lord) are saved and are going to heaven. That's a promise of God. You will be going to heaven if you believe and from your question I truely believe you do. Be 200% sure dude, if you believe God is faithful and just. Also, there is somewhere in the Bible, (cant remember where) but it says that the Holy Spirit is a deposit of heaven. I think its Thessalonians. Email me if you want more info or just want to talk. Does everyone at your church believe this? Does the pastor know he is preaching something that is not in the Bible? If you said that only a few get in, it's like saying 1. Jesus blood isn't good enough to save everyone. 2. God isn't powerful enough to make heaven big enough. 3. God loves some people more and some less. All three are not cool and not in the Bible anywhere.
2006-09-25 15:49:12 · answer #2 · answered by blizgamer333 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You cannot buy or earn your way into heaven. There is one and only one way in, through accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. If you are born again, truly, then you can be 110% sure.
If, after reading some of the really good answers given to you here, you are still unsure, I'd recommend talking to your youth pastor, or perhaps one of the women in your church if you prefer a female. I'm sure there are some in teaching positions that would be more than happy to put your mind at ease or help you find your way.
2006-09-25 15:25:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you might have a miscommunication with him. At least I hope that's what it is. There are millions of people that go to Church every week and call themselves Christian, but are not. For whatever reason they play the Christian, but don't genuinely ask Jesus into their heart. These are the "false converts" if you will. Maybe they are the people your pastor was talking about. I don't know. I do know that you are correct when you say that all who believe in Jesus, ask Him into their heart and do the things necessary for salvation will go to heaven. That is true. With an honest and true heart, ask for forgiveness, repent of your sin, and put your faith completely in Him alone, and you will have God's promise of the Holy Spirit and salvation. God is not a liar. He knows the hearts of all people, whether it's true or false.
God Bless.
2006-09-25 15:20:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since you are working with a youth pastor I will assume that you are fairly young. The best advice I can give you is to search for the truth on your own. It takes a lot more work, but when you finally reach your own conclusions, whatever they may be, at least they will be your own. The situation you are currently in only leads to what your youth pastor believes is right. What if he is wrong? Do you as a young person with little experience have enough information to make a good decision? Broaden your horizons, read outside of your faith, talk to other people, ask the kind of questions that are hard to answer. Don't be a sheep, then when someone asks you why you believe, you can answer with some conviction, not just my youth pastor told me I should believe this way. Good luck with your quest.
2006-09-25 15:13:23 · answer #5 · answered by Paul S 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Jesus said that not all who call Him Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. We are also told to pray that we will be found worthy to escape the judgment that will come upon the world. I sense that if we don't have a real connection with Jesus then we're missing the narrow gate. Its more than going to church and serving the church, its a love relationship with God. If that is missing then what is left is just playing church. That won't cut it with God.
2006-09-25 15:05:58 · answer #6 · answered by Namaste 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not all that call themselves Christians are actually Christians. Just because you say you are or say you believe doesn't mean you are. Satan and the demons BELIEVE in Jesus, they do not however, worship or follow Jesus. If you have asked for forgiveness of your sins and have accepted Jesus in your heart TRULY and strive to be like Christ (which is what Christian means - Christ Like) Jesus will not let you go anywhere but with him. You must know Christ and have a relationship with him, not just say you believe or say you are a Christian. Jesus knows your true heart.
2006-09-25 15:06:47 · answer #7 · answered by Gardener for God(dmd) 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ok first off yes he is right. It's not about feelings or a burning in the heart ether. Just because someone is "nice" and does "good" things for others does not mean that they in their heart Love Jesus. Just because they "Know" that Jesus is Lord and God doesn't cut it ether, remember Satan knows who he is too and I think you'd agree he is not going to heaven. If we have a earn your way in to heaven by doing stuff then we don't get to keep Christ. He said HE was the way to the father, right? So earning or buying a ticket in means Jesus would be a liar, sorry I just don't buy that. But if we love him we change, we take actions to improve ourselves and to help others in the church and to help spread the good news of the Gospel. in short we get:
1. Works no Faith = Not in
2. Faith but no Works = Not in
3. Works Because of Faith = Winner
2006-09-25 15:25:49 · answer #8 · answered by Timothy C 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had problems with the contradictions I got at church when I was probably your age as well...
I remember hearing "Those who believe and are baptized shall be saved" in church over & over... yet in confirmation class, we were told no, no guarantee... we were all sinners & no way we could tell if we were getting into heaven or not. I remember actually arguing w/ the associate pastor who taught my class & asking why they said that I'd be saved when I techincally may or may not... he couldn't answer that one.
I honestly feel that if you are a good person & follow your church teachings that yes, you will get into heaven. Lots of people go to church, but are hypocritical --- only show up on Sunday and act like idiots the rest of the week but say they are "good Christians".
Keep up your beliefs & your good acts & you will be fine.
2006-09-25 15:10:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Do you have the Holy Spirit? - that is the key. A lot of people call themselves Christians but really aren't. You may talk to your Pastor and tell him how you feel - he will help you in this matter.
2006-09-25 15:08:17 · answer #10 · answered by jworks79604 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋