There's a saying "If you don't believe in god and are wrong, there's a heavy penalty. If you do believe in god and are wrong you lose nothing. So, believe in god."
All of that is true, but here's my question: How can I believe in something that I truly sincerely don't? Sure I could express my acceptance verbally and physically, but deep down inside, I would only be lieing to myself, which would still make me a nonbeliever.
Please try to stick to the question and not go rambling off about how I can find holy jesus in the great garden etc etc.
2006-10-03 14:21:35 · 14 answers · asked by true_skillzz 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You are correct. If one believes in Christ, and believes that the Bible is the inspired word of God, then the issue of Faith is of primary importance.
We are not "saved" by works (ie what we do).
We are "saved" by Faith (ie what we believe).
If you don't believe, the actions of pretending are a waste of your time. God knows what is and is not in your heart. If one believes that the Bible and the Christian faith is true, Faith needs to be present in that heart to go to heaven upon death. What people think is completely irrelevant.
For me personally, I do believe.
Good luck on your journey.
2006-10-03 14:27:34 · answer #1 · answered by Robert 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard that saying at all and am spiritually seeking. I don't agree with the saying either.
Now to answer your question, it is a matter of beleiving or not beleiving that's all. If you go along and agree that there is a God just because of the people you are with you are being a hypocrite, the same if you do believe but are with a group of non believers and you denounce your belief then you are not only a hypocrite but a sinner. Don't take it so hard we are all sinners in God's eye for we all fall short of his Glory.
Be true to yourself know yourself enough to stand for what you believe is the truth, you can be a very good person and not believe in a greater being we call God. You can still love and honor your parents and be doing all the things that we think are pleasing to God only because you don't believe you will not seek and never know that you are pleasing to him. When you pass on you will know as we will all know who was right or wrong. Doesn't mean you will burn in hell because you don't believe whoever tells you that is warped. Just strive to be good that is all that is asked of us, and to not be afraid to speak out when we see injustice done.
2006-10-03 21:31:06 · answer #2 · answered by Neptune2bsure 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I admit if all you had was words to read, it would be hard to believe. Fortunately, if you go to a good bible believing church and hear the singing and a wonderful message by an inspired, it will be different. The presence of the Holy Spirit is so strong, you can feel him in a good worship service. I would suggest an Assembly of God, Pentecostal Holiness, or non denominational church. Go some Sunday morning and see for yourself. I hope you find what you are looking for. I did many years ago and have never regretted it.
2006-10-03 21:27:46 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it has to come from within you.. and I am probably going to get slammed for this, but.. I believe in God, and my faith is strong.. he takes care of me.. but.. he is a good God, and just because some people do not believe in him, does not mean he is not with you. Here is where the slam comes in... I do not believe God punishes us.. he gives us a conscience.. A lot of people who say they do not believe.. really kind of do. When you feel guilty about something... that is God talking to you.. :) So a part of you believes whether or not you know it... And, if you truly do not believe in him, you would not have asked this question to begin with..you would not have even entered this topic.. :) but I could be wrong.. I think a part of you does.. and if it does not.. then.. you cannot make yourself have faith in something you don't believe in.
2006-10-03 21:47:24 · answer #4 · answered by tootsie38 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're absolutely right. You can't just say you believe if you don't. Personally, I do believe in God. Deep down inside. But getting to Heaven takes more than just saying the words. You have to know that what you're feeling is real.
2006-10-03 21:35:12 · answer #5 · answered by mocha5isfree 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a believer in God but i also believe that if your heart is not in it then you should search somewhere else for your answers. People can preach at you all day but if your hearts not in it then they are just blowing smoke. Follow your heart, do good by your fellow man and let the chips fall where they may. Better to be an honest atheist than false believer.
2006-10-03 21:29:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are right . Just pretending or being in some way coerced is not believing at all, in fact its worse its not only not believing but lying about it. As a believer in Christ I hope He opens your eyes to His grace and mercy but I know God would not approve of a phony so be honest.
2006-10-03 21:35:04 · answer #7 · answered by beek 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The answer is, you cannot. It is a yes or no question of sorts. Either you believe, or you don't. You can't halfway believe. You gotta choice to make.
2006-10-03 21:34:27 · answer #8 · answered by hisnamesaves 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If Jesus wants you to believe then he will know what it takes for you to believe and will provide it. I think Jesus has decided that certain people are needed in hell and certain people are needed in heaven. If the bible says you will be tortured for eternity, that must be what god wants for you. I think god wants some people to be tortured even if they don't do anything wrong other than not following Jesus, so that the rest of us will see your example and keep in line.
2006-10-03 21:30:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
There may be NO god at all. So don't worry about "penalty". If God is like Stalin or Hitler, then i don't want that god anyways. Live you life and enjoy, but in the process don't hurt anyone.
2006-10-03 21:29:27 · answer #10 · answered by Ex M 1 · 2⤊ 2⤋