As he sees the grenade he's thinking, "I know there is no god or Jesus, only I can save my buddies." He flings himself down, sacrificing his own life, and his last thoughts are, "I'm going to die, and this is the end, but my buddies are going to live thanks to me."
A Christian might say that he was inspired by god even though he was atheistic, or that god "stepped in" and saved the men because they "believed", but how do you reconcile that according to the rules, because this man remained steadfast in his beliefs he will not be rewarded, even though he did the most "Christian" act possible. Worse, he will be punished!
2006-10-26 12:14:54 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Getting into heaven has nothing to do with good deeds so saving his buddies will not give the atheist his entrance (Ephesians 2:8-9). One of the things God did is give us is the gift of choice. He doesn't make any of us believe in Him or follow Him. Therefore, it is our own decision for where we end up in eternity because God lets us decide if we're going to trust in Him and accept Jesus as Savior. I didn't choose to trust in God until I was 16. As a Christ follower, I can have assurance that I am saved. I can tell other people about Jesus and who I was before Him and who I am now and I can talk to them for hours about the cross and salvation. But it is ultimately up to the person where they spend eternity. There is a verse in Matthew that talks about gaining the world but losing your soul. Even if you save people and give the poor money and do things considered 'courageous' by the world, but don't have Jesus, then you will be separated from God in eternity.
2006-10-26 12:36:05 · answer #1 · answered by filledwiththefruit 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe that religion is a choice and not a demand.
My choice is to believe in God, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. NOW
You do not get into Heaven with the good deeds that you do on this earth. There is only one that will let you in Heaven and He is not sitting in front of any computer.
Furthermore, you say this person is an atheist. If that is so then why would he or she even question about going to Heaven? There are some weak links in your question.
2006-10-26 19:30:07 · answer #2 · answered by whenwhalesfly 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, according to the Bible, and fundamentalist Christians who interpret it literally, that poor SOB is going to hell.
According to the Bible, Jesus' teachings, and most Christians, everyone is doomed to Hell no matter how good they are or how much good they do, if they don't say the "Sinner's Prayer" (by the way, the "Sinner's Prayer" is never mentioned in the Bible). The Bible says that if you don't believe in Jesus as the Christ, you're going to hell. Period.
It is such dogma, such intolerance, whether Christian, Muslim, or Jewish that has caused (and is causing) so much hatred and murder.
Not what Christ (or Allah) would have had in mind, I think. But fundamentalist extremists know better.
2006-10-26 19:26:53 · answer #3 · answered by Don P 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
God is the judge.
He can save anyone he wishes to save, but that would not be the "norm".
If we were to base our faith on that possibility alone, we would be leading millions to hell.
Stick with the truth as God revealed it.
There's enough confusion and uncertainty in the world already.
2006-10-26 19:47:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A man can do all the good works in the world and it will never be enough to reach Heaven.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Everyone has sinned, and no one can reach Heaven on the good things they did. It only takes one sin to fall short.
2006-10-26 19:18:51 · answer #5 · answered by Daniel K 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
"...he's thinking, "I know there is no god or Jesus, only I can save my buddies." "
Actually I don't think that would even be the thought...I think just instinct based on willingness to sacrifice yourself for others would have only yelled "save them!" upon that split second decision.
But I know that was not the question...though I find it sad that just believing is held in higher regard then being willing to lose your life for another....pathetic beliefs people have...
2006-10-26 19:22:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nope he is lost because the first Commandment is to Love God above all things. The most Christian act is to love God number 1.
2006-10-26 19:20:41 · answer #7 · answered by Midge 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
To Marcia
http://www.atheistfoxholes.org/
2006-10-26 19:24:50 · answer #8 · answered by Om 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If He does not know Jesus Christ, he's made his choice. There is only one way. Hell will be full of good people, we can't be good enough, that is why Christ paid the price.
We are worth a Son to God.
2006-10-26 19:20:25 · answer #9 · answered by thomasnotdoubting 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you don't believe in God why would you want to go to heaven?
2006-10-26 19:19:47 · answer #10 · answered by unicornfarie1 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋