will only the people in ONE religion go to heaven?

Question

with so many religions out there, i just cant help to think of how hard it is to choose the ONE that will give people salvation...will god really only accept those in one certain religion? why? each one in each religion believes that theirs is the one, how can one even know that for sure? and..what if ur christian(protestant) or catholic...the only difference is that they dont praise virgin mary..will that cause them to go to hell?.......
.......................what about those people that are good, they do good deeds...yet they don't practice any religion....will they go to hell?.............

...........................................is there any way to know?????.........................what can one do if one wants to strengthen spiritually but does not know what religion to choose................

Answer 1

Get the book a course in miracles.

It shows you how to become closer to God without the nonsense of religion.

You need to wonder how they can all be the one true and only correct way to God.

Love and blessings Don

Answer 2

I think we all spend a little too much time looking at the shiny surface of religion rather than the actual spiritual goals it means to achieve. Getting to heaven is a fine goal, sure. But that's just on the shiny surface.

Does anyone really understand the point of religion anymore? IMO, it's all become about the *fringe* benefits. The rewards. Going to Heaven, being on the *right* team, getting special attention from the creator or virgins or whatnot.

IMO, the point is to develop a *personal* relationship with deity. A personal relationship involves no one but you and deity. Not a church or a pastor or a minister or whomever. Not even a defined religion! The best way to find a religion right for you is to find a path that helps you cultivate that relationship with deity.

Answer 3

I don't believe that only people of one religion will go to heaven. Different religions are like different paths to the same summit. I don't believe there is any way to know for sure (philosophers have been debating this for centuries. Holy wars are waged daily - each party convinced they are right). Live life as a good person, respect yourself and others and be compassionate. I don't see a place in hell for a good person, no matter what religion they are.

I think it's great that you are interested in finding out about different religions. You might want to search out different friends that are of different faiths and attend services with them (maybe do so reading) and in time you can make your own choice of what values most match your own. You already are in the right direction by not judging other religions as wrong as you focus on a person's character and actions.

Answer 4

According to South Park, the Mormons go to heaven. And a dorky heaven it is!

I know you're fretting a little about your immortal soul...it's a heavy idea to think that what you mess up now could damn you forever.

But just relax. I don't see how you can trust any religion that says it's THE ONE--a whole bunch of them make that claim, and they can't all be right. Actually, they pretty much ALL say that. They're all right, or they're all wrong, or some are right, or one actually is right and the rest are wrong...you're in no position to judge that. Nobody is, really.

Just do the best you can, find a religion that suits you (or none) and do what you know is right. Of course, you won't always achieve that--nobody's perfect. But just make a commitment to personal improvement, and when you feel something's right, do everything you can to do that right thing. If you don't get it right the first time, try to get it right the next time.

You'll just be overwhelmed by choices and doubt and frustration if you get obsessed with the "right" church, the "right" thing to do. You're a work in progress and you just need to do the best you can, all the time. You'll have plenty to do just accomplishing that!

And make sure you don't feel responsible for other people's choices, either. If they do the wrong thing, it's their fault, and they'll face whatever consequences they have coming. Life is difficult, and you need to focus on being happy, on making a difference, and on finding satisfaction with what you've been given (and what you make of it.) Nobody's getting condemned to eternal suffering as long as they do the best they can--you included.

Have a nice life, puddin'! You'll be OK!

Answer 5

There are several accounts of God ensuring that people in far-away regions know about him (e.g. Jonah and the whale and Paul's journeys throughout the New Testament). Jesus also said that not everyone will believe in him (Matthew 10:34-39).

Some non-christian religions have accounts of Jesus Christ, and do not believe that he is the Son of God, our Savior. Other non-christian religions are created by mankind alone. When God sends his Son (Jesus Christ) to deliver the message, I think that's the message upon which to place my beliefs.

As for divisions in christian denominations, as with everything, you need to hold what they claim to the truth contained in the Holy Bible and believe what matches. I suggest that you get your core beliefs aligned with the bible and attend a christian church to offer prayer, praise and worship (we're asked to do so little and are given so much by God). What remains is how you live your life as a christian. Some people think that christians are hypocrites - perhaps, but the truth is that we're not perfect, and we're divided from non-believers in that we're forgiven through Jesus Christ. In everything, strive to live your life as Christ lived his.

As for good deeds alone - please don't buy into the idea that you can go to heaven by being a "good person" (read Ephesians 2:8-9, below). If "being good" was good enough, then Jesus Christ descended from heaven to this earth, living among us for over 30 years, was tortured, and cruelly killed for nothing. There is "good" in eternity, but you can't get to eternity only by being "good." Believe in your heart that Jesus Christ redeemed you by dying on the cross for your sins. Again, so simple - and yet, many choose to reject the offer.

Answer 6

One religion? No, not too likely to be people who only one religion. Now one faith, that is much more likely. The people in heaven will have had a faith in the One True God; so this means pre-Jesus will have followed the teachings of Yahweh(Hebrew for God), and those after Jesus will have to put their faith in Him. So basically the God potrayed in the Bible. Being faithful to Him and following his ways would be the key to getting into heaven.

Now you don't nescarliy follow a certain religion. I mean some would call Christianity a religion, but it is more of a movement. And many people who are in the religion of being "Christians" wont quite make the cut. It is sad. But when God says he is the way... Well when His Son says He is the way to the Father, it leaves little room.

Answer 7

if you read your question again ... you will see that there is no sure way to know
would a God punish people because they chose wrong ?
is there any wrong ?
maybe they all have an element of truth
dont worry yourself over it so much
dont choose a religion based on which one promises you most
pick one that feels true to you ... or dont pick one at all
i am sure God is more forgiving and loving than many of his followers think xx

Answer 8

Put religion aside. God did not create religion, but Satan loves confusion. Our father God wants us to serve him as one.

Also live by his teachings. he's not here to damn anyone or exempt anyone, actually he wants all of us to come to his home, but some refuse to embrace the fact that Love exist, because God is love and to not believe in God is to not love.

When the rapture happens people will go be with their Father, but 7 years on earth will be great pain and distress, but also hope another chance to give your heart to God for those who did not believe.

Answer 9

I don't agree that all religions lead to Heaven. Jesus says in John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me. That pretty much excludes Mohammad, Buddha, Atheists( who have no belief at all, etc.

When speaking about the different denominations in Christianity, there is only one, and one way to heaven. That is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Excepting that your a sinner, and putting your faith in him, and trying to live your life by walking with him, reading your bible, and confessing your sins. Those other denominations teach that you can save yourself. ie, getting baptized, giving, making all your sacraments, etc. In Romans, Paul tells us we are saved by faith, not by works, lest any man can boast. That means By our faith in Christ, not by anything we can do ourselves. Is it great to do all those other things, but that is not what saves us. Plus, no where in the bible does it say to pray to any other besides, Jesus to God. That means we don't pray to Mary, the saints, Pope, etc. Mary herself, said she was a sinner and needed a Savior. Plus, she did not die for our sins Jesus did.

Unfortunatley, I know alot of nice people, but no one is good. For Romans 3:23 tells us that all fall short of the Glory of God. So, if we don't accept Jesus, we will spend eternity separated from him in Hell. All we can do is pray for people that God would soften their heart. I also live by example which is a testimony in itself. Lastly, be ready in season and out of season to give an answer which God also tells us in scripture.

Answer 10

You're exactly where I was right before I chose NO religion. Doesn't mean I don't believe in God and pray, and I feel closer to Him now than I ever did. Keep searching, ask for guidance, and you'll find the right path for you.