2006-12-23 04:57:52 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes. But I'm not sure if they are literal places you can go to visit. It could be that it has more to do with the condition of the soul. It seems we are capable of experiencing heaven and hell on a daily basis (and sharing it with others).
Which actually is an exciting and scary idea.
By the way...I wonder if those who say "everyone gets to go in eventually" can tell me if there will be a "serial killer section" in heaven? Or would it be wrong to single them out?
2006-12-23 05:01:06 · answer #1 · answered by Calvin James Hammer 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The old monk sat by the side of the road. With his eyes closed, his legs crossed and his hands folded in his lap, he sat. In deep meditation, he sat.
Suddenly his zazen was interrupted by the harsh and demanding voice of a samurai warrior. "Old man! Teach me about heaven and hell!"
At first, as though he had not heard, there was no perceptible response from the monk. But gradually he began to open his eyes, the faintest hint of a smile playing around the corners of his mouth as the samurai stood there, waiting impatiently, growing more and more agitated with each passing second.
"You wish to know the secrets of heaven and hell?" replied the monk at last. "You who are so unkempt. You whose hands and feet are covered with dirt. You whose hair is uncombed, whose breath is foul, whose sword is all rusty and neglected. You who are ugly and whose mother dresses you funny. You would ask me of heaven and hell?"
The samurai uttered a vile curse. He drew his sword and raised it high above his head. His face turned to crimson and the veins on his neck stood out in bold relief as he prepared to sever the monk's head from its shoulders.
"That is hell," said the old monk gently, just as the sword began its descent.
In that fraction of a second, the samurai was overcome with amazement, awe, compassion and love for this gentle being who had dared to risk his very life to give him such a teaching. He stopped his sword in mid-flight and his eyes filled with grateful tears.
"And that," said the monk, "is heaven."
2006-12-23 05:03:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes. Los Angeles and San Francisco, respectively.
2006-12-23 04:59:52 · answer #3 · answered by STFU Dude 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, most certainly
we will all be eventually resurrected, everyone will not go into heaven together. A choice must be made by each person in this life to determine where he or she will be going for eternity. The Bible says that it is appointed for us to die only once, and after that will come judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Those who have been made righteous will go into eternal life in heaven, but unbelievers will be sent to eternal punishment, or hell (Matthew 25:46).
Hell, like heaven, is not only a state of existence, but a literal, and very real, place. It is a place where the unrighteous will experience never-ending, eternal wrath from God. They will endure emotional, mental, and physical torment, consciously suffering from shame, regret, and contempt.
Hell is described as a bottomless pit (Luke 8:31, Revelation 9:1), and a lake of fire, burning with sulfur, where the inhabitants will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Revelation 20:10). In hell, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, indicating intense grief and anger (Matthew 13:42). It is a place “where the worm never dies and the fire never goes out” (Mark 9:48). God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but desires them to turn from their wicked ways so that they can live (Ezekiel 33:11). But He will not force us into submission; if we choose to reject Him, He has little choice but to give us what we want – to live apart from Him.
Life on earth is a test – a preparation for what is to come. For believers, this is eternal life in the immediate presence of God. So how are we made righteous and able to receive this eternal life? There is only one way – through faith and trust in God's Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish...” (John 11:25-26).
The free gift of eternal life is available to all, but it requires that we deny ourselves some worldly pleasures and sacrifice ourselves to God. “And all who believe in God's Son have eternal life. Those who don't obey the Son will never experience eternal life, but the wrath of God remains upon them” (John 3:36). We will not be given the opportunity to repent from our sins after death because once we see God face to face, we will have no choice but to believe in Him. He wants us to come to Him in faith and love now. If we accept the death of Jesus Christ as payment for our sinful rebellion against God, we are guaranteed not only a meaningful life on earth, but also everlasting life in the presence of Christ.
Make sure you know where you will be going before it is to late...
2006-12-23 05:03:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe they are only states of consciousness-the misguided who cling to religion, materialist desires etc. construct their own abstract hell, while the spiritually enlightened attain inner peace. Everyone attains enlightenment eventually (even Christians which seems incredible) so there is no eternal damnation.
2006-12-23 05:01:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Heaven, yes.
Hell, no.
Yep. I'm a heretic. Deal with it, beyotches!
2006-12-23 04:59:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I believe it because God says there is a Heaven and Hell.
That's good enough for me.
Merry Christmas!
2006-12-23 05:00:00 · answer #7 · answered by Chef Bob 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No for both. I believe that most souls cross over to the other side.
2006-12-23 05:00:05 · answer #8 · answered by Gorgeoustxwoman2013 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes! Please see my question "Do you think the birth of the Red Heifers born in the 1990's is proof that the Messiah is coming soon?" Please read the comments. There is an important message for everyone.
2006-12-23 05:01:56 · answer #9 · answered by Soul saviour 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, i do. I am a born again Christian, and i invite you to read the holy bible! if you accept Jesus to be your lord and savior, then you may go Heaven!
2006-12-23 04:59:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋