I ask this out of all seriousness. I just listened to a lecture by an ex-con (he swindled retirement funds from old people) who "found" Jesus while in prison. He basically stated that, while in prison, he accepted Jesus as his savior and repented for his sins therefore he is at peace with God and can go to heaven.
My question is is repentance really fair and is it real? After all, because of him, there's probably still some poor senior out there who is living out the last years of his life in poverty. Therefore, where's the justice in a person like him going to heaven just because he repented while a nonbeliever, who has not ruined an old person's life, go to hell?
2006-12-26 19:56:03 · 10 answers · asked by djiang83 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Repentance is "fair" because someone else paid the penalty for this man's sins, namely the Lord Jesus Christ. The only one this wasn't "fair" to is the Lord Jesus. However you bring up a valid point when the case is a matter of theft, and I think if repentance is genuine, there needs to be some evidence in at least an attempt to make restitution of stolen funds. Realistically, sometimes this is almost impossible. If the person is jailed his ability to make restitution is probably quite limited. For consideration I recommend 2 Bible passages; Matthew 18:21-35 and also the story of Zaccheus, who offered a fourfold restoration as evidence of his repentance (Luke 19:1-10)
2006-12-26 20:06:26 · answer #1 · answered by wefmeister 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We all have the chance to repent. God hates the sin, but loves the sinner, even a thief and a murderer. Jesus while on the cross and next to a thief forgave him, why would the ex-con be any different?! If people couldn't ask for forgiveness for their sins, then would all be going to hell. The difference between people and Jesus is that as a person we judge other people. The Good Lord knows what's in a persons heart. He knows when we are truly repentant. God sees everybody's sins the same, no one sin is greater than another. The beauty of Jesus is that He gave His life for us.
2006-12-27 04:29:55 · answer #2 · answered by tracy211968 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes repentance is real and fair Jehovah is a Just God, and even what you say there I do understand your point, but let me say this: just because someone may say they are going to heaven does not mean they actually will!!!! And also Jehovah the only true Almighty God knows if the repentance that a person says they have is real or if they are just trying to get to go to heaven or get on God's good side, I mean God knows what they are really thinking and what they are really all about that is why he is a J8ust God and he only accepts some one who really and truly repents and turns around! don't forget God sees all there is nothing that can escape his view on it or them!
2006-12-27 04:33:41 · answer #3 · answered by I speak Truth 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
True repentance involves fully forgiving yourself and others mentally and in your "soul." It clears the negativity from your mind and gives more room for positive energy to flow. So yes, it does work if the person repenting is sincere about it. You can't shoot a man, repent and be "all better" this is a misconception of Christianity.
If a man can clear the sinful bruises from his mind and you can not, he has a better chance of "sleeping" in peace that you do.
What if your most prevailing thought encompasses you in death. If you focus on hatred then when you die hatred will consume you. But what if your overwhelming thought is that when you die you will be at peace with God.
2006-12-27 04:18:03 · answer #4 · answered by Tony 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus lived a perfect life, facing temptation from the devil himself, experiencing all the earthly needs we have. In the end he died for us, in the worst way the Romans knew how to get rid of him. I'd say that is enough to cover sins, wouldn't you?
Now, I'm not saying that what that man did was right, but spiritually, the price has been paid. Earthly, he went to prison, and that is what our government decided is just.
And that old person, was he perfect? Has he not sinned? Has he never hurt anyone physically, spiritually, or emotionally b4? And who said that old person is going to hell? That is a decision the old person has to make on his own, and deal w/ the consequences.
Hope this helps,
Ryan
2006-12-27 04:06:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
repentance is a person recognizing his/her wrong doings.Now that being said,i dont think that person should just go straight to heaven after that.there needs to be some kind of apoligy and not by just mere words either.it also needs to be shown by action.he needs to pay back or work hard to give back whatever he took from somebody else.he might cant bring back another persons life but he should do all that he can to fix the problems he has cause.yes God forgives him but people arent God.
2006-12-27 04:10:23 · answer #6 · answered by black pharoahs of egypt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Repentance is simply an about face. Away from Satan toward the Living God.
2006-12-27 03:58:44 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I dunno, repentance sounds like an easy way out doesnt it?But if we look inside ourselves, dont we all want the easy way out after messing up due to our selfishness?
But for some, it is an actual attempt at learning from their mistake and teaching others not to make the same mistake....
After all, how will we learn if we never make mistakes...some one has to go wrong (and then regret, therefore repent) so that we all learn
2006-12-27 04:02:02 · answer #8 · answered by Specs 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it takes also being born again from it and God is the judge nad He is fair so dont worry....alll Nonbelievers must repent...no bellyaching is needed..
2006-12-27 04:10:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is and exercise of futility to try to make sense and find logic in middle eastern tales and legends.
It is a scientific fact that schizophrenic mental disorders are more prevalent in prisons and tend to become more severe.
Ramen !
2006-12-27 04:00:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋