Okay - I've been reading all the arguments about God and creationism and who believes what...but when it comes down to the real meat of the matter...isn't it our actions that count? If there is a "reward" after death, do I have a better chance of getting it if I'm an arrogant believer who demeans those who don't believe what I believe, but I go to church, read the bible, and pay my dues - or do I have a better chance if I'm indifferent to the existance of a higher power but live my life honestly, kindly, and compassionately?
2007-01-26 08:37:07 · 21 answers · asked by eurovac 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, according to all the Christians I've met, good deeds do not a Heaven's Pass make. Belief in God through Jesus is the ONLY path.
And they wonder why we're not interested...
2007-01-26 08:52:45 · answer #1 · answered by dead_elves 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, before an action there is always a though, so both count equally, just because humans can't see or know your thoughts doesn't mean that they don't count 'cause God knows everything.
That happen when you hate, maybe you don't express yourself with an action, but you still keeping that feeling in your inside.
Bad thoughts make bad actions.
2007-01-26 09:03:02 · answer #2 · answered by Kenia M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actions do matter, but you can't earn your own way into heaven. It doesn't work that way. You can't wipe away the guilt of every mistake you've made with good deeds. Only the blood of Christ can do that. Wanting and striving to be a good person happens when you realize how much God has done for you and you want to become a better person because of your grateful heart.
2007-01-26 08:53:18 · answer #3 · answered by DL 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BOTH. Both intent and action count. Intent is the creation of the thought in the mind and action is the execution of the intention. Religion isn't important, unless your goal is to become a Buddha (altruistic and enlightened).
To expand... looking back at Jesus' teachings through the lens of the Buddhist philosophy on how the mind works... I think this is what Jesus was saying about a "sin" not only being a sin when it's executed but if you even just THINK about it.
_()_
2007-01-26 08:44:47 · answer #4 · answered by vinslave 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christianity is about freedom. Freedom from everything you just wrote. There is nothing, I mean nothing you have to DO. Faith is all you have to have.
Everything else is just noise. Do not let yourself be tricked into doing anything.
Of course kindness and honesty are wonderful virtues but they have nothing to do with your salvation.
I want to be more Christ like but I will never be. I know this from the start of my journey. So my works mean nothing. They are dirt.
There is no way you can hedge your chances. Being good or reading the Bible will not improve your chances.
best of luck to you and your journey, I hope you find the answer to your question
2007-01-26 09:06:45 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Belief in Jesus Christ as your savior, & living for God is what counts. Do not do good deeds to get to heaven, do good deeds out of gratitude to Jesus for saving you. Jesus died for your sins to make you free from sin. Nothing you can do will get you to heaven. The price has already been paid, all you need to do is accept this gift from God, & because you are grateful show it by your actions & do as He asks.
Without Jesus you have no chance.Jesus said" I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." He also said"If you love me, you will obey what I command"
2007-01-26 08:56:44 · answer #6 · answered by Jason 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both thought and action count because what you think is what you believe and what you believe you will end up doing. One can not think well of others and go on and gossip about them and one can't think ill about others and go and say good things about them. thoughts and actions are co-related you can not have one without the other.
2007-01-26 08:48:09 · answer #7 · answered by honey cheeks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my dad always taught me to look at it this way:
if someone were about to get hit by a bus would thinking about saving them actually save them? HELL NO! action is the only way to get things done...if you say you are a Christian and you do unChristian things are you any better or worse than a person who believes in no religion yet still goes out of their way to do good things?
2007-01-26 08:49:04 · answer #8 · answered by techteach03 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actions are important, but they are not enough when it comes to God. Doing good is great, don't get me wrong, but you have to believe. If you believe you are promised a place in the kingdom, but you will be accountable for all the deeds you do here on earth.
2007-01-26 08:47:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Read Matthew 21:28-32where Jesus says that tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you do.
2007-01-26 08:46:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋