Either way since 'acting' righteous is something you claim yourself is not judged upon.
Some people can be the most cruel, criminal people in the world, and does that mean you automatically assume they actually don't believe in God?
According to you, they are given a chance to repent, and if they do, they are allowed to go to heaven.
Therefore, you say that being good doesn't matter, evil people can easily get into heaven without any punishment if they are truly "sorry", repent and believe in Jesus.
So again, why would God even care whether you acted good or not, since that is not what you are judged on, or even punished for?
2007-02-27 13:32:39 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's about the heart, not our actions themselves. Though actions are equally as important as intentions, people neglect the 'intentions' part.
Everyone is evil (i.e., not perfect.) It's just that simple. We have to be perfect to get into a perfect heaven. That is only possible through Jesus.
"Except a man be born again he cannot enter the kingdom of God"
Jesus was pretty clear.
2007-02-27 13:37:29 · answer #1 · answered by Doug 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since we are created in the image of God we should act good no matter what. It's like a father taking care of his children, this is what is expected of any "real" dad. Likewise we as humans are naturally inclined towards evil but still have a desire to do good since we are made in God's image. Only thing that that will get you to heaven is Believing in Jesus as your Lord and saviour. There's only two choices, if you choose the latter no matter how many good deeds you do you will END UP IN HELL!
The reason for this is because all humans have fallen short of the glory of God. God's holiness demands that we as humans live 100% according to his commands. No human has been able to do it do to their weakness to sin, whereas Jesus the human form of God achieved 100% of living according to God's will even to death on the cross. God counts Jesus' righteousness to all who Believe in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
2007-02-27 13:42:21 · answer #2 · answered by cpoppa112 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say claiming to be born-again and actually being born-again are not the same thing. Born-again suggests that a spiritual transformation has taken place. If that be true than it means the human ego is transcended and one then begins to live their life through the perspective of eternal awareness. The transpersonal would supersede the personal and I've not experienced many Christians, born-again or otherwise, whom live life through the perspective of transpersonal awareness.
2007-02-27 13:44:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being righteous in the sight of God does matter. We are commanded by God to be holy because God is holy. Jesus came to this earth to save his people from their sins. If you miss the righteousness issue you have missed the whole point.
2007-02-27 13:39:09 · answer #4 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If they are truly "sorry", repent and believe in Jesus, they will then begin to act righteously. I've seen it happen.
Recall the 2 theives that died on either side of Jesus? One repented and was saved, he never did a single good work in his life, but was saved soley on his faith.
2007-02-27 13:38:33 · answer #5 · answered by kmsbean 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
...God saves us for good works. He also expects holiness, observe 1 Peter 1:14-16:
...14 "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your gnorance,
...15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;
...16 because it is written, "(BE)YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."
...P.S. God commands me to be holy and that is all the reason I need. I think sometimes some may want to delay obedience because they don't know why, or they want to hear why and then decide whether or not to obey.
...Our obedience to Christ or lack of it will show whether we really love Him.
...Jesus said this in John 14:21: "He who has my commandments and keeps them, He it is who loves Me, and He will be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him."
2007-02-27 13:45:08 · answer #6 · answered by carson123 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God is wise. He knows what`s in your heart. I`m sure Hitler isn`t in heaven. God is just. God wants followers and believers to sit with him in heaven.
2007-02-27 13:37:58 · answer #7 · answered by lost2day 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, people can say the believe in God all day. But Jesus said that if you love me you'll follow my commandments.
2007-02-27 13:37:29 · answer #8 · answered by yaabro 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is also said faith without works is dead. (In James). Accepting Jesus not just with words, but fully. With this comes a change in behavior. One leads to the other.....some people forget the whole.
2007-02-27 13:40:11 · answer #9 · answered by chico2149 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God decides who goes to haeven and who doesnt. He knows their hearts and he knows what all they have done in their lives. He doesnt just let just anybody into heaven.
2007-02-27 13:41:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋