Hey, I'm having a lot of difficulty. I was always led to believe that if you were baptised and lived your life by the Bible, then you pretty much had assurence that you were going to Heaven. But, I've been hearing that's not true. I hear that it's all up to God what happens and that we can't influence his decision. If we live our lives by his guidelines then haven't I done what I need to do? Say if you live your whole life by the word, then trip at the finishline, sin and die without repentance, are we condemned? Likeiwse, does a sinner who repents in his last minute get in? What about a righteous person who can't handle anymore and kills themself? Are all of their past deeds and their union with Jesus overlooked? If it's all up to God, no guarentees, then what's the point?
2007-03-06 04:32:36 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
another point. The bible was constructed by men. True, the word migh have come from God, but how can I trust a group of Romans from 2000 years ago that could have ommited something or changed things arround? What if we're missing something because of them? How can we counter this, prepare for this, discover this? Will God hols us acountable if such a thing happens? If it happened? How can we be held accountable for stuff like that?
2007-03-06 08:27:11 · update #1
Don't listen to lemmings, I will answer each of your concerns one-by-one.
"I was always led to believe that if you were baptised and lived your life by the Bible, then you pretty much had assurence that you were going to Heaven."
You are having a crisis because this is a foundation based on works. Once you hear the truth, this foundation of sand will begin to sift underneath your feet. This is what Jesus described as "the wind blows against the house and it falls because it was not founded on the Rock."
"But, I've been hearing that's not true. I hear that it's all up to God what happens and that we can't influence his decision."
This is also incorrect. God has given you free will to choose. But in order to choose, there MUST be a choice. Christ came to give us a free pass out of hell and straight to the throne of God via the cross. All we need do is accept Him as Lord and Savior. No works. No being "good enough". No relativity or subjective lines of arbitration.
"If we live our lives by his guidelines then haven't I done what I need to do? Say if you live your whole life by the word, then trip at the finishline, sin and die without repentance, are we condemned?"
This is a religion based on works. That is why many Catholics believe that you need absolution before you die. It is silly, but that is what they sincerely believe. My grandmother had a sticker on her car window that said, "If I am in a car accident and close to death, please call a priest immediately."
"Likewise, does a sinner who repents in his last minute get in?"
Someone who has denied Christ's free gift all of their life, will find it very difficult to change their mind near death (what if their death is sudden?). But remember the words of Christ, "I know my sheep, and I have not lost a single one that is mine."
"What about a righteous person who can't handle anymore and kills themself?"
Anyone who accepts Christ as Lord and Savior has ALL their sins forgiven, past, present and future. If they give in to the lies of the enemy and kills them self, who is responsible for the death? The sufferer, or the liar that got him to that frame of mind?
"Are all of their past deeds and their union with Jesus overlooked?"
Jesus was just as much their Savior then as He was the day they accepted Christ. God does not change based on our mood or mental state. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.
"If it's all up to God, no guarantees, then what's the point?"
Exactly, free will would be of none-effect. What someone told you is a crock. Read below for the Biblical realities.
2007-03-06 04:37:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The moment you come to God in faith your sins are washed away. When you continue to walk by faith the works of righteousness and of the Holy Spirit will follow. This does not mean that you will be perfect, but because your heart chases hard after God his grace will cover you and lift you up. There is no one that can be saved by works of righteousness. We are made righteous by faith in Christ. So don't focus so much on the works, keep your focus on your relationship with Christ and let him take care of the rest. By the way, I am what they call a fundy.
2007-03-06 12:49:53 · answer #2 · answered by Jimbo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Legalism will drive you crazy. Yes, it's ultimately up to God. Just remember: "Not as man sees does God see, for man sees the appearance but God looks into the heart." A rat who SINCERELY repents on his deathbed will be accepted. A good person who "stumbles" at the end or gives up in despair will be judged fairly by God. God doesn't keep lists like we do, but judges accurately, knowing what we understand and intend.
2007-03-06 13:09:38 · answer #3 · answered by skepsis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rest assure that Jehovah never forgets the work of his people.
Hebrews 6:10 "For God is not unrighteous so as to forget YOUR work and the love YOU showed for his name, in that YOU have ministered to the holy ones and continue ministering."
Keep in mind that it's not once saved always saved like some believe. You have work at what is good constantly. Because we all sin and fall short of the glory of God constantly everyday, and all share in the UNDESERVED kindness of Jehovah. ( Romans 3:23)
By reading the Bible and pondering over what it really means, we can find out how we are to live our lives as worshipers of Jehovah and followers of Christ. By doing the things commanded constantly, we will be given peace of mind to know that Jehovah is pleased with our work ,and that he will save us from this wicked system of things.
2007-03-06 12:47:33 · answer #4 · answered by maleika v 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only sin that cannot be forgiven is "Blasphamy against the Holy Spirit".
Within this life, God asks us to love him. From time to time you will feel "Vocations" he asks you to do. Life is a gift, and when we use our gift with God's plan then we get more fruits. If we show up to Judgement Day all dirty from Sin's, well, God's gotta have us clean before we get near him. So, you can clean yourself along the way (sacrement of reconcilliation) or wait till the last moments and have a much more challenging time.
2007-03-06 12:47:32 · answer #5 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You basically are correct. To prove you are right, read what teh prophet Ezekiel states:
But if the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him; he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced.
Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked? says the Lord GOD. Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way that he may live?
And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil, the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does, can he do this and still live? None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered, because he has broken faith and committed sin; because of this, he shall die.
Ezekiel 18: 21-24
2007-03-06 12:41:16 · answer #6 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jesus died FOR YOU!!!! He is a sinless man on whom all our sins were put. Jesus is pure. We're not. We sin all the time and we're going to sin even though we try not to. All you have to do is claim it. Believe it! God loves you so much! Yes, even if you have been horrible all your life and don't claim it till the end, God still accepts you because He won't change the rules in the middle. And if you commit suicide even amidst your faith in Christ, I believe you still go to heaven.
If you are still having trouble, I would encourage you to read Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
Okay? God bless you.
2007-03-06 12:47:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow Jimmy..that's alot of questions!
#1. the bible tells us..you must be born-again.
John 3:3
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.
Now as far as making mistakes after that time
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
We should be very glad and at peace in our hearts knowing that God will judge. He is not like people. He is righteous and full of justice. and Most of All..he is fair!
2007-03-06 12:44:30 · answer #8 · answered by Eartha Q 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Living a good life according to the Gospel will not send you to Heaven....being baptized will not send you to Heaven....Having a crisis at the end and you taking your life will not send you to hell....There is only ONE way to the Father, and that is belief in Jesus Christ ...that He died for your sins, that He rose from the dead, and that He's sitting at the right hand of the Father .....Belief that Jesus atoned for you sins....There is only one way to hell and that is disbelief in Jesus.....
2007-03-06 12:45:04 · answer #9 · answered by TNT 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can rest on God's word.
(Philippians 1:6) ...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
2007-03-06 12:43:31 · answer #10 · answered by Mr. E 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋