Which Christian denomination?

Question

I'm considering choosing a denomination of Christianity later in my life to increase my chances of going to a heaven, just in case. I know if I become Catholic, my slate will be wiped clean right when I do a confession... I was wondering if choosing one denomination over another in Christianity has a more favorable chance of getting into heaven? Are there any that God discredits? If a non-denominational Christian has an equal or better chance at salvation that a Catholic one, which requires countless kneeling and standing and communion and confession, etc etc etc on sundays, wouldn't that be the most practical choice?

Answer 1

~no one really knows which religion is the best~

that's why its called FAITH

Answer 2

It doesn't really work that way. You must truly be repentant and absolve to "sin no more". For example, you can't have an affair, go to confession (to wipe your sins away), and then do it again. In a nutshell, sin is like a nail driven into a piece of wood. It leaves a scar which needs to be fixed. We must find ways to make up to those we've sinned against in addition to asking for forgiveness. If it were that easy, there would be more Catholics (maybe) and the lines at confession would be WAY longer.
Thus, an Act of Contrition is done after confession:
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins, because of Thy just punishment,
but most of all because they offend Thee, my God,
Who art all-good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace to sin no more
and to avoid the near occassions of sin. Amen.



Salvation is not based on a "points system". Only God determines salvation. (Thus my angst when I see someone claim that Jesus is their personal Savior and find out about them "whoring" around at a nightclub. Sorry so crude!) But as in any faith, you must have the sincerity to live and act as you believe.
Many use the "kneeling, standing" thing to discredit Catholics; they do this because they don't understand. It is a beautiful faith steeped in tradition, every action has its significance: the adoration of Christ and His presence.
Bottom line? There is no guarantee that choosing a particular faith will grant salvation. I encourage you continue asking questions (especially why), visiting different churches, reading/researching, but most importantly, praying for God's guidance in your decision-making. You've knocked on the door, God will do the rest!
Here are a few good websites to visit:
http://www.concernedcatholics.org/
http://www.catholic.com/
http://www.catholicapologeticsresource.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

Peace,
Mon :-)

Answer 3

The issue concerning any church and its practices should be “Is this Biblical?” If a teaching is Biblical (taken in context), it should be embraced. If it is not, it should be rejected. God is more interested in whether a church is doing His will and obeying His Word than whether it can trace a line of succession back to Jesus’ apostles. Jesus was very concerned about abandoning the Word of God to follow the traditions of men (Mark 7:7). Traditions are not inherently invalid…there are some good and valuable traditions. Again, the issue must be whether a doctrine, practice, or tradition is Biblical. How then does the Roman Catholic Church compare with the teachings of the Word of God?
Salvation: The Roman Catholic Church teaches that salvation is by baptismal regeneration and is maintained through the Catholic sacraments unless a willful act of sin is committed that breaks the state of sanctifying grace. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace which is received through simple faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), and that good works are the result of a change of the heart wrought in salvation (Ephesians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17) and the fruit of that new life in Christ (John 15).
Assurance of salvation: The Roman Catholic Church teaches that salvation cannot be guaranteed or assured. 1 John 5:13 states that the letter of 1 John was written for the purpose of assuring believers of the CERTAINTY of their salvation.

Answer 4

Denomination doesn't matter, what matters is that the word of God is taught and believed by the pastorate. If you start hearing stuff like they don't think certain things about the Bible are necessarily true, run! Also beware of those who put the traditions of men up level with the word of God. In these last days, apostacy (falling away from the truth) is running rampant. It disguises its self as truth, and is dependant upon people not knowing and understanding the word of God. Don't get scared or discouraged, just ask God for wisdom. If that is what you really want, He will not steer you wrong. Remember though, you HAVE to know the word. If you don't, you can be easily decieved.

Answer 5

and which denomination does the Bible say is better?
Joyce Meyer said it best -
"would it be a surprise that, when we get to heaven, that we will find no denomination got it 100% right?"
The Bible has the answers to those questions on salvation and entrance into heaven. But as a Christian, if the promised land is all you look forward to, you are missing out at the greatest reward man has - a restored, glorious relationship with the ALmighty. It is the Promiser you should seek.

Answer 6

The best denomination to choose is the one that is closest to your heart. The one that calls to you. One does not increase your chances of getting into heaven any better than the other. Also, confession doesn't "wipe your slate clean". You have to do penance for your sins. It's not about the rituals, but your love and devotion to Christ and your committal to living a good and moral life that matters.

Answer 7

Denomination has nothing to do with salvation, faith in Jesus is the only way. Your chances are either 100% going to heaven with a relationship with God's Son, or 0%

Answer 8

if it was true then it would be more practicle,as it turns out it isn't true. choosing a religion is not easy but it shouldn't be done for salvation. all christians can attain salvation, all can lose it aswell. the catholic church has acknowledged this. your church attendance is no guarantee that you'll get into heaven,it is being christian in both words and actions that god gives us grace that we may persevere to the end. the catholic church is the first church from your question i am not quite sure what denomination you are but i will offer these sites incase you are interested

www.scripturecatholic.com
www.fisheaters.com
www.catholiceducation.org
www.salvationhistory.com

Answer 9

the masons as I understand it do not believe in forgiveness so when they sin there is no turning back and they go straight to hell with a beach towel and do the backstroke in the lake of fire

The baptists take enough crap in church and from each other so they are usually heavy drinkers but they will never confess to that...

The penecostals are way out there and do things like snake dancing and drug induced incoherent blabbing i.e. speaking in tongues

The born again and other christians usually breed their women shortly before the first menstuation and whatever sins they commit don't matter because they just keep getting born again and each time they start over. most of your convicted criminals leave prison as born again

The catholics are forced to buy a bible but never open it so they are in denial regarding the contents of the bible

The mormons are superheros with underwear that has magical powers but they can never completely take of the undies so when bathing they keep the garment tied around the toe so the luck won't run out. Most mormons will rule other planets when they die so if you want to be a ruler you better sign up for your planet choice now.

Lutherans are like catholics with no supervision so they do anything they want.

Answer 10

It matters not if you worship in one church or another. If you truly believe in a God, than why should it matter where or whom you worship with? It is your faith in him and want for good that will gain you salvation, not attending mass, be it Lutheran, Catholic, or any other. They all share one God, just have slightly different beliefs/practices that surround Him.
However, you shouldn't just join one so you can go to Heaven. Salvation can not be earned like that. You will gain salvation though true belief, not joining 'just-in-case'.
I hope this helps.
Just to let you know, I am not trying to sway you into one or another Christian denomination, or Christianity at all, but this answer was given since it seems Christianity is your belief. I myself like to remain unaffiliated with all organised religion, be it Christianity, Islam,Judaism, or even Atheism. Only you can decide to believe or not to believe, and in what.

Answer 11

going to Church will not get you into heaven, no matter which denomination you choose, but the good news is that accepting Jesus as your savior will get you into Heaven and almost any Pastor, or priest will be able to help you make that decision.
when choosing a Church, it is always best to visit several, until you find one that you feel comfortable in.

going to Church will help you to become a better Christian, and hopefully a better person.
it is also a great place to make friend that really care for you.