lets pretend steve does not believe in physically praying and going to church . However Steve has led his life better than any christian on earth , he has never sinned and lives his life on christian values . Everyone sins but not Steve. He was babtised as a child so doesn't have original sin . Do you believe Steve has to physically go to church to go to "heaven" , or is church just a base for teaching values ?
2007-03-26 10:05:58 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's all about relationship with God.
God reveals himself to most folks in obvious ways... their parents take them to church or such.
Some don't have that leg-up. God reveals himself to them in other ways. "Steve's" response to God's revelation is what is important. "Steve" is living his life in a good way for a reason, not out of habit.
I think God would judge "Steve" based on how he responded to his calling, not on if he said the words.
2007-03-26 10:20:55 · answer #1 · answered by azarus_again 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way to get to heaven is through salvation, being forgiven of your sins and accepting Christ into your heart. There is no one in this world who does not sin. Everyone is born into sin. But thanks to Jesus Christ, God the Son, who was sent to this earth to live a sinless life for 33 years, if Steve trusts in Jesus to forgive his sin, he will go to heaven. The rest of the details about praying and going to church will fall into place. Steve will want to go to church so he can learn more and be around other people and praying will come naturally.
2007-03-26 17:15:50 · answer #2 · answered by zzfanta 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe baptism as a child means anything. A person has to be baptized of their own free will.
Also, has "Steve" accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior? If so, then whether he goes to church or not is irrelevant.
However, two things:
1. It's impossible to never sin. We ALL sin, whether in thought, word, or deed.
2. Prayer is an important part of a Christian relationship. Actually, I would go so far as to say it's THE most important part. Can you maintain a friendship with someone if you never talk to them? That's what prayer is.
2007-03-26 17:15:10 · answer #3 · answered by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I personally believe the person you are is MUCH more important than sitting in a church. So on the flip side.....if Steve wentto church faithfully every Sunday, yet he lived a life of sin, do you think he would go to Heaven?
I think church SHOULD be used as a tool to help us learn to live by God's word.....not a crutch to say you are "Christian". YOu can aonnect with God by praying and reading the bible, etc.
2007-03-26 17:13:18 · answer #4 · answered by Cortney N 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if Steve lived a supposedly sinless life (which is impossible, by the way -- see Romans 3:23), he would not go to Heaven unless he had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. By rejecting Christ's atoning death on the Cross, Steve would be committing the unforgivable sin, which is refusing to heed the work of the Holy Spirit in convicting of sin.
1Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
That's if Steve has rejected the Lord. If he has accepted Christ as his Savior and doesn't go to church, he's still going to Heaven. Many people have been isolated or somehow prevented from going to church, but they've continued to hold fast to their faith in Christ.
Church is a place for encouragement, fellowship, and worship, but it's not an absolute requirement for going to Heaven. Only faith in Christ and acceptance of His Sacrifice are necessary.
2007-03-26 17:26:08 · answer #5 · answered by Wolfeblayde 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Church is only going to get Steve into heaven if Steve uses what he learns to reinforce his belief in Jesus.
The good news is that his baptism was done because of the faith of his family, so at least he was started on the road of faith. When it comes down to dealing with Jesus and subsequently The Almighty, the burden of proof is on Steve.
On a personal note, I don't believe in the common idea of sin and redemption. Most people would reduce sin down to the idea of any wrong act including mistakes. The only sin I concern myself with is the denial that GOD exists and is in control. So much in life is created around fears founded by people to enslave those around themselves in order to feel powerful.
2007-03-26 17:24:15 · answer #6 · answered by Kia Extreem 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Church is important to be with the godly, and to learn christian values. But to get into heaven no...... all u need is to believe Jesus rose from the dead, and died for your sins. But I believe, not going to church, it will make your spiritual walk harder to get there. Its hard to find a good church, sit and pray, don't go till u get answered. Just pray more by your self, and worship him alone. Its always nice though to have others around u praying, worshipping, and praying for u. Its nice to have a family.
2007-03-26 17:23:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Steve doesnt exist.
And nobody has to go church to go to heaven. No pastor, or bible reader would tell you that. You go to church because you love God and want to serve him and want to talk and spend time with others who serve him.
And where on earth did you get that being babtized on the head when he's a baby makes him not have original sin? Thats def. not in the bible.
2007-03-26 17:10:13 · answer #8 · answered by aceing101 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Steve may be a wonderful person, but he cant go to heaven unless He accepts Jesus and loves Him enough to obey Him. But, he doesnt have to go to church to be saved, tho God wants us in church.
God says we are the church, its what is it our hearts ,, that says if we love Jesus and are to be saved or not.
Not whther we go to church or not. Many never going to church will be saved. Many in church wont be.
Its not a church issue. Its only if one deceides to accept Jesus as their own personal saviour and to turn from sin and live a life of obedience to Him.
God is good.
Tell Steve to tell Jesus today He wants Him in His life and wants Him as His saviour and to turn from sin, and to live a life of holiness. Then, Steve can KNOW he will be in Heaven.
Nothing on this earth is worth giving up Heaven and Jesus for. absolutely nothing.
2007-03-26 17:24:52 · answer #9 · answered by full gospel shirley 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good question...but unfortunately, if steve is a human, he has sinned. i'll be honest - i've probably sinned more than most - but my heaven bound-ness won't be because of anything I've done...it will be because of what Christ has done for us. I trust Christ to save me - not in my own actions. Thats God's plan - everyone is on the same playing field - we all have the choice to go with faith in Christ. this can be explained much better in the book of Galatians and Ephesians in a bible. cheers!
2007-03-26 17:13:26 · answer #10 · answered by j-Z 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋