What if your reward for becoming a Christian were that all of you and your family's necessities (food, shelter, etc.) would be met for a lifetime, but at the end of your life, that's it? No pearly gates, no streets of gold, just game over.
Would it be as appealing to you?
2007-04-06 03:20:46 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You know, that's a really great question. Personally, I think that any Christian should not expect to be given any reward. After all, everlasting life is a GIFT, not a redeemable token that so many think they have already earned. (Don't even get me started on the "In case of rapture this car will be unmanned" bumper stickers. Pious hypocrites.)
That having been said, I live my life the way I do simply because it is the best way to live. In my heart, I really feel that at the end of my life, if my creator says, "sorry, you didn't make the cut," I wouldn't regret the good I did and the bad I didn't do. So,even if there was no reward at all, I'll still serve God out of love. He deserves to be worshipped. Period.
2007-04-06 03:37:35 · answer #1 · answered by sevenflowers 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I never thought the pearly gates and streets of gold were literal, I always thought it was a metaphor for something... I don't live for getting into Heaven, and I don't believe it is the sole reward. That would be like taking a job solely for the paycheck. Yeah, all my necessities are met for a lifetime, but there's really nothing in it for me. Most of us at least TRY to seek something more meaningful.
I have no expectations of Heaven, and I believe it will be something I cannot possibly conceive of. If humans could think of it, we'd try to make it. Perhaps my "reward" at the end of all this will be to simply not have to worry about meeting all of my necessities. That would be a relief...
2007-04-06 03:28:44 · answer #2 · answered by robin0408 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes I am able to stand because of the promised reward. If my reward directly effected my family in a tangible way I would think MORE people would want it. As it is less people want to do nice and honorable things because they see nothing in it for themselves. But if the reward was staring them in the face everyday I would think it would make a difference. But I am thankful it is the way it is because it is VERY evident those who are not righteous.
2007-04-06 03:28:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
My child, that is not what Christians look afterwards after this life... We have already experienced heaven in this life, being with another person is like being with God... because God is in me, in you, in all of us. Dying is part of living, the physical death is the start of the spiritual life. Who knows what will happen next, all I know is that I am happy with this lifetime and how priviledged I am to experience it. If God can give us this, how much exciting will be the next dont you think?! Dont read the Bible literally, its beyond your little puny mind!
2007-04-06 03:33:32 · answer #4 · answered by Louie D 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The thought of no eternal life would definitely not be appealing. It would be depressing and discouraging to think that all we have is life here on earth.
I look forward to the day that I can be face-to-face with Jesus and understand all of life's mysteries.
2007-04-06 03:28:40 · answer #5 · answered by mortgagelns 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's still better than living under the devil's tyrannical rule, treated like less than a dog. Be for real, you want peace and comfort like most other people (excepting third world countries where survival is first).
2007-04-06 03:30:10 · answer #6 · answered by AVON I 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sure, isnt it appealing to you?? That seems like like a redundant question. Thats like saying if the reward was cookies instead of cake, would i still want it.
2007-04-06 03:26:28 · answer #7 · answered by atlazdrama 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think that you make a very good point. i think some would still be christians out of guilt, but no mainly there wouldnt be any christians!
we wouldnt control our temptation to sin, cos thered be not point. were quite selfish really- us humans!
2007-04-06 03:30:24 · answer #8 · answered by your loot 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a nordic goddess, and I have other goddesses I talk to everyday or something.
Great.
I don't think Christians can even understand their own name, much less this question.
2007-04-06 03:31:29 · answer #9 · answered by Lökásennäaa 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
'What if' questions are really traveling around in circles.
Facts are eternal life has been promised.
The promise has been put in writing AND repeated a number of times.
All that from a God who cannot lie.
Please stick with reality.
2007-04-06 03:27:48 · answer #10 · answered by Uncle Thesis 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋