Well? The primary motivation I have to believe anymore is fear of going to hell, will this pass? I'm afraid of death, but I see no evidence of god.
2007-08-01 10:53:07 · 14 answers · asked by sspence966 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Even the devil believes and trembles..the Bible says..
James 2:19
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
It also says "Fear of God is the Beginning of wisdom" however fear alone wont get you there.
Psalm 111:10
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."
Proverbs 1:7
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 9:10
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
A lot of people don't believe in God because they have never met him. Including the naysayers on this board. Spme people don't want to meet him because of what they will have to "give up". But it's not what you lose thats important...but rather what you gain. ETERNAL LIFE.
"Mark 8:36 "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
How about you, have you met Him yet? Start by reading the Bible in the four Gospels. See what it cost Jesus to provide our salvation...not religion. Salvation is pretty simple.
1. Believe on the Name "Jesus Christ."
Acts 4:12
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
2. Confess and forsake your sins. "1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
3. Present our body a living sacrifice, pleasing Him.
Romans 12:1
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
4. Study the Bible to live by His commandments...meaning search out your own salvation with fear and trembling so you can please Him.
2 Timothy 2:15
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Philippians 2:12
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
Deuteronomy 6:2
"That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged."
Dave
Don't come down to the end of your life neglecting so great a salvation. For to die is gain as a christian.
2007-08-01 11:15:24 · answer #1 · answered by luvngspnful 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check into the developmental psychologists, esp. Erickson. He talks about the stages of development kids go through growing up and I think they apply very well to us as we grow in faith.
At an immature age, a kid only does "good" to avoid punishment. But as he matures -- if he matures -- he comes to understand that there is a better reason to do good, that is because it's the moral thing to do. That's a kind of higher reasoning.
If right now you only believe because you're afraid of death/hell, don't sweat it. Keep on believing as best you can and don't forget to pray.
Somebody once said that the Roman centurian's prayer in the New Testament is the most basic of all prayers a human can offer: "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief."
2007-08-01 10:59:08 · answer #2 · answered by Acorn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
As an analogy Niccolo Machiavelli once said that a good prince or dictator should be benevolent or loved but at the same time rule by fear. Love is far more easily betrayed than fear.
Maybe God knows this sort of formula works better with his followers as well and encourages you to stay more on the straight and narrow.
Cheers,
Michael Kelly
2007-08-01 11:03:04 · answer #3 · answered by Michael Kelly 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will pass if you confront it with a strong argument and give it time.
You could imagine a God who rewards the unfaithful, praising them for not believing in something without evidence. That balances out the 'Hell' of the God in which you once believed.
As for fear of death, that is inherent to the human condition but not necessary. You may never overcome it, but consider that, since we can't know what comes after this life, there may be something good in store for you. Don't rely on it, but let it balance out the negative possibilities.
2007-08-01 14:11:35 · answer #4 · answered by Skye 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
That is the primary motive, and yes, it is conditioning that causes people to believe in hell. If you think about the concept of hell clearly, and without the constraints that 'faith' imposes, you will immediately see that it is utter nonsense.
Also, human beings generally find it impossible to accept that death is an ending of everything. I believe that too is a conditioning thing. People feel compelled to believe that there is something beyond death, and that 'punishment' or 'reward' awaits when they die.
2007-08-01 11:05:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know God exists. Believing in God means you believe what he teaches. I believe in what God teaches because it makes me happier and helps me to understand the way things are.
Most people misunderstand what hell is anyway.
2007-08-01 11:00:21 · answer #6 · answered by Chris B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fear of hell is not a good motivation.
Love of Jesus (because He loved and knew
you before you were born) - that is the motivation
you should have!
Have you heard Jesus speak to your heart?
He is real.
2007-08-01 10:58:00 · answer #7 · answered by Nickel-for-your-thoughts 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have fear, then you believe. Sorry! Answer me this- have you ant evidence that there is a hell and that you will go there if you do not Love God? Nooo... but that scares you, and it should. I will pray for you to find God. God Bless!
2007-08-01 10:57:45 · answer #8 · answered by GiGi! 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
There is no God, however you look at it. You know that. You'd just like there to be a fairytale ending, which the religions will use to make you subservient. Good luck.
2007-08-01 10:56:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Well that is a start;Wade out a little Deeper,It gets better/
2007-08-01 10:58:30 · answer #10 · answered by section hand 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋