In the Bible (Acts if I recall correctly) it says that you should pray for a wrongdoer, a sinner, an evil one, especially when they commit crimes against you.
However, the passage goes on to say that you can rest knowing your enemy (the one you pray for and are supposed to love more than a friend) will receive harsh judgment from God when it is finally time for him to pay his dues.
So isn't it kind of hypocritical that you would pray for this individual during life and then let him burn in hell for all eternity?
2007-09-05 13:55:39 · 6 answers · asked by swoosh 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
i would pray for anyone...but it's not up to me who goes to heaven or hell or not. it's up to the individual.
2007-09-05 14:04:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not hypocritical at all.
Once death has taken place, a man's fate is sealed, and permanent. Praying for someone during life puts their name before God. But it's is up to that prayed-for individual to take steps toward God.
Prayer for others is for the living.
2007-09-05 14:09:56 · answer #2 · answered by Bobby Jim 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Very much so! I would find it disturbing indeed to be able to rest with the knowledge that someone that I have prayed for would receive harsh judgment. and for that to be the Will of God?!? That to me is not the actions of any being that would like to be considered a God!
2007-09-05 14:07:25 · answer #3 · answered by theinfinitywalker 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If a person chooses to rot in Hell, I should force them to do what I think they should do?
I served in the Army to defend peoples right to free speech, freedom of religion and freedom to choose where they would spend eternity. I am not forcing anyone into heaven. Not a chance.
I will pray for them though, as hot as it will be you know they can use anything they can get.
2007-09-05 14:09:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
CHRISTIANS DON'T LET PEOPLE BURN IN HELL FOR ALL ETERNITY. THEY TRY TO SHARE GOD'S TRUTH WITH THEM TO PREVENT THAT FROM HAPPENING.
PEOPLE CHOOSE THAT, ALL BY THEMSELVES, AS DOOR #2 ON THE GAME SHOW OF LIFE. DOOR # 1 BEING SPENDING ETERNITY IN HEAVEN.
NO ONE IS CONDEMNED TO BURN IN HELL, EXCEPT BY HIS OWN FOOLISH CHOICE.
2007-09-09 07:43:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to be more specific on which verse you're referring to so that we can look at the context. I think you're refering to Romans 12:20 which says, "No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." The context is:
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20 No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The context show that Paul isn't talking about literally sticking buring coal on someone's head. "Burning coals" rather show purification and in this case probably also reminds us of the burning of being embarrassed. Its a call to show others how it "should be" with Christ.....and not a call to have them burn in hell.
2007-09-05 14:12:53 · answer #6 · answered by Jackie L 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋