If there was an afterlife, and if there wasn't a judgement based on merit in that afterlife, would any of you feel short-changed because everyone got through on an even level? Or would you be happy that people escaped condemnation?
I can only talk from speculation, but if I were in a position where I sacrificed, toiled, and put my rewards in heaven, I think I'd be a little annoyed if I got there and everybody had the same rewards.
2007-09-14 04:51:50 · 25 answers · asked by Armless Joe, Bipedal Foe 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It wouldn't bother me in the least. I don't love the Lord or try to listen to what God wants me to do just to escape hell and win brownie points for heaven. That seems to be a fundamentalist doctrine, but it's not mine.
I have no doubt that I will be glad to see even people who lied and stole and deceived in heaven: people like Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Fred Phelps, and other false prophets and idolaters. I will be glad that God in His mercy will allow all His children to participate in His kingdom to whatever extent they learned to love here on earth.
2007-09-14 04:56:12 · answer #1 · answered by Acorn 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
If by "afterlife" you mean heaven, there is indeed a judgment based on merit. Matthew 25 preserves Jesus's teachings:
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
If God's unrepentant enemies received the same treatment as his obedient children, God would be ultimately unjust, and Jesus would have been foolishly mistaken. Neither of which is the case.
Cheers,
Bruce
2007-09-14 12:50:34 · answer #2 · answered by Bruce 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My self, No it wouldn't bother me. I've led my life on extremely Loose morals, Not to mention my trains of thought.. They're Real Clean. Lol. Right. Buut. I think a lot of those people out there who dedicated their life to their respective god, would be kind of annoyed, that it was all for nothing.
To live your life KNOWING you don't have a purpose is one thing.
To live it Thinking you do, then having someone tell you. Oh, no, that isn't real. Is on an entirely different plain.
Interesting Question. I'll have to ponder this some more.
2007-09-14 11:59:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think we will know or care what anyone else has been, has done or was in our earthly lives. What we will find on the other side of those gates will bring such joy, happiness nothing else will matter. We are not put here to judge others I personally have enough to deal with on my own.
2007-09-14 12:00:03 · answer #4 · answered by Debbie S 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The sacrifice and toil bring blessing in this life...living with honor and integrity make life better. A person who lived this way wouldn't feel slighted because they aren't wrapped up completely in themselves.
2007-09-14 11:59:36 · answer #5 · answered by Kicking 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well is this a good or bad afterlife?
I wouldn't feel bad about being a good person though. I'm not a good person in hopes of making it to a good afterlife. I'm a good person cause you treat people like you want to be treated.
2007-09-14 11:57:20 · answer #6 · answered by Tony AM 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Okay, well, when I read your question, I laughed out loud!
Wouldn't this be the pinnacle of cosmic irony! Oh my, I would have to shake God's hand for having such a wicked sense of humor!!
And part of me is saying this might be closer to truth than some other ideas. I dunno.... just a gut feeling
God is just.
God is loving.
Anything is possible with God.
I would not discount your idea out of hand because of those three statements.
You made my day!
Regards
2007-09-14 12:09:52 · answer #7 · answered by Green is my Favorite Color 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Nobody will get in on an even level God will judge everybody according to what they did while living on earth. But it would be great to see everybody get into heaven.
2007-09-14 12:07:17 · answer #8 · answered by FuTurE SolDieR 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That is exactly why it says in the Bible "Each mean will receive for what he has done" and there comes the concept of "sow to reap" . Plain sense , and people say the Bible is nonsense ,l the answer was right there
2007-09-14 12:51:28 · answer #9 · answered by spirited.messenger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Summerland
2007-09-14 11:57:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋