If so, then know that their claim is a boastful statement based on arrogance and the belief that faith alone will save them.
When they say they are guaranteed Paradise by faith then they have negated the value of the Mercy of God by not acknowledging that the final decision rests upon GOD and he will judge based on HIS criterion which may include the fruits of faith.
Therefore, there is no guarantee for Paradise based on anyones faith alone and nobody can be proud of their status based on faith.
If anyone tells you that if you bring faith into your life you will be guaranteed Paradise then know that they are boasting about something that is not in their control.
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2007-09-25 06:14:16 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, many have said that to me.
Yes, I find it as presumptious and arrogant as you do.
Who is and is not going to heaven is up to God alone. People who try to make it their business are guilty of the rankest presumption.
2007-09-25 06:17:14 · answer #1 · answered by Acorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I was when I first heard the gospel preached to me .. as far as I repented and believed.
Before
- religiosity at times to impress others
- no real interest in God; only occasionally, and then for selfish purposes of wanting Him to bless me or help me would I try to impress God
- when I tried to approach God there was a hideous black barrier, a sense of actual wrath that I didn't understand
After
- there was the amazing joy after being forgiven
- there was real relationship with God, although I've often been "out of fellowship" because of preoccupation with worldly concerns
- there was later being anointed with the Holy Spirit; wonderful.
- God has often touched and revived me as I've frequently messed up
- I'm a lot better (towards others) than I would have been had I not believed.
=> salvation really is by grace ! Jesus really did pay for our sins - those of us who trust only probably (with a few exceptions). Without His sacrifice I would go to hell no matter how good I could externally behave, and how impressive my devotions would have been.
Ask of yourself - can I actually talk with God in prayer? Not ritualistic prayer, one-to-one conversational and worship prayer. Or is there that dark barrier, in actual fact? I suspect that is probably the case for people who haven't put faith in Jesus, although as adults they can become great at deceiving themselves on such things.
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Actually its not being boastful in oneself ... but in the Lord. And christians believe that Jesus is God so it is entirely appropriate that they should believe He provided a full salvation. If its a real salvation where others only have human solutions then thinking you have something better is logical and right.
2007-09-25 13:31:03 · answer #2 · answered by Cader and Glyder scrambler 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Matt. 18:3 "Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Matt 19:17 (keep commandments)
Mark 1:15 "Repent ye and believe the gospels"
John 3:3 "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
also read John 3: 5, 6
John 5:24 "Verily I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life..."
Take note too about who judges:in v.22 that says, "For the FATHER Judgeth NO MAN, but hath committed all Judgment unto the SON."
So yes, you have to "accept Jesus" into your heart, repent your sins, and try to stay away from sin by honoring all commandments of God's word. And how do we do all this? Through Faith in our Lord. So try not to take the 'accept Jesus to go to heaven' out of context from other Christians. All this goes together to enter into Heaven.
2007-09-25 13:50:13 · answer #3 · answered by dawnUSA 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not in THEIR control, it's in GOD'S control.
Also, Christ tells us that "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Me." The Bible also says that "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.
This is why Christians tell you to believe in Christ, so you can be saved. It's because that's what the Bible says, and we are obliged to say it, or else your eternal loss may be on our heads for not saying it.
Also, keep in mind that "without faith it is impossible to please God."
2007-09-25 13:26:26 · answer #4 · answered by FUNdie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a Christian myself, you are right. Faith alone won't "get you" into heaven. Anyone who tells you that is not understanding what the Bible is saying.
2007-09-25 13:22:33 · answer #5 · answered by B . 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its not in there control ,some fictional characters control either.if in my will i don't specify where or how i want to be buried my siblings will.and where i go after I'm dead is guaranteed six feet under where i will stay and decompose into dirt after a lengthy time period.
2007-09-25 13:24:39 · answer #6 · answered by mr. y 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOL hey all Christan's admit it's all in Christ Jesus, not by works, not by me or you but by Jesus.....simple
2007-09-25 13:18:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a damn christian! "Now accept Jesus and you shall go to heaven!"
2007-09-25 13:18:18 · answer #8 · answered by hugfkd h 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, right ok, your god is better than their god.. whatever.
2007-09-25 13:50:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋