I asked a question earlier about Religion being based on fear. I received an answer from a Christian stating that Christianity is not based on fear. It is my understanding that Christians believe that if you don't believe in Jesus Christ and accept him into your heart that you will not be accepted by God or forgiven for your sins........Isn't that fear? I could be wrong, I would just like an explanation of this if possible.
2007-09-27 08:03:36 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Ok...what if your real Dad took a major beating for you that YOU deserved, and then told you later that if you didn't be good He wouldn't take you out for ice cream.
Are you being good out of fear?
Did you love him for taking that beating for you?
2007-09-27 08:15:17 · answer #1 · answered by kenny p 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some people, most notably the 'fire and brimstone' types who do try to preach fear, but, that is not what Christianity is about. It's about forgiveness and love. It is based upon a love so great that one man, Jesus Christ, gave his life so that we all might live eternally.
If someone blieves in God because they are afraid of hell then their faith is misplaced, and I believe such a foundation for belief is a slap in the face to a God that loves us so very much.
It is true that Jesus is the way the truth and the life, but the reason those who chose not to believe are not welcomed into heaven is because there are consequences to our choices. Not because God does not love each and every one of us. We are given the choice. Just like in a car when you hit the gas the car goes, or when you hit the brake the car stops, so there are given, predictable outcomes to the choices people make. When the Bible tells us of hell, it's not to frighten us, but to warn us. If you put your hand on a hot stove, you'll get burnt. If you choose to reject God, you'll get burnt.
God loves us so much that He suffered, when He didn't have to, so that we would have the chance to make that choice.
2007-09-27 15:12:39 · answer #2 · answered by Saphira 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many times people become Christians because of fear. They fear going to hell. However this fear does not remain the reason they become a Christian. Once you begin to understand Christianity and what Jesus did. The fear is replaced by love for Jesus. You do not stay saved because you are afraid to go to Hell. You stay saved because you love Jesus. Hopefully this helps clear it up some.
2007-09-27 15:12:08 · answer #3 · answered by Bible warrior 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you recall from the last time you read your Bible, you will recall the passage that states, "the wages for sin are death."
Therefore, we will all die, we have all sinned. However, Jesus Christ will be our representative in heaven and take the burden for our sins, it's already happened. This isn't fear, it's good news. You really didn't need an explanation, you probably just forgot what you read. It happens to the best of us.
God Bless!!!
2007-09-27 15:12:22 · answer #4 · answered by Nobody Special 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is true that the Bible teaches that if you are not IN CHRIST then you will go to Hell. Pretty straight forward.
However, my belief in Christianity and my choice to be a Christian and anyone else's choice to be a Christian should not be based on fear of Hell. Christianity is more much then protection from hell. Christianity is much more than just fire insurance.
If Christianity was based on fear I wouldn't a Christian. Christianity is based on the identity of Jesus of Nazareth.
2007-09-27 15:08:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Ahhhh - my dear, what you confuse with fear is a warning.
If you had to go before a judge for some serious violation of the law, and you had a really sharp lawyer, wouldn't you want to know all possible scenarios?
Here's the situation as it currently stands:
We have ALL broken God's Law (we have lied; taken what's not rightfully ours; have been so angry that we thought ill will towards the other person (Jesus said this is the same as murder in God's eyes); we have looked at different people with jealousy, envy, and sexual desires; et cetera.
We ALL stand guilty, but because God is holy, He can NOT allow sin to enter heaven, or it would become as corrupt as earth.
Ultimately, sin is rebellion against God's rightful authority, and it's tantamount (the same as) high treason. High treason is punishable by death in ANY culture or society.
That's pretty bad news, but it's important that we have all the facts so we can make an informed decision.
But that's not the whole story.
God said "I do NOT take pleasure in the death of the wicked" and God siad He does not want ANY body to perish in hell forever. He even cries out, "Please choose Life that you may live!" (Jesus said "I am Life")
Because God does NOT want us to spend eternity in hell, He provided a way of escape. He actually came to earth as Jesus Christ, God's Son. Jesus never broke any of God's Laws, and He always did what was pleasing to God, so the death penalty did not apply to Him.
Jesus said, "For God so loved this world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that ANY body who puts their trust in and believes on Him (Jesus) would NOT perish, but have everlasting life."
When Jesus was tortured under the authority of Pontius Pilate and then crucified and died and was buried, it was in payment for OUR sins (crimes against God). But He didn't stay dead. He rose from the grave the morning of the third day to prove once and for all time that He is who He claimed to be.
Not only did He pay the penalty for our sins, but the Bible says that He actually BECAME sin. He traded places with us.
Now then, because of what Jesus did, this frees up God to grant us all an unmerited pardon.
He does, however, require certain prerequisites for this pardon to become applicable individually and personally.
He wants us to acknowledge our guilt, turn from our sins (repent), believe that what Jesus did was for you, personally, and allow God to be the Lord (boss) of our lives.
When we are willing to humble ourselves and do these things, then God can in all righteousness, justly waive the penalty.
Mind you, we still deserve the penalty, but in God's mercies, He will pardon us based on what Jesus did.
This is VERY good news to the person who realizes his or her need and responds, much as it would be very good news if a doctor produced a cure for an incurable disease that you personally had! To the person who denies he has the disease, the cure is nice, but has no personal affect or benefit.
The offer is real. The pardon is ready to be given. But the offer expires when we do. It is only valid while we have breath.
Now then, you see, this is NOT a threat. It is information from one begger to another where to find bread. It is much needed information concerning our current condition and status, and how to change that.
God doesn't send ANY body to hell. That is NOT a threat!
Rather, God is offering a pardon to any and to all who acknowledge Jesus Christ.
Do you see the difference?
It would be like blaming a doctor if you die of an incurable disease, when he had the cure but you refused to participate.
I pray that this helps open the eyes of your understanding.
2007-09-27 15:23:21 · answer #6 · answered by no1home2day 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God has not given us a spirit of Fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. The fear we have of God is not the fear of being afraid, but reverance, honor and respect. Once you come to the reality of who Jesus Christ is, and come to some type of knowledge of how deep and unconditional His love is for you, then you will receive Him into your heart and reverance Him (Jesus) and Father God in Heaven. And you would willing submit your life to Him.
2007-09-27 15:12:11 · answer #7 · answered by unknown 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Finding your Father - the Creator. Finding He loves you beyond imagination. That He knows your name. That you can be adopted - become an heir of God, (Galatians 3:29 and 4:7) through His Son Jesus Christ. Imagine. That's joy. Knowing your name is written in the Lamb's book of life and that you shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. What greater peace can you attain? Hallelujah.
The only "fear" involved is a reverential awe, as defined in Meriam-Webster's dictionary.
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/fear
Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.
1Peter 1:8 (NKJV)
2007-09-27 18:02:53 · answer #8 · answered by NickofTyme 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The scripture in Proverbs is clear.
Proverbs 1:7 ¶ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
So if God said it I believe it.
2007-09-27 16:47:47 · answer #9 · answered by Bobby B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not speak for others, but my faith is based upon a relationship with Jesus, not a fear of hell. Turn on the TV news though and tell me that you aren't already living in a near precursor to hell?
Jesus came to bring us life, not fear. He never intimidated anyone into belief, he never threatened them with hell. He promised intimacy with God. If that isn't worth having, then what is?
2007-09-27 16:26:01 · answer #10 · answered by Moving on 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Perfect love casts out all fear; God has not given His children the spirit of fear:
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18.
Romans 8:15 - For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2007-09-27 15:13:30 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋