What happens to non-Christians when they die?

Question

This is an important issue to me and I want to hear what you think. I have a family member that is an atheist.

This troubles me because I believe the only way to get into Heaven is to be a Christian.

I have done alot of reading and there seems to be three main theories:

1) Non-Christians who refuse Jesus will cease to exist (I personally disagree with this one and find it a little strange but there are some people out there that believe that)

2) Non-Christians will go to Heaven because the sacrifice of Jesus was for everyone

3) Non-Christians who hear about Jesus but refuse to accept the sacrifice will go to Hell

I personally agree with the third one which troubles me because of the situation my family member is in.

I believe we are all sinners and we all deserve Hell as no unclean thing can enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but Jesus died to wash our sins clean that if we accept Him, we can go to Heaven.

What do you think will happen to non-Christians?

Answer 1

You have this presumption that christianity is true faith.
You believe that a human being is condemn to hell just because of sin of Adam
You believe God need to get his son killed to forgive our sins. Don't you think you are in troube.

Answer 2

At the time of death, the soul and spirit leave the body. The body is put into the grave. In the case of believers, the body is described as sleeping, Acts 7:59, 60; 8:2, while the unsaved person's body is spoken of as dead. The soul and spirit never sleep. If the person who died was saved, the soul and the spirit go to a place of joy and happiness – heaven. II Corinthians 5:8; Phil. 1:21- 23. If the person was unsaved, the spirit and soul go to a place of sorrow and punishment - hell. In Luke 16:19-31, our Lord clearly teaches that those who have died are conscious.

Death is not soul sleep. The word in Scripture, concerning the death in Christ, means, “rest.” It does not mean “unconsciousness.” The body may die, but the soul and spirit are fully awake and will never die. Death in the Bible always means separation. Physical death is separation of the soul and spirit from the body. Spiritual death is eternal separation from God.

Understand we are not a body, having a soul and spirit, but we are a soul and spirit possessing a body. Death simply means, “I have left my body.”

Revelation 20:9-15 is the record of this Great White Throne Judgement of Satan and all who have rejected Christ and followed him. The Lake of Fire may be likened to a prison to which are committed those under sentence for the duration of their eternal existence. In describing hell, our Lord speaks about the undying worm and the unquenchable fire. Mark 9:43-48. It is a place of conscious punishment. It is a place of literal fire. It is punishment for sin eternally.

In the book of Revelation, the phrase "forever and ever" is used to describe the misery of the lost. Revelation 14:11.

Answer 3

When non Christians die. The same as Christians who die. We all must die one day. We cant choose where or when. BUT it will happen when the time is right. It is what we do between birth and death, that is what matters. Be good, truthful, loving and kind toward all living things. Help others. We should not condeme a non Christian as we are condeming our selves at the same time. If I gave you a choice both which seemed fair to you, and you chose one, then suddenly, although to you it was a good choice yet I punish you for your truthful choice, how would you feel. We have been given a free will and the ability to use it. We wont be punished for using it now will we. After all God is much more intelligent than us. He already knows....
John.

Answer 4

if you want the straight Biblical answer, instead of many wild ideas found in churches and other places...

the overwhelming Biblical evidence, regardless of what any religious group says, is that anyone who dies with sin (in God's eyes) outside of Christ (rejecting Him or not covered by His blood)...therefore rejects God and is thrown in hell (which was prepared to punish the devil and his fallen angels...but has claimed a large number of people as well. After the wicked are judged they are then tossed from hell to the lake of fire.

Biblically the language is extremely clear that -
1. Hell/lake of fire is eternal / unending
2. the devil and demons will end up there and wicked men
3. torment by darkness and fire
4. no water there
5. is the 2nd death
6. man's own sinful choice results in hell
7. there are plenty in hell already, many wishing they could redo the past or that their relatives don't end up there

The sacrifice of Jesus cannot be forced on anyone--as you can see in this forum, many do not accept Jesus--and have that right. But the Bible is clear that sinful will be punished eventually.


Even the bulk of (error-prone) modern scientists will admit that the center of the earth is real hot folks...just as the Bible has always stated.

Answer 5

OK I was a baptised Catholic christian and decided 16 years later after attending catholic schools church and religious education that as much as I was a A+ student every time I did not really understand what was shoved down my throat.I always believed in God as such or now other higher Gods Goddess" It is what feels right for you do not be talked into something by others make up your own mind. There is nothing wrong with that and a true God would not send you to hell for thinking your own thoughts. You can believe in God or a different word meaning a similar idol and as long as it does not represent harm then you have nothing to worry about. Please stop being bothered regarding Atheists etc. as each and everyone has there own path and being judgemental is a vet Christian trait. True to except people for what they believe in and you follow your own path and heart.

I would like to add that I am not worried about death it is a sad time for others but it moves on to greater things. My belief we are here to learn and make our time here perfect as it is for this time. Spiral up the path of perfection etc. Stop revelling in the past of someone dead and rejoice in the new and love them and believe they will be reborn in this time fresh young and ready and move up that ladder of perfection.

Answer 6

The creator is judge and jury. He may see things differently from the way we do. I have known people of no denomination and yet they have been, such beautiful, caring, non judgemental people, that in their life time did no wrong.

Am I to assume that god would not welcome them to heaven?. I think not.

The sacrifice was initiated by god himself, the true parent of Jesus. Being a parent I understand what that must have caused him. Having said that I also believe that he understands us better than we do. I think when we get there, we go through a cleansing period. So that we may truly understand eternal peace. All sins will be forgiven. :-)

Answer 7

Jesus Christ died on the Cross to redeem the original sin of everyone. Non-Christians, maybe, he is born in a non-christian family or some other reasons. But he certainly knows what is good, what is evil as he has conscience by himself. Conscience is the Law of God, it is true everywhere.
I think a way of choice will laid before a non-Christian in the moment of his last delay on Earth. He will be saved if he recognize that Jesus Christ is the Saver as Barabbas on the right side of Our Saver's Cross. This is my thinking. I don't know whether it is correct or not.

Answer 8

I believe we ALL go the same place which is another realm. The Celestein Prophecy has a lot of information about what MAY happen. Also, in my life I have seen ghosts, experienced out-of-body, and have been in touch with my spirit guide.

I am really in no religion, but I do believe in the Great Mystery, and that my soul will go where it is needed most, be it as a spirit guide, to be reborn, or wherever my afterlife takes me...

Answer 9

I believe there are many paths to salvation and as long as you follow a good attitude and do good here on earth than you will be allowed a place. The only ones who end up in a bad place are those who do horrible things to others and take pleasure from it. I have heard of only a few who held a look of horror on their face when they have died. Most people have a look of peace on their face which means to me that they went to a better place, and many were not Christian. Also, if you hold that belief on the third, I could ask you about all the tiny babies and other children who have died. Those whose parents tell them to be good yet they are not (not that they are truly bad, but have disobeyed and died suddenly). What happens to them? They are too young to understand about the Christian beliefs. Do they go to hell too? Think about that one.

Answer 10

You have answered your own question. You are correct with your third options as it is the only Biblical option that you have offered. The "Good News" is that Jesus did die for everyone but each person has to accept that for themselves. Continue to witness to your family member as you demonstrate living as Christ has commanded and pray that the Holy Spirit will bring them to saving faith.

Hope that helps.

Answer 11

this is what will happen to any one who refuse to accept jesus before they die. they will be judged and put in hell a big fire created by God for timeless purnishment. humans dont cease to exist after death. the soul of man does not die and so man only changes location or destination when he dies . the body of man is only a housing for the soul and the spirit of man. its only the body that dies and if that soul had not known jesus before death , hell will be his destination. everyone must know about God before they die for that will be the basis of judgement. it is God that kills and he wont have you death untill you have heard.obout him. no accident can kill any one untill God is ready to recieve that person. God controls all events on earth all the time