Let's say that there was no heaven or hell...
Would you follow Jesus, if all that meant was to make a better life here on earth? Or did you only choose to follow Christ because he saves you from hell?
2007-12-02 14:51:24 · 21 answers · asked by Searcher 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Good one, it's almost as if your asking if christians are just using Jesus too get to heaven just to keep from going to hell. Truth is, for me personally that's exactley how it started out for me. Hey, God had to get my attention some way. Knowing Jesus now and if there was no heaven or hell yes I'd still follow him. That's because I know for a fact God chose to save me by the power in the blood of Jesus Christ. Before I knew this too be true, no I would not have followed Jesus. I would have kept trying different things and ways to better my life. How do I know this, because this is what I did before Jesus came into my life.
2007-12-03 00:42:08 · answer #1 · answered by SuperSkinny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What did Jesus say? He said to many in the Gospels, "Follow Me". They may not have understood all that was in that command. Some followed, many didn't, but those who did changed the world.
*Addendum* I sent the message before adding this thought. We living today don't have the same set of obligations the early disciples did, namely, to leave their businesses, families, etc., to follow Jesus personally and literally. We do have the obligation to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Who came from the Father and the Son, as we live our daily lives. So yes, I follow because Jesus saved my soul, and also to try and make the world a better place. Why can't we do both?
2007-12-02 14:58:33 · answer #2 · answered by Brother Jonathan 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I really don't think about heaven and hell much. I follow because I believe it is the best way to live. I see the negative consequences of the things He says to stay away from. I see how all the world's problems would be solved simply by following the path Jesus laid out for us to live. Most of our pain is caused by our own bad choices. It just seems like wisdom to me.
2007-12-02 22:44:40 · answer #3 · answered by BaseballGrrl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus wasn't about "saving you from hell." He was about taking you to heaven.
The people who followed Jesus were in for a worse life here on earth. Because their agenda didn't include rewriting the rules of Caesar's Empire, if Jesus had not been divine following him was pointless. He was not about reorganizing earthly empires.
2007-12-02 15:02:29 · answer #4 · answered by noname 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did Paul have a better life after Christ called him? That has nothing to do with it. I did not "choose" Christ, He chose me, out of grace, mercy and love. I didn't deserve it nor earn it, it was all by grace, all a work of God. I follow Christ because I can do no other, it is called irresistible grace.
Joh 10:2 But the one entering through the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
Joh 10:3 The doorkeeper opens to him, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.
Joh 10:4 And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes in front of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.
Joh 10:5 But they will not follow a stranger, never! But they will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of the strangers.
Joh 10:14 I am the Good Shepherd, and I know those that are Mine, and I am known by the ones that are Mine.
2007-12-02 15:00:27 · answer #5 · answered by BrotherMichael 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I can't even say I'll make it to either heaven or hell. I can only hope for the best. But I understand I am unworthy of His mercy. I was called by Him because I looked around at the world and saw how pitifully sad it was; so much corruption, so much hatred and destruction, so much pain and unnecessary suffering, so many lies and immoral people celebrating even more immoral role models, celebrities, political figures, etc. It seemed like no one cared, and all I want is peace, love, and brotherhood for makind. If nothing else, I would be honored to die for any of those causes; but to die as a Christian in defense of those ideas as well, then it was all worth it.
2007-12-02 15:07:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
First Christ has made my life here on earth better. Second being saved from hell is not the only reason I follow Christ he assures me everlasting life with HIM. Christ is the one I desire to be with eternally in peace and harmony and perfect joy praising him for his mercy on me. Just being saved from hell is not the whole package it is a big part but it is only the icing on the cake.
To answer your question since Christ has made my life here on earth so much better even if he did not promise me anything else he has made it worth it to me to follow him for the here and now.
2007-12-02 15:00:25 · answer #7 · answered by mdjgirl7 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Follow Him still!! Life is better when you follow Jesus. He is the source of Love and Joy!!
2007-12-03 02:07:28 · answer #8 · answered by K Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's not that tough. I really believe that "eternal life" is about a quality of life here and now; it starts in this life and echoes through eternity. Same thing with "heaven" and "hell"; they aren't mere places that one is sentenced to someday, they are conditions that one encounters daily. As far as what happens once I'm dead, that's all hearsay anyway.
Peace to you.
2007-12-02 17:30:33 · answer #9 · answered by Orpheus Rising 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there was no after life I would follow Jesus all the way. The peace and love that is given to me is enough. No fear from day to day is enough. His love is more than I could ever describe, His gentleness and mercy is more than I deserve. I am just glad that I could know Him here and get His great unending love. Peace is given to me now when my pain is the greatest. That is enough.
2007-12-02 14:57:52 · answer #10 · answered by grandma 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋