Accepting Christ

[nutshell]

If you're not saved...if you haven't accepted Christ...well...there you go.

This was posted in another thread and, as a Christian, I have a problem with it. This belief doesn't seem to be in line with the compassionate and loving God I find in the scriptures.

So, to the Christians who believe the above statement, what happens to all those folks who never had an opportunity to hear of Christ and accept him?

 

[sojourner]

That's exactly my point. I think God is loving beyond anything we can imagine, and has already provided our way to be with God eternally.

 

[dawny0826]

This was posted in another thread and, as a Christian, I have a problem with it. This belief doesn't seem to be in line with the compassionate and loving God I find in the scriptures.

So, to the Christians who believe the above statement, what happens to all those folks who never had an opportunity to hear of Christ and accept him?

You're quoting me.

And you know...I've come to a place in my life where I don't know what will happen to those who have not heard of Christ. I KNOW that MY God is a God of love and compassion and I trust him. I don't know all of the answers.

But I do know what I am supposed to do as a Christian...I'm supposed to get out there and spread the gospel so that EVERY EAR can hear and every person can make a choice for their eternity.

That particular statement was directed specifically towards those who HAVE heard the Word...who KNOW of Christ and choose not to follow. It's a choice. The Bible says that those who do not follow Christ, do not confess Christ, will NOT be confessed before the Father and will spend a life of eternity in hell.

Further, keep in mind that although our God IS the very definition of LOVE...He is also a jealous God and from the very start of the OT to the very last pages of the Bible...you will read that when we do not abide by HIS will...there are adverse consequences. He's a GOOD God and a God that demands our obedience. If we choose not to follow Him by accepting Christ...the result, according to HIS Word...is eternal punishment.

 

[nutshell]

What exactly do you think jealous means in the context of the OT?

 

[ChrisP]

This was posted in another thread and, as a Christian, I have a problem with it. This belief doesn't seem to be in line with the compassionate and loving God I find in the scriptures.

So, to the Christians who believe the above statement, what happens to all those folks who never had an opportunity to hear of Christ and accept him?

I also have a problem with this, and it was a major factor in my not being baptised despite being raised in a church.

The response usually given when this question was asked is: God gave us reason and we should be able to figure it out for ourselves.

 

[dawny0826]

What exactly do you think jealous means in the context of the OT?

Jealous - Demanding faithfulness

 

[nutshell]

Jealous - Demanding faithfulness

It's actually from the Hebrew qannah, meaning "possessing sensitive and deep feelings." So, my question stands. Why would a sensitive God all people who didn't even have a chance to hear of Christ burn in Hell for eternity?

 

[dawny0826]

It's actually from the Hebrew qannah, meaning "possessing sensitive and deep feelings." So, my question stands. Why would a sensitive God all people who didn't even have a chance to hear of Christ burn in Hell for eternity?

I've already explained that I don't KNOW what will happen to those who have not heard of Christ. But I TRUST my God. I know that whatever he wills for those people is just.

And I know that through Christ, I have the responsibility as a Christian to witness to as many people as possible. So, I don't ponder on the issue...I trust God...I love God...I know that He has a plan and His plan is greater than anything I could conjure.

And again, my statement was directed towards those who HAVE heard of Christ.

It's not about US...it's not about OUR understanding or what We want or What WE feel is right...it's all about HIM and HIS plan...HIS will...HIS way. I don't have all the answers but HE certainly does.

 

[dawny0826]

And regardless of which definition we use for "Jealousy"...both fit God.

 

[nutshell]

You seem pretty uptight about all this, dawny. Take a deep breath.

I know you don't know, but what do you think happens to those who have never heard of Christ when they die? They have accepted him so by born-again claims, they go to HELL.

 

[dawny0826]

You seem pretty uptight about all this, dawny. Take a deep breath.

I know you don't know, but what do you think happens to those who have never heard of Christ when they die? They have accepted him so by born-again claims, they go to HELL.

I'm fine.

There were a lot of pauses there though...:biglaugh:

You're right...by born again claims, it would make sense from that perspective that they would go to Hell.

 

[Popeyesays]

You're quoting me.

And you know...I've come to a place in my life where I don't know what will happen to those who have not heard of Christ. I KNOW that MY God is a God of love and compassion and I trust him. I don't know all of the answers.

But I do know what I am supposed to do as a Christian...I'm supposed to get out there and spread the gospel so that EVERY EAR can hear and every person can make a choice for their eternity.

That particular statement was directed specifically towards those who HAVE heard the Word...who KNOW of Christ and choose not to follow. It's a choice. The Bible says that those who do not follow Christ, do not confess Christ, will NOT be confessed before the Father and will spend a life of eternity in hell.

Further, keep in mind that although our God IS the very definition of LOVE...He is also a jealous God and from the very start of the OT to the very last pages of the Bible...you will read that when we do not abide by HIS will...there are adverse consequences. He's a GOOD God and a God that demands our obedience. If we choose not to follow Him by accepting Christ...the result, according to HIS Word...is eternal punishment.

I find Christ's promises fulfilled in my own Scriptures:
"Considering this most mighty enterprise, it beseemeth them that love Him to gird up the loins of their endeavor, and to fix their thoughts on whatever will ensure the victory of the cause of God, rather than commit vile and contemptible deeds. Wert thou to consider, for but a little while, the outward works and doings of Him Who is the Eternal Truth, thou wouldst fall down upon the ground, and exclaim: O Thou Who art the Lord of Lords! I testify that Thou art the Lord of all creation, and the Educator of all beings, visible and invisible. I bear witness that Thy power hath encompassed the entire universe, and that the hosts of the earth can never dismay Thee, nor can the dominion of all peoples and nations deter Thee from executing Thy purpose. I confess that Thou hast no desire except the regeneration of the whole world, and the establishment of the unity of its peoples, and the salvation of all them that dwell therein.
Reflect a while, and consider how they who are the loved ones of God must conduct themselves, and to what heights they must soar. Beseech thou, at all times, thy Lord, the God of Mercy, to aid them to do what He willeth. He, verily, is the Most Powerful, the All-Glorious, the All-Knowing."
(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 243)

Regards,
Scott

 

[Feathers in Hair]

Hey, all, please be a little more calm with each other!

 

[FFH]

All will be given a chance to accept, or reject, Christ, whether in this life, or the next. All will be given a complete understanding of the consequences of accepting, or rejecting, Christ, as the only way to the Father.

 

[dawny0826]

Hey, all, please be a little more calm with each other!

My apologies. I have much respect for Nutshell (and everyone else as well). I think the "tone" of my posts reflected emotions that I wasn't feeling.

So, apologies if I seemed uptight.

 

[jeffrey]

IMO, I disagree, to some extent, that if you don't know Christ, you'll not make heaven. But then again, it's your definition of knowing Christ is the key. A person might never of heard of Jesus Christ, but has love in is heart and tries to only do good. In that sense, he is being 'Christ like'. I also believe that even people that do not believe in Christ will go on to the next life, what ever that might be, as long as they are somewhat 'Christ like' in their actions.

 

[dawny0826]

IMO, I disagree, to some extent, that if you don't know Christ, you'll not make heaven. But then again, it's your definition of knowing Christ is the key. A person might never of heard of Jesus Christ, but has love in is heart and tries to only do good. In that sense, he is being 'Christ like'. I also believe that even people that do not believe in Christ will go on to the next life, what ever that might be, as long as they are somewhat 'Christ like' in their actions.

That little soap box dude is too cute, Jeffrey. I hope I haven't seemed like mega (insert unpleasant word of your choice) on this thread. You know that I do love you all, right?:hug:

 

[Squirt]

IMO, I disagree, to some extent, that if you don't know Christ, you'll not make heaven. But then again, it's your definition of knowing Christ is the key. A person might never of heard of Jesus Christ, but has love in is heart and tries to only do good. In that sense, he is being 'Christ like'. I also believe that even people that do not believe in Christ will go on to the next life, what ever that might be, as long as they are somewhat 'Christ like' in their actions.

But are you saying that "knowing Christ" and being a good person are synonomous? I don't see how a person can be "Christ-like" unless he is making a conscious effort to emulate the person, Jesus Christ. A lot of people who have love in their hearts, as you say, and who try to only do good are not the way they are because they are making any kind of an effort to be "Christ-like." Knowing Christ is, in my opinion, something entirely different. (I like your soapbox, though.)

 

[cardero]

Nutshell writes: This was posted in another thread and, as a Christian, I have a problem with it. This belief doesn't seem to be in line with the compassionate and loving God I find in the scriptures.

It seems to be an extreme condition.

Nutshell writes: So, to the Christians who believe the above statement, what happens to all those folks who never had an opportunity to hear of Christ and accept him?

…or at least respect what Christ represents but doesn’t really possess the desire/qualification/ambition to lead that kind of life or death?

 

[Ody]

Jealous - Demanding faithfulness

Or demanding recognition like a selfish child.