My point is I was a Christian. I truly believed. I prayed all the time. If what I was doing wasn't enough, then nothing is. The point is it's not true that all you have to do is invite him in sincerely.
No, that is correct. It takes far more preparation, like bringing your life in line with his teachings. For example if you truly believed but at the same time you were fornicating you would be flogging a dead horse.
Why should we be tried and tested at all? That doesn't sound like a loving god. But the point is, if there is a loving god testing us, he should give us all the information to make a truly informed decision. It's not exactly fair to give us some possibilities and not letting us know for sure what's true and what's not, and then determine our eternal fate based on what we do with that limited info.
We had to be tried and tested in the flesh to prove our worthiness to dwell in his presence, for no unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God. That was the goal. It has nothing to do with being a loving God, it is a constraint.
He has given us all the information to make an informed choice. It is the Holy Bible along with the Holy Ghost to testify that the word it contains are true. When reading the bible th words should come alive and be felt in your heart for God has written them on your heart as well.
If we knew the conditions that exist within the lower kingdoms of heaven would would commit suicide just to be there. The lower kingdoms were not what we signed up for. It is the kingdom where God resides that is our objective. To get their we must prove worthy.
In one sentence you are requesting all the information then in the last sentence you say that we can be judged on the limited info. We have the limited info.
Let's say you are looking for a new job. You interview somewhere, and they seem to like you a lot. They tell you some info about the job, and tell you you might have it, and they want your answer. Would that be enough info for you to quit your current job? Wouldn't you think it unfair for them to ask you to commit before giving you all the info?
That is faith. The belief in things unseen and unknown. It is a part of the Plan of Salvation and the need to prove ourselves. But what is being asked of you. How does belief in a living God bring anything negative into your life. On the contrary, it enhances your life. What do you do now that you cannot do if you have a belief in God. That really baffles me. It is common sense for us to choose the right, and if the right is wrong, then what the heck, you have still lived a fulfilled life. If the right is right then you have passed the test.
Remember, you can make a decision through free will if you have all the info. Being fully informed doesn't negate free will.
No, but it proves nothing about who were are.
Ah, yes, it always comes back to Pascal's Wager. Here's the problem:
What if a god exists, but it's not yours? What if the real god sends people to hell for believing in other gods, but not for just not believing in any gods? Then I'm better off than you are. From an objective standpoint, this possibility has the same chance of happening as your god being real.
There is only one God. We all worship the same God just in different guises, besides, the judgement will take all of that into consideration.
Also, you do do things differently from me. You spend time worrying about your god and beliefs. I am free from all that. After being on both sides, I'm much happier being on this side. You're really missing out.
If you are happier doing what you are doing then who am I to try and change it. I am not going to. But to say that I am missing out is disingenuous. I believe that you are missing out. I certainly do not worry about God and and my beliefs. It is my lifestyle. It is a part of my existence that I do instinctively.
