Let's be blunt: God's word says that not very many people will end up in heaven.
Ouch.
That is a scary thought.
That is a thought denied by our society.
That is a thought Satan doesn't want us to think about.
But Jesus said it:
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14
In Luke, Jesus explains how there are no second chances:
Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' " Luke 13:23-25
Will few people go to heaven because God is unloving and mean? Absolutely not. The Bible says God "wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2: 4. In fact, God is waiting for you to come to Him: "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:8-9 People go to hell because of unrepentant hearts and unbelief, not because God is unkind and mean.
God does not want anyone to perish!! He loves you and wants a relationship with you. If you haven't yet, go to Him before the door is shut forever.
Eternity is a long time to be wrong.
I don't believe in my spirit that God shuts the door forever to very many souls. I do believe the Bible and Jesus is my master, but even the close disciples of Jesus required many explanations of his parables. Even Buddhists believe in Hell, and so do I. It all comes down to what you believe that Hell is and whether or not you think Heaven and Hell are the only options. Also, how clearly defined are Heaven and Hell? Do you think reincarnation or something similar to purgatory could be an option? So much is dependent on interpretation of the scriptures and even Jesus was not a fundamentalist literal reader of Jewish law. Something to think about. Not an argument. Just a thought. If to God a thousand years are like a day, how long can it take for a soul to reach enlightenment, or what many call Heaven? 75 human years? 3,000 human years? If Jesus sat in front of you and brought you to tears with his glory, do you think your human understanding could fathom his entire plan? I think faith is essential and some things about the after life will remain a mystery to us in our human form.
ReplyDeleteMichelle-thanks for reading me blog! I love getting feedback and hearing other's viewpoints on things. I appreciate your honesty and sincerity. I guess any response I would have to your statements is for me to think to myself, "well, what does scripture say about it?" The long and short of it is that I believe all of the Bible to be 100% true, all of it being directly from God. And I agree that interpretation can influence one's stance. I would agree that there are people out there who "interpret" the Bible with their own motives and can twist God's truth. That's why there are so many denominations out there! BUT, I do not believe that means there is not ONE truth given. I believe that there is one true meaning given in any verse. In order for us to interpret it accurately one major thing is necessary: the Holy Spirit. Jesus told the disciples that it was better for Him to leave b/c once He was gone He would send the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer (those who have accepted God's plan of salvation-which is Jesus coming to earth as God incarnate, living a sinless life, and going to the cross to die in our place b/c we are sinners) Ephesians 1:13. If I don’t yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, I am in danger of interpreting scripture inaccurately. Another thing I think is important in interpreting scripture is by comparing one scripture to another, to make sure they line up. God’s word never contradicts itself. And yes, Jesus did speak in parables, but I don’t think that means they aren’t teaching one certain truth. If so, His teaching on earth would have been pointless for us.
ReplyDeleteTo think that God shuts the door forever is a scary thought and hard to fathom. In reading my post I’m sure some will think I am harsh and that is something I personally want to believe. But my stance isn’t that I want people to go to hell. My stance is—what does the Bible say? Because I believe ALL of the Bible to be 100% true, I can’t pick and choose what I want to believe. If I did that, I would be creating my own religion and making my own god (which would be idolatry). I have to surrender to the fact that God has revealed His true self to us in His Holy Word and come to Him on His terms, not my own. All false religions stem from taking parts of God’s truth and twisting lies in with it. So while it sounds horrible that God would shut the door forever, it is what JESUS said (Luke 13) and He also said in Matthew 7 that only a few will find life. When Jesus refers to life in scripture He is referring to eternal life: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. “ 1 John 5:13. God is patient and loving and has given everyone opportunity to choose Him. He is just and is a righteous judge and will not send anyone to hell that is undeserving. But scripture is clear who will go, those who have not accepted the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross by making Him Savior and Lord over their life.
As for hell and what I believe about it—well I believe what scripture says. First, scripture gives the reason people would go to hell: “ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23. All deserve death in hell, but Jesus came so we may have eternal life with God (in heaven). Jesus made it clear when He said He is the only way: “I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the father except through me.” Hell is eternal separation from God. Part of giving our life to Christ is obeying His commands. Jesus said it would be better to cut part of your body off before you would sin and lead yourself to destruction—or to hell (Mark 9:44-49). Jesus also stated clearly: “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Matthew 25:46.
cont'd in next comment ;0)
cont'd from last comment:
ReplyDeleteThere are several verses in scripture that gives us an understanding of hell:
They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power. 2 Thess 1:9
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire. Luke 16: 23-24
And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Rev 20:10
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:18
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him. John 3:36
So, needless to say, in my opinion I believe hell is clearly defined. I do not believe in purgatory b/c I do not believe that is a teaching found in scripture. I also do not believe in reincarnation b/c that is not a biblical teaching either. Scripture says we all die once and then face judgment: “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” Hebrews 9:27.
As far as enlightenment goes, I do not believe that is a Biblical concept. I don’t know anywhere in scripture where God tells us our goal is to become enlightened. If you hold to Buddhist teaching, then I suppose that may be where you gain that perspective. From scripture, God teaches that our purpose in life is to glorify God in all we do and to strive to become more like Jesus. In scripture we are told to fight the good fight, for God, and run the race: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12: 1-3. At the same time, I don’t believe God calls us to blind faith. He tells us to test everything to scripture (1 Thess 5:21) and we are told God will give wisdom to those who ask for it and have faith (James 1:5).
I agree with you that some things will remain a mystery. I believe it is arrogant for us to think we can know everything God knows. He is all powerful, all knowing, merciful, just, and loving. But b/c He is just, there will be judgment, unfortunately, and I think because He loves us so much He did make it clear in scripture how we can avoid hell and spend eternity in heaven with Him. My goal since giving my life to Christ is to know God as He truly is, not on my terms.
My prayer is that you read this with love. It is hard to have these conversations face-to-face, but even more difficult via the internet.
I’m so thankful we have been able to discuss such a “touchy” topic and I am eager to hear back from you!
I am really happy you replied to my comment with such sincerity and a true desire to lead me, and others, to the truth. I understand that you believe there is only "ONE" interpretation and one truth. I wish that I had more time at present to go through more scriptures where Jesus does preach on what others would call "enlightenment".
ReplyDeleteYou know, the Bible you and I read is a translation. Semantics can get tricky. Of course Jesus wants us to become enlightened. It means having the fruits of the Spirit rule your heart and your mind. I do believe in the Holy Spirit. I do believe, just like you do, that he speaks to me. If you think that people who disagree with you are just trying to know God on their own terms, how you could ever be in a place where the Holy Spirit could have complete access to you? If you close your heart, and your mind, then you are just that... closed. Nothing else can get in once your mind is made up. The walk with Christ, "the way", as he calls it, is just that. It's a way. It's a journey. People don't just arrive there, plant down a flag and call out to all of the other searchers that they are lost. I personally want to reach out to others in love and compassion and I want to have respectful dialogue with people of other faiths. I believe that the Holy Spirit speaks to even non-Christians. I believe that what we call the Holy Spirit is the same Spirit that ministers to sincere seekers of the Divine, whatever faith they may practice. I simply believe that it is my destiny to bring Jesus into interfaith discussions since I do have a relationship with him.
Do you remember the story of the robber who was crucified with Jesus? In Luke 23:43 Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in Paradise". Jesus alone is our judge. We cannot know who will be with him in Heaven. And we must be very careful not to lead others into false teachings, and not to behave as the Pharisees did. Jesus told them that they themselves could not hold to the very laws they preached. In Matthew 23:27, he said, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean." As for harassing those who have faith in Christ and trying to lead them astray, Jesus is again not overly kind with his words. He says in Mark 9:42 "And whoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea."
We have to be very careful if we claim a lot of authority in our teachings to others. God will hold us accountable. And Jesus came to the Jews, and to the rest of the world, to introduce the concept of freedom from the law and Grace. It's a "touchy" subject. But look at the people that Jesus spent his time with. And the way he lived his life. He medidated in the wilderness for 40 days and nights. He said that the well do not need a doctor, but the sick. He came so that we may have life, and have it abundantly. He whom the Son has set free is free indeed. I am free. And it's not just because I want to be free. It's because Jesus set me free.
Again, thanks for your response! I truly love discussing God's word, so I appreciate your response, even though we may disagree. I do believe we will just have to agree to disagree about a lot of things, particularly the debate of whether there is one truth or not. I think me trying to continue to defend my stance on that would be pointless, but I respect your opinion.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that in reading your response, I do feel like you were implying that I am like a pharisee (hypocritical). Maybe that was not your intention, or maybe it was. Either way, the Pharisee's were hypocrites b/c they acted a certain way, but their hearts were another. I do not want to be a hypocrite. I do not want anyone to think I think I am perfect or holier than thou, or whatever. I am a sinner in need of a Savior-Jesus. I am no good on my own and don't pretend to be. As Paul stated, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15. I am better than no one else. Just as importantly, I agree that Jesus is our Judge. NOT me. I cannot tell you who will go to heaven or who will go to hell, because only God sees our hearts. However, in saying that, I do believe scripture gives the qualification. When Jesus spoke of being the way, we must look at the verse in context and entirety. In the context the disciples were asking Jesus what the way is to follow Him to go to heaven too to be with Him. In response he said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 I just don’t understand how Jesus stating He is the only way to God could be interpreted differently. Again, that may just have to be another “agree to disagree” thing.
I take seriously the accountability I will have before God. He has commanded that we share the gospel with others. My sharing God’ truth isn’t to be mean, or hateful, or to try to judge people. My desire to share God’s Word truly is because I love God and others dearly and want them to spend eternity in heaven. I hope you really do understand that is my intention.
Also, you had mentioned grace and freedom. I think our perspective on them is different, as well. The Biblical definition of grace is being given something we don’t deserve. Because of my sin, I deserve death, but because of Jesus’ death on the cross I’m given grace and given something I don’t deserve— eternity in heaven with Him. Sin has separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2), but Jesus was our substitute in His death on the cross. And yes, Jesus came to set us free. But I guess I’m not sure what you believe He has set us free from? According to scripture, He has come to set us free from the bondage of sin so that we may live life to the full!
All in all, I know you probably have negative opinions about my strong stance on God’s truth. I believe the Bible is the ONLY authority (not teachings from other religions) and that it is the only truth and if that means I should be labeled closed minded, then I guess that is the category you can put me in, but I do not see that as closed minded. Would it be closed minded for me to argue that St. Louis is in Missouri? No, I would just be arguing the truth b/c it is a fact. That is more of how I see it. Don’t get me wrong, I do understand your perspective b/c I had the same opinion of “fundamentalist Christians” (as I am sure I would be labeled) years ago. But if you take nothing else out of our discussions, I hope you will understand that I do not think I am judge, and that I love God and others. I pray for God to make my intentions pure with a humble heart. It is so hard to lovingly discuss these things through writing, so please read this with love and compassion. I hope you have blessed day!
Indeed, we can agree to disagree. We have a world filled with war and hatred because so many followers of various religions claim to hold the only truth. I don't believe in converting the entire world to one particular interpretation of one particular translation of one document. I also don't believe that my Jewish, Buddhist and Muslim brothers and sisters are going to Hell. I do believe that Jesus is the son of God. I believe there is much we cannot know due to our human condition, and if learning to show love and compassion to all of humankind is "the way", as I understand Jesus' "Way" to be, then that it the way I want to follow. Call it idolatry if that's how you see it. One day, we will both find out the truth from the Holy Spirit since He does abide in this world and is always trying to communicate with us. Personally, I'm not taking it upon myself to try to convert and correct the very people that Jesus is instructing me to Love. It seems like we have very different definitions of both Love and Grace. Grace to me means that God sees past our human failings and allows us to transcend them through his Love. I am sure that in your town and in your church, I would be considered an idolatrous person. As Jesus said, do not throw your pearls before the swine. He was pretty direct. So am I!
ReplyDeleteRespectfully,
Michelle