Things you want to know about Christianity
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maybe god doesnt have control over certain things?Originally posted by antoh:i fully agree with you. could someone more experience help me with this questions?
i have asked," if we were to predestined by God to be his children, does that mean that some of us were created not to believe in him?"
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from the way some christians speak about their religion, it seems that they accepted christ because he promised eternal life. do these ppl deserve to go to heaven as well? cos their motive for accepting christ is selfish ( fear of death ), not because they really want to be like god.
to me, it's like 4D addicts who pray for numbers from cai shen ye. -
Well, I am sure some people become Christians because they fear death. However I think for most Christians, it is the acknowledgement that there is a God, and this God took the form of a man to be punished for the sins of mankind. The issue of the eternal life is a by-product of this acknowledgement. Sometime or other we all die, so there is no issue on death in itself. It is what comes after death that is the big question mark. We believe that there is a hell and there is a heaven. Either way, a person's soul continues on forever, so in that sense, either way, there is no "death".Originally posted by loseagain:from the way some christians speak about their religion, it seems that they accepted christ because he promised eternal life. do these ppl deserve to go to heaven as well? cos their motive for accepting christ is selfish ( fear of death ), not because they really want to be like god.
to me, it's like 4D addicts who pray for numbers from cai shen ye.
I quite like the way heaven and hell is portrayed in the movie "Constantine"... -
If, I'm not mistaken SingaporeMacross is quoting the Catholic point of view, Pope John Paul 2 reaffirmed in one of his letters that "All those who sincerely seek the face of God.." or something along that line.
okie, I read the bible and nowhere in it does it give tis idea. I have read about the white throne judgement and the phase tat "the only way to heaven is through christ and also comments tat no men can go to heaven without christ since all men r borned guilty etc. So pardon me for asking where do u get the above conclusion ?
It basically means anyone who does good deeds and lives a good life is acceptable for heaven because the whole message of Christ is to be good and to love . With Christ's death on the cross, he opened salvation for all(even non-Christians) provided they fufill the good and loving life requirements
For Christians they belive in God and have accepted Christ as their Saviour, therefore must live that Christian life.
Hitler by embracing evil rejects Christ and God,for God is goodness and love.
If according to your laws, then it is really true tat hitler like christian can go to heaven and mother theresa like buddhist will go to hell. Christian can really go around killing people or do anything they want as long as they believe in jesus.
He will not go to heaven because he is Christian The whole point of being Christian is to follow the commandment of Christ's to love.
Same for Christians who go around killing.
And to answer this question in advance:
"I thought Christians, if they ask forgiveness from God after they kill, they
will still go to heaven?"
Now, the thing about repentence is that:
1. It must be sincere
2. If, you feel remorse you must own up and accept whatever the legal system does to you.
Oh, by the way this doesn't mean you plan a murder,carry it out and decide to be sorry about it. -
if there is a hell and there is a heaven, how do u noe heaven is a better place than hell? cos the bible says so? wat if the bible lies? wat if god made man with a bad motive, n the serpent actually saved adam n eve by making them eat the forbidden fruit?Originally posted by Chin Eng:Well, I am sure some people become Christians because they fear death. However I think for most Christians, it is the acknowledgement that there is a God, and this God took the form of a man to be punished for the sins of mankind. The issue of the eternal life is a by-product of this acknowledgement. Sometime or other we all die, so there is no issue on death in itself. It is what comes after death that is the big question mark. We believe that there is a hell and there is a heaven. Either way, a person's soul continues on forever, so in that sense, either way, there is no "death".
I quite like the way heaven and hell is portrayed in the movie "Constantine"...
n souls r created everytime a baby is formed? -
I don't think anyone can prove to you that heaven and hell exist. Your question may be a contradiction in itself because you seem to acknowledge that God created man but is saying that he has an ulterior motive to do so. I think one should assume that the Bible is the world of God or it is not. There is no in-between. The reason is simple: who can tell which verse is true and which verse is not?Originally posted by loseagain:if there is a hell and there is a heaven, how do u noe heaven is a better place than hell? cos the bible says so? wat if the bible lies? wat if god made man with a bad motive, n the serpent actually saved adam n eve by making them eat the forbidden fruit?
n souls r created everytime a baby is formed?
Religion has existed since the beginning of time and Christianity is not even the oldest. One might as well question why the ancient Greeks, Romans and even Chinese practice polytheism. There is probably a good reason why religions started and one way or other, it has remained relevant to those who embraces such religion. Of course, to anyone else, it might be foolish to do so.
The visual picture of Christianity is influenced both by Biblical teaches as well as traditions handled down through generations. Sometimes such views evolve sometimes it does not. One interesting view is the visual image of Jesus. Traditionally, Jesus is pictured to be white man, pale complexion, long face and wavy hair. Note that the Bible never described Jesus' physical features. Any images that we have came from some renaissance paintings done in Europe, hence the European features. It is more likely that Jesus is dark skinned, rough and wrinkled complexion (due to the sun and sand environment), and probably rounder face (most Jewish man at the time is like that). So, does understanding this invalidate the Bible? Probably not.
There are many opinions on the story of Creation found in Genesis. The absolute view is that everything happened as written. The philosophical view is that the ideology or message is more important that the details. So does this invalidate the Bible? Not to me... Because Genesis is not meant to be read as a history book. Other books not to be read as a history book: Song of Solomon and in my opinion, Job. I will be happy to discuss with you further on how the Bible is to be read. If you need more opinions, PM me. -
If, I'm not mistaken SingaporeMacross is quoting the Catholic point of view, Pope John Paul 2 reaffirmed in one of his letters that "All those who sincerely seek the face of God.." or something along that line.
If i am not wrong, tat means according to the scriptures, there is only one way to heaven, which is through christ as no other. But the pope says something tat is opposite to wat the scriptures described. So if u ask me, the point tat non-believer will go to hell definitely is more believable since the scripture should holds more power than mere human judgement. In short, non-believers go to hell straight
It basically means anyone who does good deeds and lives a good life is acceptable for heaven because the whole message of Christ is to be good and to love . With Christ's death on the cross, he opened salvation for all(even non-Christians) provided they fufill the good and loving life requirements
For Christians they belive in God and have accepted Christ as their Saviour, therefore must live that Christian life.Hitler by embracing evil rejects Christ and God,for God is goodness and love.
Tat really depends on your interpretation. God may not stand for goodness and love since it do starts wars and fighting and it do kill a lot of people to achieve its aim. His motives may be truly pure and he did it for his obedience to god. So should he be going to hell for doing something purely for god ?
He will not go to heaven because he is Christian The whole point of being Christian is to follow the commandment of Christ's to love. -
Scripture states that Christ his death on the cross opened salvation for all.
If i am not wrong, tat means according to the scriptures, there is only one way to heaven, which is through christ as no other. But the pope says something tat is opposite to wat the scriptures described. So if u ask me, the point tat non-believer will go to hell definitely is more believable since the scripture should holds more power than mere human judgement. In short, non-believers go to hell straight
As for Scriputre supporting this idea, there are like this one:
"where love is, there is God" and encouraged to hope that the love a person expressed in their life was an outworking of the Holy Spirit of Christ at work in their hearts and drawing them toward communion with God (see Romans 2:14-16).
And as I said to love and to do good deeds is accepting Christ for God is love.
Christians take it that God is good and loving. About the point of religion killing people, I'll not go any further than to say this:Religion does not cause wars, it is people who twist religion to suit their agendas.
Tat really depends on your interpretation. God may not stand for goodness and love since it do starts wars and fighting and it do kill a lot of people to achieve its aim. His motives may be truly pure and he did it for his obedience to god. So should he be going to hell for doing something purely for god ?
Hitler certainly did not believe he was doing it for God. Though he used Christian literature in his own distorted way. At the most he justified his actions at certain moments by drawing parrells with Christian literature. After he came to power he closed down Christian churchs and set up his own church.
But more importantly, if someone claims he is doing for God, then:
The action cannot contradict the commandment of loving one's neighbour, if it does that person certainly is not doing it for God. -
to Chin Eng : nope, i have never and dont really intend to read the bible, but thanks for ur offer.
( i roughly hear about its contents during devotions and chapels in school. )
another qns : if believing and accepting Christ will bring eternal life, y do christians treat death as such a sad thing?
after all, they will meet each other again once God's kingdom arrive. -
Originally posted by loseagain:
Well, I respect your decision. But it does strike me strange that if you have never and don't intend to read the Bible, on what basis are you trying to understand the how Christians think? In reality, devotions and chapels in school only scrap the barrel on how one should read the Bible. But as I'd said, I respect your decision, and I was not even remotely trying to convert you, it's just another way to exchange ideas and opinions.
to [b]Chin Eng : nope, i have never and dont really intend to read the bible, but thanks for ur offer.
( i roughly hear about its contents during devotions and chapels in school. )
another qns : if believing and accepting Christ will bring eternal life, y do christians treat death as such a sad thing?
after all, they will meet each other again once God's kingdom arrive.[/b]
Your second question - you know, that bothers me too, up to a point. I have been to quite a few Christian funerals (some are relatives) and there is very little hint of sadness in them. Sure the emotion about missing someone is present, but usually such emotions are rather subdue when compared to those of other beliefs. Obviously if the deceased is a young person, the grieve is more, the human (natural) part kicks in and grieve sets in. But usually after everything is over, the feeling and comfort of the assurance that the loved ones is in paradise brings peace to the grieving. My own grandfather died of cancer. On his death bed, he has this peace and smile that I can still remember after more than 10 yrs. He was not able to talk, but his hands moved and made the symbol of wings and smiled at me. He seemed to be telling me that that very night, he will die. And he did. Was I sad, sure, I loved my grandpa very much, and I missed him Was I glad, yes, because according to the Christian belief, he went to heaven....
It would have been exceeding insensitive to have a party at a funeral, even though we are assured of our salvation. -
Quite funny right, if Christians wail in front of the John 3:16 or John 14:6 banners.
But no matter how tough you are, you will wail b4 the incineration. My personal experience. -
so many ppl were so sad when Pope John Paul II die leh................
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They are sad 'cos the world lost a great leader ..
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free will...Originally posted by bratpig:maybe god doesnt have control over certain things? -
Indeed, you can see the differences in the explanantion of SingaporeMacross as compared to the others in this thread. The teaching of the Catholic is really not of the Bible. I think majority of fundamental christians are holding their breath on the appointment of the next pope because he may be the false prohphet of the Antichrist which will bring the religions of the world together. The Harlot riding the Beast is almost clear now.
As for predestinantion, it is mentioned in the bible in Ephesians 1:4-12. Many people, and even christians, have difficulty accepting these verses. I think Chin Eng can do a good job to explain this.
I can answer some questions mentioned here. But foremostly, I must declare that my answer is coming from the angle of a fundamental Presbyterian. others may vary:
1. Will a man be in heaven even though if he has never heard the gospel or know about the existance of God.
Ans: No.
2. Will a man, who committed the most serious crimes, enter heaven when he dies.
Ans. No. Unless!...he repent of his sins and allow the Lord Jesus to come into his heart, then will he be saved. Something like this happened in US a few years ago. There was this prostitute who was sentenced to death for killing 8-9 men that she engaged by the road side. While in prison, she heard the gospel and the way to salvation and it touched her heart greatly. A few hours before the fatal needle, she confessed and repented of all of her sins and the great burden in her heart was lifted and knew at that moment that she will see her Saviour in heaven after she died. She took the needle while singing a hymn she learnt in the prison. -
God is not all about good and loving. Many charismatic churches only teach about God's love and love and love and love. But the most fundamental of God's characteristics is the Christian God is a God of Judgement and Covenant.Originally posted by plo30360:Christians take it that God is good and loving. About the point of religion killing people, I'll not go any further than to say this:Religion does not cause wars, it is people who twist religion to suit their agendas.
There are many christians that lead a very sinful life but yet they say "God is loving, He will forgive me." Of course that is true, but they should also remember that that, "Yes, God will forgive me if i really confess and repent my sins, but i will also receive my judgement from God in due time." -
Scripture states that Christ his death on the cross opened salvation for all.
he also say tat he is the only way to heaven. So should we reject tat statement ?
Wait a minute.. I don't see any words in tat passage tat suggest the above
As for Scriputre supporting this idea, there are like this one:
"where love is, there is God" and encouraged to hope that the love a person expressed in their life was an outworking of the Holy Spirit of Christ at work in their hearts and drawing them toward communion with God (see Romans 2:14-16).
And as I said to love and to do good deeds is accepting Christ for God is love.
Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) 16This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declaresChristians take it that God is good and loving. About the point of religion killing people, I'll not go any further than to say this:Religion does not cause wars, it is people who twist religion to suit their agendas.
I guess i was not clear about tis but the scriptures itself says tat god made mens fight wars against other tribes. It is not about men, it is about god himself involving in the war written in his own words.Hitler certainly did not believe he was doing it for God. Though he used Christian literature in his own distorted way. At the most he justified his actions at certain moments by drawing parrells with Christian literature. After he came to power he closed down Christian churchs and set up his own church.
There r many evidences tat show hitler believes in christ but I do not wish to dwell on tat matter. The pope for a time even praise god for him managing to escape an assasinationBut more importantly, if someone claims he is doing for God, then:
In the OT, there r several acts tat warrants the "death" penalty. If he goes around killing prostitutes, he does not really deviate from the teachings of the bible.
The action cannot contradict the commandment of loving one's neighbour, if it does that person certainly is not doing it for God. -
Alas....Originally posted by fandango:Indeed, you can see the differences in the explanantion of SingaporeMacross as compared to the others in this thread. The teaching of the Catholic is really not of the Bible. I think majority of fundamental christians are holding their breath on the appointment of the next pope because he may be the false prohphet of the Antichrist which will bring the religions of the world together. The Harlot riding the Beast is almost clear now.
You've been reading too much Left Behind haven't you? -
By accepting Christ and to follow his way means you follow his commandment of loving one's neighbour. Therefore, by loving Christ, it is to accept him and his way.
he also say tat he is the only way to heaven. So should we reject tat statement ?
Gentiles, refers to non-believers. to simplify this passage:
Wait a minute.. I don't see any words in tat passage tat suggest the above
Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) 16This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares
Since non-believers do not believe in God's law(believe in God), they still obey God's law when they do what is right. Thus, they will be judged by God based on the dictates of thier conscinces.
I did not say Hitler did not believe in Christ. I said he did not think his actions were for God.Now, regarding Pope Pius XII prasing God for Hitler escaping an assasination attempt, I would like to know where did you get your source from?
There r many evidences tat show hitler believes in christ but I do not wish to dwell on tat matter. The pope for a time even praise god for him managing to escape an assasination -
Hao2 bu4 liu2 qing2 one siah ..Originally posted by fandango:Indeed, you can see the differences in the explanantion of SingaporeMacross as compared to the others in this thread. The teaching of the Catholic is really not of the Bible.
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Sorry, havn't read that book before. Just the Bible.Originally posted by SingaporeMacross:Alas....
You've been reading too much Left Behind haven't you?
Actually, SingaporeMacross, can you explain a little on how Catholics interpret the book of Revelation?
P.s. please refrain from copy paste whole chunk from your sources, explain in your own words will be easier to read. -
Majority of people think Christianity and Roman Catholism are the same. So just trying to show that they are different.Originally posted by Icemoon:Hao2 bu4 liu2 qing2 one siah .. -
here's a question. Wonder what God thinks of the way protestants and catholics go at each other's throats, and especially wonder what he thinks of those protestants who use the pope's death to launch fresh attacks against catholics.
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Cant stand the Catholics bashing that arose form time to time in this forum..what's the difference between those hypocrites and KKK?
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the difference is at least the KKK aren't afraid to admit they are white supremacists and that they hate blacks.Originally posted by laurence82:Cant stand the Catholics bashing that arose form time to time in this forum..what's the difference between those hypocrites and KKK?