When I was in my youth, I got into Alister Crowley, Anton LaVey, and others, in a big way.
It was wasn't the denail od GOD, just worshipping the opposite.
I got saved at 22, hasn't been perfect, but better.
I took care of my father from 1999-2001, when he got cancer.
He grew up in church, and thought that was all that was necessary.
I prayed for him, and during this time, he also became saved.
He died on Feb. 28, 2001.
Since Jan., when he came home for the last time, he didn't listen to the radio, tv, etc., he was content.
The monday before he died, he went comatose, and had his 'death mask face', he still looked content. And when he died, it was as if he had somewhat of a smile on his face.
The only part that sucked, was, I walked out of the room, my sister came over, saw him(I was fixing dinner), went she walked out of the room, I talked briefly to her, then went in to see him, and he was gone. About the space of 5 minutes.
You never know, it's before you get there, that you have too make that decision.
In comparison,when Voltaire died, he died worse than a pig(his attitude, demeaner).
How would you rather go?
GTHOMAS, obviously you were close to your father. Was his passing easier to deal with knowing that he had been saved before he passed?
Sorry to hear about your father. Hes in a better place. :angel:
Austin..
Consider my personal thoughts based on my walk with God....forget about the "being saved" or bad things will happen to you when you die. Sure God wants you to accept that you are "saved" in this life but that is between you and him...everyone's journey is different.
We act based on what is taught to us (aka what religion teaches you...and that is usually WRONG as religion is nothing but a way to worship based on someone else's idea what they think your relationship should be) and feeling bad if some one dies and they are "not saved" is something that shouldn't worry you. (they already are...they just have not realized it yet)
The only way to really know anything is to stop listening to what "man" tells you and only listen from what comes from within. (aka a personal relationship) There you will find peace. People who don't seek this..will NEVER understand in this lifetime...but they will.
Just remember...We are all saved (because of what happened on the cross 2000 years ago) regardless if we accept it in this life or after. It's already done and paid for. God will take care of everyone...in His time.
We all came from God and we will all eventually return to him...it's just how we get back to him and why we are going through this...is the mystery.
I wouldn't worry about anything...it's all taken care of in the master plan.
Faith, commitment and never stop trying to know Him more is all you need.
anywho...that avatar of yours Red is HOT...mmm BOOBIES! (how can you say there is no God with such wonders like those..fake or not) [img]/images/graemlins/supergrin.gif[/img]
Toby,
You are a good person. (I almost hate to admit that) And what you just said makes sense. It seems our thoughts are somewhat parallel on this issue. Mine are less formed into the boundries of said religion.
And I agree. With boobies like that,,,, what else matters? We have found heaven on earth. [img]/images/graemlins/laughing.gif[/img]
But what Christ did, is sufficient cleansing, irrespective of the individual.
Look at Carla Faye Tucker, I haven't done anything like that, but it is sufficient for each of us.
I'm not Catholic, but the 'Hail Mary's' to cleanse is wrong, once you've accepted Christ, you ARE cleansed. No further action required.
So, an occultist would also get into heaven, 2nd class?
The Scriptures are clear that not all shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven - many have made a clear choice they want no part of it.
Of course when God arrives in the sky and every eye sees Him all will believe - but this kind of belief does not save - even the devil and all his legions beleive God - they know He is real - but they do not put their faith and trust in Him nor do they love Him - they hate Him as do many on earth.
God will not save anyone against their will - they would not be happy in Heaven anyway. If we cherish hatred and violence in our hearts, if we have no human empathy and compassion for others - and self is our god - Heaven has nothing we could want - and God has a place where those kind of people will go - and it is not with Him because He cannot allow evil and good to coexit forever - at some point all will be brought to a decision and that final decision will be forever. It is not a religion of fear but of love and love will never force. Eternal death is simply a natural logical ultimate result of being seperated from the only eternal source of life.
In the end all will see and understand yes - but not all will be on the same side of the fence - God is clear about that.
What others choose is not our concern - but how we live is our concern.
True religion does threaten others because they do not understand it and it makes them very uncomfortable - and this is not helped by all the well meaning "born again" types who burst all over anyone who shows the slightest interest.
All i can say is that when the power of God comes over you - the love is all encompassing and overwhelming - there is no power on heaven or on earth that can compare or overcome it - it is not of this world and it is mightier than all the armies of earth combined.
God never starts a fight, He always goes on the counter blow to an attack - but the final knock out will be His alone just as prophecies (of which none have failed) have long predicted. False prophets come and go with their fancy theories but the Word of God has stood every attack and will never be destroyed - all those who throw themselves at it to try to destroy it will crush themselves by its eternal unmoveable truth.
My advice is if you seek the truth - keep an open mind and God will lead you to Himself - in all your seeking for answers from all the philisophies and different religions notice how they all recognise Christ as a great teacher and man in history - yet He Himself claimed that He was the Son and equal with the One True God.
He was right or a liar. Black and white. Only a hard heart or a closed mind will keep you from knowing the truth. He knows the very number of the hairs on your head - who else cares enough about you to know that number - the love of babes and mothers or your own father doesn't even approach it - but if you have children of your own - your love for them is a poor but partial illustration that can help us understand it - except God gives us a lot more freedom and freewill than we'd ever give our own children. That does not mean we never have consequences, as freedom also means responsibility. That's why trust and faith are good - He then helps us make good choices.
If I've gone too deep or this is too heavy - shelve it - all you need is an open mind - God loves you. He'll meet you where you are - just ask Him.
The Scriptures are clear that not all shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven - many have made a clear choice they want no part of it.
Of course when God arrives in the sky and every eye sees Him all will believe - but this kind of belief does not save - even the devil and all his legions beleive God - they know He is real - but they do not put their faith and trust in Him nor do they love Him - they hate Him as do many on earth.
God will not save anyone against their will - they would not be happy in Heaven anyway. If we cherish hatred and violence in our hearts, if we have no human empathy and compassion for others - and self is our god - Heaven has nothing we could want - and God has a place where those kind of people will go - and it is not with Him because He cannot allow evil and good to coexit forever - at some point all will be brought to a decision and that final decision will be forever. It is not a religion of fear but of love and love will never force. Eternal death is simply a natural logical ultimate result of being seperated from the only eternal source of life.
In the end all will see and understand yes - but not all will be on the same side of the fence - God is clear about that.
What others choose is not our concern - but how we live is our concern.
True religion does threaten others because they do not understand it and it makes them very uncomfortable - and this is not helped by all the well meaning "born again" types who burst all over anyone who shows the slightest interest.
All i can say is that when the power of God comes over you - the love is all encompassing and overwhelming - there is no power on heaven or on earth that can compare or overcome it - it is not of this world and it is mightier than all the armies of earth combined.
God never starts a fight, He always goes on the counter blow to an attack - but the final knock out will be His alone just as prophecies (of which none have failed) have long predicted. False prophets come and go with their fancy theories but the Word of God has stood every attack and will never be destroyed - all those who throw themselves at it to try to destroy it will crush themselves by its eternal unmoveable truth.
My advice is if you seek the truth - keep an open mind and God will lead you to Himself - in all your seeking for answers from all the philisophies and different religions notice how they all recognise Christ as a great teacher and man in history - yet He Himself claimed that He was the Son and equal with the One True God.
He was right or a liar. Black and white. Only a hard heart or a closed mind will keep you from knowing the truth. He knows the very number of the hairs on your head - who else cares enough about you to know that number - the love of babes and mothers or your own father doesn't even approach it - but if you have children of your own - your love for them is a poor but partial illustration that can help us understand it - except God gives us a lot more freedom and freewill than we'd ever give our own children. That does not mean we never have consequences, as freedom also means responsibility. That's why trust and faith are good - He then helps us make good choices.
If I've gone too deep or this is too heavy - shelve it - all you need is an open mind - God loves you. He'll meet you where you are - just ask Him.
I Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that are perish, foolishness: but unto us which are saved it is the power of GOD.
In the context of Christ and Nicodemus John 3:1-20
(paraphrasing)
'You must be born-again to enter into the kingdom of heaven.'
'Can a man enter a second time into his mothers womb.....'
'..except a man be born of water and spirit..........'
Also, remember the parable of Lazarus and the rich man?
The being 'saved', is becoming born-again.
Yes, front row is in heaven, in GOD's presence......
but, 2nd class, you are technically correct, but it is out of GOD's presence.
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