Questions
So I have a few questions about God that I dont know how to answer for my friend.
We were talking about what happens to people who never get the chance to find out about God, like babies/people in remote locations of the world.
Anyways, I was pretty sure that babies would go to heaven, but didnt know about the people in remote locations, I mean, I would assume they would go as well, but I am not sure, and I guess nobody is sure, (unless there is something in the bible about it. So if anyone has any info, please let me know :).
Second questions: Why wouldnt God let someone who has lived a "good" life not go to heaven? I dont know really. I dont know the defination of "good life" but you can assume what you want there.
Hmmm as far as questions, these were the two main ones.
I might have more however later.
3 comments:
These are some pretty heavy questions. I don't know the answers either but I'm with you on the babies thing.
miranda,
good questions. hope you don't mind some long answers!
first, in regards to your question about infant salvation. there really isn't anything in the Bible that says whether babies go to heaven or not. the closest verse would be in 2 Samual 12:23 where King David is mourning for the death of his infant son. he says "I will go to him, but he will not return to me." implying that David will see his son in heaven when he dies. we know that everyone born into this world is born into sin, however we also know that in order to receive Christ's salvation, we have to be capable of an understanding that infants don't have. even though there is nothing clear about this topic in the Bible, we do know about the just and righteouss character of God and we can rest easy knowing that He is the one to decide and He will do right. (and it's my personal belief that heaven will be full of tumbling, giggling little babies)
now, for those that have never heard. this one is very tough because we are commanded to preach the gospel to every nation.
"How then can they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without a preacher?" Romans 10:14
in a lot of ways, it is up to us as believers to get the message out so that people in remote areas will have the opportunity to choose for themselves. however, i also believe that God is revealed to all of us through nature, the miracle of life, etc. if people haven't heard the name of Jesus, yet respond to God's general revelation with as much knowledge as they have been given, they will be judged not for what they haven't heard, but for what they have heard and how they responded to it. (again, this is my belief, though not stated anywhere specifically in scripture)
in regards to your question about "good people" well, if you think about it, there really aren't any good people. okay, so someone who has never murdered or stolen, perhaps? but those people have still lied or hated or cheated. the fact is that EVERY person on this earth has sinned. there is no way we can go through life on this earth without breaking one of the 10 commandments. that's because of the sin nature in us. and no one that has sin in them is allowed into heaven. but God knew that and that is why he sent Jesus...to pay the price for our sin so that if we accept Him, He will wash our sin away and we won't have to go to hell. "for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23 the truth is that a "good person" who hasn't accepted Jesus' free gift will go to hell, while a "bad person" such as a murderer, is still offered that grace and, if he truly repents and accepts it, he will go to heaven. "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 this may not seem fair, but that's the beauty of grace. it's our decision whether we want to take the free gift or not. being a good person has nothing to do with it.
hope this helps answer your friend's questions!
hey miranda!!! i didnt realize you had a blog till now! how are you doing!? Well i agree with my sister for your answers but with the good people question it makes me think of a personal relationship with God. It is not just a reward to go to heaven, it is that God wants a personal relationship with him. So to become a christian and asking Jesus into our hearts means that we have this personal relationship, not just a far away God. On earth we can have that relationship then when we go to heaven we continue to live with God. that is what I think about, but then come in what Heidi is talkin about, we all sin, and sin seperates us from God, so we need to be forgiven and live under his blood. I hope that makes more sense to you!
I have had many a debate about babies going to heaven and honestly no one will know till they see for themselves, so to me i just leave it:) i pray they do:)
but ya, so i love that video clip you have up there, pure brillance!haha hope you have a great summer!
God Bless
cherie
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