Hell for non-followers of Christ?

[AudreyNicole]

Do followers of other religions, people who do not believe in or follow Christ, get passage into heaven as well, or are they destined for hell?

As a child I always wondered about this... "there are so many religions, how do we know which is the right one?" But being saved I now know which is the right one, Christ. Only those that believe in Christ will enter into heaven. Its not about religion, it is about Christ and as long as you believe in Him you shall not perish, but go to heaven:

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. John 3:3

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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:16-18

So, we can see from these verses the only way to get to heaven is through believing in Christ.



Now for those who choose not to believe in Him:

He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might. 2 Thessalonians 8-9

Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. Matthew 25:46

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and *****-mongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

 

[ForumAddict]

"there are so many religions, how do we know which is the right one?"

It's not about religion, it's about a relationship with Christ, so we must look at what is being taught and how it is being taught. Is it parallel with His Word?

Great post Audrey! Thank you!

 

[Fraction]

Again, as in a previous post:

1 COR 6:17 " But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

The moment that you are saved, you are joined with the Lord in one Spirit. When you die your physical death, you don't go anywhere but remain to be with the Lord for ever and realize it perfectly!

I agree that we remain with the Lord when we die our physical death. I just don't find it logical that we go to the Kingdom of God when we die our physical death. I believe that happens after judgement day. See what I am saying? No one said anything about that bond being broken. We stay with the Lord, but we just sleep or even wait until Judgement day.

As a child I always wondered about this... "there are so many religions, how do we know which is the right one?" But being saved I now know which is the right one, Christ. Only those that believe in Christ will enter into heaven. Its not about religion, it is about Christ and as long as you believe in Him you shall not perish, but go to heaven:

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. John 3:3

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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:16-18

So, we can see from these verses the only way to get to heaven is through believing in Christ.



Now for those who choose not to believe in Him:

He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might. 2 Thessalonians 8-9

Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. Matthew 25:46

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and *****-mongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

Your post has sparked interest in me for some strange reason. I find myself wondering what exactly the eternal punishment is in specifics. I understand that it is being separated from the Lord. I understand that it is something I don't want. However in the verse you provided from 2Thessalonians, it seems like destruction is the punishment. Just removed from existence. I also noticed the verse from Revelation. It also states somewhere in revelation that pretty much everything bad including hell is cast into the lake of fire.

I am more than positive that no one on this earth could possibly know exactly what comes after being thrown into the lake of fire. Obviously it hasn't happened yet. It is an interesting and pretty scary thought. On that note, new subject: Kittens anyone? Kittens?

It's not about religion, it's about a relationship with Christ, so we must look at what is being taught and how it is being taught. Is it parallel with His Word?

Great post Audrey! Thank you!

The question wasn't directed at Christianity. Christianity is not about following a religion, but it is however about belief in Jesus Christ. So a lot of factions inside of Christianity are doing it right, but doing it in a different way.

However this isn't the subject. There are a vast number of religions out there in the world, including the dead ones. Believe it or not, some of the dead or extremely less common religions in the world are very close in detail to Christianity. So the question is: How do we know which is the right one to follow and to get into?

In this day and time, you need to think logical when it comes to this situation. A lot of variables need to be brought up. Here are only a few.

1. Only a loving God would permit free will and the existence of humanity for this long. Only a loving God would build a species so complex that they could defy all other species on earth. This rules out a lot of religions where their Gods were cruel to humanity and use them as toys. This leads to:

2. The simpleness of Christianity. How easy is it to have eternal life? There is only one requirement: Belief. Upon believing you receive gifts that grant you a better life on this earth, and overall eternal life. Only our God can give us eternal life with such an easy task for us to fulfill. Even after we obtain this faith, nothing we can do can rip it from us unless it is unbelief.

3. The lasting and vastness of Christianity. How many dead religions are there? Religions that just didn't survive over the course of history, the number is fairly surprising when you do research. Christianity is the largest religion in the entire world and continues to grow rapidly. It will never perish. It has started, and has never stopped growing for thousands of years. Impressive.

4. Proof. This is a double edged blade. While there is no evidence that the Bible is a fraud, there is no evidence that it is not. However, the first statement has command over the second. A vast majority of other religions have been proven incorrect and frauds.

5. The last bit of reasoning has led me to this. While there is no scientific proof, there is some logical proof. The Bible said many things that were not discovered until years later. Two things that we all can relate to from history and science classes. The earth is round, and the earth hangs on nothing. The Bible was written before any of this was proven.

These are only a few reasons why I follow Christianity. I also do it because it is a loving religion, and that is what I am about. It is the most logical and healthy to me. Therefor I find no reason at all to not believe in it.

In situations like these we need to ask God to open our minds. The more we learn, even it is about other religions and other peoples belief, the more we can understand. I actually find myself happier in Christianity when I do research about other religions, and yes even atheism.

So how do we know which one is the right one? Think about it with logic, and go with what feels right. This is what I did and I am happy in Jesus Christ. The truth though is, is that no one has "proof" of it all. Christianity is the only one that can promise you safety, a tad bit of logic, love, and much much more - as long as you believe - no matter what.

 

[RJ]

I agree that we remain with the Lord when we die our physical death. I just don't find it logical that we go to the Kingdom of God when we die our physical death. I believe that happens after judgement day. See what I am saying? No one said anything about that bond being broken. We stay with the Lord, but we just sleep or even wait until Judgement day.



Your post has sparked interest in me for some strange reason. I find myself wondering what exactly the eternal punishment is in specifics. I understand that it is being separated from the Lord. I understand that it is something I don't want. However in the verse you provided from 2Thessalonians, it seems like destruction is the punishment. Just removed from existence. I also noticed the verse from Revelation. It also states somewhere in revelation that pretty much everything bad including hell is cast into the lake of fire.

I am more than positive that no one on this earth could possibly know exactly what comes after being thrown into the lake of fire. Obviously it hasn't happened yet. It is an interesting and pretty scary thought. On that note, new subject: Kittens anyone? Kittens?



The question wasn't directed at Christianity. Christianity is not about following a religion, but it is however about belief in Jesus Christ. So a lot of factions inside of Christianity are doing it right, but doing it in a different way.

However this isn't the subject. There are a vast number of religions out there in the world, including the dead ones. Believe it or not, some of the dead or extremely less common religions in the world are very close in detail to Christianity. So the question is: How do we know which is the right one to follow and to get into?

In this day and time, you need to think logical when it comes to this situation. A lot of variables need to be brought up. Here are only a few.

1. Only a loving God would permit free will and the existence of humanity for this long. Only a loving God would build a species so complex that they could defy all other species on earth. This rules out a lot of religions where their Gods were cruel to humanity and use them as toys. This leads to:

2. The simpleness of Christianity. How easy is it to have eternal life? There is only one requirement: Belief. Upon believing you receive gifts that grant you a better life on this earth, and overall eternal life. Only our God can give us eternal life with such an easy task for us to fulfill. Even after we obtain this faith, nothing we can do can rip it from us unless it is unbelief.

3. The lasting and vastness of Christianity. How many dead religions are there? Religions that just didn't survive over the course of history, the number is fairly surprising when you do research. Christianity is the largest religion in the entire world and continues to grow rapidly. It will never perish. It has started, and has never stopped growing for thousands of years. Impressive.

4. Proof. This is a double edged blade. While there is no evidence that the Bible is a fraud, there is no evidence that it is not. However, the first statement has command over the second. A vast majority of other religions have been proven incorrect and frauds.

5. The last bit of reasoning has led me to this. While there is no scientific proof, there is some logical proof. The Bible said many things that were not discovered until years later. Two things that we all can relate to from history and science classes. The earth is round, and the earth hangs on nothing. The Bible was written before any of this was proven.

These are only a few reasons why I follow Christianity. I also do it because it is a loving religion, and that is what I am about. It is the most logical and healthy to me. Therefor I find no reason at all to not believe in it.

In situations like these we need to ask God to open our minds. The more we learn, even it is about other religions and other peoples belief, the more we can understand. I actually find myself happier in Christianity when I do research about other religions, and yes even atheism.

So how do we know which one is the right one? Think about it with logic, and go with what feels right. This is what I did and I am happy in Jesus Christ. The truth though is, is that no one has "proof" of it all. Christianity is the only one that can promise you safety, a tad bit of logic, love, and much much more - as long as you believe - no matter what.

I have already recited scripture on this matter.
You certainly have a right to your opinion based on your own scripture but, I will say this:

Eventhough God has certainly given us the power of deductive reason, I have come understand that you can't use carnal knowledge to explain spiritual matters, the two are worlds apart, no pun intended!

But let's try and use logic and here is some of yours:

I agree that we remain with the Lord when we die our physical death. I just don't find it logical that we go to the Kingdom of God when we die our physical death.

For me, this defys logic. You simply can't have it both ways! To be out of the body and in the spirit with the Lord is to be in the Kingdom of God because we are in him and he is in us and the Lord is the Kingdom of God; where ever he is you are also. Besides, the day you are saved, you are in the Kingdom of God, even before that:

Ephesians 1: 3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Everyone has their judgement day, the day we die and, you are either spiritually alive in the Lord or you are spiritually dead with out him.

 

[Fraction]

I have already recited scripture on this matter.
You certainly have a right to your opinion based on your own scripture but, I will say this:

Eventhough God has certainly given us the power of deductive reason, I have come understand that you can't use carnal knowledge to explain spiritual matters, the two are worlds apart, no pun intended!

But let's try and use logic and here is some of yours:

I agree that we remain with the Lord when we die our physical death. I just don't find it logical that we go to the Kingdom of God when we die our physical death.

For me, this defys logic. You simply can't have it both ways! To be out of the body and in the spirit with the Lord is to be in the Kingdom of God because we are in him and he is in us and the Lord is the Kingdom of God; where ever he is you are also. Besides, the day you are saved, you are in the Kingdom of God, even before that:

Ephesians 1: 3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Everyone has their judgement day, the day we die and, you are either spiritually alive in the Lord or you are spiritually dead with out him.

I apologize, but your scriptures have nothing to do with the talk of an afterlife. There are no specifics. (nor are there any really in mine) The bible talks about one Judgement Day, not billions for every different person. This event is directly talked about in the book of Revelation. This is where everyone is separated (Lambs and Goats) and the judged. This comes after resurrection and after rapture.

You're actually closing your mind on my opinion by saying that it's not logical. You are also not understanding that I am not talking about our spiritual relationship with the Lord. I am talking about an "afterlife". What happens to each individual person when their body dies. I am just trying to help you understand my opinion, not force it on you. I greatly respect your view and belief. I was only saying this time that the sleep/wait theory holds water. Your theory holds water as well.

 

[RJ]

I apologize, but your scriptures have nothing to do with the talk of an afterlife. There are no specifics. (nor are there any really in mine) The bible talks about one Judgement Day, not billions for every different person. This event is directly talked about in the book of Revelation. This is where everyone is separated (Lambs and Goats) and the judged. This comes after resurrection and after rapture.

You're actually closing your mind on my opinion by saying that it's not logical. You are also not understanding that I am not talking about our spiritual relationship with the Lord. I am talking about an "afterlife". What happens to each individual person when their body dies. I am just trying to help you understand my opinion, not force it on you. I greatly respect your view and belief. I was only saying this time that the sleep/wait theory holds water. Your theory holds water as well.

Sure, as you wish, it truly is in the eyes of the beholder!
You have a blessed day!

 

[Cless]

I've always wondered what happens those who lived their lives and die without ever hearing the salvation plan of Christ. A person cannot reject what he has never heard. Any scriptures on this issue?

 

[agua]

I've always wondered what happens those who lived their lives and die without ever hearing the salvation plan of Christ. A person cannot reject what he has never heard. Any scriptures on this issue?

Rom 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, (19) because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. (20) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, (21) because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.



Creation provides ample evidence of God for everyone to see.

 

[Cless]

Rom 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, (19) because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. (20) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, (21) because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.



Creation provides ample evidence of God for everyone to see.

Yes, creation does attest to God's existence, but that's why every corner of the world has a religion of some sort. I'm asking, more specifically, about those who have never heard about salvation through the blood of Christ.

 

[agua]

Yes, creation does attest to God's existence, but that's why every corner of the world has a religion of some sort. I'm asking, more specifically, about those who have never heard about salvation through the blood of Christ.

If you truly seek for the Author of creation He will reveal Himself to you. There is only one true God and He has made Himself available to all. If you seek the Creator you will find Jesus.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

 

[Beans]

Yes, creation does attest to God's existence, but that's why every corner of the world has a religion of some sort. I'm asking, more specifically, about those who have never heard about salvation through the blood of Christ.

I believe that those who have not heard about salvation through Jesus will be judged according to what they knew was right at the time. As in Romans 2:14 - 16.

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

I believe that those who have not heard about salvation through Jesus will be judged according to what they knew was right at the time. As in Romans 2:14 - 16.

That is a very good answer to the actual question.
I think I can support that further.

The Jews believed gentiles to be Judged by the Noahitic(spelled various ways) covenant.

From Wikipedia:

The Noahic covenant[Gen 8-9] applies to the whole of humankind and to all living creatures. In this covenant, God:

1. blesses[Gen 9:1] and commands[Gen 9:7][1] Noah and his sons, that they should be fruitful and multiply, and populate the earth.
2. places all plants and animals under human command[Gen
3. 9:2-3]forbids eating meat with the blood still in it[Gen 9:4]
4. forbids murder[Gen 9:5]
5. Says that violent men will be repaid by violence[9:6]
6. promises that HE will never again destroy all life on earth by flood[Gen 9:11]
7. creates the rainbow as the sign of this "everlasting covenant" for all ages to come.

Unless you are Born of a bonafide Jewish woman you were never required to keep any law but this.

But since very few even know about that covenant then I do think
those who never heard of Gods gift will be judged according to Romans 2:14-16 as sort of a default.There was no hell in the old testament.
Only the grave or Sheol.

BTW:The discussions between RJ and Fraction were getting good and really got me thinking.It's refreshing to see Christians search for answers and sharpen each other rather than quote Doctrines.

 

[Zstrastwa]

Of course it's based on scripture.
Is what I said word for word in Scripture? - No
Is it an accurate description of salvation? - Yes!

There is none righteous; not even one. Romans 3:10

For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Amen. It is a gift we are not worthy of, but must accept.

To think that we can refuse that gift and still be with God is... for lack of a catchy phrase, just wrong.
Accepting Jesus Christ is accepting that He died for our sins and allows us salvation through Him.
Without Jesus this world is so stuffed in sin none of us would/could make it to Heaven.
Saved and salvation are the same base words just different context.

 

[Isla_Rose]

Exactly, Zstrastwa...unfortunately misguided christians such as jiggyfly do not understand the Bible and do not understand this truth.

 

[Beans]

Accepting Jesus Christ is accepting that He died for our sins and allows us salvation through Him.

What do you think "accepting" Jesus means? Accepting a name or accepting what he taught?

Romans 2:14 - 16 soundls like it is the accepting of the teachings that is the real acceptance.

 

[Fraction]

Rom 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, (19) because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. (20) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, (21) because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.



Creation provides ample evidence of God for everyone to see.

There are people in the world who have and never will hear about Christianity. We can support or deny this all we want, but it is 100% true. Whether they are condemned or not, we have no idea. The bible doesn't directly approach this subject I don't think. However, a just and loving God will not condemn ignorance. Just like how most of us believe that God does not condemn small children or babies or even the mentally handicapped. They just do not know, and are blessed with a special type of innocence.

This is however a theory, because no one really ever knows. We can only assume. However, this topic is very delicate. It drives people away when we assume that they are condemned. It draws them closer when we say they are not. Christianity is all about being comfortable, secure, and pulling people in. Its not about rejection. Why would God put something in place that rejects and puts people off? Why something like this when it is so simple with those that have knowledge to be saved?

 

[Fraction]

What do you think "accepting" Jesus means? Accepting a name or accepting what he taught?

Romans 2:14 - 16 soundls like it is the accepting of the teachings that is the real acceptance.

Accepting is believing. I could accept his teachings and morals and go through with them, but without faith in his sacrifice I am condemned. No actions can earn salvation, it is only through Grace and by Faith that we achieve salvation.

It also walks hand in hand. If we believe in Him and His sacrifice we will believe in what he said. So it means to accept it all, His name, His actions, and His teachings. We believe in it all. Real acceptance is just one thing, believing in Jesus Christ.

 

[Beans]

Accepting is believing. I could accept his teachings and morals and go through with them, but without faith in his sacrifice I am condemned. No actions can earn salvation, it is only through Grace and by Faith that we achieve salvation.

It also walks hand in hand. If we believe in Him and His sacrifice we will believe in what he said. So it means to accept it all, His name, His actions, and His teachings. We believe in it all. Real acceptance is just one thing, believing in Jesus Christ.

I agree that Ignorance does not seem to be a good reason to send someone to Hell for eternity. Perhaps God has a lesser punishment for those who are ignorant?

Luke 12:47
And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many[stripes].

Luke 12:48
But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Regarding people who don't know about Jesus' sacrifice. I think there may be room for people who do not have their theology worked out, as long as they have the right spirit.

1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

1 John 4:8
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Those of us who are supposed to have knowledge of God but do not show love to others may not be in any better position than those who do not believe.

Like you say Fraction, acceptance is a whole package. We cannot say that we accept Jesus' sacrifce but reject his teachings any more than we can say that we will accept Jesus teachings without his sacrifice.

James 2:18, James 2:19, James 2:20

 

[Zstrastwa]

What do you think "accepting" Jesus means? Accepting a name or accepting what he taught?

Romans 2:14 - 16 soundls like it is the accepting of the teachings that is the real acceptance.

What is the point of that post?

Accepting Jesus is accepting He walked the earth, was God's Son, died for our sins... and yes following through and living for God.
But that isn't the question here, it's can we lose our salvation. That's like asking if we can lose what Jesus did for us, actually that is what that means.

"Can we lose our salvation?" - "Can we lose Jesus' sacrifice?"

NO, but you can die in sin. <--- answer.

 

[Beans]

What is the point of that post?

Accepting Jesus is accepting He walked the earth, was God's Son, died for our sins... and yes following through and living for God.
But that isn't the question here, it's can we lose our salvation. That's like asking if we can lose what Jesus did for us, actually that is what that means.

"Can we lose our salvation?" - "Can we lose Jesus' sacrifice?"

NO, but you can die in sin. <--- answer.

Hmm. I'm sorry I've taken so long to get back to this thread. But Zstrastwa, your "answer" does not make a lot of sense to me.
Are you saying that people can "die in sin" and not lose their salvation? I guess that could make sense if you consider Romans 3:23. Even those of us who claim to be Christians could still "die in our sins", but the Lord could have mercy on us if we have tried, but failed.

Regarding the "point" of the previous post. The point is that there are a lot of cliques bandied around in religious circles, like "accepting Jesus" with little thought to what it actually means. So I was trying to get people to discuss what it means to "accept" Jesus in the context of this discussion thread. Which is actually "Hell for non-followers of Christ?" if I am not mistaken.
So the question was directly related to the topic of this thread.

Perhaps I should expound on it?
Traditionally, Christians teach that non believers will go to Hell if they do not "accept" the "Sacrifice of Jesus" but there are plenty of scriptures to support the idea that accepting his teachings was very significant to Jesus while he was on Earth.
Matthew 24:35, Matthew 28:20, Mark 8:38, Luke 9:26, John 12:48, John 14:23. Does that still apply now?

I guess the point is, can someone come at things from a different direction from as is traditionally accepted? That is, appreciating and accepting Jesus' teachings leading into accepting him as Saviour? And how would Jesus view that process? Would he consider that the heathen who tries to follow his teachings to be more sincere than the "Christian" who ignores them? Harking back to Romans 2:14.

- Beans