Anyone else believe they're going to hell? (5 Viewers)

[eman623]

For me, the endless orthodoxy of mindless sycophantic adoration and praising of God would be hell.

 

[VySky]

I have religious OCD, so this is one of my biggest fears. I have also considered the possibility that rather than going to hell, unrepented sinners' souls are annihilated like the Seventh-day Adventists preach, but I'm not sure if that's true or not. On the bright side, if I go to hell, I can hang out with Barry Goldwater.

In hell one is isolated. There is no hanging out with your buddies.

 

[lolbert]

In hell one is isolated. There is no hanging out with your buddies.

My post was a joke.

 

[Sweden]

I've done far too many bad things. And burned too many bridges. I don't even try to live a Christian life. I never repent or say sorry. Hell is appropriate punishment for my actions.

You are lucky, hell does not exist. (Neither does heaven but that's for another day).

 

[Sweden]

I thought most Christians consider hell to be the absence of God. Wouldn't God being in hell defeat the purpose of heaven?

Hell is not the absence of god but the presence of Trump.

 

[VySky]

@Parker_Chess Hello there. I’ve read your comments and I can offer this.

You are conflicted. That’s a positive sign. You say you don’t believe yet you realize you are a sinful creature like every man. I say man as in all of mankind. And that you believe in hell and that without repentance and acknowledging Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead as he said he would, that hell is where you will go. Sounds like you believe to me. You clearly see that you are in need of a savior.

Don’t worry what others may think of you. It’s God who knows your heart. I don’t know how big of a church you have tried but the big mega churches lack intimacy. You’re just a face in the crowd. I attend a small country church. People know each other by name. We have a Wednesday night men’s Bible study with about 12 men of various backgrounds. We have a retired pastor, a tobacco farmer, military special ops guys and a few veterans. We are just regular dudes.

I know you said you have quit praying. Please consider giving yourself another chance. Pray that God removes any doubts you’re having. Ask him to save you and to forgive you for those “bad things” and “bridges” that have been burned in the past.

Lastly, don’t know who you are but you will be added to my prayers. You sound like just the type of person Jesus came to save.

Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14

 

[Sweden]

@Parker_Chess Hello there. I’ve read your comments and I can offer this.

You are conflicted. That’s a positive sign. You say you don’t believe yet you realize you are a sinful creature like every man. I say man as in all of mankind. And that you believe in hell and that without repentance and acknowledging Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead as he said he would, that hell is where you will go. Sounds like yiu believe to me. You clearly see that you are in need of a savior.

Don’t worry what others may think of you. It’s God who knows your heart. I don’t know how big of a church you have tried but the big mega churches lack intimacy. You’re just a face in the crowd. I attend a small country church. People know each other by name. We have a Wednesday night men’s Bible study with about 12 men of various backgrounds. We have a retired pastor, a tobacco farmer, military special ops guys and a few veterans. We are just regular dudes.

I know yiu said you have quit praying. Please consider giving yourself another chance. Pray that God removes any doubts you’re having. Ask him to save you and to forgive you for those “bad things” and “bridges” that have been burned in the past.

Lastly, don’t know who you are but you will be added to my prayers. You sound like just the type of person Jesus came to save.

Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14

The worst sort of religious claptrap is the lengthy variety.

 

[Loulit01]

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us, only sky

 

[T25]

I've done far too many bad things. And burned too many bridges. I don't even try to live a Christian life. I never repent or say sorry. Hell is appropriate punishment for my actions.

Do you ever thank God for the good things that he has done for you? The Bible says ALL good things are from our Father, our creator, in Heaven.

Once upon a time God thought of you. That's right. God almighty, the creator of existence and of all realms, all universes, and all life thought of YOU! God thought of you and decided that he wants you in his future kingdom. Don't EVER believe that your life doesn't matter because remember, GOD THOUGHT OF AND CREATED YOU! And also know that God has BIG plans for YOU in his future Kingdom.

Hell doesn't exist in the way that most people, including most Christian, imagine it. There is the "Lake of Fire" that is often confused with "Hell". The LOF was created by Jesus to use on Satan and other fallen angels in order to purify, refine, and restore them back to their original perfection.

The LOF is also used for the truly wicked in order to salvage them. Jesus doesn't run a forever torture chamber for people who failed in life.

I encourage you to appreciate the good that God has done for you and to pray to him, in private, to thank him. Ask him to reveal the truth to you. By the way, God came to us very humbly in the form of Jesus. He never defied God's will, aka "sin". Yet, he was persecuted, arrested, tortured, and nailed to a cross to die a horrific death. You and I were called by Jesus to pick up our cross (as did Jesus) and to live in this wicked, terrible, world by following him and at least TRYING to obey his commandments.

If you want to dig deep feel free to send me a PM.

 

[Loulit01]

 

[Sweden]

Do you ever thank God for the good things that he has done for you? The Bible says ALL good things are from our Father, our creator, in Heaven.

Once upon a time God thought of you. That's right. God almighty, the creator of existence and of all realms, all universes, and all life thought of YOU! God thought of you and decided that he wants you in his future kingdom. Don't EVER believe that your life doesn't matter because remember, GOD THOUGHT OF AND CREATED YOU! And also know that God has BIG plans for YOU in his future Kingdom.

Hell doesn't exist in the way that most people, including most Christian, imagine it. There is the "Lake of Fire" that is often confused with "Hell". The LOF was created by Jesus to use on Satan and other fallen angels in order to purify, refine, and restore them back to their original perfection.

The LOF is also used for the truly wicked in order to salvage them. Jesus doesn't run a forever torture chamber for people who failed in life.

I encourage you to appreciate the good that God has done for you and to pray to him, in private, to thank him. Ask him to reveal the truth to you. By the way, God came to us very humbly in the form of Jesus. He never defied God's will, aka "sin". Yet, he was persecuted, arrested, tortured, and nailed to a cross to die a horrific death. You and I were called by Jesus to pick up our cross (as did Jesus) and to live in this wicked, terrible, world by following him and at least TRYING to obey his commandments.

If you want to dig deep feel free to send me a PM.

Do you believers ever blame your 'God' for all the bad things he has done like inventing cancer?

 

[T25]

For me, the endless orthodoxy of mindless sycophantic adoration and praising of God would be hell.

One, we don't know what goes on in God's Kingdom. Jesus said that the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard what he has waiting for those who love him and, eventually, ALL will love him!

Two, how would you feel to find yourself in Heaven with a perfect, youthful, incorruptible, body and seeing all of the people and animal that you've ever loved there with you in similarly perfected bodies?

God is real. God created you. You are God's child. God loves you. What I described above is your ultimate destiny.

 

[Loulit01]

I keep wondering what all the abused, starved, beaten animals did. They must have sinned big.

 

[Slartibartfast]

I've done far too many bad things. And burned too many bridges. I don't even try to live a Christian life. I never repent or say sorry. Hell is appropriate punishment for my actions.

After reading through this thread and seeing that you have tried a few churches but never felt at home, my strong suggestion is that you ask God to lead you to a church that works for you and has the community you lack.

I will and I suspect others will pray for you but ultimately one thing I have figured out is that this sort of crisis is best helped by simply asking God for help and to be lead to a good place.

In terms of your guilt, that’s precisely why Jesus died on the cross. Whatever you did, others have done worse and still received salvation. The main thing here is to try to turn from it and, again, ask to be lead away from some of the more sticky behaviors or thought patterns. That will take time and that’s ok. Literally every Christian is work in progress.

I’ve been in your shoes, alone and turning towards destructive behaviors out of desperation and I know how painful and even traumatic that can be. I am in a much better situation and I still have trauma moments that bubble up from it. I mean it when I say it will take time, but I also know that any prayer that leads to a deepened spirituality or better relationship with God tends to be answered robustly.

I will avoid scripture because when I was in your shoes people quoting scripture at me was annoying, but I will just instead leave it at my lived experience and I hope it helps you gain some perspective.

 

[T25]

I keep wondering what all the abused, starved, beaten animals did. They must have sinned big.

God didn't do that although he allowed it. We are ALL learning what it's like to live in a world that is in rebellion against God. This world is ruled by Satan.

1 John 5:19
We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

 

[T25]

After reading through this thread and seeing that you have tried a few churches but never felt at home, my strong suggestion is that you ask God to lead you to a church that works for you and has the community you lack.

I believe it's healthy to belong to a good church, but it's not a requirement in that it doesn't affect salvation.

Salvation comes from believing in and placing our trust in Jesus and in changing (repenting) from our sinful choices and following (or at least trying to) Jesus's commandments.

 

[Slartibartfast]

I believe it's healthy to belong to a good church, but it's not a requirement in that it doesn't affect salvation.

True.

Salvation comes from believing in and placing our trust in Jesus and in changing (repenting) from our sinful choices and following (or at least trying to) Jesus's commandments.

Also true.

However, I wasn’t addressing those points but the point that @Parker_Chess was looking for a church that they felt comfortable in.

When one is seeking then they go with what they know and often the point is to meet them where they are at. One of the things many Christians do wrong is to hit people over the head with a message that doesn’t make sense to a person in their current emotional state. Doing that isn’t loving. Helping a person where they are at and opening up a conversation is loving. When someone is in crisis then you triage that crisis and then work on long term solutions or bigger picture items once the situation is stable.

If someone has no food and is afraid of starving to death then give them some food. Don’t just preach at them.

 

[T25]

True.

Also true.

However, I wasn’t addressing those points but the point that @Parker_Chess was looking for a church that they felt comfortable in.

Yes, I know. I was only letting our brother know that it's not a MUST for him to attend a church.

I will reiterate that we are strongly encouraged to be a part of a (good) church but some may not know what is a "good" church or may not be able to attend.

The most important church we can belong to is Jesus's church, which is his body of followers and NOT a man-made organization such as a church. It's good to attend a church provided that they are sharing and teaching Jesus's message and NO OTHER, which rules out the Catholic Church along with many others.

 

[Slartibartfast]

Yes, I know. I was only letting our brother know that it's not a MUST for him to attend a church.

I will reiterate that we are strongly encouraged to be a part of a (good) church but some may not know what is a "good" church or may not be able to attend.

The most important church we can belong to is Jesus's church, which is his body of followers and NOT a man-made organization such as a church. It's good to attend a church provided that they are sharing and teaching Jesus's message and NO OTHER, which rules out the Catholic Church along with many others.

How is this side debate going to help anyone? You seem to be interjecting your perspectives and needs here.

There are many paths to Jesus. As long as someone get there it’s fine. If having a certain church or community leads them to Jesus, then they are still lead to Jesus. If someone else needs a different route, that’s cool too, as long as they get there.

Our job is to support the seeker, not to criticize them. Once they get to Jesus, then conviction and sanctification will be in the next steps

 

[T25]

Do you believers ever blame your 'God' for all the bad things he has done like inventing cancer?

I believe that this poster is an example of a person who is proud and who God has shunned probably because he has a self-hardened heart. God very much dislikes such attitudes and allows them to remain blind and lost from him. Unless they are willing to soften their heart they will likely die unsaved. This can result with them being "thrown" into the "Lake of Fire", which we understand is a most unpleasant experience. It's a necessary experience in order to teach them humility so that they can be granted repentance which leads to them changing their ways. Thereafter they will be granted the ability to believe in and follow Jesus, which they will do which will result in them entering God's Kingdom.

Supporting scriptures:

Acts 11:18
Verse Concepts
When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.”

2 Timothy 2:25
Verse Concepts
with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

Romans 2:4
Verse Concepts
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

2 Peter 3:9
Verse Concepts
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Romans 11:25
25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

John 6:44
44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.


John 6:65
65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father".


James 4:6 esv
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Isaiah 46:10
declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'

Isaiah 55:11
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

 

[T25]

How is this side debate going to help anyone?

I'm not debating anything. I'm trying to help the OP in the event that he struggles to find a church.

 

[Slartibartfast]

I'm not debating anything. I'm trying to help the OP in the event that he struggles to find a church.

Just simply trust God with that and let God handle the details. If someone finds salvation at what another sees as an imperfect church, then they are still saved. Jesus’s message and offer of salvation is not dependent on getting minor details right.

This is a savior who’s most important ritual uses common household items (bread and wine) and uses things like mud to help a blind person see. This was in a society where religious expression was tied to displays of wealth or getting ritualistic details just so and he regularly defied established religious traditions of the day. Jesus also took people where they are at and worked with them where they are at. Jesus also praised Martha when she doused him in oil even though that money could have also been given to the poor. There is a huge message in those choices.

 

[anatta]

I may be going to hell in a bucket, babe
But at least I'm enjoying the ride

 

[Gordy327]

In hell one is isolated. There is no hanging out with your buddies.

How do you know? Have you been there?

 

[Revelation]

How do you know? Have you been there?

Vy is very good with Bible doctrine. and yes the Bible does discuss hell as a place of eternal punishment of sin. @VySky

that is why Jesus came to save sinners from their sin by taking the Sinner's death penalty on the cross, so we don't have to pay that penalty.

Gordy, no one is goooood enuf to go to heaven. God knows that and we must first realize that we all have sinned and the penalty for sin is death in hell.

God offers Life in Heaven.

so seek God with all your heart: every. single. day.

Pray without ceasing; pray thru yur day, pray when you don't feel like it, pray when things are going very good for you.

Start in the Gospels reading Matthew, Mark, Luke and John over and over. then go to Paul's epistles of Corinthians, Galatians, et al; read over and over till you are in Lock Step with God.

christianity is a Life Time thing, not a 'one and done' or a Sunday only. today is Tuesday, find a prayer meeting locally tomorrow/wednesday/thursday and be there. start a church at home with your family, and a list of good churches to fellowship at.

but don't sit there and do nothing.

as i recommended: Celebrate Recovery available everywhere. people have all kinds of problems and so do i; use that often, as i do. usually meets during the week some time and people wanna help you and they do. https://celebraterecovery.com/

blessings all, keep being Proactive.

keep your story alive here and disregard the Nay sayers, they have Zero faith themselves.

@Parker_Chess we all have been where you are, the struggle is worth it. and i can recommend the Bible and this book by a Seminary type of study writer, basically a revision of the Original work. it is a high level work, but may fit you....


...available amazon or wherever. i bought a couple of the revisions and the original. both are great; it is the Depth they go to that may help you.

it's a real Journey to read; also Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan is another one if yur into Alegory. i usually cry at the end of Pilgrim's journy when he sees heaven and goes over to the other side with the angels rescuing him. Pilgrim has a rough life all the way to the end.

kind of like yur life @Parker_Chess, you are a bit like Pilgrim and so am i.

but God.

that is my only hope: BUT GOD

so i hang onto God and continue my walk thru life, looking for that Celestial City, whose builder and maker is: God.

at the End of your life, you will wake to see God and i want that to go well for you.........and the rest here.


blessings till the End of all of your lives. every, single, one of you.

.