RE: Few going to heaven (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Theology] >> Salvation Issues



Message

HisFish -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/7/2008 11:41:22 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PrexicKehdaki

quote:

ORIGINAL: 1love1God1way

quote:

ORIGINAL: Cross_Eyed_4_Life

Isn't there a commandment that says, "Thou shalt not trust in Youtube"? [;)]


It comes right after the "Wikipedia is not an academic source" rule.


Yes, but if the scripture cited on YT is accurate, there's no reason to discredit it just because it's on YT.

Touche.



Ezra -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/8/2008 3:27:41 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: whatislove
I saw this video on youtube called "Will you make it to heaven". I always thought that not too many people were going to heaven. After I watched that, i'm now realizing that it's fewer than I thought.
Thoughts, opinions?


The "few" that Jesus speaks about is a relative term. Since those in Heaven are such that no man can number them (Rev. 7:9), they are relatively few compared to all those who could have been there but are not because their names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev. 20:15).

Believers are always a minority in any generation or nation, but when added up altogether, they will still be countless. And the fact that the Lord is continuing to withhold His judgments means that He desires to see ALL men saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4). If relatively few are saved, it is only because they neglect their salvation (Heb. 2:3).



TheBibleTRUTH -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/8/2008 3:40:10 AM)

Many many people will go to heaven.

Romans 10:9-10
9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

The Bible says what it means and means what it says. Notice the words in verse 9. SHALT. Shalt means that you will absolutely be saved. This verse is talking about the new birth and receiving the holy spirit.

Furthermore,

I Peter 1:23
23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

This states that when you are born again with the holy spirit you receive an incorruptible seed. That no matter what you do as long as you are born again you will be in heaven when Christ comes back. Anyone who was born again with the holy spirit will most certainly be in heaven, regardless of what time period they are in.

I John 3:4-9
4)Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
5)And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
6)Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
7)Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8)He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9)Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

OF course we can sin, but what this is talking about is your spirit which is inside of you. This spirit is incorruptible and you cannot mess it up.

Romans 6:32
23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

So you can relax that your incorruptible spirit is free from sin and death. Once you get your spirit you cannot change or screw it up. It's there permanently and you absolutely shall and will go to heaven. So there will certainly be a ton of people in heaven!

God Bless!



SonInMe1 -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/8/2008 4:12:30 AM)

I am saved.

How about you?



rcjames -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/8/2008 10:15:21 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheBibleTRUTH

Many many people will go to heaven.

Romans 10:9-10
9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

The Bible says what it means and means what it says. Notice the words in verse 9. SHALT. Shalt means that you will absolutely be saved. This verse is talking about the new birth and receiving the holy spirit.

Furthermore,

I Peter 1:23
23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

This states that when you are born again with the holy spirit you receive an incorruptible seed. That no matter what you do as long as you are born again you will be in heaven when Christ comes back. Anyone who was born again with the holy spirit will most certainly be in heaven, regardless of what time period they are in.

I John 3:4-9
4)Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
5)And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
6)Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
7)Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8)He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9)Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

OF course we can sin, but what this is talking about is your spirit which is inside of you. This spirit is incorruptible and you cannot mess it up.

Romans 6:32
23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

So you can relax that your incorruptible spirit is free from sin and death. Once you get your spirit you cannot change or screw it up. It's there permanently and you absolutely shall and will go to heaven. So there will certainly be a ton of people in heaven!

God Bless!


Nice post, but does not take into consideration the problem encountered by the folks in Matt 7;

(Mat 7:21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

(Mat 7:22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

(Mat 7:23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Now these fine folks evidently were confessing Christ (doing things in His Name at least), and all indications are that they felt secure and safe, but since they did not do the will of the Father then Christ declares them as not saved.

That is where many are today.

Now as to few going to heaven, I have no idea what a few equals to, but I do know that many who think they are saved; just are not.

Thanks
RC



bob97 -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/8/2008 12:50:06 PM)

I continue to believe in the 80/20 rule...meaning 20% will get there and 80% will not. Think about it...20% of the people in you Church do 80% of the work and 20% of the congregation gives 80% of the tithing.

Bob



terryjohn -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/8/2008 4:24:48 PM)

As all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, we should expect there to be none in heaven. Now if we find that we are actually saved by grace through faith, we should not be surprised that all knees will bow in heaven, on earth and in hell and declare Chirst is Lord. But now we see that there is none that seeks the things of God and if God did not graciously seek us we all would be lost.

However, if Christ should allow a sinner to die in his sins only to see the truth of his sinfulness at judgement and weep for forgiveness, who are we, who do not weep for such, to despise God for the remission of sins at such a late hour? Would we despise His generousity?

The gospel is not about our desire to see men punished for their sins but rather about turning men to God and I fear too often that we don't want really evil men to do this, least God forgive them too.

Few shall be saved and none deserves salvation, but none naturally seek after God. We should be careful in assigning blame for all this least, we find we are to blame or worse we blame God.



hjemerson -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/8/2008 6:26:02 PM)

Intresting Just make me think :What am I doing to made sure my family /friends/co-worker are a doubt about it!!! Maybe we could all think on that! Maybe even the person beside me in church, all the way to many of our church leaders may not even be in heavan ,As we know many think it is in the mind not the heart .Just my view! Only accept and. Well you all know the way can we be sure we will be in that number!



Suebee77 -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/8/2008 6:31:48 PM)

To rcjames, regarding the passages he quoted from Matthew 7: 21, 22, 23:


But wasn't Jesus talking to the Pharisees in this passage? They did not believe Jesus is Lord, and went around doing all their perfect works according to the law. They essentially made themselves to be God, with the power to save themselves.



armydude -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/8/2008 6:52:28 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

(Mat 7:21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

(Mat 7:22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

(Mat 7:23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Now these fine folks evidently were confessing Christ (doing things in His Name at least), and all indications are that they felt secure and safe, but since they did not do the will of the Father then Christ declares them as not saved.

That is where many are today.

Now as to few going to heaven, I have no idea what a few equals to, but I do know that many who think they are saved; just are not.

Thanks
RC
I find myself agreeing with you a lot RC... This is no exception. I have my own translation on those three verses. Not everyone that calls Jesus by the title of Lord means it. He knows the difference. We may not, but He sure does.



Kat_D -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/8/2008 6:52:39 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Suebee77

To rcjames, regarding the passages he quoted from Matthew 21, 22, 23:


But wasn't Jesus talking to the Pharisees in this passage? They did not believe Jesus is Lord, and went around doing all their perfect works according to the law. They essentially made themselves to be God, with the power to save themselves.


He was speaking to the Pharisees at the beginning of the chapter, but clearly here He was speaking to those who said they were His followers in these verses. He refers to those who call Him, "Lord, Lord."



rcjames -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/8/2008 7:02:32 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Suebee77

To rcjames, regarding the passages he quoted from Matthew 21, 22, 23:


But wasn't Jesus talking to the Pharisees in this passage? They did not believe Jesus is Lord, and went around doing all their perfect works according to the law. They essentially made themselves to be God, with the power to save themselves.


He referred to a time after His time on earth; please note: Many will say to me in that day.

What Day?

In the day that Jesus will judge whether folks get into Heaven or not.

The people said they cast out demons in the Name of Jesus (People who think they are Christians), do many good deeds in the Name of Jesus (folks who think they are Christians).

Who was he speaking to?

Mat 4:25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

(Mat 5:1) And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

(Mat 5:2) And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Cettainly to the Pharisees who were standing off to the side scoffing, but to the multitudes following him.

Does what Jesus said only apply to those who heard him in person.

Absolutely not, unless you want to discount everything Jesus said from a Christians life today.

(Heb 13:8) Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Those that work iniquity will not enter into Heaven (Paul repeated this in);

(Gal 5:19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

(Gal 5:20) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

(Gal 5:21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Thanks
RC



TheBibleTRUTH -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/8/2008 10:52:50 PM)

The bible goes to great lengths to show how all the great men and women in the bible screwed up at some point or another. That all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of god. David had an affair with a married women and sent her husband to die, Peter denied Christ 3 times, Paul went to Jerusalem despite the fact that every believer he met told him not to go (Per God's will). Peter and Paul were apostles and even they screwed up. Because of the way we were made we are going to sin, it's inevitable. God understands this and because of it he gave us the free gift of grace by sending Christ to redeem us from our sins.

Romans 5: 17-21
17) For if by one man's (Adam) offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
18) Therefore as by the offence of one (Adam) judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one (Christ) the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
19) For as by one man's (Adam) disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one (Christ) shall many be made righteous.
20) Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21) That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Because of Adam's transgressions, sin for all men is inevitable. Our flesh was changed from what Adam had unto a weaker more sin prone version. However, verse 20 shows that grace abounds much more than sin. Grace always covers our sins no matter what.

Romans 3:23
23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

And when it says all it means all. Everyone, with the exception of Jesus Christ, has fallen short of God's glory and calling. God, who is all knowing, understands that we have our shortcomings. That's why he had to make it easy. It has to be easy for us to get there, otherwise there wouldn't be anyone up there. God created this world for us, because he wanted a family.

II Corinthians 4:15
15) For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Wow, what amazing truth in this verse. God created all things for our sake! It's almost unbelievable but if you study the seven church epistles, (Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians) You will see these books are full of God's amazing love and promises towards us. And what's even greater is that Christ was sent to this earth to save us!

Romans 8:32
32) He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

God spared not his only son, but delivered him up for US! How can we not think we are important. A common thing that man wants to do is try to put a limit on what God can do for us. This verse shows his great love for us. And why wouldn't he freely give us ALL things. It seems really odd that a God this loving would grant us eternal life, then the first time we screw up (which is inevitable), take it back. If you were a parent and your kid screwed up, would you kick him out the first chance you got? I don't think so. And if we, being imperfect, wouldn't do that to our kids, why would God? God surely knows how to love more than we do.

II Timothy 1:7
7) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

God would not have us to fear whether we were going to heaven or not, he wants us to be at great peace, knowing without a doubt that we are going.

Romans 8:38-39

38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ha! Yes nothing can separate us from God! Nothing can separate us from God's love and his grace. It is impossible for us to not make it heaven once we get holy spirit!



TheBibleTRUTH -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/8/2008 11:25:44 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

quote:

ORIGINAL: Suebee77

To rcjames, regarding the passages he quoted from Matthew 21, 22, 23:


But wasn't Jesus talking to the Pharisees in this passage? They did not believe Jesus is Lord, and went around doing all their perfect works according to the law. They essentially made themselves to be God, with the power to save themselves.


He referred to a time after His time on earth; please note: Many will say to me in that day.

What Day?

In the day that Jesus will judge whether folks get into Heaven or not.

The people said they cast out demons in the Name of Jesus (People who think they are Christians), do many good deeds in the Name of Jesus (folks who think they are Christians).

Who was he speaking to?

Mat 4:25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

(Mat 5:1) And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

(Mat 5:2) And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Cettainly to the Pharisees who were standing off to the side scoffing, but to the multitudes following him.

Does what Jesus said only apply to those who heard him in person.

Absolutely not, unless you want to discount everything Jesus said from a Christians life today.

(Heb 13:8) Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Those that work iniquity will not enter into Heaven (Paul repeated this in);

(Gal 5:19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

(Gal 5:20) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

(Gal 5:21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Thanks
RC


Matthew through John were written during the time period that Christ walked on the Earth (obviously). However, things changed after Christ was crucified and was resurrected. In the Seven Church Epistles this time is called the "dispensation of grace." Another word for dispensation is administration, which is similar to a presidential administration. Since we live in the grace administration the scripture from The Day of Pentecost in Acts, through the book of Jude is more applicable to our lives. The people during the Old Testament and even when Christ was on Earth didn't have the same grace that we have. That no matter what we do we can come back to God. Many times in the Old Testament you see people dying for committing treasonous acts towards God. However, in the grace administration you don't see that (even now when was the last time you saw someone get struck down by God for stealing or lusting, etc.)

But you did mention some scripture in Galatians 5, which does raise some eyebrows. However, if you look at it you will see that it does line up with the rest of the stuff that I talked about. The book of Galatians is reproof to the Galatian Church for continuing to follow the law despite the fact that Christ freed us from it. I'm going to review what you said, but I want to start in Galatians 5:13.

Galatians 5:13
13) For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

This liberty he is talking about is liberty from the law and also from sin. Since Christ also died for our sins. He is saying not to use this liberty to do evil just to get forgiven and come back to God. But rather walk in love towards people.

Galatians 5:14-18
14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
15) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18) But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

The Bible commonly describes two kinds of people. Those who follow after the flesh and those who follow after spirit. The people who are led by the spirit, Christ in you, strive to do loving things for other people and strive to follow God's word. If you are walking after the spirit you are not fulfilling the lust of the flesh. He is telling the Galatian church to follow after the things of the spirit rather than the law and the flesh.

Galatians 5:19-21
19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

If you look at verse 19 it details who this part is written too. The people who follow after the flesh. Those people who do not have spirit do the following things and because they don't have spirit they don't inherit the kingdom of God. This verse doesn't say it clearly but if you line it up with the rest of the Bible it works out. And as always if you have any questions, go to God!!!! He will surely show you things in the Bible and clear things up for you as you study if you ask him!

Edit: I felt I needed to clarify what I said in the last paragraph and show some scripture to back up what I said about how it lines up with the bible.

I Peter 1: 3-5
3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4) To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5) Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

The inheritance it us talking about in verse 4 is to the believers. It clarifies that their inheritance which is in Heaven is incorruptible, undefiled, and cannot fade away. So the people who aren't inheriting the kingdom of God must be the people who aren't born again. And our inheritance in Heaven must not be able to be lost by any means. Or the Bible would have stated that it was corruptible.

I Peter 1:22-25
22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
24) For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
25) But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

I hope this clears things up for you!

God Bless!!



rcjames -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/9/2008 9:49:13 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheBibleTRUTH
I hope this clears things up for you!
God Bless!!


Are you saying that all it takes for a non-cancelable ticket to heaven is to say Jesus is Lord?

If not then what are you trying to say?

I am saying that not everyone who thinks they are Christian really are.

Thanks
RC



armydude -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/9/2008 11:13:07 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheBibleTRUTH
I hope this clears things up for you!
God Bless!!


Are you saying that all it takes for a non-cancelable ticket to heaven is to say Jesus is Lord?

If not then what are you trying to say?

I am saying that not everyone who thinks they are Christian really are.
All it takes is to say it AND mean it. If you mean it, your life will reflect that. And THEN He'll be your Lord.



DaveW -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/9/2008 12:06:14 PM)

I heard Bishop Joseph Garlington (before his days with Promise Keepers) say that as a young man, his home congregation had the "national mother" of their denomination. (If you don't understand what that is you need to visit an african-american church for a while) He heard her one time say that as she saw it, only about 30 or 40 people from all times were going to be saved and she hoped she was one of them.



Florida_Mom_27 -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/9/2008 12:21:23 PM)

quote:

Galatians 5:19-21
19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.


I am a Christian, but things like this in the Bible seem like total contradictions. Isn't it true that people who commit all these acts can repent and become saved? This verse clearly says if you do such things you will not inherit the kingdom of God. So does that mean no exceptions?



JimboFletch -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/9/2008 12:39:48 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DaveW

I heard Bishop Joseph Garlington (before his days with Promise Keepers) say that as a young man, his home congregation had the "national mother" of their denomination. (If you don't understand what that is you need to visit an african-american church for a while) He heard her one time say that as she saw it, only about 30 or 40 people from all times were going to be saved and she hoped she was one of them.

I think that's a big part of the problem. Too many people have a "hope-so" religion when the Bible offers us a "know-so" faith in the risen Lord.

It would do people a lot more good to read the Gospel of John and his epistles than listening to so many "teachers" and watching so much yucktube.



JimboFletch -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/9/2008 12:42:27 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: LinMarie27

quote:

Galatians 5:19-21
19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.


I am a Christian, but things like this in the Bible seem like total contradictions. Isn't it true that people who commit all these acts can repent and become saved?...

If you repent, are born again, and indwelt by God the Holy Spirit, then you wouldn't be doing those things, now would you?



19ramman85 -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/9/2008 1:06:12 PM)

quote:

I am saying that not everyone who thinks they are Christian really are.


And here is where I'm gonna start my lil' rant on this subject!

When I look (or-read, whatever your preference) about what Jesus said about all those who say he is Lord won't go to Heaven, and plus what I have been told by those who know Scripture way better than I- teachers, Ministers, Priests- is this (and thus- what I truly believe);

Mostly it was to those who were following him- not because he was - "GOD", but mostly because he was giving a good show, and at times providing meals to them. Most of them could've cared less if he was really the Messiah, or not.

Much like some supposed - "Christians", of today; they give a great show to their fellow man to show that they are really, truly following the - "Way", yet they are just as lost as a Satanist!

There are people who have had heard the Word- yet, their only response is- yeah right, I dont fully believe/xcept it, yada, yada, yada.
Cookie-cutter Christianity- nuff said there?,
Then again, there are people who are- "Christian", in name only- and not much else;
they go to Church related functions, praise God in Church/Public,
Make sure peole see them tithe/give special tithes,
and so on and so forth- yet they are the bigget hypocrites walking!

They make sure they take their tithing/special gifts off their taxes,
They talk in a disparaging way about their relatives/nieghbor,
They could care less about helping a stranger,
Never, ever visited the sick, infirmed, prisoner, widow, etc.,
Don't care too much about traffic laws,
Feed the hungry,
And so on and so forth-

These are the peole, from what i have learned- are the ones Jesus is talking about in Matt 7, and eslewhere.


Speaking of numbers-
When one also looks at the origin of numbers- you will also discover that the word/number "Billion/Trillion/Million" - are fairly recent in history, as compared to the word/number; thousands, hundreds, etc. (gee- did some of ya's forget ur H.S. Math?, lol)

Mostly because in Jesus' time, there wasn't a concept for numbers in the millions-and up column.

First- what got me really intrested into this- "guestimation game" (bcause thats about all this really is, isn't it?), was my defeatest outlook, that somehow I wasn't good enough to go to Heaven attitude - even if I professed Jesus as God. And short story of it- after I started to play with the numbers, delved w/ an open mind about it, etc- I came out w/ a better outlook on the whole subject.

So, lets have some fun, shall we?

Lets say there will be a total of 12 Billion people on earth since Adam/Eve to the Final Tribulation; out of that number we can easily take off 6 billion who reject Christ as Son of God, in one way or another. Which- out of that 6 billion remaining, and applying the ratio I have learned/believe in, which is 2/5ths will go to Heaven- means that there will be about 2.4 BILLION people in Heaven, when it is all said and done. WHich, in the final analysis means- you and I, Have just as about as much of a chance of getting into heaven as the next person!

Howz that, for defeating a defeatest attitude?

-caio!


-charles



19ramman85 -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/9/2008 1:20:25 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: JimboFletch

quote:

ORIGINAL: LinMarie27

quote:

Galatians 5:19-21
19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.


I am a Christian, but things like this in the Bible seem like total contradictions. Isn't it true that people who commit all these acts can repent and become saved?...

If you repent, are born again, and indwelt by God the Holy Spirit, then you wouldn't be doing those things, now would you?


Yeah- ya gotta admit; if we are truly following God's game plan- although we may occassionaly slip-up here and there (the only- Perfect Christian - is He himself!), then the INTENT- to do those things is long gone!

Yes LinMarie- they can repent- and be saved!

but ..........However- to KNOWINGLY to continue, in these practices, after one has "Professed", to be saved - is making a liar out of themselves!

And ............. if you look, I mean really, really READ, that section lot closly- you will see that he is talking about those who (mostly) reject the Word of God- and continue in there satisfying the desires of the flesh! A big no-no in Gods eyes!


Does this clarify it for ya?


-charles



Florida_Mom_27 -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/9/2008 1:37:44 PM)

Yes, thank you, that does clarify.

I guess I take the phrase "that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." as -- if you have done those things you will not inherit, but I guess it means if you are doing them you won't inherit the kingdom of God.

Thanks, I'm glad to find people so much more enlightened on what certain verses mean, as I am just really starting to study the Bible (having been a Christian for about 20 years).



rcjames -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/9/2008 2:15:17 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: armydude

quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheBibleTRUTH
I hope this clears things up for you!
God Bless!!


Are you saying that all it takes for a non-cancelable ticket to heaven is to say Jesus is Lord?

If not then what are you trying to say?

I am saying that not everyone who thinks they are Christian really are.


All it takes is to say it AND mean it. If you mean it, your life will reflect that. And THEN He'll be your Lord.


I agree, but will add "To understand" what it means to be Christian;

The Apostle John says around sixty years after the cruxifiction'

(1Jn 3:7) Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

(1Jn 3:8) He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

(1Jn 3:9) Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

(1Jn 3:10) In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

quote:

ORIGINAL: JimboFletch

If you repent, are born again, and indwelt by God the Holy Spirit, then you wouldn't be doing those things, now would you?


Thank you JinboFletch for saying it so simpl as to where folks surely can understand.

Thanks
RC



hjemerson -> RE: Few going to heaven (7/9/2008 3:02:15 PM)

WOW most of you made the plan of salv. sound so hard ,Thanks the Lord it is so easy, (no living a Christian will not be easy but with HIM it will be a wonderful Ending!) I guess it was just to deep for me I like to stick to the simple plan. I sure that will be commented on but I work with people who have not heard the Word much and that were I have to start and keep it slimple, Again I have not problem but why do we really care how many is in heaven, If we all do the things we should to share the Word to others as we are told and plant the seeds pray,live a christian life (before other etc as we are told) and then we just have to wait and see who will be in Heaven,



Page: <<   < prev  1 [2] 3 4 5   next >   >>



Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.5 ANSI