I'm a sinner with questions..

[Instigator]

Where do other religions fall into, when the Last Judgment or Rapture begins?

Examples :

Japan, China, Ancient Maya, Toltec, and other civilizations that had no knowledge of what we believe to be God and sins as we know them. Will they all be doomed to eternal Hell or given a chance to repent when in line waiting at the gates of Heaven?

Do I have to repent every time I think a Girl is Hot or I undress her with my mind?

I'm not a very religious man as you can see.. I go to church every chance I get, maybe 6 times a year. I'm a sinner I know, but I don't want you to pray for me!! I Just need a few answers to questions I have, thank you.


Please, Don't Bash Me!!

 

[SuZamme]

Great thread with super questions. I don't believe in sin so I can't answer you except to say that my God is a God of love and peace and sees everyone in their perfection.

 

[Southern Gent]

The best that we are given in the Bible is to say that they will be judged according to God's moral law. The question then is can they be saved apart from Christ? Jesus said, "he who believes and is baptized shall be saved". The question remains as to the extent of the grace of God. Is there a provision for those who have never heard or understood? We really don't know and any answer will be wishful thinking or speculation. There will be no line and no second chance for repentance. Regardless of any teaching that says there will be a 2nd chance, proper exegesis of the Bible reveals no such happening. Now let's deal with the hot girl. Should you decide to be baptized and become a Christian/child of God will you be perfect? Certainly not. No person is born full grown. As a Christian neither you nor anyone that you come in contact with should expect you to be perfect. Might it take you many years to get past lust? Well sure. Here's the key, even if you do fall/sin you have the blood of Christ to cover your sins. Paul said, "in baptism we put on Christ". In other words when you become a child of God, God no longer sees you but sees His Son in you. This is the ideal situation for any of us. Why is it ideal? Because if God sees us, without the "robe of righteousness" that His Son puts on us...we will be lost.

 

[blondeambition3]

lol.. This is God's domain (in my humble opinion) and I'm not touching THIS with a ten foot pole!!!!!!

 

[TheMathClub]

killer questions, and to agree with the previous answers, somewhat, it's tough to nail down what happens to ppl who have never heard or understood the Christian message when they die, though i have a feeling that God, who is just, will judge them fairly based on their actions. this is an inference, based on the character of God. He is remarkably (perfectly) consistent. Once you have heard the message, however, the burden is placed on you (or anyone that hears it) to take action on that, by either dismissing it or taking it seriously. Some times people have to hear it over and over before they understand, others will reject it immediately. some scoff at first, and understand later. regarding the hot chick? well friend, no one is perfect, lol. a big challenge is to understand how God views you, as stated previously. when you become a Christian, you are indeed a work in progress, and understanding that is liberating in a sense, not because you can do whatever, but because you can live a life devoted to God and not have to worry about getting hit by proverbial lightning every time you say something dumb, or look at a hot girl, with less that pure intentions. sin is still sin mind you, but God does indeed see His kiddos clothed in Christ as it were. having children of your own can bring this into sharp focus. i used to see kids as horrid little urchins and was very intolerant of poor behavior, but now that i have a couple, i see little humans, who i would take a bullet for, and i forgive them of their youthful wildness, with firm but loving discapline. people call God father, because that is truly the relationship that Christians have. so when you sin, dont trip, just tell God your sorry,and do your best not to do it again. if even that is tough for you, ask for help, if you are, or become a Christian, we have express permission and instruction to come to God with our burdens and ask for help. anywho, were all sinners, so hang in there, your in good company.

 

[blondeambition3]

killer questions, and to agree with the previous answers, somewhat, it's tough to nail down what happens to ppl who have never heard or understood the Christian message when they die, though i have a feeling that God, who is just, will judge them fairly based on their actions. this is an inference, based on the character of God. He is remarkably (perfectly) consistent. Once you have heard the message, however, the burden is placed on you (or anyone that hears it) to take action on that, by either dismissing it or taking it seriously. Some times people have to hear it over and over before they understand, others will reject it immediately. some scoff at first, and understand later. regarding the hot chick? well friend, no one is perfect, lol. a big challenge is to understand how God views you, as stated previously. when you become a Christian, you are indeed a work in progress, and understanding that is liberating in a sense, not because you can do whatever, but because you can live a life devoted to God and not have to worry about getting hit by proverbial lightning every time you say something dumb, or look at a hot girl, with less that pure intentions. sin is still sin mind you, but God does indeed see His kiddos clothed in Christ as it were. having children of your own can bring this into sharp focus. i used to see kids as horrid little urchins and was very intolerant of poor behavior, but now that i have a couple, i see little humans, who i would take a bullet for, and i forgive them of their youthful wildness, with firm but loving discapline. people call God father, because that is truly the relationship that Christians have. so when you sin, dont trip, just tell God your sorry,and do your best not to do it again. if even that is tough for you, ask for help, if you are, or become a Christian, we have express permission and instruction to come to God with our burdens and ask for help. anywho, were all sinners, so hang in there, your in good company.

WHOOP! there it is!!!!

 

[Instigator]

Southern Gent and The Math Club, Thank you both for chiming in on a question my mind has wondered about for 45 years.
You guys have done a good job in answering it!! Thank You.

I'm a Catholic and Baptized as an infant as such. I was taken to Church as a youngster by my Mom on every Sunday and she raised us good. We suffered as many families still do, barely surviving with the essentials. I'm 45 years old now and parent of 4 kids 2 of which are about to do their First Communion. We are still not devotees to the scripture or go around quoting the Bible or even go to every Sunday's Mass. I have nothing against people that do either.. What I do see, that ticks me off the wrong way is, the neighbors or friends that preach the gospel or Bible all day long and then you discover how bad they really are..

We are all sinners, whether the sin is done behind closed doors or not!!

I know I haven't done anything wrong as to be dammed forever and ever and then some.. my sins do not match the crime!!
I guess if there is a Hell, I will be there then!!

 

[5cardstud]

The end can't come until every human being alive is told about Christianity, or Jesus in other words, and make their choice. Now if someone didn't have the faculty to make a choice for whatever reason I don't think they would be condemned for eternity. God isn't like that. But I'm not going to try to get into Gods mind because this little pea brain couldn't handle it.
That's one reason everybody thinks the end is near because we are in nations now that we couldn't enter before.

 

[Southern Gent]

Southern Gent and The Math Club, Thank you both for chiming in on a question my mind has wondered about for 45 years.
You guys have done a good job in answering it!! Thank You.
What I do see, that ticks me off the wrong way is, the neighbors or friends that preach the gospel or Bible all day long and then you discover how bad they really are..

We are all sinners, whether the sin is done behind closed doors or not!!

I know I haven't done anything wrong as to be dammed forever and ever and then some.. my sins do not match the crime!!
I guess if there is a Hell, I will be there then!!

Two points that I want to make here. As a pastor/preacher I see the dogma and condemnation dished out by those "Christians" who are literally no better off than an alien sinner. Alien sinner being those who are alien or unknown to Christ. What does it mean to be unknown to Christ? To never have a personal relationship with him. I agree that sin is sin, there is no argument there. But...why would you allow the actions of someone else keep you from a personal relationship with Jesus? If it were 10 million dollars would you "allow" those same people to keep you from what is rightfully yours? I seriously doubt it. The fact of the matter is that we are all human and when humans get involved in anything it's going to have some serious flaws. As for point two..No one can condemn you to hell except you. God will not condemn you to hell. Those that go to hell will have done so by their own choice. My point is this..none of those you speak of has any bearing on your relation with Jesus and your salvation unless you "allow" them to have that influence. You have questions, so you have interest. Seeking answers is sometimes the hardest part. You don't have to be a card carrying-Bible thumper with the prophecies of doom and gloom to be a Christian. God has made salvation so very simple. 1) Repent of your sin--meaning that you are trying to change your mind about your life and actions. Perfect? Hardly but we try to be better people. 2) Confess Christ as the Son of God--God's already said "this is my Son". To confess means to agree with what God has said. Doubts? Fears? Certainly but we are trying to grow stronger in that belief. 3) Be baptized for the remission of sins--to put on the garments of Christ. Once again perfect people? Nope ain't gonna happen--but we try. Don't let someone's actions keep you from your fortune.

 

[Instigator]

Thank You my Southern Brother. What you said hit a nerve and literally made me choke up up around me throat. I know I have sinned many times and is tearing me up inside. Feeling guilty for stuff you have done in life is not a way to go around and carrying my cross. I need to confess soon as it is tearing me up. I have never confessed to tell you the truth and I'm confused as to what to expect. Do I tell everything...
You know stuff we have done as teenagers.. .........ion, sex out of wedlock, ........., Porn.. killing squirrels for other than sport or food.. Hell, what do I say...? Nothing real serious, just confused as to what one says at confession!!

Thanks for listening!

 

[LisaLisa]

Two points that I want to make here. As a pastor/preacher I see the dogma and condemnation dished out by those "Christians" who are literally no better off than an alien sinner. Alien sinner being those who are alien or unknown to Christ. What does it mean to be unknown to Christ? To never have a personal relationship with him. I agree that sin is sin, there is no argument there. But...why would you allow the actions of someone else keep you from a personal relationship with Jesus? If it were 10 million dollars would you "allow" those same people to keep you from what is rightfully yours? I seriously doubt it. The fact of the matter is that we are all human and when humans get involved in anything it's going to have some serious flaws. As for point two..No one can condemn you to hell except you. God will not condemn you to hell. Those that go to hell will have done so by their own choice. My point is this..none of those you speak of has any bearing on your relation with Jesus and your salvation unless you "allow" them to have that influence. You have questions, so you have interest. Seeking answers is sometimes the hardest part. You don't have to be a card carrying-Bible thumper with the prophecies of doom and gloom to be a Christian. God has made salvation so very simple. 1) Repent of your sin--meaning that you are trying to change your mind about your life and actions. Perfect? Hardly but we try to be better people. 2) Confess Christ as the Son of God--God's already said "this is my Son". To confess means to agree with what God has said. Doubts? Fears? Certainly but we are trying to grow stronger in that belief. 3) Be baptized for the remission of sins--to put on the garments of Christ. Once again perfect people? Nope ain't gonna happen--but we try. Don't let someone's actions keep you from your fortune.

AMEN brother! This is the truth!!!!!!!!!!!! I got the chills when I read it!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Southern Gent]

Thank You my Southern Brother. What you said hit a nerve and literally made me choke up up around me throat. I know I have sinned many times and is tearing me up inside. Feeling guilty for stuff you have done in life is not a way to go around and carrying my cross. I need to confess soon as it is tearing me up. I have never confessed to tell you the truth and I'm confused as to what to expect. Do I tell everything...
You know stuff we have done as teenagers.. .........ion, sex out of wedlock, ........., Porn.. killing squirrels for other than sport or food.. Hell, what do I say...? Nothing real serious, just confused as to what one says at confession!!

Thanks for listening!

No you need not spill everything. I'd venture to say that you have not done anything that any other person has not done or is not doing. Your confession has been made public. You have already done more than most people do. I have a suggestion. Go out on the porch (away from wife & kids) and spend a few minutes with God. Don't approach Him with thee's & thou's...talk to Him in the same way you talk to your father here on earth. You put the troubles that you have on His shoulders. Tell Him you are thinking about all this stuff and you want to clear the air. I guarantee that you'll be the only one talking but He'll listen just as long as you want to talk. Ask Him to help you..He already has/is in a sense. Work on getting your stuff straight and on the table with Him and you will be ok. Do a small bit of reading in Acts 2:35ff...about 10 or 15 verses will tell you all you need to know about what God wants. You don't have to have a priest/preacher/pastor to confess sin. If you would like one that's perfectly fine too. Are you going to be perfect and never do those things again? Nah...probably not. But God already knows that of each of us and that's why He has made arrangements for us to be perfected through His Son...because we can't do it for ourselves.

 

[Instigator]

Thank You, I will do that!!

 

[Southern Gent]

Thank You, I will do that!!

If I can help in any way we can continue here or go to pm. We can talk by phone or whatever you need.

 

[LisaLisa]

If I can help in any way we can continue here or go to pm. We can talk by phone or whatever you need.

You're such a blessing, I'm so glad you're here! Thank you!!

 

[Saintscruiser]

Welcome to the Christian Vapers room, Instigator!

First of all, we are all sinners with questions. "For all have fallen short of the Glory of God. There is none righteous, no not one." As I posted on this site before....compared to Charles Manson, I am a saint. But compared to Jesus, my deeds are as filthy rags. He is the only One who is perfect. Once we remind ourselves who we are comparing ourselves with, we fall off our own pedestal. It's happened to me quite a few times. But the amazing part, is Jesus was right there, helping me to get back on my feet!

There are those that will want to never know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. The part that gets me is that even though they reject Him, He covered their sins on the cross. No sin was left out at Calvary. That is amazing Grace....for the receiving.

All races, tribes, creeds, and colors have a supreme being they worship. They know how delicate of a balance life is. They know there is something greater than themselves. God creates us with a hole in our hearts that only He can fill. If there is someone in deepest darkest Africa or deepest darkest Canada, or even deepest darkest Mississippi that will come to Jesus, He will make sure someone gets to that person to witness to them. God is not going to leave anyone out, unless they wish to be left out. To put it bluntly, God is an equal opportunity God. Salvation is for everyone! Have you ever seen that picture of Jesus knocking at a door? The next time you see that picture, look for a doorknob on the outside. There isn't one. That door can only be opened by the person on the inside. He knocks at the door but only we can invite Him in.

 

[LisaLisa]

Thank You my Southern Brother. What you said hit a nerve and literally made me choke up up around me throat. I know I have sinned many times and is tearing me up inside. Feeling guilty for stuff you have done in life is not a way to go around and carrying my cross. I need to confess soon as it is tearing me up. I have never confessed to tell you the truth and I'm confused as to what to expect. Do I tell everything...
You know stuff we have done as teenagers.. .........ion, sex out of wedlock, ........., Porn.. killing squirrels for other than sport or food.. Hell, what do I say...? Nothing real serious, just confused as to what one says at confession!!

Thanks for listening!

I just cried tears of joy along with you! Your heart is in the right condition, humble and repentant, Jesus is calling you to Him. You are His son! Rejoice!

 

[Saintscruiser]

The 2nd picture has been one of my favorites for a very long time. Beautiful, Sister L. I love them all. Of course, the first one is me. I love Peter. He opened his mouth and put both feet in. I can relate!

 

[LisaLisa]

The 2nd picture has been one of my favorites for a very long time. Beautiful, Sister L. I love them all. Of course, the first one is me. I love Peter. He opened his mouth and put both feet in. I can relate!

I LOVE these pictures too. When I"m feeling down, I can look at them and instantly feel so good!

 

[lmrasch]

Thank You my Southern Brother. What you said hit a nerve and literally made me choke up up around me throat. I know I have sinned many times and is tearing me up inside. Feeling guilty for stuff you have done in life is not a way to go around and carrying my cross. I need to confess soon as it is tearing me up. I have never confessed to tell you the truth and I'm confused as to what to expect. Do I tell everything...
You know stuff we have done as teenagers.. .........ion, sex out of wedlock, ........., Porn.. killing squirrels for other than sport or food.. Hell, what do I say...? Nothing real serious, just confused as to what one says at confession!!

Thanks for listening!

Just admitting that you are hopeless without a savior will do it for you, recognizing that there is only One who can wash away all the dirt. We will still get dirty every once in a while, but our garments are changed for white ones, cleansed by his sacrifice...once...FOR ALL. It's not by how good you have been, are now or will be.... it's about how great he is! How much he loves us all, despite our dirt.
You really don't need remember every sin you ever committed...but if the Spirit stirs the memory in your heart, ask forgiveness and move on, they are now in the sea of his forgetfulness. And once you're washed, and you fall again...no need to hang your head in shame...RUN TO HIM...directly to the throne room...you will find mercy and grace in abundance there.
Welcome to the fold brother, may the hugs commence ....

Southern Gent...I thank God for you....