Ah, the Ghost of Mr. Chicken... still awaiting one smidge of credible evidence from you, sir. To be a double standard one must voice a scrap of credible evidence, and you have not done that.
Sounds pretty exclusive. Can Buddhists get in? What about animals?
There are evangelicals who don't think Mother Theresa will get in because she's Catholic...
Did you know that Mother Theresa wasn't sure of her own salvation...? She was a hell of a servant, she had compassion upon those whom society has shunned, as unclean. Yet, SHE was unsure. I don't know about her salvation as if it was of works only, then she hasn't got grace from Jesus Christ, as that is what saves us... not of works that I have done. However, works after salvation is for the reward that will be given in God's presence.
What's heaven like? Can you still ride? Hang out with friends? Is there a list of those that didn't make it?
I wish I knew. I have little chance of ever seeing it, so if you get there, send me a post card would you?
Cal, you don't have to worry if you have given yourself to Christ, at any time. For we aren't condemned by what we have done, but for what we haven't done. We are saved by grace, through Faith... and the One who did the work so that we might have it, is Jesus Christ. For if it was from works, you might boast about what you have done to be right with God... Thank God He made the Way, this way.
Okay, Charlie, more Pop Quiz time!
A simple question for you: Why does God need my money?
Duke, its amazingly simple.. He doesn't need your money.. He requires your Heart. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Among other things.... Now, the modern church has a warped idea about giving, calling it tithing. This is the O.T. way that the Israelites were to support the Tribe of Levi, where the priests came from to take care of the Tabernacle or Temple... God also told them that He requires Obedience over Sacrifices. A broken and contrite Spirit and a Broken Heart is what God wants from each of us.
Now today, it is giving from what you have (abundance) or what you don't have (poverty) that God wants you to give.
Example: If you make $700/mo from SSI, and your bills are
$650/mo, it is not possible to give 10% of what you make as you would starve or not be able to live... so, God doesn't want you to give what would hurt you. On the other hand, If you make $700,000 a month, you could live comfortably on a fraction of that, so your giving might be 90% of what you make. This is what each of us is to determine, not by a percentage, by out of our abundance or poverty. Brings to mind the widow who put in the two pennies (mites) VS the Pharisees who put in more, but it wasn't in proportion as to what she gave, which was all she had. God doesn't want your money, Duke... He wants your heart.
Sounds pretty exclusive. Can Buddhists get in? What about animals?
I don’t know who gets in, just that it won’t be me. I don’t think Buddhists would want to, but they would have to change their belief system to even find the place. Yes to animals; after all humans are animals.
It's not exclusive... anyone can enter in. And Cal, if you feel that there is something you have done in your life that is 'unforgivable', it's not. And as far as animals, I Don't Know... as Penn said lol. I hope so, for I have had some very well loved dogs and cats, let alone birds, that I would love to see again. Again, none of us are God, so we cannot even fathom what He thinks, or what He decides. I am ok with that. For I know He is a Good, Good, Father. He gives Good Gifts. And He loves me more than I can ever know. I know He loves each of you in the same Way.
BTW- I didn't call Buddhists 'irreligious' that was Mr. Chicken that put those words in my mouth... I simply stated that in my world view, you have to have a God to be a religious system. They follow a system of meditation, and non-violence, which is eroding away. There are some that have now resorted to that, why? Because they are human. They belong to a lost and dying world... and have succumbed to it. I find no hope in anything of this world, it isn't getting better, and will continue on its way to destruction.
As far as a list of those who didn't make it, there is a list in the Book of Life, as to who does make it. God has that Book, and if your Name isn't in it, then no... you didn't make it. That Book will be opened at the last judgment, called the Great White Throne Judgment. I hope none of you make that one. Again, this isn't me making up stuff, it's what God has planned. You all have the choice to bow your knee now, or later, and with your tongue confess that Jesus Christ is LORD. Now or later... it is a choice... You don't have to. Or you can choose to.
Now as far as the New Jerusalem, that's pretty cool. I don't know if the streets are as gold, or made of gold, it doesn't really matter if you are there, as money and greed will be non-existent. The vision that you are quoting is from John in his Revelation, and it is what the angel of the LORD showed him. Thanks for sharing that Brother! There will be no time, either.. so it will be like.. now... just... NOW. Forever. That's pretty cool too.
Charlie