Christians--Do Evangelicals Believe Everyone Else Going to Hell? (Jesus Christ, gospel)

[Starfish]

Originally Posted by Starfish

Nor did I ever say we believe in the same Christ as traditional Christians. Not in the least. The Christ of that definition totally confuses me, and makes no sense at all.

Some traditional Christians say we are damned; some say we aren't. Who is right? It seems you are allowed to vary in your beliefs between yourselves, but we are not. We do not claim to be one of you; we never have. But Christianity is very diversified, between the Baptists, Methodists, Catholics, Lutherans, etc., etc., till you come to Mormon theology and the variation comes to a screeching halt. Again, we do not claim to be part of traditional Christianity.

But some traditional Christians seem willing to include anyone who recognizes Christ in any vague way, by exposure to him "through creation", will be saved. This is how they explain that God is fair to all people. How can this be? Millions of people throughout history simply had no explosure to the Nicene Christ, and apparently it must be the Nicene Christ exactly, because even our version is not allowed.

So what is their fate?

I'd sure like to have this answered. Anyone?

[Izdaari]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

What about believers who aren't followers? In other words, is belief alone sufficient or must those who talk the talk also walk the walk?

That's not such a simple question. I think if you really believe it, you will also want to walk the walk. You may fail again and again, but with God's help you'll keep on trying. Justification is by faith alone, but sanctification is a long journey... especially when it's two steps forward, one step back, as it is for most of us.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Izdaari

That's not such a simple question. I think if you really believe it, you will also want to walk the walk. You may fail again and again, but with God's help you'll keep on trying. Justification is by faith alone, but sanctification is a long journey... especially when it's two steps forward, one step back, as it is for most of us.

I can't argue with a word of that. It's exactly how I would have said it -- if I'd thought to express it so well.

[Dunemeister]

Originally Posted by Starfish

I'd sure like to have this answered. Anyone?

All persons, including those who follow Jesus, will be judged on the quality of the life lived. Persons who have never heard of Jesus will be judged based on what they do in fact know (or should have known but wilfully rejected). Christians will be judged by a higher standard, but they need not fear the judgment because Christ has forgiven their sin.

[Dunemeister]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

If that's the case, then I guess we can simply disregard the following verses:

Not at all. Confessing Jesus as Lord implies submission to him as Lord. Obeying the commands is part and parcel of the confession. You can't believe in Jesus yet live like the devil and expect a good reception from God on the Day of Judgment. Quite the contrary, you can probably expect to hear "I never knew you. Away from me you evildoer."

[Starfish]

Originally Posted by Dunemeister

All persons, including those who follow Jesus, will be judged on the quality of the life lived. Persons who have never heard of Jesus will be judged based on what they do in fact know (or should have known but wilfully rejected). Christians will be judged by a higher standard, but they need not fear the judgment because Christ has forgiven their sin.

So where does that put me? I have heard of Christ and fully expect to be judged according to what I "do in fact know".
Am I a Christian, in YOUR opinion? Some Christians say I am, some say I'm not. What am I? Who is right?

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Starfish

Am I a Christian, in YOUR opinion? Some Christians say I am, some say I'm not. What am I? Who is right?

I'm a Christian and I say you are! And I'm right!!!!!

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Dunemeister

Not at all. Confessing Jesus as Lord implies submission to him as Lord. Obeying the commands is part and parcel of the confession. You can't believe in Jesus yet live like the devil and expect a good reception from God on the Day of Judgment. Quite the contrary, you can probably expect to hear "I never knew you. Away from me you evildoer."

Okay, I'm good with that.

[lunamoth]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

I'm a Christian and I say you are! And I'm right!!!!!

That's the spirit.