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Nilopher — If God loves me why would He send me to hell?
Published: 2012-05-27 02:15:34 +0000 UTC; Views: 8625; Favourites: 130; Downloads: 64
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A question I've seen and heard many times. Often used to justify a sin.People mistakenly seem to think that because Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to clean our sins, we are forever saved regardless of what we do. His sacrifice wasn't meant to take away our sins so we could keep living a sinful life, walk away from His righteous ways and still somehow get to heaven. He sacrificed Himself for us to ensure that even if we sin, we can have the hope of being redeemed, of being forgiven and saved, if we accept our mistakes and ask forgiveness.
"He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." ~1 Peter 2:24
Nowadays, people want to be saved, but they don't want to repent. Repentance is: "To change one's mind. A change of heart, that involves turning away from sin" (Ezekiel 14:6)
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." ~ 1 John 1:9
God wants us to repent, to change. (Acts 3:19).
We confess because we admit and acknowledge we are sinning, and we repent because we know we have to change our ways. And when we change our hearts and mind about sin, a change in behavior will naturally result.
But the desire to repent is a result of the goodness of God. (Romans 2:4), so without Him, we can't achieve anything (John 15:5). Don't try to change by your own strength, because you will fail and you'll be discouraged and disappointed. Pray and ask God for help and He will change your heart.
I don't need to change, He accepts me as I am.
True.
You come to Jesus just as you are. Unclean, broken, scarred etc. He will accept you, because He loves you. But once you meet Him, you won't be the same anymore. He will renew your heart. You will be born again.
People seem to forget that if they truly accept Jesus, they will let Him work on their lives; they will have a desire of 'walking away from sin' and pursuing a godly life. If you accept Christ, but still want to leave your life unchanged, you're not actually accepting Him into your life and heart. You're just accepting the idea of believing in Him.
Believing in Jesus is not just 'knowing' He exists. Even devils believe (James 2:19) and they won't get to heaven. Believing in Jesus implies something much more than that.
Believing means: to have faith, confidence, and trust. We must believe that He IS (Hebrews 11:6), He is the Alpha and Omega, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8) The great I AM (Exodus 3:14). He is all powerful and He can clean what's unclean, He can fix what's broken, and He can heal any wound.
When you get to know Jesus, you know the wonderful things He can do in your life. And you know He can change your life for the better and you'll want that change.
God wants us to go to Him (Matthew 11:28), because He wants to give us a new spirit and heart.
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." ~ Ezekiel 36:26
It's not in my control
Our sinful nature hates everything that has to do with God and His perfect ways. We are in a constant fight. While we're trying to get closer to Him, our nature is trying to go the other way.
"For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." ~ Galatians 5:17
We have to be able to control that sinful nature. How? Starving it.
If we don't feed our nature with sinful actions, it won't have the strength to control us.
It's not our fault that we are born with a sinful nature, but we are responsible for the actions we take with it. We have to make a decision: to sin, or not to sin. We have to choose if we want to be saved or not.
So the excuse of: "It's not my fault, why would He send me to hell for something I can't control?" is invalid! (and erroneous)
You are not in control of how, when, where, etc. you're born, but only you have the control of choosing what you want to do with your life. You can take the wheel or let sin drive for you.
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" ~ Galatians 5:16
We can choose to walk in the Spirit. We can choose to let God change us, giving us a new spirit and a new heart. We can choose to accept His sacrifice and be dead to sin. (Romans 6:5-11). You have the control to make that choice.
God doesn't take away our salvation; we give it up, with our actions.
People that get arrested often get angry and take grudges with the cops that imprisoned them. It's not the cop's fault. They're behind bars because they broke the law. They chose to give up their freedom. Likewise, it's not God's fault, it's ours. He did everything that was on His power so we could be saved (He did what we could not do); now it's our turn to accept that salvation.
The right question should be: why would I choose the lake of fire instead of a loving God?
What do you love more, your sins or God? God loves us and because of that, He will respect our decision. He won't force the gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8) on us.
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Comments: 339
The problem though is that the moral code isn't unchanging, I find it quite frankly ridiculous that people pick and choose which parts of the bible to adhere to and then claim that it is perfect. There are many evil things in the bible that are justified, allowed and even ordered by god. You have the complete juxtaposition of "An eye for an eye" and "turn the other cheek" - people normally choose the latter one as it suits our modern view of religion better but my point is that it isn't unchanging, it's completely open to interpretation and can quite easily be interpreted incorrectly. Can you imagine if our justice system was this vague? It's far from perfect and it has definitely changed along with our society, if it didn't then people would have shunned it for being so brutal centuries ago. Either that or we never would have left the dark ages.
But I'd like to say I mean no disrespect here, your philosophy on your religion is a very healthy one, your reply was very respectful which is something I seldom receive when commenting on posts such as this. It's nice to see people like you breaking the negative Christian stereotypes, I'm afraid we just differ on what's essentially a personal matter and it's a shame that some people see that as an excuse to hurl abuse.
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To me the moral code shouldn’t be constantly changing, but the laws regarding that moral code should. (I don’t think I was very clear on this in my last reply).
For example: In my beliefs/religion/Christianity/whatever people want to call it, the Ten Commandments are my moral law. They are ‘set in stone’, never to change. That’s the foundation for the others laws created. Those laws are not ‘set in stone’, God can change, abolish or add to them. Like He did with the law of divorce. Marriage was a holy institution He made, and in the original plan (when we were sinless) marriages were forever. But as sin corrupted the world, some marriages were becoming unhealthy and destructive, so yes divorce was allowed (Mateo 19:8). Same applies for:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. ~ Matthew 5:38-39
People that ‘misinterpret’ things in the bible to hurt others; are choosing to do so, either because they want or they have mental problems or disabilities. Because the love your neighbor, do not kill, not hurt etc are very clear.
~~“I find it quite frankly ridiculous that people pick and choose which parts of the bible to adhere to and then claim that it is perfect”~~
I agree with you on that one. I don’t like it when people (mostly Christians) only believe in the parts they like about the bible, and ignore what they don’t like or understand.
^^ It’s nice to know what others think regarding this topic. It’s sad that people don’t respect those with different opinions, so thank you for sharing your beliefs with me and for doing so in a respectful way
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Yes, this is exactly how I feel too!
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haha thank you 
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A++ for the comment. I couldn't of said it better myself.
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Thanks for taking the time to read it XD glad you agree
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This explanation is incredible, truly God-inspired and definitely something long overdue. You managed to say so clear and eloquently in words what I myself believe. Something that has saddened me is how so many mistakenly believe that the gift of salvation God has given us is simply a way to "get out of hell", when it's truely so much more than that. Just take a look at the many different religions man created all over the world to provide an explanation or reason for this longing deep down inside. While some say the world and man is material--there's no soul and there certainly is no afterlife, this philosophy doesn't provide answers to emotions, general moral issues, and the innumerable things that cannot be explained with mere five senses.
Ah, sorry I'm rambling so I'll stop now, but know that reading this made my day. God bless you too.
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Out of curiosity, what are your thoughts on moral atheists. People who do not commit "sin", and when they do they "repent" with inner reflection rather than going to... um... Outside Help. I saw the Quote of (John 15:5). "Don't try to change by your own strength, because you will fail and you'll be discouraged and disappointed." but I disagree. Do you believe that a good person who just so happens to believe that there isn't an intelligent higher power would be sent to hell?
Oh, and because this is a touchy subject and it is hard to tell what someones' intent is over the the the internet, I will just tell you what mine is. I only wish to know what you think. I am not trying to attack your beliefs. I know some atheist will and I believe that is because they have been hurt by misguided people who call themselves Cristian. I believe that the only way to find the truth is to speak with those whom you disagree with.
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“For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” ~ Romans 2:12-16
God will judge all people righteously. Some will have stricter judgment than others, (James 3:1). He’s the only one that knows our hearts; He’s the only one that knows where we’re heading. He’s the only one that can answer your question correctly.
I believe Christ is the only sure way to salvation, but God will not hold anyone accountable for any knowledge they did not receive.
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Thank you! This is one of the most thoughtful replies I've received over the inter net. And I am glad that there are people out there that think this way.
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here's a question for thought. Atheists are considered good by whose standards? Where does their morality come from?
check out this video : [link]
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I have never heard of Christopher Hitchens and my beliefs have nothing to do with his.
To answer your question for thought. I don't know. I think many people, atheist and religious alike also don't really know but, are afraid to say so. However, I believe that everyone, regardless of there faith or lack there of has the potential to become a wonderful person but also a despicable one depending on whether they are treated with love and taught to love or hated and taught to hate.
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Just one correction, christians do know where their morality come from. From the God of the bible.
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Well I would Argue that they BELIEVE that is where their morality comes from. But, that is merely etymology.
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Great stuff here. But I have a purely hypothetical question.
If a demon, not a fallen angel but a spawn of hell were to for whatever reason betray its master and change sides, and follow God, what would become of it if it were destroyed for treason?
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^^
Demons are fallen angels. Their chance at repentance already passed. But to answer your hypothetical question, if a demon it’s destroyed it ceases to exist.
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Ok, allow me to rephrase it. hypothetically satan attempts creation, and God allows it, knowing it wont work the way he plans. satan "succeeds" sort of, and the resulting abominations choose to rebel and side with God regardless of the consequesces. Would they even have souls, and if they do, what becomes of them?
again, hypothetical, I enjoy religious philosophy simply for entertainment, and I'm plannign on someday writing a christian fantasy novel that touches on these kind of subjects.
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All I have to say is I know what I believe in. To me this is an inspirational piece and gives very good points, I can't say that there aren't times where someone may get mad at God if something bad happens in ones life, it's basically natural, but it's how most don't take responsibility for their own actions.
That said, though, I don't think we need to completely expect God to do something for you. You have to do some of the work yourself and do so from your own heart and not just do it because you think you'll get something in return.
That's my opinion, and I'm a proud Christian. Everyone can say what they want, there are a lot of facts out there but most of the "science" we humans come up with had a lot of trials and errors, and most of it is still complete guess work. Which is fine, I just find it amusing when someone compares science with religion. Both are from beliefs, guesses, notes/texts, and less believable the further we go.
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This is very well written and set out, you make your points very clear.
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thank you! 
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wow...very insightful and thought provoking, thank you ^^
God bless you ^^
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Hey I really want to encourage you to continue on this path, I really appreciate seeing this. I work security graveyards and was just praying earlier about needing to cut some things out of my life so I can force myself to walk in the right direction, but I felt as though I lacked the inner strength to do it. Thank you for encouraging me at 1:00 in the morning that his is well within my abilities and I can do it indeed.
Keep your faith strong, and never let that light die.
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Thank you and I'm glad this could be of help 
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From what I hear from most people, "God hates *insert race or ethnicity here* so we should kill them all!"
Or "Donate money to us, it goes to god!"
Or "It is a sin to *insert non-conservative viewpoint or lifestyle here*
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Here's a good joke related to your comment:
"Two monks from different monasteries meet and start talking about life in their respective monasteries.
Monk 1: So, what do you do with money from donations?
Monk 2: Well, we have this room with a table ,right? Then we go inside and throw the money in the air. Whatever stays on table belongs to God, whatever falls down on the ground belongs to us.
Monk 1: Hey, we do something similar too! We just don't have a table. We throw the money in the air and whatever God catches is his, whatever falls down is ours!"
Gravity is a bi*ch, eh?
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I have no idea who you're associating with, but whoever it is they aren't real Christians. If you're referring to the Westboro Baptist Church, they're not even real Christians. They're a pack of losers that protest and different events in hopes that someone will attack them and they can sue.
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I wasn't strictly referring to Christianity, just people around me, not sure what religion they are. They say god hates just about everything they hate. It kindof gets on my nerves. "I hate black people, so god must hate them too" for example.
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...where the hell do you live? 0.o
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XD I can see how that would be confusing. Believe it or not, I live in a small town in Canada. Yes, yes I know, can't really go anywhere in Canada without seeing maybe 300 people of every race, but this specific town is pretty different unfortunately.
It's weird because it's divided by a lake, and on one side of the lake, it's pretty multicultural and a goth hippie's paradise, on my side of the lake, it's pretty much 100% Caucasian Conservative uh... I guess it would have to be Christians I think... I can't really tell sometimes.
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Here's a little gem for you:
[link]
and no one even cares for these guys. Now, if this was a white group, you could bet your ass they'd be thrown in jail before even walking across the street.
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Lol, interesting. I hear a lot more "kill whitey" spiel from other races than I hear the opposite from whites.
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I once heard a white guy tell an Aboriginal guy to go back to his own country...
...now, what is the problem with this statement.
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Well sure, you hear that from everyone. But If I had a dime for each time I've heard, "white girl", "cracka", or that if you're white, you're racist and you're the only type of person capable of being racist, I'd be retired in Beverley Hills by now.
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The problem with the statement, is that "Aboriginal" means indigenous, meaning there before the white guy genetically. Meaning, he can't "go back to his country" because his people were there before anybody.
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Actually, there is enough evidence that suggests that Europeans actually came before the Amerindians. It wouldn't be hard to believe, anyway. I would try best to steer clear of your 9th grade history book.
[link]
[link]
There's no way any of this can be right though. It's all a bunch of White supremacist, racist, hate-filled, bigoted, Nazi bullshit anyway, right?
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That's not most people, those are the people with behavior bizarre enough to get in the news. Westborrow Baptist church lol.
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I agree with you completely. They say that God loves everyone including gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transvestites ect...But then they are all sinners? I fail to understand the point of religion.
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What I REALLY don't get is how a god can love everything with an infinite affection, then damn them to some kind of eternal torment (hell) for disobeying rules he makes, while ALSO giving them free will to act on their own because he believes freedom of choice is important.
So it's like, I'll let you do whatever you want, but if whatever you're going to do offends me, I torture you forever, no pressure or anything.
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Oh my gosh, exactly! You just wrote exactly what I was thinking the other day. I was in school and we had RE and there was this Christian kids show that we were watching. They had a song playing and the verse was something like:
What must you do to go to Heaven?
It's simple and you know that it is right
A perfect rule of life that you must fo-llow
You must. O-BEY.
I just found that incredibly creepy. Religion doesn't make God seem like such a good person to me...
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Religion to me, is basically politics.
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The bible states that everyone is a sinner, yet "God" still loves them. Just because "God" holds disappointment in our sins doesn't mean that "he" doesn't love us.
I'm not a particularly religious person; just trying to provide some justification here.
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Yes but it's always said that "sinners" are going to hell to pay for what they have done. If this "God" truly loved them then surely he wouldn't throw them into the fiery pits of hell to have their immortal souls tortured for all eternity?
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