No one comes to the Father except through Jesus. Rather than kind of floating around the edges of their churches, they decided to fully immerse themselves in their relationship with God. Sometimes the parents need to apologize, or to explain their decisions, but its mostly the child seeing that they ARE a child, and that they should accept instruction and correction from their parents. He wouldnt, however, force someone to be with Him for eternity against their will. The Bible says that God is spirit (John 4:24). Do you see why I agree, and disagree? If you want to be a mature follower of Jesus, you should make sure to take spiritual advice from people who are already mature followers of Jesus. After doing a little more teaching, He went to Heaven to be with the Father. I agree, and I disagree. Were actually changed. Rather than criticizing them for criticizing you, I would suggest another way. A private baptism that is, where one is baptized without the presence of ones faith community doesnt accomplish what baptism is designed to accomplish. Before you came to GodWords, you had no relationship with me. Isnt it paradoxical, for example. Belief is all that affects condemnation though. Its not bad to be afraid of things that are dangerous. The church is simply everyone who has been born again. This passage is a key one in understanding the distinctive doctrines of Mormonism. It is just so confusing because why would someone go to a place that they arent even sure exists and be punished so severely for their personal beliefs? Its a low-pressure way to check out a group of local Christians you might become friends with. I kind of felt and still feel that I had no choice really, because of the pressure of becoming member of the Church. I teach things as I understand them, and I have no problem with people disagreeing. Put your Trust into God! If you belong to God, judgement day will be pretty cool. Nobody can go to Heaven unless theyre born of the Spirit that is, unless theyre baptized in the Holy Spirit. I dont have religion but it seems to me that he saves those who NEED saving. It could be that this is a commitment that the Holy Spirit does not want you to make with this particular congregation. Be good, go to Heaven. The first thing I want to say is that youre not alone. Blessings. If it worked that way, Jesus would have simply taught us to be good right? >> Im wary to fully trust the bible as it was written by the hands of man, which is subject to the will of man leaving me afraid that I hadnt followed gods doctrine correctly. Gina, Thank you for that explanation. Were saved in exactly the same way that Abraham and everybody else in the history of the world has been saved: by believing God. Right? Also, Im pleased to read about your desire to become more spiritually mature. Which Jesus kept but on Saturday not Sunday. I have a couple of thoughts. He expounds on the value of the scrutiny and the reason for the prayer of exorcism for a person who is unbaptized . The whole world actually, the whole universe was created so God could have people to love. i realize im not part of the discussion and while i agree with most of your answer,,there is one sin god wont forgive,,regardless of Jesus dieing for all..the denial of God..even Jesus tells us that.. Thats a good question! The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. Im happy that you want to be discerning about which church(es) to associate with. He was suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts because he had thought he failed God somehow. Sorry if this is a bit all over the place, Im just confused and never really learned about religion that much and Im a teen. If thats not what you mean, will you explain a bit more? How did you find me? That doesnt make it okay, of course but it does mean that youre no worse than anybody else. He remakes us. Baptism is something that believers do AFTER they believe, and not being baptized will not send you to hell. Believing in God is just like that. Its all Christian music, and you can use AutoPlay and Shuffle to listen to the whole website. In the middle east, they understand what a disciple is. As for your post, Ill try to reply simply, but without being too short. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. In other words, Baptism is a MUST for getting to Heaven Theres no denying this according to Acts 2:38! If you accept. Are you saying theres no need for us to repent, and turn from our sinful ways? You didnt make Heaven. Blessings! You should learn about God, and read about what Hes done with other believers. We implore you on Christs behalf: Be reconciled to God. Those who are reconciled to God go to Heaven. Yes, I do believe in the trinity. Make plans for a full life, knowing that youre not in control of the universe. Also you say that means you wont go to heaven or hell. But Im confused if I fully understood what that meant at the time. This brought about a few changes in their lives. God bless you! But, I have a question: when the disciples asked Jesus if they should pray to him he replied, no you pray to the father. Do you see what John (one of Jesus disciples) wrote about forgiveness of sin? Read that 2 Corinthians passage and you can see it. But I still feel held back from getting baptized I feel like I dont know enough if this is the best religion for me yet. Thats very meaningful for people like myself, whose earthly father fell short in significant ways. To be more precise, Hes the perfect father. Are you as familiar with verse 17 as well? Youve probably heard John 3:16 before. Related questions More answers below If an unbaptized person is going through RCIA, can he or she ask for his child to be baptized in the Catholic Church or it is necessary to wait anyway? There are lessons to learn from both, though. I salvation defined by one easy action, or is purgatory deniable? Talk with Him. I have always wanted to see and touch jesus thats been my only desire .. but from what I hear from my parents gives me a low self esteem could u tell how to grow in christ and be in a more strengthen relationship with jesus. I mean that you should read the WHOLE New Testament on your own. When the son ran out of money and was ashamed of himself, he went home. Have a great day! 22:18-19 says: For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things,, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. Let me encourage you to go ahead and be baptized. I can tell whether anyone will make it to Heaven not because Im special, but simply because I know what it takes to go to Heaven. Wait until you are 100% certain, until your godly friends confirm for you that you seem to understand this situation properly, and until there are no more questions to answer. Its not as if being baptized in the wrong church will hurt youtheyre just witnessing you getting wet. Do you? Before He died, Jesus taught us about His kingdom, about how we should live, and about Heaven and Hell. However, just before I was going to be baptise I started feeling really anxious in my spirit (not because of the baptism but of becoming member of that church), so the elders of the Church and myself decided that I can do it on the next occasion. Thanks for asking! So the baby was carried in a small deal box, under an ancient woman's shawl, to the churchyard that night, and buried by lantern-light, at the cost of a shilling and a pint of beer to the sexton, in that shabby corner of God's allotment where He lets the nettles grow, and where all unbaptized infants, notorious drunkards, suicides, and others of the conjecturally damned are laid. Repentance and baptism went hand in hand. You might not want to hear this, but its true: God wants you to submit to your parents. Nonot a level of sin. Fever. The quandary goes something like this. I appreciate it. >> The problem is new theology or beliefs that get away from the traditions taught. Yes, I do agree with you on certain aspects. God brings us to Heaven because we want to be with Him. Jesus is our example, so you should take some time to learn about Him. So its not sin that sends people to Hell, since Jesus paid for all sin. You seem confused, Roger. We become different. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. Be patient, little sister. They were able to speak in tongues at Pentecost because the Holy Spirit enabled them to do it. To me, that isnt enough evidence to Change what was said in the Old Testament. If not, I would of course tell you that you should make that choice. He will be dressed in clothing dipped in blood. Then what? Ill reply here, too, since some might need to know the same thing. There are plenty of other good places to learn more about God and how He wants us to live, but those will give you a great head-start. He already knows what youre thinking, but talk to Him anyway. Im confused about what happens when you die. You and I are people, and God loves everyone. If Jesus was, is and is forever, then you better believe that these steps to Salvation is also for TODAY! The first punishment of Gehenna is eternal. Hes not that at all. Do you trust God? Lets say they have a really good point. Now the question is: Youve given me some clues, but Id like to ask a few questions. Period. Since Limbo is outside of Heaven and Hell, these souls will not experience either eternal joy or damnation. I would start with the books written by Mark and John and then Acts. Im not sure if i would say he is a false teacher because i dont see him questioning the resurrection of Jesus or the purpose for hom dying on the cross. Believe it or not, other Christians need you. However: I say under normal circumstances for a reason, and youve caught it. The answer is that it depends. If Jesus the man was ignorant of the time of His return (Matthew 24:36), then He could also be tempted as a man. Theres a very simple reason for that: everybody involved already knew what baptism was, why they did it, and how to do it. After He left, the Father sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in those who trust in Him. That would mean that Jesus did NOT take the punishment for our sins on Himself. I could go on and on. He loves you enough to die for you, and He proved His love by actually dying on the cross. I do not believe that this is our enemy, trying to stop you. The way I understand Scripture, Jesus is the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world. Oneness Pentecostals substitute their own teaching for the clear witness of Scripture. So: how does this information address what you wrote? The idea that it was as easy for people before the coming of Christ to attain salvation as for people after the coming of Christ. Peter is called to Cornelius house, and is given a vision that tells him that Gentiles can be Christians too. His response: If speaking in tongues is a necessity, why would Paul explain that not all do? https://bethelgrace.wordpress.com/2008/06/26/are-you-lukewarm. When someone tells a grieving person Theyre in a better place, theyre trying to comfort that person. Two prominent Bible teachers say parents can rest assured their baby is in heaven because the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross provides for their salvation . Focus on the New Testament, since Christians are to live by what Jesus did and said. They think that God is no big deal, and that theyre as free to reject God as they are free to not eat salads, or bacon. All believers should actually be disciples. Thanks! Then, about 2000 years ago, God came to earth as a baby. Have a great day! If they resist your desire to be baptized, you should not disobey them. Catechumens dying unbaptized happened all the time during the Roman persecutions. If your grandsons are there, they will be hoping to see you. Youre not alonemany have the same questions. Scrutiny Rites. We would hang out a bit, get to know each other, maybe become good friends. If not, Id be very happy to hear it! But things went wrong because Bathsheba conceived (2 Samuel 11:5). Jesus died to set us free from slavery to sin, and to show us how much He loves us. Again, is it too late for me to be saved? He laughed and explained that the rhythm was actually a human heartbeat. The man was worried about his loved ones, and was eager to help them avoid his fate. When we die, it seems that the breath of life leaves us, turning us back into basically earth. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright GodWords 2023 - All Rights Reserved. They think Hes not a person, but a force or that Hes just the soul of Jesus or the soul of God. God loves you, Leah. >> Is there ever a level of Sin where repentance and acceptance of Jesus as ones savior cant cover it? If you want a printed Bible, Im sure your church can get you one. In Revelation 22:12, Jesus said Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.. As I understand it, the according to part suggests that each persons reward is unique to themwhether good or bad. You should be aware that not everybody who gathers with the church is born again. She cant get it wet. Keep in mind that listening a lot will often bring you information that you dont need, or that is incorrect. We have all chosen, at least at first, to do things our own way. Youre correct when you say that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one. go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life, Dont let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. That means they learn what Jesus said and did, and that is how they choose to live. Because: following Jesus means that we know what He taught, and we do it. Act 2: 38 says that to repent and baptize for the forgiveness of our sins. Theres nothing wrong with coming to God with selfish motives. Its a big deal to be baptized, and he didnt want anyone putting their life in danger unless they understood what Jesus requires of us. How do I know? Faith in Christ is the agent that makes the baptism in Matthew 28:19 life changing according to Colossians 2:12, buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God and Galatians 3:26-27, So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith in Christ for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Baptism now saves us due to faith in Christ (1 Peter 3:21-22). 3:9), as the Church reaffirms in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): Outside the Church there is no salvation. I hope youll join me there. On a related note, you might enjoy another website of mine. That would mean we could earn our way to Heaven by being good. Thanks for writing! They listened to what they were told, but then they went back to Gods Word to make sure that the apostle Paul was right. My spirit will be with Jesus and only my body will be in the ground until the coming of Jesus. Nobody goes to Heaven without being reconciled to God. Baptism is what we do AFTER we believe not to have our sins forgiven, but to demonstrate to the community of faith that we have joined them by trusting God. Lately Ive dedicated more of my life to God, destroyed my computer and tablet and spend more time in the word and prayer and my faith is growing. Im against the distractions and confusion that come from his teaching. Its my position that Jesus was tempted that is, He was enticed by sin. As this was happening, others heard and were marveled after Peter spoke unto them about the occurence and in Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men and brethern, what shall we do.? And we know from verse 1 that the Word WAS God. If i idolized those artists, does it means that im not reconciling to god.. Now, on to your question about cremation. You seem confident that you dont belong in Hell. Its a ritual that tells your community of faith that youve joined them. It also tells us that the same are not in a state of "limbo," as some believe, or else David would not be able to "go to him.".