If youd like to talk more about this, let me know. While we were sinners even enemies of God He died for us. Thanks for writing, Ted! Because theyre worried about the cells in their body being dispersed and then being irretrievable. As dying progresses the heart beats less strongly, blood pressure falls, skin cools down and nails become dusky. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You have to believe some things to be born again, but its not simply about believing. Your questions are good, normal questionsyoure asking the same things that we all should ask: will God be fair, or unfair? The Bible describes marriage as optional, and that definitely meant abstaining from sex. Those who continue to rebel do not go to Heaven, in spite of all that Jesus has done to pave the way for us. Its not helpful to pat someone on the back for believing something that contradicts Scripture. No, what youve claimed here is simply NOT found in Scripture. My mom prayed for my dads salvation for 15 years, with no change. The word reconcile is the Greek word katallasso. The church is all Christians, all over the world, throughout history. First, thanks for taking so much time to write to me. They will want to see that youve joined them as their sister in Christ, and to celebrate that decision with you. It should be something you decide and not something pressured on you. You can trust Him. These were all commended for their faith. Does that make sense? What do I mean by that? God. Being good isnt the measurement. Dont forget about Jesus condemning the Pharisees, making a whip, and flipping tables! Every Christian should be baptized. I said ok, what about signing son. Its like I want to share my gift to others but I guess I fear of being judge. Followers of Jesus need each other. Ill try to simplify, if possible. Thats not the whole story. This is not a wise position to take. I wont be able to help that, it might just happen. What IS wrong is to suggest that theres more than one God, or that the Father and Son and Spirit are the same person. The man was worried about his loved ones, and was eager to help them avoid his fate. You can relax. It could happen to all of us. I appreciate hearing from you. Im going to comment on what Ive readnot from others, but from his own writings. Hardon's catechism says. You can find TONS of information on the interwebs about Christian apologetics. I really appreciate it. Its like performing a magical incantation, as if saying the right words in the right order is what makes it work. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. I get what you mean when you said that they didnt want God in their life, so they didnt have Him in their afterlife either, but doesnt that sound wrong for them to end up with Lucifer in Hell? If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. That might be a huge mistake. Augustine begins: We see that . Alex made up his story, and later admitted that he had lied to the world about it. The point Im making is that going to Heaven after we die isnt simply like going on a trip to a nice placeits going to be with God. A lot of that happens when the child recognizes that, for this time in their life, they need to submit to their parents. This passage says nothing about baptism. Since Limbo is outside of Heaven and Hell, these souls will not experience either eternal joy or damnation. Its because I said YES to God. They love you, or they wouldnt be concerned about the messages your music might be sending you. First, it shows that Augustine does not view ignorance as something that makes us culpable at the judgement-which obviously applies to infants. Jesus talked about that in John 3. For we are Gods handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Here are three reasons why: Let me try to clear something up. Are you ready to hear something that may be difficult? If we read John 3:3 in King James here you find your answer on Baptism. Being baptized does not make you a Christian. I am torn. You should be aware that not everybody who gathers with the church is born again. THE SON IS GOD Is there ever a level of Sin where repentance and acceptance of Jesus as ones savior cant cover it? If not, Id be very happy to hear it! From a biblical perspective, it doesnt matter at all. The Father is not the Son, nor the Spiritand the Spirit is not the Son. No, of course not. When i read his book love wins the questions that he asked made me think and question some of Christian views i grew up believing. Well i know that when rob bell was interviewed about his book he said that he never meant to start controversy. If youve already been baptized, theres nothing wrong with getting wet againespecially in a new community. Youve asked a very common question. Nobody will go to Hell for sinning. Next, we should ask who decides who gets into Heaven?. The heart of the baptism conversation and inquiry to me is why are so many so-called Christians living lives that are not remotely reflecting Christ? Divorce, unforgiveness and disunity are just as rampant in the church as outside the church. Heres what happens to everyone who chooses to submit to God. Im sorry that you felt ridiculous. Tell your grandmother how much you love her. We dont have to like it, but we do have to deal with it. Its refusing to be reconciled to God. What happens to unbaptized babies when they die? I appreciate you asking this question. Being anointed by the Holy Spirit is being made able to serve when theres a need. That doesnt make it okay, of course but it does mean that youre no worse than anybody else. I dont attend church often, but I do pray. Its on my list of just-dont-say-it phrases. In the minds of most in our culture, sex is virtually as important as having shared values. If I am wrong, then I will know the day God stops breathing in me. I attended church in my early childhood years. Everything that happens each day is because Christ already laid it out before the foundation of the world. You speak of Rob Bell. As for whether we really need gays and lesbians to go to heaven that badly, Im puzzled by your question. You and I are wise to do this. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us. He answered, Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Thats the best way to live. Only then should they be baptized. Are you suggesting that you and I should be buried like Jesus in this way? Thanks for writing! 1 Timothy says it like this I Timothy 3:16 God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory. Amen. Do me a favor, would you? Im so thankful that I found your article. Listen carefully. I think theyre being silly, and given the right opportunity I might actually tell them so. We dont really know with certainty what happens, how it happens, or exactly when. Youre welcome to continue the conversation, Andreas. Jesus will, as we read in Matthew, judge everybody in the future. Instead, baptism is primarily identifying with Jesus death and resurrection, and doing it publicly to declare your allegiance to God. Becoming like Jesus takes time, Fernandez. I certainly cant say with certainty what happened to you, but I have a suspicion. For that reason, people shouldnt be pressured into being baptized until theyre ready to make that commitment. You can read about the details here, if you like. what happens to unbaptized adults when they die. This is a reply to your answer starting with: >> Do the rules change about sin or have we gotten the whole Gay and Christian thing wrong? And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us. He answered, Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Im 32 yrs of age and I was baptized at 15 yrs old when I wasnt truly ready. Now, its possible that your grandparents have a valid point to make, even if theyre off-base about the specific music you like. A friend, who was a missionary in Pakistan for many years, explained it to me. Let me know what you think about Awesome Christian Music, would you? Ive been there. Start now, where you are. There it is. You seem confused, Roger. If we were supposed to worry about our dead bodies, we would have specific instructions in the New Testament to guide us. >> does it really matter if we believe that God is living in three bodies or in one? Im sorry for any confusion, Leslie. He came to earth as a human, taught us to love unselfishly, to sacrifice for others, to be honest and fair and humble and kind. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. Ask! No, he obviously didnt. 3. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. I believe so because my sistera favorite color was yellow and she always appears to another sister and I as a butterfly.. It sounds to me like youve decided to make up your own religion. Im sorry that I cant give you a better answer today, Marietjie. Additionally, even Purgatory is limited to creatures with a soul, which can be concluded by " The Man Who Would Be King " meaning angels don't end up there either, they would have to just "wink out" like the light on a candle being snuffed. Do you really think that it doesnt matter whether people go to Heaven or Hell? Now I feel completely lost. Theres no spiritual reason that I know of to do it more than once, though. Please answer me im scared.. And tell me how to change myself to be a good chrstian.. And please tell me that youre not going to say that i cant idolized them cause theyre my inspiration? While the Bible teaches that homosexual activity is a sin, so are gluttony and pride and, as youve pointed out, fornication and a whole bunch of other things. An interesting question, Nick. Christianity talks about being good, too (more on that below) but God doesnt bring us to Heaven because were good. In the course of my childhood through early teen years I must have made 4 professions and been baptized as many times, but still doubt remained. All they really need is Jesus, and for you and me to tell them about Him. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! The simple answer is that she cant. John 1:3 All things were made by Him; Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. What happens in limbo? While there, he trusted in Jesus and became a Christian. This is a common concern, as many Christians want to make sure theyre doing things as God intends. The bible speaks of being asleep unconscience not knowing of anything at all until jesus returns and calls you up. Its important to separate what we know from whats just traditional. If your parents will not allow it, wait until youre able to decide for yourselfand, in the meantime, grow in the faith. We wont go to church together, but we can support each other all the time. I created it with my son, whos now 20. Jesus knew the Father, obeyed the Father, and died to show us how much God truly loves you and me. Youll want to find some other people near you who follow Jesus closely. Dont get me wrong: baptism is important. Nobody would suggest that anyone have sex with someone they dont want to have sex with but lots of people suggest that sex is very, very important. You can also subscribe without commenting. I love my church members who are doing so much in love of Christ and are very sincere. They should be welcoming and encouraging to you, offering to help you grow in faith. You could be baptized anywhere. That has nothing to do with reciting a particular prayer, or with being baptized. Nobody likes hypocrisy. If there were 3, it would read baptizing in the names of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. I wouldnt rely on the UCG for any of my doctrine. However after looking at scripture im beginning to believe we are in our Graves until Jesus returns and we are the resurrected. When in the Old Testament it says not to. Pope Benedict, himself a top theologian who before his election in 2005 expressed doubts about limbo, authorized the publication of the document, called "The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die. Now: it may be that youre really wondering about having a GOOD relationship with God. You should believe Him. >> Matthew 25 was written before ad70 and has been finished. What about Birth Defects? To a first-century Israeli mind, a private baptism is an oxymorontwo things that cant go together. I welcome your input and I am not unable to change my convictions. I dont know whether youre hearing from God, and Im guessing you dont either. >> I do believe we go to be with Jesus when we die. Was that a temporary thing, or a longer-term thing? I wouldnt think so. You should at least have a diary, if you feel the need to write that much. Hes an expert in looking at the evidence to find holes in peoples explanations. Dont get me wrong: God loves good deeds. Acts 2:38 Repent (turn away from sin), and be baptized every one of you in the NAME of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye SHALL receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. I took water baptism in church and i baptised by holyspirit also and used to fill in annointing when iam praying personally by the grace of god. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. You can trust Him. "The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him" (Luke 8:38-39). Im just asking the questions. Being a Christian means that we follow Jesus and learn what He taught, for surebut when youre a Christian, the Holy Spirit comes to live in you. Theres no need for you to be afraid of God. I even corrected my boyfriend when he said Jesus was his God. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. Does Rob Bell distract us from being obedient, or inspire us to be more obedient? We all want our loved ones to be in Heaven. Its not that I disbelieve in any part of what youre saying. Step 3 is receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in tongues You cant deny this, as its Scripture! If not, or if youre not sure, just do it now. He will judge us based on what we do know. That would mean we could earn our way to Heaven by being good. They would only go there for not being reconciled to God. Wait for confirmation that your dreams are from God. God forgives us for turning our backs to Him and doing things our own way. Let Him bear that burden. Its not forgiveness, since everybody has been forgiven. In a religion, we have to clean ourselves up to be pleasing enough to Godor we have to learn just the right information, or we have to perform a minimum number of good deeds. This passage is a key one in understanding the distinctive doctrines of Mormonism. I would. Again, Im afraid that someone (or many someones) has led you astray. Are you worried that the writers of Scripture had an agenda other than accurately conveying what God had communicated to them? (Note the King James version which while written in an English format, also allowed Divorce, which wasnt legal at the time. If you believe it sounds like you may go to different places if youve been baptized or not. Sometimes I wish I could just transfer ideas from my brain to someone elses, so you could see what I see. You should believe Him, and seek Him. The same notes are used in good music and bad. The rhythm cant be good or bad, either. The more we study to show ourselves approved just as the Lord ask us to, the closer walk we can have with Jesus. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. Were capable of amazing things, and terrible things. Jesus talked a whole bunch about Hell, and Revelation describes the fate of the wicked very clearly. I believe fully in the gospel of Jesus Christ but I have yet to be baptized and it is for this very reason: every church I have attended is visibly wicked. Spread Jesus messagethe same message that He preached, that His disciples preached, and that believers have preached for many centuries. The important question is whether youve been born again, Deborah. Check Gods Word to make sure that what everyone says including me is true. Nobody will be kept out of Heaven because they made a mistake, or because they were misled, or because they got a bit of information wrong. Most sacred heart, save us from the wrath of god. Were a complex mix of awesomeness and awfulness. You asked about false teachers, not about Rob Bell. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Does that make sense?. Its not bad to be afraid of things that are dangerous. If you want to know whether you have a good relationship with God, theres a simple test: Its really that simple. Thats the missing piece in our relationships with God. I live in the middle of dinosaur country (Colorado, USA) and have seen and touched many dinosaur bones and dinosaur eggs. Thanks for writing. So do others who talk with me about Rob Bells words. They put themselves in the position of prophet, proclaiming what they believe to be Gods message, and they get into all kinds of trouble. My responsibility is to help them learn what the Bible says, and to try to help them understand it. At no point could my friend conclude that he was simply not actually hearing from God. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. With all due respect to Gina, dont listen to her. Thats because we know what this life is like, but we dont know a lot about what the next life will be like. Still, Im pretty old, and have suffered maybe a bit more so I hope you understand my desire to go home and be with God, and with my loved ones who loved Him. Have a great day! A question for you: when will God not forgive that denial? Find a good Bible church and study. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment. Abraham replied, They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them. No, father Abraham, he said, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent. He said to him, If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets. I would suggest that youre not wrong, but that God can and will forgive anyone for any sin until they die, or until theyve sinned so much that He gives up on them. 51% good? The Holy Spirit will do a lot of that on the inside of us, and you should always listen to Him. That would include everybody who will go to Heaven. John answered them all, I baptize you with water. Also, I told my parents that I dont want to go to church and that I want to do my thing but they dont understand. The main point here, in response to your comment, is that baptism was always a public ceremony. The question isnt whether baptism appears there, but what is SAID about baptism. I got baptized for a selfish reason. #2. Its used for more than just the devilits used for anybody who is an adversary, like those who fought against the Israelites. They wont look down on others, but be filled with love and compassion. Youre not the rich man, but you share his situation. Heres something Paul of Tarsus wrote: As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Of course not. Faith. You can read a bit about that in another article on GodWords, Do you have to be baptized to go to Heaven?. Still, God desires that all mankind be saved (1 Tim. I feel like I am tricking people that church is for me when I go to church but really I dont feel like that. James 1:13 says Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Its a low-pressure way to check out a group of local Christians you might become friends with. Imagine dating someone and never asking them about their childhood, or learning about their family traditions, or about their favorite foodthat would be strange, wouldnt it? We have to wait to get to Heaven to learn if our loved ones are there. That probably matters, if one wants to go to Heaven. Were born again. They cease all life functions, end of story. Heres what John 1:18 says: No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. A lot of people, not understanding the trinity, have a hard time understanding the Holy Spirit. Second, judgment day. The New Testament explains that, at the end of time, everyone will be gathered together. When all is set right, we will know true and complete satisfaction. Im not baptized but I still try to go to church twice a month because their the only days when I have time. No, I am not a Messianic Jew but there is a lot of their teachings which is very informative. First, going to church is probably the wrong way to look at it. Is it possible that you could trust that the Father really IS good because Jesus really IS good? He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then listen. He said that nobody would see the kingdom of God unless theyre born again. Believing in God is just like that. Hi, The question of exactly what happens after we die is still largely unanswered. Instead, I use the term Satan. If it were important, it would be in there. 3 The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. Hell is for those who refuse to submit to Godthat is, its for people who want nothing to do with God. Thats very meaningful for people like myself, whose earthly father fell short in significant ways. >> 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. 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. Do not receive Gods grace in vain. Later, they would open the tomb and remove his bones, putting them in an ossuary (bone box). My church teaches we go to heaven after death. I dont believe that you believe that. Would it be unfair for God to tell infants who die that they didnt do enough good things to get into Heaven? Hi In 2 Corinthians 5, this is described as being a new creature. The apostle Paul described this as being adopted by God, and we become His children. The Holy Spirit who is God Himself comes and lives in us. How can we get to heaven without baptism? But coupled with that question filled with heart wrenching anguish begs the question who we think God is. The question of purgatory is entirely illogical to me, having read the Bible. Because: following Jesus means that we know what He taught, and we do it. Also, Im pleased to read about your desire to become more spiritually mature. I saw your comments regarding baptism and you said baptism is not necessary to get to heavenbut its Jesus commandment for us to be baptised. Where their teachings match whats found in the Bible, theyre right. before my grandson was born, I was shown him, and God told me I had to help care for him because he was the son of Gods child. Water baptism is a public ceremony where you declare your faith to your religious community, and has nothing to do with salvation. Im against the distractions and confusion that come from his teaching. God created us, and wants us to have a good relationship with Him. Thats something different. There are no perfect churches. There will be plenty of people in Hell who recited prayers without being changed, and plenty who were baptized. Thanks! Until children reach the maturity that enables them to love, worship, and obey God in Christ, they have not "sinned.". This does not contradict the Bible in any way. And lofi barely has any words in it. Baptism is just getting wetbut its getting wet in front of people to tell them you want to walk with them in faith. After becoming a Christian, you should be baptizedbut not being baptized does not make you not a Christian. You might have said to a friend, I read this guys blog the other day. Thats a relationship, but its not much. I checked up on the Sins that man should not commit. Make sure you use Autoplay to listen while you do other things. First, thank you for your kind words. Does God know all those that will God to heaven? Anyone can find salvation at any time before they die. The Limbo of Infants (Latin limbus infantium or limbus puerorum) is the hypothetical permanent status of the unbaptised who die in infancy, too young to have committed actual sins, but not having been freed from original sin.. Why do unbaptized babies go to Limbo? . When its time to go, remember this: what we have now is a pale reflection of what we will have then. Absolutely, if theyre born again. We shouldnt be directly by our feelings alone, but asking God to help you will pay off. my reason for not getting baptized before now was that i was scared of water and this morning at church, i told one of the men that might be the pastor soon that i wanted to get baptized. Rhythm is just the speed at which we do things. https://bethelgrace.wordpress.com/2008/06/26/are-you-lukewarm. The word is used (historically, not in the Bible) to describe the moon, the planet Venus, John the Baptist, and even Jesus. See how He lived, so you can begin to be like that. He wouldnt, clearly. Our problem is that were spiritually dead, and need to be made alive.