The idea that non-Christians will not enter heaven--

[AllieCat0817]

I was on Amazon.com reading the book reviews for the 12th Left Behind book, Glorious Appearing. I am only in the midst of book #4 right now, Soul Harvest. But I was curious to read the reviews of the future books.

I was kind of shocked to read the below review. This person acts as if the Left Behind authors made up the doctrine that the only way to heaven is through Christ Jesus. I hadn't posted a book review in response to the below one, because I have yet to read that particular book. Read below:

Speaking for Jesus, huh?, October 15, 2004
Reviewer: nico_laos "nico" (Douglasville, GA United States) - See all my reviews
.......blasphemy, anyone? So Jesus opens a pit to Hell and tosses all the non-believers in? Wow, how nice. You know....there are about a dozen books out there that are trying to refute the claims made in another fictional story, The Davinci Code. Apparently many Christians found the fictional work insulting and have started all sorts of personal crusades against it. However, it's perfectly fine for a series like this to exist that ends with the eternal damnation of everyone that's not a Christian (I wonder how Jesus felt when he cast the Dalai Lama into the abyss). Well as a non-Christian I'm horrified and deeply offended by Tim Lahaye's view of the future. How 'bout that? How would the masses feel about a fictional series based on how Allah is going to come down from heaven and destroy all the infidel leaving only the true devoted muslims of the world? Oh no..that would be inapropriate, right? See? It's not very fun having fundamentalists getting in your face telling you to convert or burn for all eternity, is it?

[Green Darner]

All I can say is that the gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing.
I know many non-believers so this isn't really shocking. :(:

[AllieCat0817]

I know many too, especially on other online forums and I don't understand. I have witnessed but it makes not one bit of difference. The whole 'new age' thing has taken over, it seems to me.

[Jiggy37]

Well as a non-Christian I'm horrified and deeply offended by Tim Lahaye's view of the future. How 'bout that? How would the masses feel about a fictional series based on how Allah is going to come down from heaven and destroy all the infidel leaving only the true devoted muslims of the world? Oh no..that would be inapropriate, right? See? It's not very fun having fundamentalists getting in your face telling you to convert or burn for all eternity, is it?How presumptive--Muslims can write whatever they want and I couldn't care less.

[wigginsmum]

It's the same old antipathy to Jesus being the way, the truth and the life. Nothing new there. His exclusive claims cut across man's sin nature and rebellion, and we all see it every day around us.

Jules

[BloodoftheLamb]

Read it and weep.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Tough cookies....

[Catwoman]

I think you'll like the whole series of books. I'm not biblically schooled enough to know if it strays much from Scripture but I will say that the overriding theme of the books I've read is that Jesus is the Savior.

[bopeep1909]

Very sad interview. If this guy does not end up giving his life to Jesus Christ he will go to hell for an eternity......yes an eternity is a very,very,very long time.The world is full of people like 'nico". Jesus is not going to drag people like "nico" into Heaven because if he did not love Jesus Christ why would he want to spend an eternity with him?<><

[blitzkreig]

The Christians message is an exclusive message.

The broad theme of end-times prophecy with it's ecumenical (all inclusive) religions and the prophecy of persecutions of the Christians near the end, is a consistent with the growing dislike of Christianity today... and by-in-large it is precisely because Christianity is exclusive.

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

No one wants to be told that they are on the outside looking in... everyone wants to think that they can do it like the Sinatra song "My Way". To be told they can't sometimes only makes them more bitter... :tsk

Invictus by William Ernest Henley

OUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.


.

[AllieCat0817]

I think you'll like the whole series of books. I'm not biblically schooled enough to know if it strays much from Scripture but I will say that the overriding theme of the books I've read is that Jesus is the Savior.

Yes I just finished book#4 last night. I love the series.

There are sooo many people out there that have this same person's view. I guess that is why Jesus said that the gate/door is narrow, right?

[kerri]

How would the masses feel about a fictional series based on how Allah is going to come down from heaven and destroy all the infidel leaving only the true devoted muslims of the world? Oh no..that would be inapropriate, right? See? It's not very fun having fundamentalists getting in your face telling you to convert or burn for all eternity, is it?
That already exists- its called the Koran.

[Whosoever]

Yes I just finished book#4 last night. I love the series.

There are sooo many people out there that have this same person's view. I guess that is why Jesus said that the gate/door is narrow, right? :sad

Unfortunately this belief is becoming far more common these days. Man's nature lends towards rebellion, and (as blitz said) coupling that with a desire to be on the "inside" of things, it's difficult for him to rely on Yeshua to gain access to Heaven. Therefore, his mind creates excuses and theories as to how he holds the keys to paradise regardless of his beliefs on earth, and very often he'll bask in these lies (even to the point of ridiculing those who dare suggest man is unfit for Heaven by himself) until he sees the very flames of Hell. A sad state of affairs, and one that will be repeated ad infinitum by various people until Yeshua returns and has the final word.

[sandy111]

like man is in charge of who enters heaven......

only God chooses and he has made the conditions clear.

man can grumble whine ect. but the conditions have been set.
regardless of whether man likes it or not.

[AllieCat0817]

You all are so very right.

[~ In The Wind ~]

Theres one thing that separates the true God from the rest of the cults, it`s the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God in the flesh.

[Daisy Cutter]

See? It's not very fun having fundamentalists getting in your face telling you to convert or burn for all eternity, is it?

See? It's not very fun being constantly persecuted by athiests. We preach a doctrine. We don't "get in your face"s, we simply say the truth, take it or leave it.

I don't go up to people and say "convert now or rot in hell!" I'd say "I do belive that if you die an unbeliever you will indeed rot in hell" take it or leave it.

[sandy111]

In the Wind :nod

[AllieCat0817]

Amen people.

[blitzkreig]

If you are really into alternative ways of looking at theology do a search on the words "Karl Barth".

[floAty]

its ingrained in mans natural state of mind, to question God (in that person's case, His justice) We all do it occasionally, or have before atleast.

I feel sorry for that person based on his/her remarks. Our mind cannot comprehend fully that God is perfect, just and Good. And the animosity gets thrown onto christians, because we are fallible.

(didn't gandhi study the beatitudes? i highly doubt that a man of his wisdom would reject Christ having been given the chance) Who knows? All we can know is that God is good and just, and that He knows all, especially the hearts of men. The perfect judge! :):

I remember thinking that the things God has planned were 'unjust'...but i didn't fully understand the message yet either ;):

[matheteou]

its ingrained in mans natural state of mind, to question God (in that person's case, His justice) We all do it occasionally, or have before atleast.

I feel sorry for that person based on his/her remarks. Our mind cannot comprehend fully that God is perfect, just and Good. And the animosity gets thrown onto christians, because we are fallible.

(didn't gandhi study the beatitudes? i highly doubt that a man of his wisdom would reject Christ having been given the chance) Who knows? All we can know is that God is good and just, and that He knows all, especially the hearts of men. The perfect judge! :):

I remember thinking that the things God has planned were 'unjust'...but i didn't fully understand the message yet either ;):Are you referring to Gandhi's "wisdom"? If you are, check out the following:Ask Gandhi

An Insight into the mind of Gandhi through Questions and Answers

Q
What do you think of Christianity ? Did you consider becoming a Christian ?
A

My association with Christians dates from 1889 and there was a time in my life when I sincerely considered Christianity as my religion. In my pursuit, I met many a scholars and thinkers, who while having a profound effect on me, were not able to convince me. Although I admire much in Christianity, I am unable to identify myself with the orthodox Christianity. I must tell you in all humility that Hinduism, as I know it, entirely satisfies my soul, and fills my whole being.

The missionaries come to India thinking that they come to a land of heathen, of idolaters, of men who do not know God. My own experiences all over India have been on the contrary. An average Indian is as much a seeker after truth as the Christian missionaries are, possibly more so.
Please do not flatter yourselves with the belief that a mere recital of that celebrated verse in St. John makes a man Christian. If I have read the Bible correctly, I know many men who have never known the name of Jesus Christ, men who have even rejected the official interpretations of Christianity, but would nevertheless, if Jesus came in our midst today in the flesh, be probably owned by him more than many of us. My position is that it does not matter what faith you practice, as long as the soul longs for truth.

[~ In The Wind ~]

My position is that it does not matter what faith you practice, as long as the soul longs for truth.

There may be some truth to that if that person has never heard of Christ, it`s the ones that hear but reject that i feel for. :nod

[sandy111]

if the soul truly longs for truth, God will show it to them.
many ask God not knowing who he is to show them the truth.

[rancherswife]

This sounds just like a conversation I had a few weeks ago with one of my former students. He told me he was offended that I am so closed minded to think that Jesus is the only way and Truth. I said to him "I know, God is offensive to us sinners, isn't he?" I include myself in that statement because I'm imperfect and sometimes get uncomfortable at having to adjust my will to God's ways. I told my young friend that it didn't really matter to me if I was offending him or not because the Truth of God is offensive to men. His ways are higher than our ways, his thoughts above our thoughts.

[spadart]

If he doesn't like the book, or the contents of the book he shouldn't read it. If he read to book 12, obviously he knew what the outcome would be and could have stopped anytime. And, if the Muslims write a book on their version of the end times then I won't read it. It's that simple.

[His4ever]

All I can say is that the gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing.
I know many non-believers so this isn't really shocking. :(:


So true. And many seem to be perishing because the gospel seems to be foolish and even hateful to them. Those outside of Christ going to hell isn't our idea, it's in the Word and this guy need to read it.

And if the Muslims want to write books from their view of things, they can do it. I don't have to read it. Why don't people get that the Bible says what it says? We can't change God's word just because people don't like the message.

[Harpadzo]

The detractors are always angry with the Christians and yet we are following the bible. Why do they not make their case there rather than trying to prove us "narrow minded". It was the same way with the movie, The Passion. The negative comments always seemed to be about Mel Gibson rather than the account in the gospels. They can say whatever they wish but, the truth remains the truth and God will not be mocked!

[sandy111]

Narrow is the road that leads to life, broad is the way to destruction

[sandy111]

does truth conflict with itself? to those who say that there are other ways to heaven. do you allow just anyone to come into your house and do what they want?
No one I know does.

Its Gods house....he made the conditions clear. Jesus is the ONLY way.

they can try to get in by jumping the fence but will find that thats no different than someone trying to get into anothers home thru the window rather than the front door.
and uninvited also.

[Hamilton]

Oh, thats kind of sad. This girl (well, thats the impression I got, I guess it doesn't say specifically a gender) feels bad because she isn't going to go to Heaven.

Well, if she isn't a Christian, why is she concerned about going to Heaven- she must believe we're wrong about God forgiving our sins and allowing us into Heaven, and so probably doesn't believe in Heaven, at least the way Christians do.

What happened to these liberal hippies and their belief in free speach?

And you're right. Muslims can believe what they want if they have no interest in converting. It's their soul, and so they can write whatever they want about us.

Hamilton

[Chronus]

Please do not flatter yourselves with the belief that a mere recital of that celebrated verse in St. John makes a man Christian.
I find it interesting that Ghandi said this.

What a sad but remarkably true commentary on the 20th (and 21st?) century "Christian church".

[sandy111]

I had heard that ghandi got offended in england cause he was snubbed by the people in a church...I don't know if thats true or not.

[pilgrimian]

The Christians message is an exclusive message.

No one wants to be told that they are on the outside looking in... everyone wants to think that they can do it like the Sinatra song "My Way". To be told they can't sometimes only makes them more bitter... :tsk

Amen and Amen!

[My Abba's Child]

I was on Amazon.com reading the book reviews for the 12th Left Behind book, Glorious Appearing. I am only in the midst of book #4 right now, Soul Harvest. But I was curious to read the reviews of the future books.

I was kind of shocked to read the below review. This person acts as if the Left Behind authors made up the doctrine that the only way to heaven is through Christ Jesus. I hadn't posted a book review in response to the below one, because I have yet to read that particular book. Read below:

Speaking for Jesus, huh?, October 15, 2004
Reviewer: nico_laos "nico" (Douglasville, GA United States) - See all my reviews
.......blasphemy, anyone? So Jesus opens a pit to Hell and tosses all the non-believers in? Wow, how nice. You know....there are about a dozen books out there that are trying to refute the claims made in another fictional story, The Davinci Code. Apparently many Christians found the fictional work insulting and have started all sorts of personal crusades against it. However, it's perfectly fine for a series like this to exist that ends with the eternal damnation of everyone that's not a Christian (I wonder how Jesus felt when he cast the Dalai Lama into the abyss). Well as a non-Christian I'm horrified and deeply offended by Tim Lahaye's view of the future. How 'bout that? How would the masses feel about a fictional series based on how Allah is going to come down from heaven and destroy all the infidel leaving only the true devoted muslims of the world? Oh no..that would be inapropriate, right? See? It's not very fun having fundamentalists getting in your face telling you to convert or burn for all eternity, is it?

What part of "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." are they not understanding? A fictional series based on how Allah is going to come down from heaven and destroy all the infidel leaving only the true devoted muslims of the world? Already been done, it's called the Q'ran.

In His love,

[AllieCat0817]

I said to him "I know, God is offensive to us sinners, isn't he?" I include myself in that statement because I'm imperfect and sometimes get uncomfortable at having to adjust my will to God's ways. I told my young friend that it didn't really matter to me if I was offending him or not because the Truth of God is offensive to men. His ways are higher than our ways, his thoughts above our thoughts.

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!! :thumb
You hit the nail on the head, thank you for this.

[Grow with God]

LOL I don't think Jesus is too impressed with Dalai Lama or Mother Teresa or anyone else. We are all as filthy rags compared to him. The world might admire a person, but Jesus puts no one on a pedestal, "For he knew what was in a man."

[AllieCat0817]

I loved reading all of your responses. Sets my heart on fire.