Everbody is a sinner or has onced sinned even with different denominations?

What do "different denominations" have to do with sin?

Yep and is there anything more to your statement.

Well, I believe

We are all sinners,

The minister (?) refused to baptise my little brother because my parents had not been to church in several years. Because of this they were sinners and were given the choice of either not baptising him or attending church 6 weeks in a row.

They are (were) Anglican.

Strange shazamataz, must have beeen the local pastor, most of the Anglican's I know would baptise anyone that would walk in off the street.

Was it more of what is called a "high" church, very formal.

I'm not sure to be honest, it was the same church I was baptised at and they were never heavy church goers back then either (25 years ago).

I thought it was awfully strange as well, especially the requirement of just 6 sundays and all is well.

The minister (?) refused to baptise my little brother because my parents had not been to church in several years. Because of this they were sinners and were given the choice of either not baptising him or attending church 6 weeks in a row.

They are (were) Anglican.

Shaz,

Unbelievable and unbiblical. I'm shaking my head. No wonder people don't want anything to do with Church or the Bible. They totally and completely misrepresent God. The ONLY prerequisite for being baptized according to the Bible is believing Jesus is Lord and he died for our sins and rose again. That is IT! Who can to judge someone's heart? And what in the world does NOT going to church have to do with being in sin or UNGodly? And worse yet, what does a parents walk have to do with their child? OH MY WORD... this makes my blood boil.

Ministers, Pastors and anyone who gets up and preaches the Word can and should be challenged. If they can't go straight to the Bible and give biblical reasons for their decisions ( such as making your parents attend church for 6 weeks in a row) then I would find another church. They are clearly in error. It's a rule they have made up and just like the pharisee's of Jesus day... they misrepresent and teach a God that isn't the God of the Bible. We are under GRACE. That means... Unmerited, unearned, undeserved favor.. and this minister would teach one had to even earn BAPTISM? What UTTER POPPYCOCK!

You know I believe if Christians really represented Christ they way he wants us to... People would be running to HIM. Who doesn't want unconditional love, who doesn't want acceptance no matter what a person has done? Who doesn't want to be completely righteous apart from our behavior? That is what Jesus Christ's offers to us freely. Anyone that asks to be baptized should be!! Sorry for my rant, but as you can tell I have very strong feelings about some of our so called Pastors and ministers today.

The ONLY prerequisite for being baptized according to the Bible is believing Jesus is Lord and he died for our sins and rose again. That is IT! How can a 6 month old baby fit these pre-requisites? It's impossible.

NK

I didn't see where the child was 6 months old. How did I miss that? But we can still go to the Bible and find where Paul baptized families. It doesn't state how old the children were. How about I explain it like this... IF there is a pre-requisite it can be found in acts when Philip encounters the Ethiopian Eunuch. He was baptized the minute he believed. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward belief. If parents want to baptize their child there is no harm in it. They are simply dedicating that child to what they believe. I personally would want to be baptized again if I didn't understand it the first time. But in any event... the minister was clearly wrong. He had no biblical basis for insisting the parents attend church for 6 weeks. PERIOD

How can a 6 month old baby fit these pre-requisites? It's impossible.
I was baptized at 3 weeks of age (as are many babies--often one of the first forays out into the world).

Baptism isn't saying the baby has faith yet, but that God (His Holy Spirit) will work faith in that child's heart. The sponsors or godparents promise to help make that happen with their spiritual support and prayers. The parents also promise to bring up the child in the knowledge of the Lord.

Some churches have a second baptism once the child is older or even has become an adult, and is aware of what he's saying. Most mainline Christian churches don't rebaptize, but do have what is called Confirmation when the child is around 12 or 13--that is, has a special ceremony to verify that the child believes and asks him to continue in his pursuit of spiritual knowledge.

My dad was a minister and NEVER put stipulations or turned down anyone who asked to be baptized or asked if their baby or child could be baptized. (Any Christian can baptize a baby, or anyone else, by the way. It doesn't have to be done by a minister or church official.)

I guess I'm just not into indoctrinating my kids into something they have no choice in. If they want to choose a religion later that's fine.

I guess I'm just not into indoctrinating my kids into something they have no choice in. If they want to choose a religion later that's fine.
But how will they know what to choose? Will you give them background on all religions and visit many churches/synagogues/mosques so they can later choose wisely?

They can do their own research. I see no requirement for religion, one can live their life just fine without it.

They can do their own research. I see no requirement for religion, one can live their life just fine without it.
I'm not saying it's a requirement, but it's like having no rules in your house, anything goes, so they have no limits during their first four years--and then you send them off to school. And then the fat hits the fire.

I would want to open my children's minds to all the religious (and non-religious) opportunities in the word, teach them about those opportunities in person at houses of worship and through library books (:)), talk with members of various groups, with clergy and people who know about the spiritual aspects of the group. Then my children will have a solid base on which to make a decision when they are older.

They can do their own research. I see no requirement for religion, one can live their life just fine without it.

And that is what you teach your children and most likely what they will believe. You teach that to them by not teaching them a faith.

Unless you go to a difference type of church with them every week starting at a few years old. If you don't teach them any, they will have none. Since 5 and 6 year olds can't get in a car and drive to a nearby church by theirself

I'm not saying it's a requirement, but it's like having no rules in your house, anything goes, so they have no limits during their first four years--and then you send them off to school. And then the fat hits the fire.
That's absolutely wrong. My kids have been raised with proper morals and ethics. It almost seems as if you believe that it's not possible to do so without religion, if that's the case then there is nothing I can say to make you believe otherwise since you are entrenched in your beliefs.
My kids are awesome, never in trouble, offer to volunteer at school to help others, involved in various activities with and without us; I couldn't ask for better kids. All without a 2000 year old holy book to use as a guide. I guess I'm just special... oh wait, I'm not, there are plenty of people like me in this world. :-)

And that is what you teach your children and most likely what they will believe. You teach that to them by not teaching them a faith.

Unless you go to a difference type of church with them every week starting at a few years old. If you don't teach them any, they will have none. Since 5 and 6 year olds can't get in a car and drive to a nearby church by theirselfI'm OK with everything you said.

That's absolutely wrong. My kids have been raised with proper morals and ethics. It almost seems as if you believe that it's not possible to do so without religion, if that's the case then there is nothing I can say to make you believe otherwise since you are entrenched in your beliefs.
My kids are awesome, never in trouble, offer to volunteer at school to help others, involved in various activities with and without us; I couldn't ask for better kids. All without a 2000 year old holy book to use as a guide. I guess I'm just special...oh wait, I'm not, there are plenty of people like me in this world. :-)

Just want to tell you that you're not alone at all.

That's how we are here as well.

I want my kids to make their own choice, and they have all the information they need to make that choice.

That's absolutely wrong. My kids have been raised with proper morals and ethics. It almost seems as if you believe that it's not possible to do so without religion, if that's the case then there is nothing I can say to make you believe otherwise since you are entrenched in your beliefs.
My kids are awesome, never in trouble, offer to volunteer at school to help others, involved in various activities with and without us; I couldn't ask for better kids. All without a 2000 year old holy book to use as a guide. I guess I'm just special...oh wait, I'm not, there are plenty of people like me in this world. :-)
You've totally misunderstood me! (I'm on your side!! ) My point was that you (generic you) can't start with nothing and then suddenly let kids loose and expect them to find or have something. It's that way with rules or with religion (or absence of it).

I want my kids to make their own choice, and they have all the information they need to make that choice.
That is EXACTLY what I was trying to say -- give your kids the information they need in order to make a choice someday. Tell them about Buddhism and read books about it and go to a temple. Do the same for LDS and Catholicism and Christian Science and Hinduism and also be sure to talk about agnosticism and atheism. Be sure your kids know about creationism and what is taught as well as evolution. The smarter the child is and the fuller his knowledge, the better the choice he will make for himself someday.

That is EXACTLY what I was trying to say -- give your kids the information they need in order to make a choice someday. Tell them about Buddhism and read books about it and go to a temple. Do the same for LDS and Catholicism and Christian Science and Hinduism and also be sure to talk about agnosticism and atheism. Be sure your kids know about creationism and what is taught as well as evolution. The smarter the child is and the fuller his knowledge, the better the choice he will make for himself someday.Do you think all christians do this then select christianity for their children?

Do you think all christians do this then select christianity for their children?
Absolutely not! (unfortunately) The world would be a better place if they did open their minds and realize they aren't the only ones who have "truth."

So we agree I guess. I just am starting from a different place than you, which is the default position: atheism.

So we agree I guess. I just am starting from a different place than you, which is the default position: atheism.
Would you be okay if one of your kids becomes a Christian later?

Sure. As long as they don't be become fanatical about anything.

Sure. As long as they don't be become fanatical about anything.
Then what would you do, if they did?

Don't know, would cross that bridge if/when I get there. So far what I'm doing is going well, no use if thinking about the possible outcomes. I deal with stuff at it occurs.

What would you do is your children became fanatical muslims?

I'd continue to love them but move to an undisclosed location.

Lol!

Probably in Canada. Near you.

I'd continue to love them but move to an undisclosed location.

LOL!! This one goes right into the AMHD Hall of Fame.

Probably in Canada. Near you.And you'd be very welcome in my quiet community. :-)

Absolutely not! (unfortunately) The world would be a better place if they did open their minds and realize they aren't the only ones who have "truth."

WG,

I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but by me. John 14:6. I didn't say it, Jesus did. He never once said to open up your minds and experience other ways. He said he WAS IT. How do you claim Christianity if you don't even believe what Jesus clearly stated. One thing about Jesus, he wasn't wishy washy. He said some radical stuff that made some people uncomfortable.

And incidentally Christianity is ALWAYS a choice. I can't make my kids believe it. But I believe it is the truth and I presented it as such to them. Call me closed minded but you will have to call the Lord Jesus closed minded too. Just saying.

And incidently Christianity is ALWAYS a choice. I can't make my kids believe it. But I believe it is the truth and I presented it as such to them. Call me closed minded but you will have to call the Lord Jesus closed minded too. just sayin.
And I'm just sayin' that even though I present Christianity as my truth, I will still expose my kids (and did) to other religions and ways of thinking. My kids are fully informed. We talked about the in and outs, the upsides and the downsides of choices.

I believe in arming oneself with as much information as one can, so I armed my kids with all sorts of information, but was not going to force them to be Christian. It would be their choice, but they would also know what else is out there.

I believe Jesus would approve of my approach.

WG,

As far as arming oneself with as much info, I'm all for it. My children can defend their faith and are very much aware of what other relgions believe and teach. But since Jesus didn't say I am A truth and A way... I gave my kids THE truth. The way Jesus presented it.

For the life of me I can't imagine what "upside" you presented for other religions IF you really believe Jesus is the only way. Not rying to be rude just really baffled.

Anyway, we agree at least on this point it is a choice and you can't force anyone to be a Christian. I would love and adore my Kids no matter what they chose to believe. But I'd pray like crazy for them if they rejected Jesus.

WG,
I gave my kids THE truth. The way Jesus presented it.
And I didn't?


For the life of me I can't imagine what "upside" you presented for other religions IF you really believe Jesus is the only way. Not rying to be rude just really baffled.
Upsides: Most of them have the Golden Rule. The LDS Church is strong on families and morals. The Buddhists offer themes of morality, justice, and love, even life after death. And so on.

But I'd pray like crazy for them if they rejected Jesus.So basically you'd do nothing since praying pretty much equates to doing nothing.

Upsides: Most of them have the Golden Rule.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2242/buddyicons/[email protected]?1203739862 Yup, that's all you really need, it can cover all the bases.

WG,

You said yourself you gave your kids YOUR truth. That implies there are other truths. Is there? I'm just trying to understand how you see Christianity.

Upsides: Most of them have the Golden Rule. The LDS Church is strong on families and morals. The Buddhists offer themes of morality, justice, and love, even life after death. And so on.[/QUOTE]

WG-

But the Golden Rule as good as it is... isn't the gospel. If someone dies without Christ where does that leave them?

Would you consider yourself more of a universalist?

Upsides: Most of them have the Golden Rule. The LDS Church is strong on families and morals. The Buddhists offer themes of morality, justice, and love, even life after death. And so on.


WG-

But the Golden Rule as good as it is...isn't the gospel. If someone dies without Christ where does that leave them?

Would you consider yourself more of a universalist?
Why would you say that? I'm a Christian with everything that means.

Did I say I believe what all other religions teach?

So basically you'd do nothing since praying pretty much equates to doing nothing.

Well of course I disagree with you on that. I pray plenty and the Lord answers me. Recently my son was given tickets to a rap concert.. Drizzy Drake was coming to town. The kid is 19. I'm not going to tell him he can't go even though he STILL asked me if it would be OK. ( I thought that was sweet) Anyway I really didn't want him to go but I wasn't going to stop him. I prayed... guess what? Drake up and cancelled the concert had to return all the money to ticket holders. Coincidence? I'm sure you think so but I don't.That is but a MINOR prayer.. but even something a small as that the Lord heard me and answered with a YES.

My boys have accepted Christ as their savior and I believe once you are saved you are saved. I won't and don't have to pray for their salvation.

Absolutely not! (unfortunately) The world would be a better place if they did open their minds and realize they aren't the only ones who have "truth."

NO. You never came right out and said you believed other relgions but what do you mean by the above quote. I'm not trying to offend you... I'm trying to understand you. What are you saying?

Classy--I think she's saying that she embraces tolerance of the beliefs of others.

Just because SHE believes in Christ, doesn't mean that EVERYONE does--and their truth is different from hers or yours.

I am not Christian, so the Bible has no more weight to me than any other book. There are great ideas in the Bible, but there are also ideas that I consider to be damaging and intolerant. That doesn't mean I don't accept your right to believe it. I just don't believe it myself. I recognize it to be YOUR truth, but it's not mine.

So I think that WG just understands that what she believes to be the truth (Christianity) isn't the ONLY truth in the world, because other people see a different truth. That doesn't mean ANYONE is wrong--just that we all see the "truth" differently.

Hopefully, I'm not putting words into WG's mouth here--if so, I apologize.

I'll take a stab at it. No one has a monopoly on any universal truth. Just being a christian and spelling truth with a capital "T" doesn't mean one knows any more or is a better person that anyone else. People are individuals. That's the way I see it.

WG,

You said yourself you gave your kids YOUR truth. That implies there are other truths. Is there? I'm just trying to understand how you see Christianity.
The Golden Rule is a truth. Family values and morals are truth. Love, peace, and kindness are truths.

So I think that WG just understands that what she believes to be the truth (Christianity) isn't the ONLY truth in the world, because other people see a different truth. That doesn't mean ANYONE is wrong--just that we all see the "truth" differently.

Hopefully, I'm not putting words into WG's mouth here--if so, I apologize.
Nicely said, Synnen.

My former coworker Manisha is a Hindu. She is from a Hindu family and has been a Hindu all her life. She is kind and peace loving and devoted to the teachings of Hinduism. She would not easily become a Christian any more than I would easily become a Hindu. She is one of the most generous and agreeable people I have ever met (as are most of the Hindus I know). She is more Christ-like than many Christians I know.

Maybe there will be more than Christians in heaven?

Classy--I think she's saying that she embraces tolerance of the beliefs of others.

Just because SHE believes in Christ, doesn't mean that EVERYONE does--and their truth is different from hers or yours.

I am not Christian, so the Bible has no more weight to me than any other book. There are great ideas in the Bible, but there are also ideas that I consider to be damaging and intolerant. That doesn't mean I don't accept your right to believe it. I just don't believe it myself. I recognize it to be YOUR truth, but it's not mine.

So I think that WG just understands that what she believes to be the truth (Christianity) isn't the ONLY truth in the world, because other people see a different truth. That doesn't mean ANYONE is wrong--just that we all see the "truth" differently.

Hopefully, I'm not putting words into WG's mouth here--if so, I apologize.

Hey, fair enough. I get that.. what I don't get is double talk. The only problem with Christianity is Christians. We ( and I include myself) don't always represent Christ. Christ is love and grace, mercy and kindness. I'm convinced if Jesus were here you wouldn't think Christianity was damaging or intolerant. If there is one thing I am learning as I get older it how crummy of a job I have done in representing Him.

I'll take a stab at it. No one has a monopoly on any universal truth. Just being a christian and spelling truth with a capital "T" doesn't mean one knows any more or is a better person that anyone else. People are individuals. That's the way I see it.

NK,

LOL thanks for setting me straight. Darn I couldda swore using a capital T for truth would make you see it better. I'm guessing using the capital T after classy ain't working for you either. :D

Maybe there will be more than Christians in heaven?

? It is statements like this that make me think you are a universalist.

I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but by me. John 14:6

I don't know how you get around that verse. And listen WG, I agree with you. I agree with you about knowing people of different faiths that are kinder, sweeter and better people than some of those that own the name of Jesus. I don't have all the answers but I won't compromise what Jesus said either.

NK,

LOL thanks for setting me straight. Darn I couldda swore using a capital T for truth would make you see it better. I'm guessing using the capital T after classy ain't workin for ya either. :D
Sorry I don't know what that means.

I don't have all the answers but I won't compromise what Jesus said either.
Glad you admit don't have all the answers. I don't either.

Here's what Jesus said about who will make the cut into Heaven:

Matthew 25:31-46 (NIV)
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Believing in Jesus means acting on what He said to do, to care for others, even the least of them.

When I was a little girl, I believed only Missouri-Synod Lutherans would go to Heaven.

When I got a bit older, I believed only Lutherans would go to Heaven.

As a young teen, I believed only Protestants would go to Heaven.

Once I finished a Christian college, I believed Christians would be the only ones in Heaven.

Then, years later, I worked with people of all faiths and even with agnostics and atheists, and learned most people are good and do their best to minister to "the least of these." So I'm figuring God will agree that all of those who behave as Jesus said to behave will be in Heaven someday.

Otherwise, Heaven's going to be a pretty empty place with only a few evangelical Christians there.

Sorry I don't know what that means.

I don't think I have EVER met anyone in person or online that didn't get ME as much as you don 't. It was meant to be a joke. Sort of... nevermind.

Glad you admit don't have all the answers. I don't either.

Here's what Jesus said about who will make the cut into Heaven:

Matthew 25:31-46 (NIV)
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Believing in Jesus means acting on what He said to do, to care for others, even the least of them.

When I was a little girl, I believed only Missouri-Synod Lutherans would go to Heaven.

When I got a bit older, I believed only Lutherans would go to Heaven.

As a young teen, I believed only Protestants would go to Heaven.

Once I finished a Christian college, I believed Christians would be the only ones in Heaven.

Then, years later, I worked with people of all faiths and even with agnostics and atheists, and learned most people are good and do their best to minister to "the least of these." So I'm figuring God will agree that all of those who behave as Jesus said to behave will be in Heaven someday.

Otherwise, Heaven's going to be a pretty empty place with only a few evangelical Christians there.

Well, I understand your journey more than you think I do. But I can say this... without Jesus Christ, we aren't getting there. But I do believe that Jesus is far more gracious and loving than we are. And I do believe there will be many that simply accept him by faith that we don't expect or know anything about. Could it be an encounter with him just before the soul leaves the body? Perhaps there is an in between state where Jesus is able to minister to them... maybe? But I don't believe anyone will be there without him. I base that on the Bible.

And I do believe there will be many that simply accept him by faith
And have done what He asked?

without Jesus Christ, we aren't getting there.
Whom do you think will be in Heaven? Any Muslims, Hindus, atheists? How about Catholics or Jews?

What are the exact beliefs needed to get to Heaven? Belief in six 24-hour days of creation? Jonah swallowed by a great fish? Noah and his ark full of animals and seven other people floating around on a totally submerged Earth?

God will condemn those who died mentally ill and were spiritually incapable of seeking Him? All those who lived and died without ever hearing about Jesus are eternally condemned?

WG,

I believe the bible and what God has to say concerning salvation. The bible is crystal clear salvation comes by accepting Jesus Christ as our savior. It has nothing in the world to do with our behavior. Why? Because it doesn't matter how good, kind, and loving a person is.. without Jesus they are still in their sins. Once they accept the Lord the bible makes it clear they are spiritually put IN CHRIST. Therefore they are justified and made completely RIGHTEOUS. God sees them just as if they never sinned. All sins are completely removed and we exchange our sin for His righteouness. How can this be? I don't know but just as Jesus became complete and total sin for US on the cross we become HIS righteousness. God judged HIM for our sin. He wants us to accept that gift... it is free but it must be accepted. It's a good deal.

Here is the thing... you can't just set Jesus aside and say his work doesn't matter. God gave up his Son for us. It is a slap in his face to think we can get to the Father apart from the Lord Jesus. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Therefore sincere, sweet, kind people of other faiths are still sinners in need of a savior and they can't be good enough. If any of us could be good enough, why did Jesus have to die? In fact the Bible says the law was given so mankind could see they can't be good enough. No one is going to heaven apart from the Lord Jesus. Paul explains how it all works in the book of Romans.

Now concerning those who lived before the cross. They too are in heaven by faith we get that in the book of Hebrews. The blood of bulls and goats covered the peoples sins until the Lord Jesus came and removed them completely.Will Jews be in heaven? Please. Jesus WAS born a JEW. But this side of the cross, they aren't getting there without HIM.

As far as mentally ill, and people who have never heard of the name of Jesus, I believe the bible and it states Shall not the judge of the earth do right? God is merciful and loving and I trust completely that he takes care of them. Again, perhaps the Lord comes to them and ministers just before actual death takes place. I don't know... I do know my God is good. He is just, loving, kind and is not willing that ANY should perish. And I believe with all my heart they are in heaven. Same with babies.He takes care of those that are spiritually incapable.

However the spiritually capable aren't going to heaven apart from accepting him. Will there be Muslims, Hindus, atheists, catholics or Jews? Of course. But NOT apart from Jesus. They will have had to accept him before they died. I base my beliefs on what God says. Shall not the judge of the earth do right? And anyone that is of those faiths will no longer be in heaven obviously. I can't imagine a practicing atheists, Muslim, Hindu there.There will not be different christian denominations there either. Nope the bible says we will be worshipping the Lord Jesus forever. Again, I believe many people will be there that were of these faiths but NOT EVER apart from calling on his Name at some point before they die.

Having said all of that our Christian churches are full of people claiming to believe In the Lord Jesus Christ and they don't. They have heard the gospel and it has made no real impact on them. It doesn't affect them one way or the other. They are Christians by name only. They go to church because they think it is the right thing to do or they think they are scoring points. Many so called Christians have no clue of how Christianity works, what exactly has been done for them, what is even needed to be saved. I had a women who had been to church all of her life ask me... "saved from WHAT?" It is shocking, frankly.

I believe in six 24 hour days of creation, I believe Jonah was swallowed by a great fish and I believe Noah built an ark and God destroyed all that were not IN the ark. As ridiculous as all of that may sound to the world. BUT that isn't the gospel. People can lay on their death beds never believing ANY of that and go to heaven as long as they accept the Lord Jesus as their savior.

Now, let me ask you a question. Do you believe that apart from accepting Jesus and his work on the cross people will be there? And if you do, what do you base this on? Logic? Fairness? Tolerance? Sincerity? Is there more than one way to heaven? Because to me, it sounds as if you believe there are many paths to God as long as the person is sincere. But I think Joel Osteen said it best... there are many paths to JESUS but only one way to God. I liked that.

And have done what He asked?

OK.. I hope I'm not beating a dead horse but what he asks is for us to believe him. To humble ourselves to recognize we can't be good enough and accept his FINISHED work on the cross. If you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, YOU SHALL BE SAVED! That's it. That's the gospel. Nothing more... nothing less.