Why Can't Everyone GO to Heaven?

[righteousdude2]

I was actively involved on another Christian board last year. There was this one guy who argued to his last "keynote" that God would not send anyone to Hell because: "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." His argument was that everyone believes in a form of God, and that would qualify them for God's promise that they would not perish. His emphasis was always on the portion of that verse that "None shall perish."

He was positive, and unswayed by members who shared verse after verse to uphold the need for sinners to come to God through Jesus.

This guy refused to believe that Jesus was necessary to be saved. Really sad, but a teaching idea I've run into several times over the past few years.

Have any of you run into these folks who believe that in the end, God will not allow, or send any of His creation to hell?

Just thought I'd ask, as this guy was most convincing in his argument and very skilled at his academic ability to stretch Scripture to fit his belief.

Shalom,

Pastor Paul :type:

 

[standingfirminChrist]

Many acknowledge the Lord and Savior with their lips but their hearts are far from Him.

Too many preachers stand behind the pulpit and preach a feel-good, God loves you regardless message that so many are thinking because they repeated a prayer, got baptized, put money in the tray and shook the 'reverend's' hand... they are saved.


The wages of sin is being preached less and less behind the pulpits around the world and more of the world is allowed into the church.

People disregard the command to 'Come out from among them and be ye seaprate; and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you saith the Lord" And instead, they embrace the lies that God will not send one to hell. They do not turn to God even though they profess Him with their lips. They continue in darkness because their deeds are evil.

As always, Brother Paul, if any of these thoughts fit in your upcoming book, you may quote me.

 

[Rubato 1]

"...There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby ye must be saved." ??

 

[standingfirminChrist]

It is only Christ that saves, and one must come by Christ, but many who profess Christ do not possess Christ.

Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

 

[pinoybaptist]

<snip>
Have any of you run into these folks who believe that in the end, God will not allow, or send any of His creation to hell?

<snip>
Shalom,

Pastor Paul :type:

Believe it or not, there is a Primitive Baptist church somewhere in Indiana who holds to the very same doctrine.
I think it's called no-hellism or something, not sure.

 

[The Scribe]

Many acknowledge the Lord and Savior with their lips but their hearts are far from Him.

Too many preachers stand behind the pulpit and preach a feel-good, God loves you regardless message that so many are thinking because they repeated a prayer, got baptized, put money in the tray and shook the 'reverend's' hand... they are saved.

I'm tired of that too, feel good preaching needs to go. They preach that way so they won't lose members. They preach a watered-down and an unbiblical doctrine.

Luke 6:46 (KJV)
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Matthew 7:13-21 (KJV)
13: Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16: Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17: Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18: A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19: Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20: Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

 

[preachinjesus]

God would not send anyone to Hell because: "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." His argument was that everyone believes in a form of God, and that would qualify them for God's promise that they would not perish. His emphasis was always on the portion of that verse that "None shall perish."

Well that is a nice theory, but the Greek for "him" is reflexive to Christ. The belief isn't in God, but in Jesus Christ.

We can't, we simply cannot base our entire theology on one or two verses but the whole corpus of Scripture. I hear where you are coming from bro, I get this line of logic far too much at other boards and am tired of it. Salvation is available for all, but eternity is secured only for those who believe.

 

[tinytim]

A common misquote...

John 3:16 does not say.. "SHALL" not perish...
But "Should" not perish...

 

[Jkdbuck76]

Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

So it is not so much that "I know Christ". Christ had better know me!

 

[standingfirminChrist]

If one knows Christ, Christ will know that one.

 

[MNJacob]

This is a bigger deal in heavy duty theological circles than we like to admit.

The whole "open theology" thing is in some ways related. And it even plays in the whole Calvinist/Arminian, Soveriengty/Freewill thing.

How can a loving God condemn someone to Hell?

That is the question.

The answer is not easy. Because God is also totally Holy, and totally just. Everyone stands condemned on his/her own account as a result of his/her actions.

Its why grace is amazing and not just easy.