Can only Christians and those who accept Jesus Christ go to heaven?

1. 69

   chuckblposted 12 years ago

   Can only Christians and those who accept Jesus Christ go to heaven?
   
   According to Christianity, only those who have openly accepted Jesus Christ and the Christian faith may go to heaven. If that is the case, what about the African tribe who has never heard of of Jesus? Even if they are good people, can they not go to heaven? I personally believe that anyone who is a good person and acts in a good way could go to heaven, not just those who accept Jesus Christ.

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2. 61

   Ramsa1posted 12 years ago

   It's ridiculous to think that only Christians will go to heaven. A loving God will not allow billions of people to be created only to have the vast majority go to hell and burn in hell-fire for eternity. This type of thinking is one of the reasons I stopped attending church. I wrote a hub about it.

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   ibbarkingmadposted 12 years ago

   That depends on your definition of Christian. What I mean is that some people claim that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also know as Mormons) are not Christian. But this faith, which is mine, believes that every person who has or ever will live will have opportunity to accept Christ in this life and in the next. In fact, we actually preform an ordinance that is mentioned in the Bible that, as far as I know, no other church preforms. This is called baptisms for the dead. In this ordinance, a person will be baptized for a person who is dead. As Christ has to be baptized even though he was perfect, so each of us must be as well to gain the highest degrees of "glory".
   Still, what of those people who don't choose to accept Christ but are good people. Will they be condemned to hell? No, the beauty of Christ's sacrifice is that he did it for all men. As such, even the worst of us will be able to gain some sort of "glory" in that we will not suffer. Part of this is that the resurrection (coming back from the dead with a perfect body) is universal. Part of this is that Christ loves us so much he wants us to be in a place where we are comfortable. Therefore, if a person is in a place where he or she is comfortable, I would call that Heaven of a sort. Christ's goal is to make it possible for all of us to achieve the highest "glory" with is to be with him and our Heavenly Father, but he does not force.
   If you want to know more about my faith, check out LDS.org. I hope I was able to answer your question. I am glad you asked it. It is a deep one for sure.

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4. 71

   dahoglundposted 12 years ago

   That is not quite the view of all Christianity. Catholic Theology holds that heaven is available to those who would be followers of Christ if they had the knowledge and opportunity to do so.

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5. 58

   DBSwordposted 12 years ago

   A thought on the second part of your question:  How good is good?  If the question is what does Jesus himself say about that, He made it very clear.  Matthew 5:48 says "Be perfect, just as the heavenly father is perfect."  that is your standard, that is how good is good enough. 
   As I speak for myself, I can confidently also speak for others in saying that I have never and will never meet that standard of perfection.  So what is the solution?  once again since your question is about Christianity, Jesus says "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me."  John 14:6.  He is either lying, crazy or telling the truth.  It pretty much starts there for all of us i think.  Hope that helps a bit.

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   Seek-n-Findposted 12 years ago

   There is what the Bible says and then there is what many who call themselves Christians say--and the message is not always the same.  Jesus claimed to be God and claimed to be the only way to eternal salvation--that He is the only gate.  Jesus lived a perfect life.  He did miracles as evidence for being who He said He was--the son of God who is one with God.  Jesus said that if you have seen Him, you have seen the Father.  This is important because Jesus can tell us what God is like.  Jesus had mercy and compassion on humans--especially on the ones who were NOT good and were caught up in sin.  He would show them mercy, offer them grace to change, heal and deliver them, and restore them.  The ones Jesus got upset with was the religious folks--those who thought they were good and doing everything right.  Their hearts were cold and they were full of pride.  They were supposed to represent God, but Jesus said they didn't even know Him.  Jesus said that he died for ALL mankind and desires that NONE should perish.  Jesus cares about the lost a lot more than we do--He was willing to take on human form, to suffer, be rejected by his own people, and die a horrible death to take the punishment for our sins and the consequences of sin is death and hell.  Jesus took the sins for all--He defeated sin and Satan for all.  Now your other question comes in--what about those that don't grow up in a Christian home or never hear of Jesus?  Well, God desires that none should perish and He is good--therefore it is not in HIs character to create people and give them no chance.  The Bible says that God makes himself known by creation--people can look at creation and know that there is a creator.  If a person who would have never heard of Jesus otherwise says, "Creator--I know you are out there--somebody had to have made this--I want to know you," then I believe God will reveal Himself to that person through various, other creative ways.  Many people, especially in circumstances such as you've mentioned, have had dreams where Jesus actually came to people in dreams  I've heard many stories of this--first hand.  I know many missionaries who give such reports, as well.  God also says that those who DO know Him are responsible to BE the church and go into the world and love people and show them who Jesus is by their unity and supernatural love and power.  Christ says that He is the Head of the Body (the people who are HIs adopted sons and daughters).  And if none of these things ever happen in a person's lifetime, then perhaps they have that moment in death where Jesus offers the invitation.  I can't claim to know how all the mysteries of God work, but I do know He is good and that He desires people to be set free and saved from sin and hell WAY more than any of us.  He is the perfect Father--when His children ask Him for bread, He will not give them a snake or a stone.  That's a short answer.

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   Dave Mathewsposted 12 years ago

   I cannot speak for what others may or may not believe only for what I personally believe. I believe that I am a spirit being, created by God, inhabiting a human body for a short period in time to serve my creator here on earth. I believe that if I follow God's outline of love for my fellow man, it pleases God. I believe that one day,when I have finished serving God here, God will require my return to the heavens, to serve God there in what ever capacity God chooses.   That's my personal belief for what it's worth.

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   lburmasterposted 12 years ago

   Ask individuals who have died for 30-40 seconds. Most of them talk about a light at the end of the tunnel, a rush of enjoyable sensations and emotions, arms around them making them comfortable and safe, and seeing all of their life flash before them. Even if they don't die, they see their children and grandchildren that have not yet been born. Only one man that I know of recalls going to hell.

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      Laura Schneiderposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      These feelings can also be created by injecting  believers and non-believers with chemicals. When the brain is suitably stimulated, the effects mimic those of "heaven" or "hell". Not saying the beliefs are false, just that they can be faked in a lab.

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9. 63

   Perspycaciousposted 12 years ago

   All will be resurrected and judged for every word, thought, and action (or inaction).  Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, and died to atone for all our sins.  He set a perfect example for us to follow and taught lessons for us to learn, that we might return to God to dwell in His presence and not spend eternity in any other  state. Some Christians will be surprised at which other people will be found worthy for an eternity with God, while some who have called themselves Christians will not. In the Talmud it is written that "The test of a man's life is not his theology, but his life."  All men and women, and accountable children, are accountable for how they will choose to live their lives.  God gave each of His children "freedom of choice" so we are to choose wisely in all that we do, and say, and choose to think about.  "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (from Proverbs 23:7)  No man can work, or buy his way into heaven.  God is a righteous judge and will judge all righteously.  We are not to judge, neither to judge who He will accept to dwell with Him, nor to judge who He will not accept.  For all Christians, however, it is not enough to just know that Christ lived...for most of mankind can come to that knowledge.  To truly know Christ, a Christian must learn to live as Christ lived to the glory of God, giving God the joy of also loving us at our best.

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10. 60

    ChristFanaticposted 12 years ago

    The bible says the only way to get to heaven is through a relationship with Jesus Christ!  Good deeds and works are not good enough to get into heaven.  There are currently Christian missionaries in Africa and in other foreign countries to spread the good news of Jesus Christ dying on the Cross for our sins!...

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11. 58

    Adalieposted 12 years ago

    I don't believe in the concept of Christianity and accepting Jesus to go to heaven because there are thousands of people who grew up with different beliefs, and I don't think god is going to send those people with mental retardation to hell just because they don't understand what goes around them.

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12. 59

    charles wadeposted 12 years ago

    Certainly it seems reasonable for people who have believed in the existence of a creator, loved one another and were thankful toward their creator, to be saved through Christ without knowing Him. (He is the creator, so they kind of do know Him) I suspect the problem would be in attempts to go beyond that which had been revealed to them through creation. (creating gods and worshiping them) Now those who deny Jesus as the one who has taken their sins away would probably be without an excuse and be denied the kingdom of God.  Obviously, this an inferior answer to a question that needs to be understood and believed by faith.

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    MONICAADOLEYposted 12 years ago

    Heaven is a place created by GOD for those who accepted the free gift of salvation that JESUS died so we can have. Heaven is where followers of CHRIST are going to live and worship GOD and JESUS for eternity, we will actually be there with HIM all the time forever read the last book of the the bible Revelation. So since this the whole idea of Heaven comes from GOD and the bible, why would those who want no part of JESUS and christianity want to go there??? I mean really,,let's think about it!!! Those who are children and mentally disabled JESUS said already belong to HIM, they have a connection to JESUS already. GOD knows what HE is doing, HE loves you and like a loving parent HE has to make rules or we would be all over the place.

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14. 91

    Teresa Coppensposted 12 years ago

    Anyone who is a good honest person who treats others with kindness is behaving according to the example of Jesus whether or not they are aware of his existence.  Of course they will go to heaven!

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    Born2care2001posted 12 years ago

    I believe it is a mystery, one whose answer I welcome with an open heart! Until then, my only task is to act with love toward my fellow man, be grateful for the life I have been given and leave the rest to the source of all creation.

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16. 60

    Richard Zonioposted 12 years ago

    Yes... as Bible says, only christian and who accepts Christ as her savior can go to heaven...

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    Emily Sparksposted 12 years ago

    Only those who have excepted Christ as their Saviour will go to Heaven.  The Bible says that are righteousness are "as filthy rags."  Nothing we do, except trusting in Christ alone, can take us to Heaven.  It doesn't matter how good you've been, or how many people you've helped.  Jesus Christ says "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father but by Me."  Salvation is ONLY through Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God.

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18. 69

    chuckblposted 12 years ago

    Emily, that is precisely what I do not believe. If God exists, then he would not prejudice against those who haven't heard of Christ. He would support all who were good. That I am sure of.

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       TheOneClonedposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I questioned a Baptist Minister if a man such as The Dalai Lama would be condemned to hell. His answer was clear cut, yes because he does not believe.  Here is a man who has never hurt anyone yet he's going to hell. I don't buy that.

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       ercramer36posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       >>TheOneCloned>> The reason people go to heaven and hell has nothing to do with how "good" they are, because ALL have sinned and fall short of God's standard.  Jesus Died so that we can go to heaven if we choose to accept his payment for

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    najmuposted 12 years ago

    Please watch the below vedios... Muslims are more Christians than Christians...
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdL_GH5RGn0
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWAfeMUQMn8
    
    God is for the entire mankind... follow the religion with great sincerity like muslims do..

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20. 59

    EinderDarkwolfposted 12 years ago

    I cannot honestly answer your question. No matter what the answer, someone, somewhere will believe it a lie. What I can do is say that all I believe is needed if the Christian God does is exist, is to be the best person you can. Jesus said he will come back to claim the Righteous, not the Christians, and not the faithful, only the righteous. You can be Righteous and never know anything about Christianity. Be the best person you can be and see where it leads. In the mean time, study and learn. Try to be accepting of others of different beliefs by actually being able to understand them. This perhaps will help you in being a better person. I know that it does for me.

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21. 90

    ercramer36posted 12 years ago

    Can only Christians and those who accept Jesus go to Heaven?  Let us take a look at God's requirements and how mankind measures up.  How do the world's religions measure up? read more

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22. 72

    Darrell Robertsposted 12 years ago

    I think that the karma of a person will determine where they will go.  There hace been millions of people who have walked the earth prior to Christianity, would it be fair to them that they should suffer because they never heard of Jesus.  I think that Jesus was one of many great teachers who have visited this earth, but I do not think that he was the only qualified representative to lead one to heaven.
    
    
    Best wishes

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    Saved by Jesusposted 11 years ago

    I have struggled with this over and over....there are many people who believe in Calvanism, and there seem to be some verses that imply that God chooses who will be saved way before the world was even created.  In that view, those who never hear of Jesus are those who God has not chosen for salvation. Those who believe this say that the "all" in the verses that say that Jesus died for everyone, actually mean that He died for the "elect" that God chose to be saved before the world was created.  The Bible teaches that we are evil by nature and cannot "seek God" unless we are being called by Him to salvation.   I don't know what to think about Calvanism, but I know that God is the ONLY One who can open a person's heart to believe-they are totally unable to do it on their own.
    
      My roommate was not looking for God at all-she just walked in church because a cute guy invited her-and God saved her that day.  So in that sense, God chose her for salvation.
    
    On the other hand, the view of Universalism is totally wrong.  There are those who believe that even atheists or people of other religions are going to Heaven, based on being good.  But the Bible says that our "good deeds" are like filthy rags to God.  The Bible teaches that there is NO forgiveness without the atonement of blood.....therefore, a sacrifice must be made.  But the blood of animals does not take away sins-so God allowed His Son Jesus Christ to be the atonement for us-the perfect sacrifice that takes away ALL of our sins forever!  Hallelujah!!!!       So we must put our faith in Him, and what He did for us, rather than our own good works, because that won't cut it on Judgment Day, when we will be judged for every single thing we have ever said, done, or thought.
    
    Only those who put their full faith in Jesus Christ will go to Heaven.

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    jstfishinmanposted 10 years ago

    Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our only way to heaven.
    Will God make allowances for those that don't know the difference between right and wrong. I believe that God in His mercy will look on these people and children as not reaching the age of accountability, just my opinion.
    Being good doesn't get you into heaven, we need Jesus Christ as our perfect advocate before God, The Father.
    All have sinned and fall short of God's perfect Glory. That verse tells us, We aren't good enough.
    God, even in The Old Testament, chose Israel over every other nation. Christianity, following Christ, is chosen in the New Testament, but this has been prophesied for centuries before Jesus birth. Christianity, in the 1st century was not separate from Judaism but was looked at as another Jewish Sect.
    Following Christ, doesn't let us compare ourselves to others, we are forced to compare ourselves to a perfect Jesus Christ. None of us can stand up to that criteria.

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    Norine Williamsposted 9 years ago

    There will not be an "African tribe" that has never heard of Jesus before His return according to Scripture.  Matthew 24:14 says, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in ALL the WORLD for a witness unto all nations; and THEN shall the end come." 
    
    Our "personal beliefs" does not play a role when it comes to the Word of God!  The Scriptures say that "we must be born again!"  We must accept the Lord as our personal Savior, repent, be baptized and live according to His Word! 
    
    So in response to  your question, Yes, only Christians who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior can go to heaven, according to what's in the Word of God!
    
    Read II Timothy 2:15!

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    Kobby95posted 2 weeks ago

    For those Christians who are misled into thinking they are the only ones deserving of heaven, I would recommend you study two of Jesus' parables - the Parable of the Talents and the Parable of Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:14-46 for both) and decide if the way to heaven is barred to all but your good selves.

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    ro-jo-yoposted 2 weeks ago

    What actually do you mean by "accept Jesus". Give your soul to him?????? Before anyone does that, where in the bible does it say that we are to give our soul away? And secondly, who is Jesus? Was not the Messiah of Hebrew descent, his true name is Yehowshuwa. Check it out yourselves.

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