What is heaven?

lealdragon
Mon, 15 Jan 2007 20:55:55 +0000

"…the punishment for sin is death (both literally, and figuratively - meaning Hell). However, if an innocent is sacrificed, he can take the punishment of that sin (like a scapegoat). That was the principal used for animal sacrifices in biblical times, which is how people before Jesus’ time could go to heaven, as long as they had faith in God. However, they were still separated from God, as they had to repeatedly offer up sacrifices to stay “pure”.

But God loved the world, and didn’t want this separation between himself and us. Not that we deserve this love, as sin is basically turning your back on God and his commands. But “God demonstrated His love for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Christ Jesus, God’s son, abolished the need for animal sacrifices. (Thus why he’s often referred to as the sacrificial lamb in the Bible.) Christians believe that He is perfect, and so when he died, his sacrifice took the punishment of all the sin in the world. It’s like what Aslan did for Edmund in the Chronicles of Narnia (pardon the reference, I just watched the movie), only Christ took the punishment for everyone in the world as the Ultimate Sacrifice.

Thus, though we don’t deserve it, we are given salvation and eternal life (meaning we go to heaven). All that’s necessary is that we as humans receive that gift. In other words, we must believe in what Christ did (Romans 10:9-10). Christians believe in that, and therefore Christ’s sacrifice atones for their sins and they are seen as perfect in God’s eyes. Non-Christians do not believe that, and thus are still imperfect and unable to go to Heaven.

I hope that made sense, and wasn’t too long…"

Actually, no offense to you for your beliefs, but no, it’s doesn’t make any sense at all. I cannot fathom why a Being capable of creating the universe would come up with such an illogical plan. And, be so callous and cruel to condemn most of his creation to eternal suffering. It sound elitist and…quite frankly, ridiculous. Think about it: A being who has existed for billions and billions of years would be bothered by a few hours of physical suffering? Not to demean in any way what Jesus endured - it WAS horrible - but it wasn’t really any worse than what many mere mortals have suffered. In fact, MANY humans have endured much worse suffering and for far longer lengths of time. Why would him suffering for a few hours and dying a martyr (again, something that has happened to MANY humans) be this magical thing that poof, makes all the people who believe it live forever in bliss?

It’s nuts. I think reincarnation is much more logical - EACH of us must GROW to perfection (over many lifetimes if necessary) and when we are ready, we experience blissful union with our Creator. It’s a much more merciful doctrine because it does not condemn people who weren’t smart enough or lucky enough to pick the ‘best’ religion. It allows for believe in a LOVING God, not a ‘god’ who spitefully casts aside those of his creation who were peaceful, loving Buddhists. Why anyone would want to spend eternity with such a god as is described by the old testament (which was written by HUMANS, I might add) is beyond me.

I much prefer to believe in a God who is just, merciful, and, most importantly, LOVING. Not one who is bigoted. Because, sorry, but it is the epitome of bigotry to cast out those who don’t choose to believe a certain way.

Sorry, no offense intended. I just cannot understand the Christian view. That’s why I no longer consider myself a Christian. (I have a strong spiritual faith, and I pray to God, but it is not bible-based.)