But the Question is: Do Most Christians Go to Hell?

[contramundum7]

“Christians of any sort” think they are ok by baring a tittle or by being baptized, but only those who desire God will find Him. It’s all or nothing, there is no in between. So if billions of people choose seperation from God, then that is their choice, sadly

Very beautifully said!]

But to the one who truly wants the Lord, submits to Him, and regardless of their sin, WANT to live by His law, and cast off sin, as they know it displeases Him, their bridegroom, then they will be saved. If we seek Him, seek Truth, we will find Him. Praise God almighty!!

Again, very well said! Thank you. It ***IS *** all or nothing… God wants us to love Him with - so to say - every cell in our bodies…

I hate to say it, but i am not so sure many people do that. And if we can trust what many of the saints tell us, not many do…

Many people seem to have half their soul “with God” and half rejecting Him… I have been guilty of this kind of thing myself so i know what i am talking about… It’s difficult saying NO to the world, the flesh and the devil, but we must do it… in order to get what we really want anyway, what we want more than all that worthless garbage those 3 aforementioned “gods” can offer… Heaven.
Please pray for the souls of all people…

 

[wcknight]

Yes, it is depressing to think that many may not make it to either Heaven or Purgatory. But we must always have faith and hope in the Lord. Some things may seem impossible but with God all things are possible. I can only hope and pray that all my friends and loved ones will make it home safely. It is in the hands of the Lord and I trust in His infinite mercy and kindness to make this happen.

But rather than dwell and dispair about anyone not making it, I choose to hope, pray and trust in the goodness of the Lord. They are always in my prayers. And like the widow asking the corrupt judge constantly, I know my prayers will be answered.

Our Lady tells us that folks who end up in Hell are those who have no one to pray for them. And some folks are in Purgatory and not Hell solely because someone holy did pray for them.

 

[contramundum7]

Our Lady tells us that folks who end up in Hell are those who have no one to pray for them. And some folks are in Purgatory and not Hell solely because someone holy did pray for them.

I wonder if you mean that people who are prayed for by someone before death are more likely to repent and thereby escape Hell? I mean, a person can be prayed for by thousands of people but if the person doesn’t repent, well… you know the rest…

This shows the power of prayer…

 

[distracted]

Those who are dammed will be those who DO NOT want God, or desire to live by His ways. Those who go to heaven will be those who TRULY want Him, love Him, and seek Him.

If one seeks the Truth he will find it.

a big to that!

 

[distracted]

Really, this is none of your business (whether or not people go to Hell). It’s God’s business. Instead, take advantage of the graces he pours out through the confessional.

In other words “Am i my brother’s keeper?”

 

[distracted]

And we will get into Heaven if we love Him, truly want Him, want to be rid of these HORRID HORRID sins that bind us!

Amen.

I don’t think of myself as “getting into Heaven, oh what a wonderful beautiful place,” I think of Heaven as being with my Lord. I just want to be with Him. I love Him, and all who seek SHALL find.

Big amen

It seems that MOST of the world does not want Him though, and that’s why the path is narrow.

True… and God doesn’t send people to Hell - or allow them to go there (i should say) when they don’t have a clue how to get to Him… He judges according to “all things considered”… “To whom more is given, more is required.”

Oh boy, If Jesus my Saviour ever said He didn’t know me, and cast me away, I would break down in tears, feeling like I just got dumped from my spouse whom I loved, I hope and pray that never happens.

From the sounds of your posts, i doubt you have to worry to much… but then again, who am i to say one way or the other (?) seeing as how i don’t know you or anyone else (including myself) more than God does… except that “You will know them by their fruits.” (?)

I know I’m a sinner, and need His help, still very much. In fact I have to go to confession this week, but I pray He will carry me, or take my hand and help me, always until I meet Him and am clean for Him.

Trust in (and immerse yourself in) His Mercy, as St. Faustina tells us. When i sin, even if it is something most people don’t think is a big sin (or a sin at all) i immediately tell Jesus / God I am sorry, but not only that, i begin to talk to Him/them about why i was weak in that area…(etc). I have this bad habit of swearing when someone does something in traffic that is “stupid”… In fact, whenever something startles or frightens me, i swear. I don’t mean to, i don’t want to… it sounds awful when i think of what i have said… but i can’t seem to help it. Is God going to send me to eternal Hell for having a bad habit i can’t seem to break (therefore, have no intention to sin)? No, but He might (key word: Might) if i just tell myself its no big deal, He will have mercy on such a “small thing” and go about my business as though nothing happened. Fortunately, no one is ever with me while driving so rarely does anyone hears this swearing… just me (and the Lord) … i have asked the Lord to take this habit from me. I always remember St. Matthew 18:23… The servant begged for forgiveness and asked - not for mercy - but for time to pay the debt…(Purgatory). God went way beyond what the servant asked for and FORGAVE the entire debt!! That is the awesome love of God… (although in that case, the servant in turn refused to forgive his fellow servant, so the debt came back, as it were ). I also talk to Him about these kinds of sins/weaknesses… and am sincere in wanting to get rid of them. Again, as one saint (and i am sure more than one) said that God has mercy on those who fear Him… Realizing we need to work on ourselves - and doing so - is basically what is meant by fearing Him… He doesn’t take sin lightly and neither should we…

 

[distracted]

.

Our Lady tells us that folks who end up in Hell are those who have no one to pray for them. And some folks are in Purgatory and not Hell solely because someone holy did pray for them.

This Post seems to be an answer to prayer. Two people i love have died in the last several months. I prayedfor both of them - one Catholic, one not. I had a dream about the Protestant one a few days before i found out she had passed on… In the dream she was healthy and walking around, not in bliss and not in the torment I’ve heard about that is Hell. I took that as a sign that she was in Purgatory, but wanted to know for sure. I got to thinking about how much anger and bitterness this person had in her heart and was wondering all the more if she ever gave that up and at least made it to Purgatory. I wondered if Jesus would do for me what He did for St. Faustina - I believe she prayed that someone wouldn’t be lost and Jesus obliged her… out of love for her… Anyway, I was wondering if God would do that kind of thing for me… and was wanting a sign. Your post seems to be that sign… (the part about what Mary said…). I would certainly like to think so.

 

[distracted]

A wise priest once told someone who didn’t believe in Hell that in order to avoid Hell, you must believe in it…

and if you believe in Hell, why would you want to stop warning people about it, even if they hate you for doing so???

 

[distracted]

It’s really very simple: You serve Satan in this life, you get to go be with him in the next.

 

[The_Catholic]

It’s really very simple: You serve Satan in this life, you get to go be with him in the next.

No this is something I really don’t understand, maybe it’s off topic. But why is it Satan and other demons or fallen angels are said to be or will be hurting those in hell? Is not the fallen going to suffer as well??

 

[The_Catholic]

Very beautifully said!]

Again, very well said! Thank you. It ***IS ***all or nothing… God wants us to love Him with - so to say - every cell in our bodies…

I hate to say it, but i am not so sure many people do that. And if we can trust what many of the saints tell us, not many do…

Many people seem to have half their soul “with God” and half rejecting Him… I have been guilty of this kind of thing myself so i know what i am talking about… It’s difficult saying NO to the world, the flesh and the devil, but we must do it… in order to get what we really want anyway, what we want more than all that worthless garbage those 3 aforementioned “gods” can offer… Heaven.
Please pray for the souls of all people…

It’s because many people perhaps just don’t “feel” His grace. I mean . . . this is GOD we are talking about, THE LORD of EVERYTHING! Who would not want to follow a Being like this?? He’s more beautiful than any woman, more handsome than any man, and more loving and just and powerful than ANY being, He’s God!

But it’s hard by nature cause of our sin, we really need His grace to draw us.

 

[The_Catholic]

Amen.
Big amen True… and God doesn’t send people to Hell - or allow them to go there (i should say) when they don’t have a clue how to get to Him… He judges according to “all things considered”… “To whom more is given, more is required.”
From the sounds of your posts, i doubt you have to worry to much… but then again, who am i to say one way or the other (?) seeing as how i don’t know you or anyone else (including myself) more than God does… except that “You will know them by their fruits.” (?)
Trust in (and immerse yourself in) His Mercy, as St. Faustina tells us. When i sin, even if it is something most people don’t think is a big sin (or a sin at all) i immediately tell Jesus / God I am sorry, but not only that, i begin to talk to Him/them about why i was weak in that area…(etc). I have this bad habit of swearing when someone does something in traffic that is “stupid”… In fact, whenever something startles or frightens me, i swear. I don’t mean to, i don’t want to… it sounds awful when i think of what i have said… but i can’t seem to help it. Is God going to send me to eternal Hell for having a bad habit i can’t seem to break (therefore, have no intention to sin)? No, but He might (key word: Might) if i just tell myself its no big deal, He will have mercy on such a “small thing” and go about my business as though nothing happened. Fortunately, no one is ever with me while driving so rarely does anyone hears this swearing… just me (and the Lord) … i have asked the Lord to take this habit from me. I always remember St. Matthew 18:23… The servant begged for forgiveness and asked - not for mercy - but for time to pay the debt…(Purgatory). God went way beyond what the servant asked for and FORGAVE the entire debt!! That is the awesome love of God… (although in that case, the servant in turn refused to forgive his fellow servant, so the debt came back, as it were ). I also talk to Him about these kinds of sins/weaknesses… and am sincere in wanting to get rid of them. Again, as one saint (and i am sure more than one) said that God has mercy on those who fear Him… Realizing we need to work on ourselves - and doing so - is basically what is meant by fearing Him… He doesn’t take sin lightly and neither should we…

I know my sin offends my Lord, I need much more of His grace. I do not want my mortal life, I do not desire this world. It brings nothing but depression, something I already have, as well as OCD which really distracts me big time, and frustrates like a hell.

I used to be so different, 10 years ago I lived by my own rules, my own way, nothing told me what to do, I would have laughed at all of you, and mocked you. But then He came into my life, brought me to my knees and broke me. I submitted. I still can’t believe it, I can’t believe what I have become, His bride, as all of us are. And I’m more happier than ever because of that. I don’t want to live without Him. And I hope he has a purpose for me in this life. Something I can do for Him. What I ask is to make me holier so that I may please Him all the more. I still have darkness within me, and it’s sad. But His mecry abides over all. Praise Him.

 

[St_Gabriel]

In other words “Am i my brother’s keeper?”

Too funny. I am sorry distracted, I wasn’t very clear on that. Let me clarify. My point was, we shouldn’t be looking at the numbers of folks who make it into heaven or hell. That’s really not going to help anyone or build the church. In fact, I don’t believe that God keeps a tally but if he did, do you think that he entrusted that record keeping for us?

We should be concerned about others and do what we can to help them on their spiritual journey. Frightening the wits out of them, I don’t think is the best method. It can be counter-productive.

 

[wcknight]

I wonder if you mean that people who are prayed for by someone before death are more likely to repent and thereby escape Hell? I mean, a person can be prayed for by thousands of people but if the person doesn’t repent, well… you know the rest…

This shows the power of prayer…

I think it was St Catherine Labore who told the story about the mother who prayed constantly for her son because he was leading a sinful life.

When he died from falling off his horse, St. Catherine told the mother that her son was saved because of her prayers at the last instant. From the time it took for him to fall off his horse to the instant he hit his head, he had repented.

Many of the saints tell us to pray constantly for the conversion of souls, and even though we may not see outward signs of repentance, at the last instance before death they may come to see the Light. This is why we can never tell who actually gets to Heaven, or Purgatory or Hell. Folks may lead miserable lives, but maybe by some miracle they turn it around at the last moment,

BUT we should not fool ourselves, no one should ever assume that they can lead a wicked life and then on their death bed proclaim that they are suddenly sorry for all their evil. God knows what’s in our hearts and he can not be fooled.

 

[wcknight]

I know my sin offends my Lord, I need much more of His grace. I do not want my mortal life, I do not desire this world. It brings nothing but depression, something I already have, as well as OCD which really distracts me big time, and frustrates like a hell.

I used to be so different, 10 years ago I lived by my own rules, my own way, nothing told me what to do, I would have laughed at all of you, and mocked you. But then He came into my life, brought me to my knees and broke me. I submitted. I still can’t believe it, I can’t believe what I have become, His bride, as all of us are. And I’m more happier than ever because of that. I don’t want to live without Him. And I hope he has a purpose for me in this life. Something I can do for Him. What I ask is to make me holier so that I may please Him all the more. I still have darkness within me, and it’s sad. But His mecry abides over all. Praise Him.

Reject this world and its temptations but remember and appreciate that God made this wonderful world and everything in it.

He wants us to be joyful and appreciate this life that He gave us. I marvel at the vastness and wonder of His handiwork, and I thank Him endlessly for all His blessings, especially my loved ones and friends. IF suffering and hardship are your lot in life, please offer them up to the souls in Purgatory and for sinners, or for you own sins. Far better to suffer Purgatory in this life than in the next.

I forget which saint said, “God save us from grumpy old nuns”, or something like that.

Depression is a serious illness and needs professional help. We can not always be cheerful and carefree but it helps to keep things in perspective. I know it may be difficult or sometimes impossible to keep a positive attitude, but IF we let God handle things we are much better off.

At my most stressful times, I do whatever I can and then I just say to God, I can’t handle this, please help me with this and whatever happens is Your will. I can’t remember any occasion when things did not turn out for the best. I hope this helps.

 

[He_Man]

Let me do this the hard way and spell out what few means.

Few does not mean majority.

Since the scriptures say that it is God’s wish that All be saved but some reject Him we can infer that Jesus is talking about everyone.

If there are 6 billion people in the world today then at least the majority of them will go to Hell because few must mean less than a majority.

So we know for sure that at least 3 billion people currently alive will go to Hell!

It is safe to guess that few probably means much less than 3 billion people but how much less we do not know.

If few were to mean 1 in 10 people then there would be 600 million people today currently living who would be saved and 5.4 billion people currently living who would go to Hell!

So few could still be Millions of people going to Heaven while at the same time billions of people would go to Hell!

And these are just the numbers of those currently living and don’t include all those who have ever lived since Adam and Eve.

But just for argument sake say that it is 1 out of 10. There are currently 1 billion Catholics worldwide but only 600 million people world wide would be saved of the currently living if it were 1 out of 10.

So potentially 400million Catholics currently living might go to Hell–actually more than that since a small number of non Catholics will also not go to Hell.

Bottom line: Over 400 million Catholics might go to Hell if 1 out of 10 people currently living are saved!

Now of course maybe few means more than 1 out of 10 but even if it meant 2 out of 10 you might still have 200 million Catholics who might go to Hell!

Bottom line: Quit listening to all the Universalists who believe everyone goes to heaven and sees grand mother and grand daddy and “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” as St. Paul says!

P.S. And none of this even considers the question of how many people go straight to heaven and how many people go to Purgatory where saints say people endure greater pain there than any ever found on Earth!

Anyone who does not fear God is Crazy!

That is one sweet post. Air-tight math too. I was thinking over the logic behind “few” and was thinking “by definition, that HAS to be less than 50%”, and then you posted this. Classic.

Regardless of the actual numbers (I only ponder because I am an engineer and like the numbers game), many posters have remarked that it is dangerous to dwell on or worry about Hell. But what is more dangerous, both for Catholics and non-Catholics, dwelling on hell’s existence, or living their lives disbelieving (or pretending) it doesn’t exist?

Fr. Corapi has commented on this numerous times as a major probelm, even among the Priesthood. I have a few Catholic friends who despite 13 years of Catholic education, claim Hell is made up. I think a dose of the reality of well would do them more good than ignoring it. Their ignorance could cost them their soul, which is not something I want to be responsible for.

 

[blessedstar]

This thread, and its lack of faith in God’s mercy, is in danger of falling into the heresy of the Jansenists.

Look this up and you will see why I say that.

In the Living Prayer of my life

 

[He_Man]

Accepting God’s mercy and acknowledging Hell’s existence are not mutally exclusive, as evidenced by many Saints who did both.

 

[blessedstar]

Accepting God’s mercy and acknowledging Hell’s existence are not mutally exclusive, as evidenced by many Saints who did both.

Read the thoughts that have been posted in this thread and then go and read the heresy I have told you about .

In the Living Prayer of my life

 

[He_Man]

Read the thoughts that have been posted in this thread and then go and read the heresy I have told you about .

In the Living Prayer of my life

I did, and am familiar the with Jasenists. How is that even close to the same thing? You are talking about a pseudo-cult who obsessed with predestination, human sinfulness, and despair.

Some people on CA are merely saying, “Hell is real, you don’t want to be there. Some people probably are, but we have no way of knowing.”

That is quite a leap to label us with the Jasenists. Was the Holy Father being a heretic ealrier this year when he warned people that Hell is a real place that souls can end up?