fatuma:
You know I always wanted to know, that is God died for your sins does that mean that there is no more sins on earth? Or is it that when you believe that God died for your sins, then all of your sins are forgiven? And does this mean that He only died for the sins of thoes who believe in Him? Beacuse I’m thinking if God died for mankinds sins, then that means there are no more sins, no need for Hell and everyone goes to heaven.
wa salam
Obviously there are still sins on earth, we witness them everyday. The Bible says that Jesus died “once for all,” and that He came for the salvation of “many.”
The sacrifice of the cross was sufficient for all, but will actually only save “many.” The sacrifice of the cross also requires a conversion of heart and a willingness to follow God (i.e. works.) Basically, every human being COULD be saved by the sacrifice, but not every human WILL be, based on their own free will.
As for whether or not the sacrifice is for those who believe, the Church teaches that there are three forms of Baptism. Baptism by water (normal means), by blood (martyrdom for Christ or others), and by desire.
The Church teaches that baptism by desire is when one has no contact with Christ or Christianity, but still attempts to live rightly according the natural law written on their hearts (conscience.) The thief on the cross is a prime example of baptism by desire.
However, to be safe, I would say stick with belief in Christ and follow the auspices of the Church He started. That is a means He instituted for our salvation, and therefore probably the only fool proof means of attaining salvation.
Also, I don’t know if you are familiar with the book of Leviticus and the sacrifices Israel made for atonement (or even when Abraham was to offer up his son, but God gave him a ram instead), but all of those are precursors to Christ; the unblemished male Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.