Do you fear that you may go to Hell?

[rcwitness]

It does, but look at the verse; they are relying on their own works to save them. They don’t point to what He has done (hence, they are boasting in self, not in Him). “Look what WE have done in your name…” notice it is not “You, LORD, have done great things, have mercy on me, a sinner, I love Thee and trust Thee oh LORD.”

I agree. These were works of believers who prefered their own way to please God. They did not do the works of God, because their belief was not in humble search for God’s will.

But dont confuse that with not needing to do God’s work in our life in order to attain eternal life. Those who Jesus will turn away because He did not know them, did NOT do works in accordance to their repent heart.

If we truly trust in Jesus, He will be able to work in and through us! Are those good works He does in us a cause of our salvation? Id say yes and no. Yes because it is a work of Him whom God sent to bring us into His own glory, and nothing for us to boast about. No, because we dont offer anything of ourselves which merited His will to bring man into His own glory.

In this way, I dont think that faith itself can be considered a cause of our salvation any more than works which accompany true faith.

 

[Kliska]

I agree. These were works of believers who prefered their own way to please God. They did not do the works of God, because their belief was not in humble search for God’s will.

But dont confuse that with not needing to do God’s work in our life in order to attain eternal life. Those who Jesus will turn away because He did not know them, did NOT do works in accordance to their repent heart.

If we truly trust in Jesus, He will be able to work in and through us! Are those good works He does in us a cause of our salvation? Id say yes and no. Yes because it is a work of Him whom God sent to bring us into His own glory, and nothing for us to boast about. No, because we dont offer anything of ourselves which merited His will to bring man into His own glory.

In this way, I dont think that faith itself can be considered a cause of our salvation any more than works which accompany true faith.

I would go further and say that faith itself cannot save us. We need Jesus to save us, and God’s grace. It is something I do believe Christians from different backgrounds can agree on. (Unfortunately not all, as some almost worship faith as an idol.)

For the works side, there must be an equal understanding that it is the fruit of the Spirit not our own fruit that undergirds and produces good work, for the only good can come from God. Our “job” is to yield to the Spirit, as such it can be said (unlike some profess) that we still have will, and the question is will we throw our will behind God’s or the world’s. From my perspective, then, good works spring from the fact that we were saved, are saved, and are being saved, they don’t produce our salvation, but rather flow from it, in a sense. Those that boast of their own works miss the point, and don’t show a love of God, for if they loved God, He would know them.

 

[Peebo]

Faith without works is dead…James 2:14…if you believe then you will do the works that Jesus commanded you to do…that is what belief means…otherwise faith is meaningless

 

[ahsokanerd]

At some level, yes. I’m a teenager right now in a Protestant household, though I have every intention of becoming Catholic ASAP. But why do I fear that I may go to hell? Well, I haven’t been baptized yet, though I will be on Holy Saturday at my parent’s Baptist parish. So … maybe that counts as baptism of intent. Yet there’s a risk it won’t.

 

[Kliska]

At some level, yes. I’m a teenager right now in a Protestant household, though I have every intention of becoming Catholic ASAP. But why do I fear that I may go to hell? Well, I haven’t been baptized yet, though I will be on Holy Saturday at my parent’s Baptist parish. So … maybe that counts as baptism of intent. Yet there’s a risk it won’t.

I’m a protestant, but I believe that a valid baptism is a valid baptism in the eyes of the Catholic Church. Also, your desire and intention would be honored as well if something should happen to you prior to baptism. And (my brother/sisters in the Catholic Church will correct me if I’m wrong), after baptism since you are restricted from joining the RCC by your parents (I’m assuming), you could make a perfect act of contrition with the idea you would confess as soon as you are able.

 

[ahsokanerd]

I’m a protestant, but I believe that a valid baptism is a valid baptism in the eyes of the Catholic Church. Also, your desire and intention would be honored as well if something should happen to you prior to baptism. And (my brother/sisters in the Catholic Church will correct me if I’m wrong), after baptism since you are restricted from joining the RCC by your parents (I’m assuming), you could make a perfect act of contrition with the idea you would confess as soon as you are able.

I believe you are correct.

 

[rcwitness]

1 John 4

17 In this is love perfected with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and he who fears is not perfected in love. 19 We love, because he first loved us. 20 If any one says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot** love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also.

There is a “fear” that is healthy, when meaning a respect or reverence for. We can and should fear God in this way. But there is a dangerous “fear” of God’s judgment of us which is the result of not being in a state of grace, and knowing it.

A healthy fear is from knowing our sinfulness before God. Love is what compels us to conversion and doing what God desires of us. There is peace and comfort in knowing we are right with God. God gives confidents to those who are humble and believe in His Son. It is not humble to presume we can never be lured into condemnation by the devil. But we can pray for and have confidence that we will turn from any sin we commit. And more importantly, we can know for sure that as long as we are in this world, Jesus is searching out our faults and delivering us from every evil, no matter how complicated things may seem.**

 

[Isaiah45_9]

It does, but look at the verse; they are relying on their own works to save them. They don’t point to what He has done (hence, they are boasting in self, not in Him). “Look what WE have done in your name…” notice it is not “You, LORD, have done great things, have mercy on me, a sinner, I love Thee and trust Thee oh LORD.”

ETA; this verse is an accompanying verse that also offers a further insight into the Matthew quote; 1 Corinthians 8: 2 If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; 3 but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.

It really is pointless to argue this subject…

Each and every person will claim that I follow Jesus. And yet it seems that Jesus can’t get His sheep to go in the same direction. “My sheep know my voice”, Not my voices.

In the end, whoever doesn’t hold to OSAS ends up looking like a bad person…

 

[Porknpie]

Me… as St. Paul: I have hopeful confidence but not false assurance in my salvation.

I sleep well at night, having no knowledge of anything against me (that I am not in a state of mortal sin and believe that my soul has sanctifying grace).

This too is very Pauline, this examination of conscious.

1 Cor 4
I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.

 

[Kliska]

It really is pointless to argue this subject…

Each and every person will claim that I follow Jesus. And yet it seems that Jesus can’t get His sheep to go in the same direction. “My sheep know my voice”, Not my voices.

In the end, whoever doesn’t hold to OSAS ends up looking like a bad person…

I don’t feel as though “arguing” is the word that fits, if we can’t figure out how to comfort one another accurately (not with false comfort, as that does harm), then what is the good of the gospel, which is really good news? Love actually connects all the various points together; God’s love for us, our love for God, and our love for each other. We can’t fake love. If we love neither God or neighbor, perhaps we should be worried. My point for posting what I did was to show that God does indeed know those that love Him… if He says I never knew you, that, then must mean they never loved Him.

It’s incredibly deep stuff, and iron sharpens iron.

 

[Reuben_J]

I’m interested in opinions from all Religions.

Do you ever think that you may not make it to Heaven based on the tenants of your Religion, or are you sure that you will go to Heaven?

Frankly speaking, at this point in time, I know that I will not go to hell, though I am scared sometimes that I may not do enough to get heaven. Realistically, my objective is purgatory - spend sometimes in purgatory and then to heaven.

My reason for this confidence stems from my belief that first of all, as a Catholic, I am in the right Church. I have no doubt whatsoever about the truth of my Church. Secondly, the grace of the Sacrament of Confession: it is like a medicine, an immediate cure for hell sickness. Thus I am not afraid of sin as long as I can go for confession.

The only way that I would go to hell is if I die with unrepented mortal sin. Fortunately, I am not in a situation of life where I could commit mortal sin habitually. Probably what would be against me are perhaps the sins of omission, which are largely due to laziness.

This is not to make personal boast, and if I seem to do so, it is more of boasting about the love, generosity and the mercy of Jesus Christ, my Lord and savior. My prayer is that, I continue to persevere, and God forbids, try not to make big mistake and always aware not to fall away from my faith. Fortunately I have the support of the Church and the people of the Church to live out my present life-style.

 

[SteveVH]

I’m a protestant, but I believe that a valid baptism is a valid baptism in the eyes of the Catholic Church. Also, your desire and intention would be honored as well if something should happen to you prior to baptism. And (my brother/sisters in the Catholic Church will correct me if I’m wrong), after baptism since you are restricted from joining the RCC by your parents (I’m assuming), you could make a perfect act of contrition with the idea you would confess as soon as you are able.

Kilska, you should be made aware that making a “perfect act of contrition” is not really attainable for most of us. It entails a level of awareness of the offensiveness of our sins that most of us just do not have, in addition to a corresponding level of sorrow for those sins. While it is certainly possible, it is not very common, and something upon which we should not rely. In my own life, I think I have experienced this only once. It actually happened just several days after I had made one of the best confessions of my life. I sinned, though I had just experienced God’s incredible mercy a couple of days before, and it brought me to tears, the true, sobbing sort of tears. Even then, I am not sure I had “perfect” contrition and confessed that sin the following Saturday.

Peace.

Steve

 

[eddie_too]

if you do not fear going to hell, you should. there is no greater tragedy than eternal separation from God.

of course, as many have said, love casts out fear. those who spend most of their time loving God and others seldom have time to entertain any fears.

fear of hell is quite similar to fear of turning away from God. consequently, every time we sin (we turn away from God), we should seek reconciliation with our Lord in fear and trembling. but, as pope francis is intent on teaching all of us, God never tires of forgiving – that should help to alleviate the real and justified fear that should accompany our repentance.

 

[spedteacherita]

we should seek reconciliation with our Lord in fear and trembling. but, as Pope Francis is intent on teaching all of us, God never tires of forgiving – that should help to alleviate the real and justified fear that should accompany our repentance.

That is the key in all of this - God never tires of forgiving - hence He sent Jesus to take our punishment. Not sure if this is Catholic or Lutheran but with all of that sin taken with Him and burdening Him on the cross, Jesus cried out ,“My God, my God!! Why have you forsaken Me??” I’ve heard it said at that point He has been separated from God because of our sins.

The fear we should have from God is more in the realm of unimaginable awe!! Eddie stated, “that we should seek reconciliation with our Lord in fear and trembling.” Of course! I am in ‘awe’ of what He has done for me, for us. Our reconciliation should be part of our being - always seeking His forgiveness and honestly confessing our sins and weaknesses. Being a Christian means being in a state of constant conversion -

It’s hard! But I believe that the Holy Spirit is my constant Companion as I trudge thru this dreary life - He persistenly directs me toward my final goal that Christ suffered for us…

I praise God for finding this site because, while I cannot agree with all Catholic teachings, I am constantly being challenged to understand and grow spiritually.

Thanks, all!!

God Bless

Rita

 

[Potato1237]

I think I would be lying if I said that I did not fear hell. But it is not based on my actions. My fear steams from the ability to intellectually falter. To put it more bluntly, I fear that my beliefs may be wrong and this would be my downfall. I pray that God is more merciful and forgiving than I think and will forgive me for my ignorance of Him. My sins, while great, I trust in his mercy and lean on His promise to forgive. Make sense?

My thoughts exactly.

 

[LutheranScholar]

I’m interested in opinions from all Religions.

Do you ever think that you may not make it to Heaven based on the tenants of your Religion, or are you sure that you will go to Heaven?

Jesus paid the price for me,
From the wages of sin that is death and Hell I am free.
By faith alone am I justified,
I worry not about in the fires of Hell being fried.
In the waters of Holy Baptism is the old Adam in me drowned,
In Christ Jesus alone may my salvation be found.
By God’s grace alone am I given the faith that my sins are forgiven,
In the Law and Gospel found in Scripture alone do I see myself being driven
From the lies and empty words of my own flesh, the world and the Devil drear,
Towards the bright lanes of Heaven being opened do I behold my Savior dear.
Every week He forgives my sins and invites me of His Body and Blood to partake,
By His Grace, never shall I His most Holy Word forsake.
A sinful being am I, quick to doubt and wonder if Jesus’ words apply to me,
Then the whispering lies of Satan are rebuked and in the Lord I find myself free.
In the Holy Christian Church are we all made one,
Under One beloved Head, Jesus Christ, God the Father’s only begotten Son.
The Church is our Ark under Heaven,
Where the Gospel is proclaimed and the Sacraments properly given,
The Lutheran Confessions are taught because they align with God’s Holy Word,
The Holy Spirit faith in our lives is fully spurred.

To answer the question, yeah, I believe the Lord’s word that I will go in and go out and find pasture, together with the Shepherd’s other sheep.

 

[ajcstr]

Frankly speaking, at this point in time, I know that I will not go to hell, though I am scared sometimes that I may not do enough to get heaven. Realistically, my objective is purgatory - spend sometimes in purgatory and then to heaven.

I did read your whole post, but hopefully you know there is no way you can “do enough to get into heaven”. Not saying by faith alone, but it is by Grace alone.

 

[ajcstr]

I do not fear going to hell.

Jesus has told us that who ever believes in him shall have eternal life. My faith is in Jesus, not in myself. Meaning, there is nothing I can do to ‘save’ myself. Jesus has already shed the blood that was needed for my forgiveness. We need to believe that and believe in Him. It’s called faith.

If interested, do a search with the words ‘believe in him’ on the likes of bible gateway. Many, many results will show that believing in Jesus gives you eternal life.

I realize that many on this forum don’t believe in this, which is sad.

There is nothing you can do to save yourself … True

What does it mean to believe? Steve Ray (catholic apologist) gave the best example I can think of. I’m paraphrasing for brevity, I may believe the tightrope walker can cross the canyon with a person across his back but if he asks for a volunteer…

Some other things to consider:

James says the demons also believe, but they are not saved.

Paul says the greatest between Faith, Hope and Love is Love.

Paul also says we are saved BY Grace THROUGH Faith FOR Good Works that we should walk in them.

When Jesus is asked directly “What must I do to be saved?” his response is “Sell all you have, give it to the poor and follow me”

So there are obviously components of Love, Charity, and Obedience that are also components of salvation.

 

[LatinRight]

There is nothing you can do to save yourself … True

What does it mean to believe? Steve Ray (catholic apologist) gave the best example I can think of. I’m paraphrasing for brevity, I may believe the tightrope walker can cross the canyon with a person across his back but if he asks for a volunteer…

Some other things to consider:

James says the demons also believe, but they are not saved.

Paul says the greatest between Faith, Hope and Love is Love.

Paul also says we are saved BY Grace THROUGH Faith FOR Good Works that we should walk in them.

When Jesus is asked directly “What must I do to be saved?” his response is “Sell all you have, give it to the poor and follow me”

So there are obviously components of Love, Charity, and Obedience that are also components of salvation.

I fear God but I don’t have fear that I may go to hell.

I doing my best to the GLORY OF GOD and my faith is IN CHRIST for my salvation.

Blessings Ajcstr,

JOINT DECLARATION ON THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION by the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church

3/17 Justification is SOLELY due to the forgiving and renewing mercy that God imparts as a gift and we RECEIVE IN FAITH, and NEVER CAN MERIT IT ANY WAY.

4/25 We confess together that sinners are justified by faith in the saving action of God in Christ. WHATEVER in the JUSTIFIED PRECEDES or FOLLOWS the free gift of faith is NEITHER THE BASIS of justification NOR MERITS it.

4/27.The Catholic understanding also sees faith as fundamental in justification. For without faith, no justification can take place. Thus justifying grace never becomes a human possession. While Catholic teaching emphasizes the renewal of life by justifying grace, this RENEVAL in FAITH, HOPE, LOVE is always dependent on God’s unfathomable grace and contributes NOTHING to JUSTIFICATION.

4/37 We confess together that good works - a Christian life lived in faith, hope and love - FOLLOW JUSTIFICATION and ARE ITS FRUITS. Emphasize mine.

HOW TO READ THE NEW TESTAMENT By Etienne Charpentier

Nihil obstate: Father Anton Cowan

Imprimatur: Monsignor John Crowley, VG Westminster, 28 May 1985

Quote: “There is ONE CENTRAL QUESTION here: how can we become RIGHTEOUS and be SAVED?

We NOT justified by what we do (works, observing law) but by FAITH IN CHRIST.

Salvation is NOT a matter of achieving but RECEIVING IT FREELY from God hands, in faith.” End quote. Emphasize mine.

Blessings

LatinRight

 

[alwayswill]

I don’t fear pitchforks and demons. I fear separation from God. But He gives us the answer to staying close to Him, so I have hope.

Isn’t God Omnipresent?
Or is it a belief that there are places in God’s creation where He does NOT exist?

Psalm 139:7–12
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where yshall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall blead me,and your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,”
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

To be separated from God for eternity is no great threat to the impenitent person. The ungodly want nothing more than to be separated from God. Their problem in hell will not be separation from God, it will be the presence of God that will torment them. In hell, God will be present in the fullness of His divine wrath. He will be there to exercise His just punishment of the damned. They will know Him as an all-consuming fire.
Those in Hell wish God was not there