It seems like a loophole in Christianity that you can just show up at the end of your life and still go to heaven. If this is the case, why does anybody at all go to Church prior to that time? Why not just "show up" for God at the end of your life?

Hey Harley, normally I give +3 to anybody who answers my questions, but you didn't answer, so sorry. : ( It's obvious that anyone who is on a question and answer site asking questions lacks knowledge...you're more than welcome to give a serious answer if you like....one where you aren't joking or something....

• Report

by ThePrognosticAgnostic on November 3rd, 2008

Given the way your question was phrased, there was no way to know what you were asking. For example, what does the phrase, "you can just show up at the end of your life and still go to heaven" mean? Specifically what does "show up" mean?

• Report

by CaptainHarley adores his life penguin on November 4th, 2008

I was under the assumption that everyone in American society knows that if you repent you get in. So, that's what I meant. Show up, repent, and then you are on his team and going to heaven, is how they put it at one church I went to.

• Report

by ThePrognosticAgnostic on November 5th, 2008

I apologize if I confused you.

• Report

by ThePrognosticAgnostic on November 5th, 2008

Ah. Not all Christians agree with that rather peculiar theological position. Truely being repentant means turning from one's previous behavior with abhorrence for it, not just mouthing some innane words to the effect that you repent just before you die. "God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap."

• Report

by CaptainHarley adores his life penguin on November 5th, 2008

I'm not entirely sure what the difference would be. We're all sorry about the people we've hurt, I think, unless you have no conscience, which might classify as an illness, so it seems easy to repent about your sins. Sorry God, wish I could've done better. I could be sincere about that and wanting to go to heaven, even if I wasn't sure it was a real place.

• Report

by ThePrognosticAgnostic on November 5th, 2008

I think this would apply to most people I know...they just might not have the ability to repent of ALL the things some churches say they should repent about....or am I not understangind this "other" theological position?

• Report

by ThePrognosticAgnostic on November 5th, 2008

If not...you're welcome to clarify, and I gave you points for clarifying you're earlier position, though I had already given you one on accident so it only amounted to a couple...

• Report

by ThePrognosticAgnostic on November 5th, 2008

God is presented as being able to effectuate perfect justice. If we, as we claim, trust God, then we have to trust that he will judge all fairly. The Bible indicates that God will "call" us to repentance, and that part of this process involves his bringing to our remembrance all the things we have done for which he expects us to ask forgiveness. This really happens, and I can personally attest to it.

• Report

by CaptainHarley adores his life penguin on November 5th, 2008

So what if we we do not have that, does that mean in this theology that we aren't called? This is strange and new to me...

• Report

by ThePrognosticAgnostic on November 5th, 2008

Thanks philosopher, though I bet "most" of us could all start going around age 60 and still be all right. : ) TY, +3 for you my friend. It seems like a loophole to me because I think sin is kind of fun, and maybe you could get both that way....fun and heaven. It's kind of tongue in cheek though.

• Report

by ThePrognosticAgnostic on November 3rd, 2008

Yes, it's 'funny' how one might usually 'step up' their prayers later in life! And how "loopholes" are indeed useful!
-
But with your AB username, you shouldn't have too much of a problem in this regard, no?!
;-)

• Report

by philosopher-saint on November 3rd, 2008

NO UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE, you need to read it more. There is no loophole. If you read it you would find that we are made more Christ like as we grow. We grow in faith, thus stepping up prayer.

• Report

by Johnny on November 3rd, 2008

Also when you die you aren't judged right then anyways, the judgment comes after the return of Christ.

• Report

by Johnny on November 3rd, 2008

TY Anon, good answer. : ) +3

• Report

by ThePrognosticAgnostic on November 3rd, 2008

That may be the case for many who are there, but what would you say to someone who might do that, just to cover his bases?? TY, btw, +3.

• Report

by ThePrognosticAgnostic on November 2nd, 2008

I went to Catholic school and did do that, because I was just a brainwashed kid, so I know what you mean!

• Report

by jas on November 2nd, 2008

It might be a gamble, but if most people took that approach, seems like oh about 85% of us could sin all of our lives, and just show up and go to heaven with the rest of y'all. That would be appealing to many of us, because many of us find sin fun. As far as betting goes, its actually a pretty safe bet. What advantages are there to going earlier, I wonder, other than the low probability that we might not get this chance?? (This isn't my plan btw, just asking for fun.) +++

• Report

by ThePrognosticAgnostic on November 2nd, 2008

The thing many don't realize is that the joys of the world do, in fact, pale to the joys that are to be found in Him. Also, those that do that have a good chance of having no rewards in heaven. The life to be lived is to serve Him, lead others to Him, and earn crowns to set at His feet. It is not a safe bet. Many die before they get a chance to get old. Telling others to do this is sending them to hell for they think it is a done deal. That is WRONG. I KNOW what the world offers and how fun it is, to an extent. I just love channeling Him and having peace.

• Report

by Dmitri on November 2nd, 2008

Good Avid, I was trying to get someone to focus on how Christianity can make you happier in THIS life, and you finally did it. "The joys of the world do in fact pale to the joys that are to be found in Him."

• Report

by ThePrognosticAgnostic on November 2nd, 2008

Now if only somebody I meet could convince me that the life a Christian leads in this life will lead to happiness larger than the happiness I already enjoy, (and I am happy), then I would have come a long way towards what you folks might like to call "conversion". Kudos. Unfortunately, I haven't found that to be generally the case, that Christians are happier than I am...

• Report

by ThePrognosticAgnostic on November 2nd, 2008

Well, you got me. (grins) Many say that they are Christian. You cannot take them at their word. Actions speak louder than words. Here is my personal walk with Him. I value His influence in my life so much that I traded my pride and even some of my confidence for more vulnerability and sensitivity to Him, for He is THAT wonderful. More vulnerability/sensitivity/humility means more joy. Pride begets a fall, and joy is pure and nothing evil comes of it. With joy, I am given wisdom and peace. I love Him.

• Report

by Dmitri on November 2nd, 2008

Thanks MrSublime, plus three for you. ; )

• Report

by ThePrognosticAgnostic on November 2nd, 2008

Thanks.:)

• Report

by jin jang on November 2nd, 2008