Sunday Prepper Bible Study-Do You Have to Believe in God to Go to Heaven?
Pope Francis was asked this question recently, and his answer has made many assume that it is not necessary. I found the language that he used to be rather ambiguous.
The Pope stated in a letter “You ask me if the God of the Christians forgives those who don’t believe and who don’t seek the faith. Given — and this is the fundamental thing — that God’s mercy has no limits, if He is approached with a sincere and repentant heart, the question for those who do not believe in God is to abide by their own conscience.”
I suppose, after pondering the answer, I would assume the same thing. While still a bit enigmatic, it sounds as if the Pope is preaching a gospel of “You’ll be OK as long as you abide by your own conscience.” Can we interpret that as meaning “just do whatever seems right in your own eyes.”?
I guess that works out pretty good if your moral compass is properly aligned, but it seems more and more people’s moral compasses are just a tad bit off magnetic north. What about the 9/11 hijackers who sacrificed their lives doing what they believed in? Were they not abiding by their own conscience? Is sincerity enough even if we are sincerely wrong?
What does the Bible say?
Perhaps we should dig into the Pope’s official handbook, The Bible. I am sure we will find the verses he used to come up with such a magnificent revelation.
OK, how’s this one? “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. Wow, that doesn’t sound anything like “You’ll be OK as long as you abide by your own conscience.” It actually sounds quite contradictory. It says everyone sinned, and everyone fell short. Isn’t falling short the exact opposite of being OK?
Well, let’s find a better verse to suite our new doctrine. Maybe Jesus himself can help us out a bit here. John 3:18 says “
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” That doesn’t help a bit. According to that verse, not only are we required to believe in God to get to heaven, we also have to believe in His Son. To get rid of any misunderstanding in the matter, Christ went on to specifically point out that unbelief guaranteed condemnation.
Could it be possible that since Christ had not yet ascended into Heaven, he wasn’t working with all the information? Lets see what he had to say after His ascension. Revelation 21:8 says “
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” I just can’t figure this out. Jesus specifically pointed out that unbelievers would have their place in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. He made no concession for the ones who live according to their conscience.
Well, unless you can come up with some better verses than I found, based on the Pope’s own text book, you must believe in God and His one and only Son to get to Heaven. The purpose of this post is not to offend my Catholic brothers and sisters, but rather to get everyone to examine what leaders say in the light of God’s Word. If it is not the truth, much harm can come from believing it.
If you are new to prepping or would like to learn more about how to prepare for tomorrow, please read our 7 Step Preparedness Plan. The most important prep of all is knowing GOD. Jesus said “what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his own soul?” Prepper translation: “What good will it do you to survive the coming economic collapse, nuclear war or even a zombie apocalypse if you don’t know you will go to heaven when you die.” A recent study found that 10 out of 10 people die! On that day we will meet our Maker. It only makes sense to be prepared for that day. Click here to learn more about knowing GOD.
Have a blessed week and happy prepping!
MDG
Amen brother, I think you have got the subject covered. History is full of prophets preaching peace when judgements hand was enroute to the backside.