Imagine there's no heaven...

Dondi · 04-17-2007, 07:58 PM

If you knew without a shadow of a doubt that there was no heaven or hell, though there was still a God, that your body would die and that would be it, your state being like before you were ever concieved, non-existant, with no hope of any resurrection, would you still, despite the inevitable, live the Christian life? Why or why not?

wil · 04-17-2007, 08:11 PM

Yes because it pays off for me right here and now.

I enjoy helping others and know the law of reciprocity is in action as I see the results.

I've said it before, even if it is all fiction, the teachings are extremely valuable.

The respect and confidence I have in the compassion and grace in my fellow man is more than enough for me to see the value in treating them as brothers.

Faithfulservant · 04-17-2007, 08:22 PM

In all honesty.. I dont know. I dont remember what it felt like to be a "natural woman" I cant imagine liking or simply enjoying the world. I feel like a stranger here and that each day that passes Im closer to going home. Thank the Lord this is just a "What if" question.. Thats all I can say.

Prober · 04-17-2007, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dondi

would you still, despite the inevitable, live the Christian life? Why or why not?

As long as you're saying that Jesus' divinity is still true, yes (agreeing with what wil said).

Barring that, I'd be Jewish or Muslim.

LeoSalinas22 · 04-17-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faithfulservant

In all honesty.. I dont know. I dont remember what it felt like to be a "natural woman" I cant imagine liking or simply enjoying the world. I feel like a stranger here and that each day that passes Im closer to going home. Thank the Lord this is just a "What if" question.. Thats all I can say.

i know exactly what you mean, faith:I Chronicles 29:15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. many may not agree with me, but i hate this world, i don't want any part in it. i will be one of many to say that i still am, my flesh part of me, but not my heart and soul, they are married to the Creator of heaven and earth. so even if i were to still know that i was going to the lake of fire, i would just ask God to at least let me remember Him, just because He and His ways are so beautiful and the memory of Him would at least make the lake of fire more bearable. but that's not going to happen, now, is it? nope. praise God, from everlasting to everlasting. amen.

Faithfulservant · 04-17-2007, 08:42 PM

Beautifully stated

wil · 04-17-2007, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeoSalinas22

many may not agree with me, but i hate this world, i don't want any part in it.

There was a time when I contemplated the monastic life, but then I realized I am living on G-d's creation with G-d's creations. My interpretation of what is around me is just that, mine...but you may see it as evil, but G-d meant it for good. I am here on this glorious planet with these wonderful souls to experience love, touch, compassion, joy. To feel, taste, hear, see, smell, experience the wonders of this world. Yes there exists lack...expressed in hate, jealousy, envy, greed, avarice...these to are here for me to learn and grow from on this plane in preparation for the next...

even in the What if...as I contemplated in another thread...or as Silas did, or in this one as Dondi is...even in the what if scenario....there is too much to absorb here to hate it...too much to miss out on...it isn't the end but the journey that counts.

I would just think G-d would be disappointed if we didn't appreciate this place...

Prober · 04-17-2007, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wil

I would just think G-d would be disappointed if we didn't appreciate this place...

Amen. After all, He made it for us.

Faithfulservant · 04-17-2007, 10:51 PM

Its corrupt. Just like these bodies of flesh.. I long for what its supposed to be..

Prober · 04-17-2007, 10:59 PM

Corrupt and yet beautiful (in it's way).

LeoSalinas22 · 04-17-2007, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wil

There was a time when I contemplated the monastic life, but then I realized I am living on G-d's creation with G-d's creations. My interpretation of what is around me is just that, mine...but you may see it as evil, but G-d meant it for good. I am here on this glorious planet with these wonderful souls to experience love, touch, compassion, joy. To feel, taste, hear, see, smell, experience the wonders of this world. Yes there exists lack...expressed in hate, jealousy, envy, greed, avarice...these to are here for me to learn and grow from on this plane in preparation for the next...

even in the What if...as I contemplated in another thread...or as Silas did, or in this one as Dondi is...even in the what if scenario....there is too much to absorb here to hate it...too much to miss out on...it isn't the end but the journey that counts.

I would just think G-d would be disappointed if we didn't appreciate this place...

i know what you mean, wil, and i agree with you, in this world my family and friends give me so much joy but when i mean the world, i mean things like the wars the men wage, or the famines that destroy children, or the murderers that this worlds righteousness lets them go free or the system or government bodies, or television and how children idolize these celebrities on tv, etc, etc. all of that is destroying God's order. but you make an excellent point, without the bad, we will not wake up in God's likeness, for He knows good and evil, and so do we.

LeoSalinas22 · 04-17-2007, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faithfulservant

Its corrupt. Just like these bodies of flesh.. I long for what its supposed to be..

amen and amen, faith. we are just strangers passing thru. yet everyone else is content with this world's riches, but don't realize what is in store for those that love Him and seek His law daily. amen and amen.

pattimax · 04-18-2007, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dondi

If you knew without a shadow of a doubt that there was no heaven or hell, though there was still a God, that your body would die and that would be it, your state being like before you were ever concieved, non-existant, with no hope of any resurrection, would you still, despite the inevitable, live the Christian life? Why or why not?

Absolutely. I am not a Christian for a pay off at the end of my time on earth. I am a Christian simply because I love God.

Yes, we are definitely supposed to enjoy His creation, love life, and (with His help) choose the best for us. You know, IN the world, but not OF the world. (And a huge part of that is helping others.)

He wants us to be happy, not giving in to the enemy. I just can’t see us blaming His creation for… I just know that is not what He wants for us.

pattimax · 04-18-2007, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeoSalinas22

amen and amen, faith. we are just strangers passing thru. yet everyone else is content with this world's riches, but don't realize what is in store for those that love Him and seek His law daily. amen and amen.

Do you seriously think God will look favorably on Christians just passing through?

earl · 04-18-2007, 01:51 AM

Before I checked this out, thought it was about the Lennon song:
Bagism: Albums & Singles: Lyrics: Imagine

For those of you not of the 70's.

earl