[Cerek the Barbaric]

Hey Caleb. "What happened to my Post" is that I hit the wrong key and accidentally Posted my Response before I even got started on it. I've fixed it now.

Melusine - Your objection is a very valid one. It isn't fair (by human standards at least) for "good" people to go to Hell. But they have the same opportunity as the "bad" person to receive absolution of their sins.

There are actually TWO ways to get into Heaven. The most common is to recognize your sins and accept the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ as an atonement for those sins.

The other is simply by the Grace of God. The thief on the cross entered into Heaven - not through repentence - but through God's Holy Grace.

The views I express are my interpretation only, and I freely admit that I don't have all the answers concerning God's nature.

The Bible clearly states that good works alone are not sufficient to get into Heaven. Neither is just leading a "good life". However, God judges our hearts - not our actions - and He is the Final Arbitrator on who does or does not get into Heaven.

If a person has a genuinely good heart and follows God's laws and values, it is not my place to say that they won't go to Heaven. The final decision rests with God alone. I admit that my understanding is limited and could be only partially correct.

Still, I have heard stories of people who lost a favorite uncle/aunt/grandparent/etc. In their view,this person was without flaw. They were kind and generous and treated everyone they met with love and compassion. Yet, when they died, their final words indicated they were going to Hell. Is that fair? Not by our standards, but it's also not our decision.

It's kinda like IronWorks. A lot of people get upset when Moderators warn them for their behavior. They say they have a right to do or say what they want. That's when they're reminded that this is Ziroc's house, and HE has the final say as to what is or is not acceptable.

The same principle applies to God and Heaven (only on a much more cosmic scale). God alone decides who has met the criteria to enter Heaven. He has told us the criteria and given us a living example to follow, so we do know how we should conduct ourselves (just like each member has to read the TOS before registering here). The rules are there for us to follow, but we have to choose to follow them or we suffer the consequences.

K. T. What a sweet dear you are. I assure you that any questions you have will NOT hurt my feelings. Don't ever be worried that I will take offense at something you say or ask. I accept the fact that others don't agree with my belief and I'm perfectly willing to try to answer any questions you have.