Should the afterlife be a focus?

[Littlelambseativy]

Knowing Jesus is all about the afterlife. It is not the here and now.

He made a statement ' not all who say Lord Lord will enter heaven' and the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. If the afterlife meant nothing why do we tell others about Jesus ? You say to be saved! Saved from What? eternal damnation /condemnation or eternal life. If those do not matter and the here and now do why do we tell others of Jesus or give to those ministries that do? It IS all about the afterlife. Jesus Himself said that we may be with Him forever.

[Guest shiloh357]

Also, about Hell, don't you think it is rather insincere to follow God out of fear of Hell (not pointing any fingers)? God would care whether we have accepted His salvation out of sincere love rather than just hoping to escape Hell or earn "Heaven points".

Escape from hell is a bibllical motivation for salvation, though. It is not the only motivation, but the Bible warns us what awaits for those who choose continued separation from God. God does not want us to go to hell. He doesn't want any of us to perish, and we should not want that either. I think it is a good thing not to want to spend all eternity under God's judgment. Granted, I am also motivated to love Him and want to spend eternity with Him as well.

My love for Him is motivated by His love for me in that he provided me a way to avoid hell. He is so serious about Hell that He died so that I would not have to go there. So not wanting to go to hell is not selfish at all. It is not insincere. It is in keeping agreement with His will for me.

Edited May 27, 2011 by shiloh357

[Guest]

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:

and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36

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What I mean is, salvation comes with accepting Christ, but once we do that, should we focus on what's to come after death? I personally believe that we should focus on right now and living a life for the Lord in the mortal world.

As far as primary focus, yes. But I'd be against ignoring the issue. As Shiloh mentioned, Jesus talked several times about the afterlife. And He also encouraged us to live in such a way as to create a better afterlife for yourself (i.e. "Store up treasures in Heaven.").

Also, about Hell, don't you think it is rather insincere to follow God out of fear of Hell (not pointing any fingers)? God would care whether we have accepted His salvation out of sincere love rather than just hoping to escape Hell or earn "Heaven points". Fear of Hell produces hypocrisy towards God and hypocrisy is a sin. Only sincere love of God and His son can bring salvation.

I'd be careful about putting that kind of stipulation on someone with regards to coming to Jesus in the first place. And besides, loving Him is something that grows and develops. The Bible says what is needed for salvation is faith. We should just stick with that, I think.

Heaven

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16

And Points

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

And Hell Too

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Matthew 3:7

So, Whatever Is A Believer To Do

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Rejoice evermore.

Pray without ceasing.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Quench not the Spirit.

Despise not prophesyings.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:15-2

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Be Blessed Beloved Of The KING

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. Numbers 6:2

Love, Your Brother Joe

[oldzimm]

Lets see,the commas represent before you were born, the dashes represent your life, the question mark is you and the dots represent eternity.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,--?--..............................................................................................................................................................................................................>

Now should you focus on the past, present (your life) or eternity? I don't think it is really a tough call.

[OneLight]

Thought our hope is in Christ, including eternity with Him, our focus should be on His work He has for us to do now, today.

Matthew 9:37

Then He said to His disciples,

[Fez]

A saved believer should not have to think about hell. The unsaved should.

If you follow scripture, and live like this, why should hell be an issue?

2Pe 1:3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

2Pe 1:4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

2Pe 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,

2Pe 1:6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,

2Pe 1:7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

2Pe 1:8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2Pe 1:9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

2Pe 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

This is not "feel good" gospel. It is truth.

To a believer who is following this, hell should mean nothing.

Blessings

[georgedrw81]

To die to your flesh and allow Christ to live in and through you by His Spirit should be the forefront of every Christians desires. Yet, as we study scripture, other things pop out that we think about and question. We are told to study, discuss and believe His words to us. In doing so, we gain knowledge of both heaven and hell, the next life. Personally, I don't worry, or am not concerned about where I go when I die, for my faith is in Christ and HE will determine where I go when I die. Not one moment of worry will ever change this.

Right