Will buddhists go to hell?

[Svt4Him]

I seem to recall that Lazarus the begger was accepted into Heaven. I don't recall any reason being given about his faith in Christ. In fact, the Bible is full of folks who went to Heaven without even knowing Jesus' name.

Lazarus was not in heaven and the reasons one got there are in the OT. Name one who went to Heaven without knowing Jesus.

 

[ZION8R]

Can a Buddhist man live without Christ?

Why couldn't they? Buddhists are taught the principles of respect and love (harmony) to one self, others and the Earth. Christ taught similar principles did he not? Why should a Buddhist go to Hell just because he was following all the principles without Christ? Unless your idea of Hell is to go back to into the Earth after death to return all that its given you, then you can say Buddhists are going to Hell. But that's not Hell.

Then of course this whole discussion goes individual perspective/interpretation.

 

[ZION8R]

It sounds as if you're only taking things (except for the 10 Commandments) from the NT. But seeing how unexperienced I am in the topic of religion I could be wrong...

Who is it He's supposed to have killed off?

In the OT : Noah's Ark- why did he kill of them and feel bad about it afterwards? Why save Noah and his family at all? Noah and his family couldn't have possibly been the only righteous ones.

Or the people that were slaughtered during the Exodus.

((Or are we only referencing the NT nowadays?))

Now, I realize you may be thinking, 'well that's all well and good, but I'm a good person, none of that stuff applies to me.' If you are indeed thinking that, run yourself through the law of God (the 10 Commandments) and see if you are indeed the good person you believe you are. Let's take the first commandment: You shall have no other gods before me. Has God always been the most important thing in your life?

No, He hasn't.

Have you ever told a lie? If you have, then you're a liar and it is written in the Bible that all liars will have their place in the lake of fire and will not inherit the kingdom of God.

According to this- over half the population of the human race will be placed in the lake of fire and never see God. And yes, I have told lies. Who hasn't?

How about adultery? Think before you answer this one. Jesus said that any man who looks upon a woman to lust after her, has committed adultery with her already in his heart. Have you done this?

Seeing that I am a woman- in literal meaning, No.

How about murder? Ever been driving down the road and been cut off by another driver? I know I have. How did you react? Did you flip him off or yell something nasty at him or her? If you did, you are guilty of murder. have you ever spoken in anger to another person? If so, you are a murderer.

Again, who hasn't? So if a young child lashes out in anger against their mother, are they lost forever in Hell? Or are they safe because they're innocent children with no understanding of fire and brimstone, repentance, right/wrong?

Now let's say that you have indeed done all these things. By your own admission you would be a lying, adulterous, murdering, idolator at heart, thousands upon thousands of times over, and you have to face a holy and just God on Judgment Day. Where do you think you will go, Heaven or Hell?

Wow, it seems that my life has been planned from the beginning. Lying, stealing, idolatry, murder, etc. Taking the text literally, I seem to have no chance of ever seeing the Father.

Here's another question- How does it apply to us (in this time line)? Jesus taught these things to the Jews. Thou shalt not murder = don't murder another Jew. Neighbor would also mean 'another Jew. Isn't he referencing Jews? So today, is he referencing only Christians? Don't murder another Christian. Don't covet a fellow Christian's house or belongings, etc. Is it okay to murder a non-Christian, such as say- an atheist? What about keeping the Sabbath Day holy? Sure, Christians go to their churches and stuff but as soon as they leave those doors what? They go out to eat dinner, or go shopping. In a sense isn't this against the commandment "Remember the Sabbath Day and to Keep it Holy"?


I'm curious. Pour it out on me.

 

[Amisk]

Many preachers love to talk about hell. I can even say that some of them think that their mission is to talk about hell, to make people feel doomed to hell. Though many of these zealous preachers do not know what hell is, they speak of a "literal hell of fire": "a fire that makes immortal souls of wicked humans suffer forever". And they are ready to judge anyone and to condemn anyone who does not share their religious views. "You don't believe what I believe ? Oh, you are going to hell!". I have encountered foreign missionaries who asked people: "If you die today, where will you go ? But I don't mean in the grave. To heaven or hell ?"... Such preachers are very confident that they are eternally saved, that they are going to heaven, and they are very proud to be "saints" and to preach THEIR OWN OVERSIMPLIFIED INTERPRETATION of the Gospel ! What is presented to the masses as "Christianity" is a product of human invention, mediocracy, and superficial, carnal thinking. Why are "Christians" so enthusiastic about sending anyone to hell ? "We are saved, we have the true religion, we are the holy ones, we are the true church." Salvation does not come through "knowledge about Jesus" and "membership in the Church", but by personally knowing God and His Christ. Salvation is for those who ARE in the truth. Christianity is a way of LIFE TO BE LIVED, not a THEOLOGICAL THEORY TO BE SUPPORTED. Christianity is about following Jesus, not about advertising a system of dogmas.True Christianity requires followers, not admirers.

God is the just Judge.Who are we to condemn others to hell, only because they don't share our views ? Let God judge the way He pleases.

It seems that many people belong to the Christian religion only due to their desire to receive the prize of heaven and to avoid the punishment of gehenna. They don't love God, but just seek to save their own souls and to see how others perish; this is the very opposite of the spirit and the word of Christ.

You make some good points but you are also along way off on others.

First of all it is not Christianity that teaches that there is a literal hell. The Bible teaches the fact. In fact Jesus warned us more about hell than He ever spoke about heaven.

Few ministers I have heard loved to preach on the judgement and punishment of Hell. In fact in our present day few preachers preach about on Hell at anytime. I personally haven't heard the word "Hell" in church or in a context other than as a swear word in a number of years. .
You wrote: "What is presented to the masses as "Christianity" is a product of human invention, mediocracy, and superficial, carnal thinking."

Sad to say you are correct in some churches. This type of teaching is mere religion. It is not Biblical. Anything not Biblical is Hersey. According to the Bible such teaching will send men to the Hell, a play you seem to like to deny exists. I guess I too would like to think that it did not exist but I must face reality. However you are mixing Christianity with religion and religion for religions sake is not Christianity. [/COLOR]

As author Len Colp put it "Christianity is 24\7 way of life."
He may well have added that true Christianity takes the Bible literally. True Christianity believes, "the Old and New Testament inerrant as originally given, verbally inspired by God and are a complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men. They constitute the divine and rule of Christian faith and practice."

"There is a Heaven to gain and a Hell to shun. Hell is spoken of in the Bible as a literal place where sinners are punished forever. When the Bible speaks of "forever" it means just that.

Christ alone provided the escape from Hell for all humanity and man's aspect in the escape process is to accept the only bridge that Christ alone provided[B]

 

[Zecryphon]

Why couldn't they? Buddhists are taught the principles of respect and love (harmony) to one self, others and the Earth. Christ taught similar principles did he not? Why should a Buddhist go to Hell just because he was following all the principles without Christ? Unless your idea of Hell is to go back to into the Earth after death to return all that its given you, then you can say Buddhists are going to Hell. But that's not Hell.

Then of course this whole discussion goes individual perspective/interpretation.

"Why couldn't they? Buddhists are taught the principles of respect and love (harmony) to one self, others and the Earth. Christ taught similar principles did he not?"

Living by a set of rules or principles is not what saves you from God's wrath which you have earned with your sins. Buddhism tries to completely bypass wrath and judgment and that's half of it's appeal. Jesus Himself said that He is the way, the truth and the life and that no one comes to the Father except by Him. John 14:6. Christ is the only one, who is not in His grave. Mohammed is in his grave, Buddha is in his. Christ said He would be raised from the dead and He was. That's the kind of savior I need. The one over whom death and the grave have no power.

"Why should a Buddhist go to Hell just because he was following all the principles without Christ?"

See John 14:6. Buddhists are not capable of living life by their own principles 100% without fail, they sin too and they sin according to the law of God, which is the only law that matters here. It is apopinted to all men to die once and then face judgment. The Buddhist will be judged by God's law, not their four spiritual principles.

"Unless your idea of Hell is to go back to into the Earth after death to return all that its given you, then you can say Buddhists are going to Hell. But that's not Hell.

Then of course this whole discussion goes individual perspective/interpretation."

No, it actually goes back to the Bible and what God and Jesus have both testified Hell is.

 

[Zecryphon]

It sounds as if you're only taking things (except for the 10 Commandments) from the NT. But seeing how unexperienced I am in the topic of religion I could be wrong...



In the OT : Noah's Ark- why did he kill of them and feel bad about it afterwards? Why save Noah and his family at all? Noah and his family couldn't have possibly been the only righteous ones.

Or the people that were slaughtered during the Exodus.

((Or are we only referencing the NT nowadays?))



No, He hasn't.



According to this- over half the population of the human race will be placed in the lake of fire and never see God. And yes, I have told lies. Who hasn't?



Seeing that I am a woman- in literal meaning, No.



Again, who hasn't? So if a young child lashes out in anger against their mother, are they lost forever in Hell? Or are they safe because they're innocent children with no understanding of fire and brimstone, repentance, right/wrong?




Wow, it seems that my life has been planned from the beginning. Lying, stealing, idolatry, murder, etc. Taking the text literally, I seem to have no chance of ever seeing the Father.

Here's another question- How does it apply to us (in this time line)? Jesus taught these things to the Jews. Thou shalt not murder = don't murder another Jew. Neighbor would also mean 'another Jew. Isn't he referencing Jews? So today, is he referencing only Christians? Don't murder another Christian. Don't covet a fellow Christian's house or belongings, etc. Is it okay to murder a non-Christian, such as say- an atheist? What about keeping the Sabbath Day holy? Sure, Christians go to their churches and stuff but as soon as they leave those doors what? They go out to eat dinner, or go shopping. In a sense isn't this against the commandment "Remember the Sabbath Day and to Keep it Holy"?


I'm curious. Pour it out on me.

"It sounds as if you're only taking things (except for the 10 Commandments) from the NT. But seeing how unexperienced I am in the topic of religion I could be wrong..."

The Old Testament tells of the coming messiah, the New Testament tells of the messiah that has come.

"In the OT : Noah's Ark- why did he kill of them and feel bad about it afterwards? Why save Noah and his family at all? Noah and his family couldn't have possibly been the only righteous ones."

Noah and his family were not neccessarily righteous, but they did find favor with God. How exactly, the text does not say. But since the world had fallen into such a state of sinfulness, we can safely assume that Noah and his family were living a life that was pleasing to the Lord. God killed those people, because they were not living according to His laws. The law demands a penalty be paid when it is broken, the penalty is always death. God sent a flood to wipe out the sinners from the world and then start over with Noah and his family. Of course God was grieved that He had to punish His children, just as any earthly parent is grieved when then have to punish their own child. The whole message of the Noah story to me is that faith in God and His promises lead to life. Those other people in that story did not trust in God or His promises and they found death.

"Or the people that were slaughtered during the Exodus.
((Or are we only referencing the NT nowadays?))"

I'll talk about any part of the Bible you wish. Some Christians won't because they think the OT is no longer relevant. The people who were slaughtered during the Exodus, once again were living in opposition to God and persecuting His chosen people. God didn't kill them because He's a big cosmic meanie. They earned His wrath with their actions.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zecryphon
Now, I realize you may be thinking, 'well that's all well and good, but I'm a good person, none of that stuff applies to me.' If you are indeed thinking that, run yourself through the law of God (the 10 Commandments) and see if you are indeed the good person you believe you are. Let's take the first commandment: You shall have no other gods before me. Has God always been the most important thing in your life?

"No, He hasn't."

Then you have a sin problem on your hands.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zecryphon
Have you ever told a lie? If you have, then you're a liar and it is written in the Bible that all liars will have their place in the lake of fire and will not inherit the kingdom of God.

"According to this- over half the population of the human race will be placed in the lake of fire and never see God. And yes, I have told lies. Who hasn't?"

Everyone has, but you will not be able to point to the actions of others as justification for your own sins against God.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zecryphon
How about adultery? Think before you answer this one. Jesus said that any man who looks upon a woman to lust after her, has committed adultery with her already in his heart. Have you done this?

"Seeing that I am a woman- in literal meaning, No."

It works both ways. So the answer is yes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zecryphon
How about murder? Ever been driving down the road and been cut off by another driver? I know I have. How did you react? Did you flip him off or yell something nasty at him or her? If you did, you are guilty of murder. have you ever spoken in anger to another person? If so, you are a murderer.

"Again, who hasn't? So if a young child lashes out in anger against their mother, are they lost forever in Hell? Or are they safe because they're innocent children with no understanding of fire and brimstone, repentance, right/wrong?"

Very young children can understand the difference between right and wrong, because of their consciences. They know immediately when they have done something wrong. Conscience means "with knowledge". Con means with, and science means knowledge. The knowledge of right and wrong that they possess mirrors God's moral law the 10 Commandments. That's not an accident, God wrote that law on their hearts. This is written in Jeremiah 31:33.

Jer 31:33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zecryphon
Now let's say that you have indeed done all these things. By your own admission you would be a lying, adulterous, murdering, idolator at heart, thousands upon thousands of times over, and you have to face a holy and just God on Judgment Day. Where do you think you will go, Heaven or Hell?

"Wow, it seems that my life has been planned from the beginning. Lying, stealing, idolatry, murder, etc. Taking the text literally, I seem to have no chance of ever seeing the Father."

But that's where you're wrong. Jesus paid the penalty your sins have earned you. He took the wrath of God upon Himself, so you wouldn't have to. He is the way, the truth and the life. If you are feeling guilty of sins against God that means that the Holy Spirit, is pricking your cosncience and bringing about the knowledge of your fallen state before God and showing you your need for a savior. That savior is Jesus Christ. If you will repent of your sins, that means acknowledging you have sinned against God by breaking His laws with your actions, confessing your sins, you don't need to know all of them, He does already, apologize for all the sins you have committed and then also turn from your lifestyle of sin, place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal life through Him, then you will be saved, the law will be satisfied and God will raise you to life on the last day.

"Here's another question- How does it apply to us (in this time line)? Jesus taught these things to the Jews. Thou shalt not murder = don't murder another Jew. Neighbor would also mean 'another Jew. Isn't he referencing Jews?"

Jesus did mainly speak to Jews, but He also taught others as well. For instance, the Samaritan woman at the well. She wasn't a Jew, so why did He share the law of God with her to bring about the knowledge of sin in her so that He could give her the water of life? Jesus didn't keep the teaching solely for the Jews. He also, raised up a teacher for the Gentiles, that's you and me, the non-Jews, His name was Paul. He took the good news of Christ to us so that we too could be saved.

"So today, is he referencing only Christians? Don't murder another Christian. Don't covet a fellow Christian's house or belongings, etc. Is it okay to murder a non-Christian, such as say- an atheist? What about keeping the Sabbath Day holy? Sure, Christians go to their churches and stuff but as soon as they leave those doors what? They go out to eat dinner, or go shopping. In a sense isn't this against the commandment "Remember the Sabbath Day and to Keep it Holy"?"

Yes it is a violation of that commandment. All people are sinners, all people need the forgiveness of Christ daily. Even saved people continue to sin and fall short of the glory of God, that means we fall short of God's perfect standard. That's why we must repent of our sins daily and ask God to forgive us. We have forgiveness of sins because we have placed our faith and trust in Christ Jesus. The teachings about loving your neighbor are not confined to genealogy or religion but apply to all people with whom you come into contact with. Matthew 5 is a good chapter to read about this. Another good one to read Matthew 25:31-46. Do you have a Bible? If not you can go to www.e-sword.net and install their free Bible reading software. They have many translations and study tools available for free. I use the ESV. Or you can go to www.biblegateway.com and read the Bible for free too. You can also click around this page too: http://www.livingwaters.com/witnessingtool/browse.shtml#indepth

I'm curious. Pour it out on me."

It is not I who can pour out salvation or knowledge upon you, the Holy Spirit will bring about the knoweldge you need in order for you to be saved, and Christ will be that savior for you, when by the leading of the Holy Spirit you call upon His name to be saved and put your faith and trust in Him for salvation and eternal life. I wll be praying for you.

 

[ZION8R]

Living by a set of rules or principles is not what saves you from God's wrath which you have earned with your sins. Jesus Himself said that He is the way, the truth and the life and that no one comes to the Father except by Him.

So, even if a person who lives by Christian/Buddhist/etc principles without Christ as their personal savior and devotes their life to harmonious living and serving those in need of help without selfishness/personal gain are doomed to Hell? Just because they haven't said, "Jesus, you are my savior" or other similar phrases?

Buddhists are not capable of living life by their own principles 100% without fail,

This could be said about everyone regardless of religious belief.

The Buddhist will be judged by God's law, not their four spiritual principles.

By who's God? Not everyone believes in the same God.

 

[Zecryphon]

[/color]So, even if a person who lives by Christian/Buddhist/etc principles without Christ as their personal savior and devotes their life to harmonious living and serving those in need of help without selfishness/personal gain are doomed to Hell? Just because they haven't said, "Jesus, you are my savior" or other similar phrases?



This could be said about everyone regardless of religious belief.

[/color]

By who's God? Not everyone believes in the same God.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zecryphon
Living by a set of rules or principles is not what saves you from God's wrath which you have earned with your sins. Jesus Himself said that He is the way, the truth and the life and that no one comes to the Father except by Him.



"So, even if a person who lives by Christian/Buddhist/etc principles without Christ as their personal savior and devotes their life to harmonious living and serving those in need of help without selfishness/personal gain are doomed to Hell? Just because they haven't said, "Jesus, you are my savior" or other similar phrases?"

Yes, because what you're advocating above, is a works-righteous faith. You are suggesting that by doing works we can earn our way to Heaven. This denies the truth of scripture. Ephesians 2:8-9 addresses this issue. It's not doing works in Christ's name that saves us or saying a prayer or phrase that saves us, we are saved when the Holy Spirit leads us in repentance of sins and then we are given the ability to have faith in Christ for forgiveness of those sins and that allows us to be born again. We are made a new creature, with a new heart and new desires. We now do good works as Christians not to earn salvation, but to show our appreciation to Christ for taking our penalty on the cross. They are works of thankfulness, not works to obtain salvation.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Zecryphon
Buddhists are not capable of living life by their own principles 100% without fail,



"This could be said about everyone regardless of religious belief."

Yes, which is why the entire world needs to be saved. God knows the whole world needs a savior. Read John 3:16-17.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Zecryphon
The Buddhist will be judged by God's law, not their four spiritual principles.

"By who's God? Not everyone believes in the same God."

By the God of the Bible, the one and only true God.

 

[DeanM]

Lazarus was not in heaven and the reasons one got there are in the OT. Name one who went to Heaven without knowing Jesus.

Luke 16:19-25

19"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

22"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23In hell,[c] where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' 25"But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'

Lazarus was in a place that was not Hell, with Abraham, being comforted, and across from the Chasm that seperated him from Hell. I take this to mean Heaven. But even if I'm wrong, you cannot dismiss the next scripture because it does not say Heaven.'

2Kings 2:11-12

11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them apart.


Blessings