Can Non Christians Attain Heaven?

John 3: 16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV).

John 14: 5 & 6, also reads, “ Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”.

A lot of Christians have been engrossed in this conviction for centuries and decades and what have you, but I think it is time to pause, and ask some reasonable questions as to the true interpretation of the scriptures. I honestly understand that, one requires spiritual direction to unravel the underlining interpretation of the scriptures; and that has been my motivation to share with those that seek proper understanding from parables of the spirit.

Romans 3: 23-24 reads, “23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus”.

This verse tells us two things, one; no single person (Christian or not) is qualified to stand before God and demand an entry to Heaven, because of sin. Two; every single person (Muslim, Buddhist, Freethinker, traditionalist), is justified freely to enjoy the grace of God; on the basis of the fact that, the sins that disqualify us have been redeemed by the crucifixion of Christ Jesus; simple isn’t it?

This discussion is seeking to nullify this falsehood that, only those who believe, and accept Jesus Christ as lord and Saviour will inherit the kingdom of God. On what basis, is it on a mere proclamation of Christ, repentance or good deeds? Don’t even mention good deeds, because the most sacred person is still a sinner without Christ’s redemption. So if you are thinking that your best effort in the Christendom will guarantee you a seat in Heaven; let’s pause and reorganize.

Some few questions are probably messing up your brains; how can Buddhists, Traditionalists, Muslims, Freemasons and people of other religious faith enjoy the benefit of Christ’s crucifixion; especially when they don’t even recognize Christ as the redeemer?

What about those who recognize him as the lord and savior? Even within the Christendom, some Christians feel that they are more Christians than others, whereas some Christians think that, Christians of other denominations are lost; what a shame, is it confusion or hypocrisy?

Read this; Matthew 15: 24-28, “24 He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."

25 The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said. 26 He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." 27 "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."

28 Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour”.

Firstly, let’s remind ourselves that; salvation is not intended for any particular religion; for us to assume that all Christians will eventually end up in some Heaven. It is only meant for those who are seriously seeking the face of God for his mercies, (Christian or not). God encounters every human being, whether you believe in his existence or not, or whether you accept him as God or not, however; the choice is yours to take after the encounter.

Does it also mean that, you instantly become Christian once you repent of your sins and accept Christ as lord and saviour? Instantly YES but after a few seconds NO; because Christianity just like every religion, is a way of life and not an academic qualification.

The issue of those who died before the birth of the gospel, or never heard the gospel; would be attended to by the existing law and the application of their own conscience; conversely, placement of people who die at very tender age (too young to distinguish between good and evil) is in the bosom of God.

Conclusion

I must admit that, I am pleased to have organized this discussion; as a way of prompting the world to be serious with Godly life instead of been engrossed in some baseless indoctrination; as heaven itself does not recognize churches and religious denominations. I am glad I belong to the Christian faith, conversely, I don’t see any difference between myself and any other person (Christian or not), but every day I realize that there are some few better choices that I could have made, to improve my relationship with my maker (God) and influence others positively . This is what I want to do, to the best of my ability before I die. The decision to take me to Heaven or Hell is the sole prerogative of God/Allah.

Assalamu alaikum! May the Peace of God be unto you all!

References

Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance: Christian Believes about Salvation

Michael A. Covington-Beech Haven Baptist Church: Can non Christians go to heaven?

www.rationalchristianity.net: How can Christians say Jesus is the only way to God?

www.biblehistory.com: Brief Statement of Faith

www.missiontoamerica.org: Will only Christians go to Heaven? What about Muslims?

Author: Anane Kyeremeh

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