by TimothyT 13 Replies latest watchtower bible
I love being a Christian and i deeply respect the teachings of Jesus and i firmly believe that it is through faith in him that we recieve eternal life and salvation.
But what about everyone else? Islam, Hindu, Buddhist, etc?
Even as a JW i never believed that salvation was exlusively for JW's, but where do all other sincere worshippers of other religions fit in? Will they be saved too? I hope so!
Timmy xxx
This scripture has to mean something. Does it mean what it says?
1 John 2:1,2;
1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
Very good Sir82! I have a whole list of scriptures written down which say the same thing. It makes me feel good because i cant see how Jehovah would dispose of all of those good, honest people. The bible certainly doesnt teach such things, unlike the JWs who teach mass genocide.
Consider also 1 Timothy 2:5,6.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all...
Yep... another one of my favourites! But is it nescesary for them to recognise the importance of that ransom for salvation?
Imagine - no religion!
eternal life and salvation (from whatever?) aside: jesus - if he even existed - didn't particularly teach anything that wasn't already taught by someone else before (except the "drink lots of wine with prostitutes" law maybe). there are good, bad and ugly people in all religions and non-religions.
just think that ransom story to the end: who paid ransom to whom because of whose rules?
How you ever been to this site ...?
http://www.gotquestions.org/narrow-gate.html
There are more links at the bottom of this article that take to related subjects ...
Also, this past Sunday's sermon at my church was: "Is Jesus the only way" - part of the series Tough Questions on Faith. Here's the audio ..
One of the scriptural understandings I still agree with that came from the WTS is the definition of Babylon the Great, the Great Harlot. Now, the WTS says that it is "false" religion. The more I examine it though, I think it is religion, PERIOD.
That said, there are so many people strewn throughout the realm of religion, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, etc... who are unquestionably sincere in their hearts. They are complete toward God in whatever way they are able to understand him. Does that mean every religion leads to God? In my opinion, no. Christ died for all mankind. It wouldn't make sense if some people were allowed to skirt that process.
But people are not going to be judged on wether or not they got the right religion.
1 Chronicles 28:9 - for all hearts Jehovah is searching, and every inclination of the thoughts he is discerning. If you search for him, he will let himself be found by you...
Luke 2:14,15 - For whenever people of the nations that do not have law do by nature the things of the law, these people, although not having law, are a law to themselves. They are the very ones who demonstrate the matter of the law to be written in their hearts, while their conscience is bearing witness with them and, between their own thoughts, they are being accused or even excused
If the righteous AND the unrighteous are going to be resurrected, and if the 1000 year reign thing has any truth to it, then all those people from other religions who Jehovah judged as having the right heart condition will certainly have the oppurtunity to learn about Jesus. So sayeth the Dork.
I got a little side tracked and forgot to finish making a point about Babylon the Great. Remeber in the Revelation account Jehovah issues a warning, "Get out of her my people."
Jehovah's people are scattered throughout Babylon the Great. He calls them "my people", not because they are in THE correct religion, not because they have ALL the right answers, certainly not because they are the almighty Jehovah's Witnesses, but because he can see their hearts.
Those who will be saved will come from all walks of life and religions. Including some of our Jehovah's Witness friends and family.
