Heaven Or Hell

[nailit]

R&S is a hotbed of debate re: religious subjects (naturally I suppose).
However, a very simple question to those of faith, what qualifies one to either heaven or hell? (presuming that you believe in such concepts)
Thank you.

[atalanta]

Jansenists believe that what you do makes no difference - if you are chosen, you go to heaven. If you are not chosen, whatever good works you do will never earn you a place in paradise.

[woofgang]

Nailit, i don't know. I do hope and believe that there is some kind of existence after this and that I will be reunited in some form with those who I have loved and lost.,,,beyond that i have no idea.

[wildwood]

When I was a boy it was instilled in me that in order to go to heaven one needs to go to church every sunday and should not sin, even naughty word would sentence one to an eternity of living in fire. If one did sin, it should be confessed asap and to re-open the gates to heaven. However, a life of sin could still be deleted by 'turning' to God before one expires. In my early teens, I started to wonder if living a life a sin might be an easier option and seek repentance in my old age.

Shortly after that, I realised that this religion lark was not what it professed to be and grew up.

[keyplus90]

Someone asked this same question to Muhammed (pbuh) that what is the cost (or criteria) to enter heaven? The answer was very simple, "La Illaha Ill Allah", there is no God but Allah (alone).

[woofgang]

keyplus....so provided a person acknowledges allah as the only god, they can then do what they like and still go to heaven?
I am not being silly, I really want to know.

[RATTER15]

All total nonsense in my opinion, no evidence to suggest either one exists!

Dead is dead in my book! and I find that quite comforting.

[keyplus90]

Woofgang, According to Islam the only person who will never go to heaven is the one who either does not believe in God or associates a partner with him. According to Quran this is something that God will not forgive. Belief in the oneness of God is the minimum and most important factor. However a person would still have to be answerable for what they did in this world. Unless a person repents as soon as he/she realises that he has done wrong. Allah can forgive whatever he wishes if a person asks for forgiveness. But on small chapter in Quran sums up completely that what a person has to do to be successful. And here it is.

In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful.
1. By Time.
2. The human being is in loss.
3. Except those who believe, and do good works, and encourage truth, and recommend patience.

[Theland]

A personal relationship with Jesus Christ

[tamborine]

Heaven or Hell is here & now, depending how you live.

[Theland]

That sounds sad and hopeless to me. Poor you.

[goodlife]

Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your might, for there is no work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the Grave, where you are going—Eccl. 9:10
So Materially speaking, there is nothing a dead man can take along with his life.

[Theland]

How much money did Howard Hughes leave when he died?
All of it.

[naomi24]

Goodlife/Theland, you two seem to be under the impression that you're spreading words of wisdom, but I've no doubt that everyone knows you can't take it with you.

[Old_Geezer]

One may well find both locations are the same place, it being how you react/behave in it, and the reaction/behaviour of those you associate with. In which case it sounds a bit like here. That'll learn ya.

[Theland]

Well we can store up treasures in heaven..
Where moth and rust etc etc

[1ozzy]

//Well we can store up treasures in heaven//

A tax haven then!

Who would have thought.

[Theland]

Great idea innit?

[1ozzy]

As long as the moths and rust don't erode them away.

[tamborine]

After the deaths of parents, ext relatives, OH & friends there is no expression of heaven/purgatry/hell for their souls. They live in my memory and those who knew them.

Live your life here & now. Give what you dont need to your loved before vultures pick your bones.

[Theland]

Good answer Tambo, very good, but there is more I believe.