Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!rice!bcm!dimacs.rutgers.edu!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: narnia@ms.uky.edu (Stan Tackett) Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Christians going to Hell? Message-ID: Date: 2 Apr 91 10:01:48 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Organization: University Of Kentucky, Dept. of Math Sciences Lines: 78 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu I'm putting on my asbestos suit for the flames I'll probably receive for this subject line, but I didn't know quite how to put it. About two years ago, both me and my girlfriend were saved. This was the best thing that could ever have happened to either of us; but the trouble is, I don't feel very saved, and I don't think she does either. It's as though we've almost completely turned away from Christ, and I *don't* like that feeling; I've had it one too many times. I know we haven't forgotten Him, but it sure feels like it sometimes. My question is, as the subject line states, (flame suit is now on), is it possible for a Christian to go to Hell? It seems as though that's where I'm headed (my fiance' too) if we don't do something soon; but our lives are so hectic right now, it doesn't seem like there's room for anything else. Any replies would be most helpful and GREATLY appreciated. In His Love, Stan -- Stan Tackett | Baldrick, you wouldn't know a subtle plan if it narnia@ms.uky.edu | painted itself purple and danced naked on top of Mr. Spock's twin | a piano, singing "Subtle Plans Are Here Again!" [I don't see how a Christian (defined as someone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior) could go to Hell. There is some debate as to whether a *former* Christian can go to Hell, i.e. whether it's possible for someone who was onced saved to become "unsaved". This has been the subject of discussion here recently, which I'm reluctant to restart. However I don't think anyone would say that someone who has committed their life to Christ would go to Hell simply because they don't feel very saved at the moment. Some random pieces of advice: You might find it helpful to read some biographies of Christians. You'll find that "dry" periods are a normal part of Christian experience. Part of faith is the ability to carry on even when you don't feel excited at the moment. I don't know what your experience of being saved was, but one general problem is with people for whom it is a very emotional experience, and who come to think of Christian faith as an emotion. While Christians certainly experience joy, it's not the goal of Christian life nor is it a continuous thing. One of the major points of C.S. Lewis' "Surprised by Joy" is that joy is something which you can't find by seeking it. It comes on you when you least expect it, while you're going about your real job, which is trying to live a Christ-like life. Most Christians find that they experience Christ when they are active in serving others, or in other Christian activities, such as worship. I really understand the problem of a hectic life. I have the same problem. I can only say that Christian experience says clearly that we *must* make time for prayer, worship, and reflection. You don't really get more done by skipping those spiritual maintenance functions that are needed to keep yourself operating correctly. I don't mean that you have to become a monk, or that you have to reserve huge amounts of time for religious activities. But the first question I'd ask of someone making the complaint you do (including myself -- this happens to me too) is whether you spend at least a few minutes each day reading the Bible, thinking about your life over the last few days, and praying. I believe that God can lead you to solutions to problems in your life over time, but not if you don't take time to listen. I hope I'm not being insulting here. This may be obvious to you, but it seems not to be to some people. The other obvious suggestion is that you should be involved in a church. This may take some experimentation. There are many ways of being Christian, and different types of church suit different people. If you're part of a group that tends to be emotional and you don't experience the Christian life that way, it could easily make you feel like there's something wrong with your Christian life. And visa versa. If you experience Christ in a way that leads you to shout hallelujah and roll in the aisles, my church would not meet your needs. --clh]