If we refrain from sinning because we are afraid of the fires of Hell, that is acceptable to God. Not optimal, perhaps, but acceptable.
I’ve used this comparison: Imagine Islam is a dad named Allah and his child named Achmed and Christianity is a dad named Jehova and a child named Joey.
Allah tells Achmed to clean up his room. Jehova tells Joey to clean up his room. Achmed cleans up his room because he’s scared that if he doesn’t he will be written out of the will. Joey cleans up his room because he loves his dad and wants to please him. And he knows that whether he cleans up his room or not he is still in the will. He is free to do it out of love.
This is Christianity.
“This is Christianity.”
That’s pretty narrow. God is more generous than that.
If we refrain from sinning because we are afraid of the fires of Hell, that is acceptable to God. Not optimal, perhaps, but acceptable.Then why did Jesus talk about Hell so much?
I disagree pretty strongly. In fact, I think if I am trying to do better because Im afraid Im losing my salvation, Im sinning in that very attitude. It is not by works...
Ive used this comparison: Imagine Islam is a dad named Allah and his child named Achmed and Christianity is a dad named Jehova and a child named Joey.
Allah tells Achmed to clean up his room. Jehova tells Joey to clean up his room. Achmed cleans up his room because hes scared that if he doesnt he will be written out of the will. Joey cleans up his room because he loves his dad and wants to please him. And he knows that whether he cleans up his room or not he is still in the will. He is free to do it out of love.
This is Christianity.