In Christianity: Are the Ten Commandments "it"?

[cob1639]

Just a stupid question, as I am not very well versed, biblically:

Are the 10 commandments the main "rule book" regarding sin or the only rule book? Meaning, can you take ANYTHING referenced negatively in the bible and call it a sin, or is it strictly the 10 commandments?

I could technically be guilty of breaking every commandment on the list. DAILY! (except for #4, I do that weekly!) Yet, I still think I am a good person. Everybody I know thinks I am a good person.

Would I be someone who would be smited by god and cast into the firey depths of hell or spared because I never do any harm to anyone...ever?

Now before you begin to question my motives - I am not a Christian. I am just trying to lean peoples beliefs and hopefully why they believe them.

O+<

[Wallis]

Cob1639,

You pose a very interesting question: one that plagues most Christians regardless of sect.

I'll give you my opinion as a theologian. In no way am I going to try and "convert" you to any way of thinking.

Mainstream Christianity defines the Law and Gospel this way:

The Law is represented by the Ten Commandments. It is pretty inclusive, as you well know. There are no loopholes, although even I have to scratch my head when the OT recognizes certain persons as being exceptional to be either bodily taken up into heaven or buried by God himself.

The Gospel is not necessarily the repudiation of the Law but the fulfillment of the Law. In other words, the Law "damns" everyone to whatever kind of hell you want to imagine. Christ enters the world and replaces the Old Adam who sinned, becoming the New Adam. Yet, Christ gives us two new commandments which are, in fact, a synthesis of the old Ten Commandments: Love God and Love Your Neighbor.

Now your question about being smitten by God is another interesting one. The majority of Christians believe that if you do not accept Christ, then . . . bye-bye. Nice knowing you.

But I, for one, am not of that persuasion. You see, I see God as a loving God, one who would like to bring every soul "home." If you look at the two Commandments that Christ gave in the NT, they basically sum up an attitude: loving God (as you picture him) and especially all other people (especially the "scum" that permeates the Earth).

From my pickle barrel, it's tough to be a Christian because "Christianity defined by <pick a leader>" declares a Christian as either being of a person this way or that. For example: no dancing, no drinking, no sex, etc. But, churches actually handcuff believers into a very strict box. Christians are often taught to hate and condemn when Christ actually taught the opposite.

It is also tough to be a Christian because you have to love everyone, and you and I know that there are a lot of SOBs out there we'd like to see drop dead.

It's also tough to become a Christian because of all the negativity the world sees in the actions of Christian groups. I personally know a large group of people who feel that Christianity is hypocritical because the perception of its teachings vis a vis its actions within the world are often quite opposite.

So, are you "damned for all time"? It may be a question like the rich, educated guy who asked Christ if he was going to be saved because he kept the Law. Christ's answer was to sell everything he had, give it all to the poor, and follow Him. In other words, the rich guy was so self-centered that he gave not a whit about his fellow humans.

Once you have decided for yourself what the Truth is, then practice it.

[malcolan]

Just a stupid question, as I am not very well versed, biblically:

Would I be someone who would be smited by god and cast into the firey depths of hell or spared because I never do any harm to anyone...ever?

Now before you begin to question my motives - I am not a Christian. I am just trying to lean peoples beliefs and hopefully why they believe them.

O+<
There are no stupid questions, Cob, in fact, this is a great question. Jesus spent a lot of time teaching about obedience, but I think that Wallis summed it up nicely so I won't get into this any further.

I will share with you what my beliefs are concerning Heaven and Hell and why we should try to obey using Christ as a model.

Based on the Bible, there is sufficient evidence that God hates sin, but loves all His people (the sinners, which are all of us).

God is Holy and righteous, our acts of sin prevent us from entering into His Kingdom. That is why Jesus was sent, to save us from Hell.

"For just as through the disobedience of the one man (Adam) the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man (Jesus) the many will be made righteous." Romans 5:19

By choosing to walk in Faith (follow Christ), obey the laws, love our Lord and our neighbors, you will receive blessings from the Father. It goes along with the laws of reaping and sowing. Simply put, disobey the laws-receive a poor harvest; obey the laws, receive an abundant harvest.

As far as Hell goes, here is what I believe. Forget the images of Fiery pits, devils with horns, etc. I think that most of this is just symbolism. The people who go to hell, will be there because that is what they wanted. If there is, in fact, an "entrance" to Hell, I believe that you will practically have to climb over Jesus Christ himself to get there, and many probably will.

Hell to me, is Separation from God. In other words, you are set aside, kept away from the Kingdom of Heaven and the Love of God. The torture will be that you can see Heaven, and the love and joy of all who are there, but will have no means of reaching them. You will spend eternity wishing you could get there.

The people will be there because they chose "more important" things to idolize and worship. They will reject Christ, and God Himself without even realizing the implications. They will cave in to the temptations of Satan, and in effect, spend eternity in Hell becuase that is what they chose, not because God sent them there.

IMHO

:cool:

[cob1639]

Wow guys - great info. Finally something I can actually ponder rather than the usual, "I just think what I was told to think!"

You guys rule - Thanks again!

O+<