Whether atheists may go to heaven or not is considered, today, along with more on the errors of King Solomon. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using ID “Jose” (Level 2 with 283 points, a member since July 12, 2012) posted the following:
Do you agree with the pope on saying that athiest can go to heaven?
Do you think that as long as that person is good, or at least generally good (I can not see no one breaking a couple of sins and especially the very unusual sins in the bible that we brake), despite them not believing in god can go to heaven?
THE BATTLE AXE: Errors of King Solomon? (06/13/2013)—(6) For many, Solomon’s marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter is no different than Joseph’s marriage to an Egyptian, the priestess of On. While the most important purpose of the holy writings is to manifest a revelation of divine nature, the process of the Scriptures is to detail human nature and the responses of created beings to divine events. David and Solomon are not examples to Christian believers because of their excellent service as kings, their accomplishments, deeds of the flesh, or fulfillment of the law. The two are significant because GOD is using their faith and humanity to make sacred truth visible that would otherwise be hidden (see John 2: 23-25, Romans 4: 1-3, Romans 3: 19-28 and 2nd Corinthians 4: 6-11, KJV). (7) In spite of the fact that Solomon received the throne as heir to David, he and “the house of David” were heirs to the curses and troubles that came upon David. See 2nd Samuel 12: 1-15, 1st Kings 14: 7-11 and 2nd Kings 17: 6-24, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1st Timothy 1: 12-17, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013); If You Are Sent…? (06/08/2013); The “Jesus Way”? (05/17/2013); An Earth to Fix A Heaven? (05/18/2013); On Titles and Respect (03/15/2013); On Producing Atheists (03/16/2013); The Children, not the Dogs (03/17/2013); By Grace (09/04/2012); Why No Answer? (08/25/2012); To Be or Not To Be? (08/26/2012); (12/18/2011) Girdle 33: The Nearness of GOD; (12/19/2011) Girdle 34: The Life Was The Light
Jose, here are some points that encourage Christian believers to make a cautious response:
(1) Created beings and living creatures experience various sacred events that occur because of the existence of divinity. In the same way they had no active role or input regarding Creation, these have no active role and input regarding other divine operations, sacred processes, and eternal purposes. Included are apocalypse, death, judgment, rebirth, repentance, resurrection, revelation, salvation, and sanctification.
(2) While it is planned that believers will participate in a broad range of “good works” pre-determined by GOD, one cannot work their way into heaven, or earn a place by behavior, conduct, and speech. Included here are acts of kindness, donating money, church attendance, fundraising, and practice of sacraments. See Matthew 5: 16, Ephesians 2: 10 and 1st Corinthians 13: 1-3, King James Version.
(3) Fellowship with GOD is not achieved through academic, intellectual and mental operations that occur within finite frameworks of human awareness. To the extent believing is a internal act composed of feeling, thought and self-will (we also say, choice, decision-making, and volition), believing qualifies as no more than a “good work”. More necessary than human ambition, desire and hope, being accepted by GOD turns on grace, divine prerogative, and sovereign authority. See Ephesians 2: 1-9, KJV.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4) Atheism, idolatry, many other human philosophies, and sin are empty (we also say, vain), and contain no spirit substance that they may influence Almighty GOD. Of themselves they have no power to please or displease; and they are not amusing, clever or useful. As crutches and supports maintained by emotion, imagination and pride, they may dominate awareness and self-will in the created. Believers are encouraged to see how the possibilities for release and recovery of others whom they condemn as non-believers is no different than that provided for themselves; and is therefore a further revelation of exalted love and righteousness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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