Quote:
Originally Posted by TheGodson
What would a possible alternative be?
I can think of purgatory, ceasing to exist, and reincarnation. With the Christian faith, heaven and hell are the only options that I am aware of. I suppose some denominations believe in purgatory, but that belief is not so common.
You are correct that, from a Christian standpoint, Heaven and Hell are the only options.
Roman Catholicism includes a belief in Purgatory, but Purgatory is not an
alternative to Heaven and Hell. Purgatory is a place of
purification for faithful Catholics and for the "separated brethren" (e.g. faithful "Protestants") so that they can enter Heaven sinless.
Eternal salvation has
always predicated on
faith (i.e.
trust) in God.
Today, salvation is based on faith (i.e. trust) in Jesus Christ, whose sinless life and subsequent death by crucifixion atoned for (i.e. "paid for") the sins of the whole world. (Jesus' resurrection was confirmation that He had accomplished what He came to Earth to accomplish, which was to conquer death for those who would trust on Him for the forgiveness of their sins.)
For the Old Covenant Jews, salvation was based on trusting in God, Who promised them that He would to preserve them forever.
Last edited by lagtight; 10-31-2021 at 07:25 AM.