Campolo: Can Non-Christians Go To Heaven? We’re Not Sure.
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Thu, February 01, 2007
- Viewed 101
- (46) comments so far
“We are very very careful about pronouncing judgment on anybody. We leave judgment in the hands of God and we are saying Jesus is the way. We preach Jesus, but we have no way of knowing to whom the grace of God is extended.”
FOR DISCUSSION: What say you?
TAGS: Tony Campolo; Christians; Heaven
SOURCE: Read the whole article at the Edmonton Journal...
Here's an interesting answer to a question posed to Tony Campolo in a recent newspaper article. Q. Do you believe non-Christians can go to heaven? A. That's a good question to ask because the way we stand is we contend that trusting in Jesus is the way to heaven. However, we do not know who Jesus will bring into the kingdom and who He will not.
Comments
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Bob on Mon, February 05, 2007
Yes, we conservatives tend to read whatever Tony Campolo says with skepticism. But hasn’t he earned it?
Tony A on Mon, February 05, 2007
Daniel R says: “Does it benefit the Kingdom of God to loudly proclaim the all Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Jews are condemned to hell unless they convert to Christianity?” What about the groups that self-identify themselves as Christians like Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, Nestorians, Coptic Christians, Christian Scientists, etc.
It’s interesting that we lump together all of these self-serving man-made false religions along with Christianity in this conversation. There is only one God-ordained, God breathed reality of Him and His Creation for life Eternal, and that is through Jesus Christ! Most others are inventions of man. Daniel, Mormons and JW’s do not simply have a different view of Jesus - it’s a different person all together!
God is perfectly full of grace and perfectly just - all at the same time - a paradox that we’ll never fully comprehend here on earth. There is only one way, and if that way turns out to truly be a narrow path, then isn’t the most graceful thing we could ever do to tell others of the TRUTH of God’s justice? Or do we, in an effort to reflect grace, simply break under the pressure?
Tony Campolo handle this question well? Nora said: Well yes, perfectly no, but I would hate to have been in his shoes, because I’m not sure I could have done much better. Nora, I know you could have done much better! Just answer the question with the truth! And I hope you really would not hate to be in his shoes - answering this question is what it’s all about! Answering this question honestly and boldly is the most grace-filled, loving, life changing and life saving thing we can do for our brothers and sisters!
Dennis on Tue, February 06, 2007
Here’s a new evangelism strategy for those who believe that people who have never heard of Christ will be saved (whatever that may mean). Close all the churches, burn all the Bibles, kill all the preachers, etc.—then no one will know about Jesus and all will be saved for none will know! Why did Jesus mess that all up by telling us to go into all the world with the Gospel? And if Peter and John would have just quit preaching that “Name!” It would have fixed everything. We wouldn’t even have to debate the uncomfortable subject of hell, since no one would go there (whatever hell may be). Doesn’t being so ambiguously dogmatic produce a certain deep peace amid the certitude of perplexity? I feel so enlightened—a veritable Campoloite!
Tony A on Tue, February 06, 2007
Thanks Dennis! Well said… a missionary friend put it another way - he said “why should I go out there to that village and tell them all about Jesus? Keep ‘em in the dark and ensure their salvation!” Of course he was being silly, but his point was clear. The path is narrow, hell is real, judgement is guaranteed. But He loves us so much, that he put on flesh and died for us - and now we can choose Life in Him! And when we do, WE WILL WANT NOTHING MORE THAN TO TELL OTHERS!
Why is this so difficult for so many these days? And for leaders like Tony Campolo to not have the courage and the faith to hold on to and to reflect these truths? No wonder the world thinks we’re all milk toast…
Dr. T on Tue, February 06, 2007
** My Humble Post’s Topic: “Jesus and Jesus alone, or Jesus and something(s) else? Which is it?
WOW! Here we go again, huh? Another “Believer” making a comment that leaves in doubt what Jesus already said about Himself, salvation, Heaven, etc. Come on Tony C, why debate it? Why use a series of fancy academic phrases and debateable words when it comes to the one primary issue in the Bible that is not debateable, questionable, or changeable? Why leave the unbeliever room to wiggle around acceepting Jesus and Jesus alone as Lord and Savior!?
** Hey Everyone—- It boils down to this: If tthere were any other way or spiritual avenue to salvation and Heaven, why would God have allowed His only Son Jesus to die such a cruel death? Shoot, why would He have allowed Him to die at all? To say or believe that there is ANY other way to Heaven other than Jesus cheapens His death, makes His crucifixion a wasted moment in history, and shoots the message of the Bible all to Hades/Gehenna. Know what I mean?
Come on folks—the bottom line is this when it comes to salvation and Heaven, it is either JESUS and Jesus alone, or it is Jesus and something else. There is no middle ground to this one guys. While I allow people to have different opinions on some Biblical docrtines, there is no room for discussion on this one. It is Christ and Jesus Christ alone! End of discussion. No debate. No adding to what God did. No adding amendments to God’s loving and great salvation plan.
Now, I know better than to believe what ‘ole Tony said this time on this one. Surely he believes what the Bible teaches, doesn’t he?? Or does he? But, if he does, then it is dangerous for him to leave any wiggle room or room for unbelievers to believe anything else. If they think, because a great theologian like Tony C., says that there may be another way to Heaven, then they may reject Jesus’ teaching, look, for another way, and wind up dying and going to Hell because of Tony C’s words!! WOW! I sure would not want that on my back when I stand before God… would any of you? Does Tony C really want that? Deep down I really doubt it… so Tony C, for the sake of the Gospel, tell ‘em all it is Jesus and Jesus alone!! After all, that is what Jesus tells us in John 14:6… go back and read it again.
Dr. T, Texas
Tony A on Tue, February 06, 2007
Dr. T - so how do you really feel? Amen!
John White on Tue, February 06, 2007
It seems this blog is dominated by Armenianism. Wouldn’t Calvin suggest that not everyone who says “the sinner’s prayer,” or what every your denomination dubs the proof of salvation, will make it to heaven. Bravo to those using scriptures but what about “not everyone who calls me Lord, Lord…”? What about those Christians that ate and drank judgment upon themselves and fell asleep? And lets not forget Heb where forsaking fellowship imperils your salvation.
These scriptures shouldn’t be ignored because they don’t fit nicely into our systematic theology - unless, of course, you feel they are less inspired then other words are. Instead we need to remind ourselves of God’s sovereignty; Pharisees and Sadducees didn’t consider it and therefore could not understand, nor accept, a soveriegn “dispensation” where God’s grace flowed away from them to someone else. We are the beneficiaries for God showing mercy on whom He chose. Does your theology allow God to rewrite the rules? This isn’t liberalism, it’s a theology that preserves and honors God’s sovereignty as shown through the Bible.
On the other hand, it’s unmistakable and absolutely unchangeable that salvation comes through only Christ – well… unless your one of the Jews to be grafted in later. I wonder what God meant by “grafting in?” And can anyone tell mre precisely the theology of those 144000 folks in the end.
Himmm… maybe this is why Tony Campolo answered the way he did?
Daniel D. Farmer on Tue, February 06, 2007
John, I’m fairly confident there aren’t too many Armenians who frequent this site. Perhaps some Arminians (like myself), but I’m from France, not Armenia (and I don’t mean to be mean or anal, but people discussing politics would lose credibility quickly if they mentionned Republicanizers and Democratists… if you catch my drift).
I’m afraid dispensationalism is biblically problematic in more ways than one, though I appreciate the thrust of your comment. We must trust the Spirit to guide us into all truth—and this may cause tension with some of our previously held assumptions…
I insist that Christianity is not about heaven. It’s about new Creation. Questions about heaven and hell don’t need to be answered so much as reframed. That’s what I wish Campolo would have done.
My two cents…
Cheers,
-Daniel-
Wendi on Tue, February 06, 2007
We agree often Daniel, but I especially appreciate this comment: [Questions about heaven and hell don’t need to be answered so much as reframed.]
Wendi
ld on Tue, February 06, 2007
The arguments about who is and who is not among the chosen are interesting. I wonder if people from afar off that witnessed the crucifixition of Christ would have thought that a thief would’ve been saved. They undoubtedly would not have heard the personal exchange between Christ and himself so from an outsider’s view the thief would’ve been a total mess. How can we determine who at the last minute of breath will come to a saving knowledge of Christ? I think we should just concentrate on the message and love everyone as Christ loves us and whoever hears and believes will be saved. It may be a last minute decision but even Christ in His parable of the workers describes the wages for workers even if they’ve been hired in the latter part of the day. Eternity is a long time and even though there may be differing views here we are all believing God and may be neighbors in eternity so may God give us the grace and wisdom to do the best that we know how in the place that He has put us and leave the rest to Him. God bless you.
Chris on Wed, February 07, 2007
What does Jesus say about eternal life? A lot, but it’s often misunderstood (often by me I admit). He calls us to both an entirely different (redeemed) life now and a future in his presence without the disruption and damage of sin.
John 17:3 “This is eternal life; that they may know you the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent”
Eternal life is right now! Not something (only) that happens after we die. For me, that truth alone reframes this discussion. Salvation is found in knowing the truth and grace of God through Jesus (John 1:14).
I’ve been known to say (and be criticised for saying) that heaven is like the amazing, overwhelming prize at the bottom of the cracker jack box. The point is knowing Jesus, the result is transformation, the outcome is abundant life, the end of the matter is the new heaven and new earth.
Or maybe I’m wrong…
DanielR (a different Daniel) on Wed, February 07, 2007
Tony A,
You referenced part of my comment but you didn’t answer the question you referenced. Does it benefit the Kingdom of God to pronounce judgment upon all who believe differently than us?
Isn’t judgment up to God, just like Tony C. said? “We are very very careful about pronouncing judgment on anybody. We leave judgment in the hands of God and we are saying Jesus is the way. We preach Jesus, but we have no way of knowing to whom the grace of God is extended.”
Doesn’t he say Jesus is the way? Is it really necessary to go the further step and say that anyone who disagrees with your personal theology is going to hell? And do we really know to whom the grace of God will be extended? It seems presumptuous to me to say that I know who will get to heaven and who will not.
I’ve had Christian leaders tell me that all Episcopalians are going to hell because the Episcopal Church accepts homosexuality. Not just Episcopalians who accept homosexuality but anyone who belongs to the denomination. I’m sure Fred Phelps of Westboro Baptist would say most of us reading this blog are going to hell. I’ve had a Baptist Deacon tell me that I’ve condemned myself because my wife and I decided not to have anymore children and at the age of 45 I got fixed to insure that. He said that was that and nothing could save me from eternal damnation in accordance with Deuteronomy 23:1.
My point is; does any of this forward the Kingdom of God? I’m not trying to support Tony C. I’m not agreeing or disagreeing with him, I’m just asking the question and stating that I don’t think his answer (this time) was bad. I have no problem telling someone they are going to hell if appropriate, but is it really necessary that we, as Christians, pronounce judgment and tell everyone else that they are all going to hell?
Tony A on Wed, February 07, 2007
Thanks DanielR!
I’m not certain what you mean about benefiting the Kingdom of God. But let’s start with judgement. I’m not talking about telling a person or persons that they are going to hell. All I can do is share with them what Scripture says - and Jesus makes the conditions perfectly clear. So yes, it would very much benefit the Kingdom if it was revealed to a person that they may not spend eternity with God! This brings about a opportunity for that person to reflect on their life, what they believe and who they should follow!
We can spent our lives living like Jesus the best we can. We can spend our lives as a servant as Jesus was. We can spend our lives loving those around us like Jesus did. But we need to use our voices as well - just like Jesus did! Not judging people, but sharing with them what Jesus taught us about judgement! Jesus heeds warning many times and talks about hell and separation from the Father so often, that we best learn from Him on this.
Hell and judgement are not very popular topics, but if Jesus is the only way, then a person and some point in their lives makes a life or death decision. Jesus died so that we could choose to follow Him - what a gift of Love!. God is perfectly loving and perfectly just at the same time- a paradox that is hard for us to understand. If we choose not to accept the blood of Jesus for our transgressions (perfect love), then we will be judged (by the perfect judge), and the Word of God is clear regarding the conditions of this judgement. We might not like it, but it’s the way God designed it. It is His creation, and thankfully he gave us His Word so that we can know.
John White on Wed, February 07, 2007
So was Tony Campolo right hedging an answer when asked for a dogmatic treaties regarding who gets into heaven or was his nebulousness reflecting the entirety of Biblical revelation? I think the latter, but it’s harder to live with and it doesn’t preach very easy. Besides, who wants to hear their pastor or teacher if can’t reduce Biblical revelation into simple dogmas? It’s counter-cultural to the sound-bite mentality.
Daniel - thanks for the correction, I just thought of that this morning on my way to work.
Blessings to all,
John
Tony on Mon, February 12, 2007
May I just add a comment about a signficiant book on this subject which I reviewed recently…
Who Can Be Saved
Terrance L Tiessen
Inter-Varsity Press
ISBN 1-84474-031-5
Tiessen writes as both a college theology professor and former missionary in Asia, and it is from this dual background that he approaches the hard question that any Christian must surely consider: ‘what about those who have never heard?’ Whether you agree with every nuance or not, he carefully analyzes the issues and available viewpoints from a biblical and reformed angle. It’s a 500-page read, but don’t let that put you off - the style is very readable!
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