To understand it, we must use the definition of belief and faith that was used in the first century. If you want to understand what they said, you must accept the way they used the words. Belief and faith was not purely a mental exercise. It was unimaginable in the first century that someone could truly believe and yet not act accordingly. So their references to "belief" inherantly include acts.

The way we use words like "faith" and "faithful" is inconsistent. Many today would suggest simply (mentally) believing in Jesus is enough. But "faith" in the first century was much more like the "faithfulness" a person expects from their spouse. Who would consider their spouse "faithful" if they're sleeping around? Even today, in some contexts, we expect "faith" and "faithfulness" to more than a mental exercise.

The passage in James 2 you're alluding to is very helpful on this topic. James was being sarcastic to the point of being offensive to those who think their actions are irrelevant. "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?"

To your question, I would say the same thing keeping the demons out (belief without any works) will keep out many who consider themselves to be Christians today. Many have what James would call the dead faith of demons.

There is no hades or heaven.

Good answer

Keep in mind that John Kerrey's wife was a Heinz so by buying Heinz you're supporting John Kerrey

please cite the evidence for your conclusion.

White Marlin,

Very simple, there is no viable, tangible evidence for a hades or Heaven. The Bible is a fairy tale and so called personal stories are not evidence.

Your "God" is supposed to be all knowing and all powerful according to you religious types. But if I see a child being abused or molested I would stop it. You "God" does nothing.

Don't give me the "God works in mysterious ways" nonsense either.

You don't think He might have used you to stop it?

Just long johns with pockets. Sure handy pulling on chest waders.

I would attend Hitler's Birthday party before I ate Hunts ketchup!

and you have no viable, tangible evidence to deny the actual existence of a hades or Heaven.

you yourself say that personal stories are not evidence...yet you cite a hypothetical storyline as "proof" that God does not exist.

you seem to be asking why God allows bad things to happen to good (innocent) people. Rev. Josh McPherson would ask: "why does God allow good things to happen to sinners? The answer is: He loves us deeply anyway".

try again.

God gave us Jesus Christ.God wants each of us to turn to him as he is all loving and good.

We hear what you don't believe in....Would be interested in what you actually do believe in.

Beta boys, it's nauseating and you just know they have a commie flag, and drink Michelob Ultra.

Just long johns with pockets.

And have a man bun

There is your answer ^ to the #1 reason.

Yep walleye101 it all goes togather.The good thing is because of the miracle of Jesus Christ untill that persons last breath he or she can turn to God and make it to Heaven.

Can you prove it?

Hmm... so I guess either way Tommy is right. Either there is no heaven, or he found the number one reason people don't get there.

I don't believe that 160. You're better than that. I could see maybe Tommyran's party though.