Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.
Fellow Christians, must one visit prisoners per Matt 25:36 to go to heaven and if not, why not?
Allow me to expand on and clarify my basic question by asking some preemptive follow up questions. If a Christian lives near a prison which houses some Christians, but never makes any attempt to visit them or even inquire about visiting them, come the Day of Judgment, does he or she have anything to worry about?
Would Mt 7:21-23 apply to such a person? If not, under what circumstances would the conversation in Mt 25:41-46 ever take place, or was Jesus being totally symbolic about something else and not really talking about the hungry, thirsty, sick, naked, prisoners or strangers? If so, could you please explain the symbolism.
My personal opinion is that Jesus said what he meant and meant what he said, and therefore on the Day of Judgment there will be a billions of people who claim to be Christian who will be asking Jesus, “Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty ...?”, but it will be too late then (i.e. about 99.99% of “Christians” will go to hell).
But maybe I’m missing something and you can help me out. I honestly hope I am wrong about this passage. I don’t like living with the idea that most of my brother and sisters in the Lord are just kidding themselves as far as avoiding hell, but it is very difficult for me to just ignore the plain language of Mt 25:31-46.
In the USA, even the poorest are fat, water fountains are everywhere, second-hand clothes are given out freely at most churches, and homeless shelters are everywhere so those aren’t real issues like they used to be at one time. However, the USA has ten times the incarceration rate compared to the rest of the world. We put people away for life for actions that aren’t even crimes in other countries.
So of the items Jesus listed, the prisoner situation is the most significant issue in America, thus my question. Thanks for your help.
7 Answers
- 4 years ago
The Bible tells us that only a few will go to heaven (the anointed) the rest of mankind who are saved will live on a paradise earth.
Jesus disciples were taught to visit or be in prison, so of course they visited them.
- Scarborough FairLv 74 years ago
I don't know how safe it was to visit a prison is Christ's day, but it's not terribly safe today, especially for women.
- Anonymous4 years ago
Prisoner here does not mean literal jailed people.. It could mean imprisoned by negative words, thoughst and deeds. To visit is to relax that damaging negative effects.
- sarahLv 74 years ago
only a few are going to heaven the majority of humans are to live forever on earth. Jesus said, the meek will inherit the earth" so it will be a paradise. That was not the only thing it said to feed the hungry so work in a soup kitchen.
- Ernest SLv 74 years ago
The Bible, God's word, is to be read to hear God.
It is not for building twisted doctrines in isolation from the remainder of the Bible.
If you think that is what you hear then it is for you ... and not for you to use to bash others.
By the way, did you not notice that the righteous were unaware of what they had done?
- Anonymous4 years ago
Here's a question for you. Are you just doing good deeds in the hopes that your imaginary friend will let you into his kingdom, or are you doing them in order to do good in the world?
- ShinigamiLv 74 years ago
And are all prisoners a part of the penal system, or is that old lady down the street who can't get around without a ride from her neighbors one of them? Her crime: getting old.