Explain Like I'm Five

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ELI5: If you're a Christian, why do you have to be good if Jesus will forgive you no matter what? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 years ago by minorninth@lemmy.world to c/explainlikeimfive@lemmy.world

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I grew up going to church but I'm not religious now and I never really understood this part.

Please, no answers along the lines of "aha, that's why Christianity is a sham" or "religions aren't logical". I don't want to debate whether it's right or wrong, I just want to understand the logic and reasoning that Christians use to explain this.

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[–] BaldProphet@kbin.social 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Latter-day Saint beliefs are that one's intent and internal desires play a role. Thus, a non-repentant person wouldn't desire forgiveness, and wouldn't be forced by Jesus to accept it.

[–] CanadaPlus 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

Under their rules you're allowed repenting after death, as well. Actions in life only determine which of the three tiers of heaven you go to if you don't decide to send yourself to "outer darkness".

[–] BaldProphet@kbin.social 1 points 2 years ago

You're right, some repentance after death is technically an LDS doctrine, however it isn't widely accepted. But yes, our concepts of heaven and hell are more inclusive than the standard Christian binary.