The Christian religion is based on the life and teachings of Jesus. Jesus the Christ, Son of God is the only reason there are over a billion Christians in the world today divided into thousands of different denominations of faith.
Now, according to the Old Testament of the Bible, Adam and Eve committed the first sin, and thereby created what is known as original sin. Through the ages this weighed heavily upon some Christian faiths. They felt it necessary to harm themselves in order to atone for this original sin. They felt the need to suffer as Jesus did to wash away their transgressions and “get right” with God.
Thus began to the practice of flagellation. They made whips of bamboo and struck themselves until their backs were raw and bloody. With sharp metal objects they would pierce their tongues and other body parts. A few were known to die during these rituals.
Today, most accept Jesus as the Son of God, our Savior, who died on the cross for our sins. Those who believe are saved, and rewarded with Heaven at the end of their life. Thus we are saved from original sin, and otherwise, by faith, and not by works.
Yet, Jesus’ teachings are about a loving, forgiving God. A God that does not judge His children. Instead, God surrounds them with unconditional love. This is the God Near Death Experiencers are finding to be true when they have a NDE. I believe we need to follow Jesus by honoring His teachings.
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