I can't agree with the idea of "we may get to the end of life with zero or negative credits"

Any suggestion that there is any credit/debit system or any merit in anything we do, or credit to be earned, goes directly against scripture and puts us towards somehow "earning" our way into heaven. That is not just wrong, it is blasphemous, suggesting as it does that Christ's death was not enough to atone for all our sins and provide a 'new and living way'. Somehow we need do more? Surely not.

Suggestions of balancing good deeds against bad are superstition and reek of other religions where one can somehow earn a place with a deity or earn the right to re-incarnate as a higher form. All such ideas are anti-Christian.

CS Lewis, for all his wisdom and shrewd writing is way off the mark with his hinting at people in hell somehow earning the right to escape. The idea of penance was originated in Babylon by the first pseudo one-world government under Nimrod. It's been adopted by numerous groups and 'faiths' - most noteably the Catholic Church. But the same as above applies. It's blasphemous, and additionally, since it is the Holy Spirit who convicts us of sin and prompts us to seek a saviour* are we to assume that the Holy Spirit visits hell in order to seek the lost? That doesn't sound like the hell I've been taught about with its total separation from God.

Of course, if you want any reliable information on what heaven and hell are like you must go to scripture. Heaven is a place where we meet God face to face and see clearly for the first time. It is a place where God wipes away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death and no more darkness, for Christ himself will be our light. We will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Hell is variously described as a place of outer darkness, a place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, a lake of fire. If you imagine it being always dark, always unbearably hot and where you continually weep (suggesting sadness) and gnash (frustration at the unending nature of it or your own stupidity for rejecting Christ perhaps), the picture is pretty horrendous.

As to who goes where... the bible says that God has already written the names of those whom he will save in a book, whether saved because of their future decision for Christ or some predestinationary concept is not clear (invites separate debate) but it is clear that Jesus says the only way to the father is through him. Also, there is no other name under heaven by which we may be saved (except the name of Jesus).

People have been arguing this one for generations, but hopefully I've given you an idea of what some folks believe. I feel my understanding is pretty mainstream and not too redical - let me know If I'm wrong, folks.

God bless

EMPIRE

* English spelling of course...