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Question
Due to the fact that Jews do not believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, can Jews go to heaven? Can anyone go to heaven that does not profess the belief that Jesus is the Son of God, came to earth and died for our sins, resurrected on the third day as substitution for us so that we are able to go to to heaven?
The short answer to your question is that God wants all persons to come to the knowledge of the truth and to be saved [see 1 Tim 2:3-4].
So, God excludes no one in advance from eternal salvation.
God has called all to profess and follow the teachings of His Son, Jesus, our Savior. How salvation works out in individual cases we leave to God and His mysterious ways. The Second Vatican Council of the Catholic Church [1960s]addressed the issue of relations with non-Christians from the Catholic viewpoint in a document entitled: Nostra Aetate. The council also spoke in other decress about the universal call to salvation and human response to that call.
I suggest that you check a local library for an edition of the decrees of the council.
If you would like further thoughts from me, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes, Christy.
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Edward Bode
Expertise
A scholar of Jewish and Christian scripture (biblical studies), I hold graduate degrees from three universities in Rome [Italy]: Pontifical Gregorian University, Pontifical Biblical Institute, and the University of St. Thomas. I also have a master's degree in English. My special interests are the gospels of the New Testament and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Experience
I have taught at three universities and two colleges. My published works include one book, several articles in scholarly journals, and numerous book reviews.
I hold a doctorate in sacred theology from the University of St. Thomas in Rome, Italy; a license in sacred scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome; a license in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.Additionally, I earned a master's degree in English from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., and a bachelor of journalism from the same university.
I have been a member of the Catholic Biblical Association of America for 40 years. I am a former member of Society of Biblical Literature.I have spoken on academic topics to local, national, and international groups.
Education/Credentials
I hold graduate degrees from three universities in Rome [Italy]: Pontifical Gregorian University, Pontifical Biblical Institute, and the University of St. Thomas.
I also have a master's degree in English.
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