When we think...
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When we think that we have the only avenue of truth, it may come as a surprise to find out that God does not show favoritism! Some discover it like Peter, while others fight against it out of principle. It is a revelation to know that Jesus died for people and not principles. Denominations and legislatures have not discovered that. We like to think of ourselves proudly as people of principle! We have to remember that the Pharisees were the most principled people in Jesus' day, but they were sure not his favorites!
There were nations who had not heard about Christ, but were open to him. We can only leave it in God's hands who will be saved. Jesus descended into hell to preach and led a host of captives. Does that mean only those who died before he was born or is it also for those even now who have never heard the gospel yet?
God only tells us that we are commanded to preach the message of Christ and leave it up to God. We will be held accountable only for those we could have reached out to and didn't. We would only be held accountable if we didn't go there or if we failed to support a mission there if we had the opportunity.
Does that second verse imply that nations who do what is right can still be saved without Jesus?
Paul said that they were witnesses to everything Jesus did. Since we didn't live in that age, does that excuse us for not being witnesses? The apostles preached to many who were not personal witnesses of everything that Jesus did. Paul came later and only heard about Jesus in a vision on his trip to hurt the church.
Some congregations say that you can't be saved unless you can point to a time when you were saved! I had such an experience, but I know many who did not and yet because of the life they are living and words spoke, I know that they have met the Lord.
If we have heard the message and failed to make it a large part of our lives, we had better do some praying! It won't be because of our own deeds or beliefs that we are saved, it will be because the Holy Spirit has come into our lives. Reading the scriptures can open us to receive God's Spirit. The Old Testament predicted Jesus' life and times. Then we read the testimony of those who were eyewitnesses. When we have done these things, it opens the door for God's Spirit to enter.
I believe that all who open their ears and hearts to God's calling will be saved as long as they continue searching. God honors faithfulness, even if we may have doubts but do not give up our search for him.
Don't ever give up! Listen! Read! Learn! God will come to you even if you may not realize he is already in you!
There were nations who had not heard about Christ, but were open to him. We can only leave it in God's hands who will be saved. Jesus descended into hell to preach and led a host of captives. Does that mean only those who died before he was born or is it also for those even now who have never heard the gospel yet?
God only tells us that we are commanded to preach the message of Christ and leave it up to God. We will be held accountable only for those we could have reached out to and didn't. We would only be held accountable if we didn't go there or if we failed to support a mission there if we had the opportunity.
Does that second verse imply that nations who do what is right can still be saved without Jesus?
Paul said that they were witnesses to everything Jesus did. Since we didn't live in that age, does that excuse us for not being witnesses? The apostles preached to many who were not personal witnesses of everything that Jesus did. Paul came later and only heard about Jesus in a vision on his trip to hurt the church.
Some congregations say that you can't be saved unless you can point to a time when you were saved! I had such an experience, but I know many who did not and yet because of the life they are living and words spoke, I know that they have met the Lord.
If we have heard the message and failed to make it a large part of our lives, we had better do some praying! It won't be because of our own deeds or beliefs that we are saved, it will be because the Holy Spirit has come into our lives. Reading the scriptures can open us to receive God's Spirit. The Old Testament predicted Jesus' life and times. Then we read the testimony of those who were eyewitnesses. When we have done these things, it opens the door for God's Spirit to enter.
I believe that all who open their ears and hearts to God's calling will be saved as long as they continue searching. God honors faithfulness, even if we may have doubts but do not give up our search for him.
Don't ever give up! Listen! Read! Learn! God will come to you even if you may not realize he is already in you!
