Results 1 - 5 of 5
|
|
|||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | The ignorant didn't need to repent | Acts 17:30 | Aspiring Overseer | 180927 | ||
Finder, Thank you for your patience. I believe my "fog" this morning was self-imposed due to a multitude of tasks at hand and, possibly, an insufficient quantity of caffeine. Without a doubt, we must dismiss the possibility that a pagan, if faithful "to the light they have", will be saved, even if they hear nothing of Christ. Romans 10:14 14 How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? NAS So without hearing they will not come to the truth, which they must achieve to enter Christ's Kingdom. As to “multiple paths”, either the Bible is the truth or a complete lie. The Apostle Paul’s instruction is clear that if even he would have preached a different path, he would have stood condemned. Galatians 1:8-10 8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. NAS As to why there is little or no evidence of these conversions, I would suggest two possible reasons. One, they are likely exceedingly rare. Old Testament examples show the percentage of righteous to pagans as extremely low, i.e. Sodom and Gomorrah, the Flood, etc.. Second, God likely causes each soul to be born in just the proper environment to fulfill His Master Plan. Just as Pharaoh was placed in his position because God knew Pharaoh would never obey Him, so God likely places the souls of those who will not obey Him in these highly indoctrinated societies. Conjecture, but in the "big picture", is it man's position to ask God why He did not save past generations? The Lord demands I serve Him; not the other way around. P.S. Does Acts 17:30 say that God has "saved" those who were ignorant of Him or simply that He will not punish them for their ignorance if they repent? If the later, would not the repentance be the seeking of God in accordance with knowledge (of the truth)? Best regards, AO |
||||||
2 | What choice do the lost have | Acts 17:30 | Finder | 180964 | ||
AO, Thanks for your answer. But it sure adds another problem to my concerns. This time, not only many people die without ever being able to hear the Gospel and are lost, but you seem to indicate that this process was preordained and that there is nothing to do about it. And I also thought that it is unfair that Romans 10:14 didn't happen to a vast number of people that had needed and still need to hear the Gospel. The impression that I was left with is that we all have to just wait and see what our fate will be, because we have nothing to do about it. Thank you, Finder |
||||||
3 | What choice do the lost have | Acts 17:30 | CDBJ | 180986 | ||
Hi Finder, I’m not sure I understand what it is you are trying to convey with your post? Could you please explain what you mean by your statement? You stated: “The impression that I was left with is that we all have to just wait and see what our fate will be, because we have nothing to do about it.” Who or what left you with this impression? Maybe I have some good news for you! CDBJ |
||||||
4 | What choice do the lost have | Acts 17:30 | Finder | 180993 | ||
CDBJ, I can't trace back the message in which you stated the idea that left that impression. I don't know how to use the system here very well. But I remember what I meant with my statement. I just said that since your ideas made me think that God alone decides who will be saved, there is nothing to do but wait to see if in the end we are saved or not. This idea opposes what I would think to be fair for everyone to have equal opportunity to be saved. Finder |
||||||
5 | What choice do the lost have | Acts 17:30 | CDBJ | 180998 | ||
Hi Finder, Your idea, as you have stated it, really couldn’t be further from the truth, and I have some very good news for you and God backs it up! The Bible tells us “emphatically” that those who will spend eternity, with God, in heaven, know it “right here and now”. That’s why the word Gospel is used to describe what God “has already” done for us. The word gospel means the GOOD NEWS. I use to think it was impossible for a person to “really know” that they had eternal life “for certain”, but to my surprise and amazement, Jesus Christ is very much alive and he is willing and able to reveal the “fact” of knowing that heaven is a sure thing to you “personally”. If anyone in the world desires a relationship with God He will provide it. The good part is it doesn’t depend on us but God! All we have to do is want the relationship. If you would like to hear more just let me know? CDBJ |
||||||