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NASB | Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation]." |
Subject: Is Salvation only through Jesus Christ? |
Bible Note: Brother Johnny: Throughout the Old Testament God required certain things of his people. The promise in Gen.3:15 that the seed of the woman once bruise the serpents head is a type of the redeemer who would come and nullify the power of Satan. Every sacrifice under the law spoke of the coming one. The did not know his name but they saw the promise from afar off. As they looked forward to the cross, they rested on God's promises by faith and because of their faith in him, God has imputed to them righteousness. In Hebrews 11 we read of the old testament saints who by faith were imputed righteousness, beginning with Abel. I love the words which God tells us about them: These died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off and were pursuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth" (Heb. 11:13) We could say that prophets of old did not know him by name, they however, had faith in God that he would eventually send the saviour into the world. We must remember that the fulfilment of all of Gods promises in redemption are found in Jesus Christ. His sin atoning sacrifice put away sin once and for all, he satisfied the Holy claims of God and because of Christ God can abundantly pardon all who come to him by faith. Thus we can say that those who died in faith before the cross and those who trust Christ after the cross; are all saved by his precious blood. What about those who have never heard in our World? As you have mentioned God has given all men a witness of himself. As you have quoted from Romans we find that the law of right and wrong are written on the tables of our hearts. We have a conscience even if we do not know God. It is God's desire that his people "would go into all the world and preach the gospel" However, we know that in our day there are many whom have not heard. We know that after Christ comes for his church, that upon this earth after this event that a number of Israel will be saved along with a great multitude from every kindred tribe and nation. This is not a second chance for those who reject him now. It is an opportunity for those who have never heard. Johnny, I believe the only people who will go to hell will be those who have chosen to go there. They have made it abundantly clear that they want nothing to do with Jesus during their lives and continue to reject him until they die, they have no hope. They turned against the hope. I hope some of this helps brother Robert |