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NASB | Ephesians 1:5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 1:5 He predestined and lovingly planned for us to be adopted to Himself as [His own] children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the kind intention and good pleasure of His will-- |
Bible Question: Two fold question. People that die without ever knowing of Jesus or God, will they have any chance at redemption? And unbelievers that died have no chance at redemption during the tribulation. Or is a second chance at that time not really foretold? |
Bible Answer: Dear Johnycan, Welcome to the forum! This question is often asked on the forum. I expect not a month goes by that we do not see it asked. In fact, it is a question that has been asked often throughout church history. The Westminster Larger Catechism addresses it. "Question 60: Can they who have never heard the gospel, and so know not Jesus Christ, nor believe in him, be saved by their living according to the light of nature? Answer: They who, having never heard the gospel, know not Jesus Christ, and believe not in him, cannot be saved, be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature, or the laws of that religion which they profess (Romans 1:8-9, 20-23); neither is there salvation in any other, but in Christ alone (Acts 4:12), who is the Savior only of His body the church." From my own tradition, the old divines put it this way, "This promise of Christ, and salvation by Him, is revealed only by the Word of God; neither do the works of creation or providence, with the light of nature, make discovery of Christ, or of grace by Him, so much as in a general or obscure way; much less that men destitute of the revelation of Him by the promise or gospel, should be enabled thereby to attain saving faith or repentance. (Romans 1:17; Romans 10:14,15,17; Proverbs 29:18; Isaiah 25:7; Isaiah 60:2, 3)" However, we can be diligent in missions, because we know that there are God's elect out among the many people groups of the world (Revelation 14:6). God is sovereign, His promises are certain! He will see to it that His own will hear and respond to the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ! In Him, Doc |