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NASB | 2 Thessalonians 2:12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Thessalonians 2:12 in order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe the truth [about their sin, and the need for salvation through Christ], but instead took pleasure in unrighteousness. |
Bible Question:
It would appear that present day believers have been lulled into complacency, perhaps out of ignorance of the the message of 2 Thess. 2:7-11. How does this fare for the message of the "Left Behind" series? In the first book we see several characters who realize that what they had been told about Jesus was indeed true and they "come to faith." Since they had rejected the Gospel before the Rapture, how can we justify their salvation according to this Scripture? It grieves me to think that those to whom I have witnessed about Jesus Christ will have no opportunity to accept Him after the Rapture! Perhaps this should serve as a wake-up call for those who have, to date, chosen to ignore the Gospel message! And we, as believers, should be charged with telling them that there may be no "second chance" for them after Christ comes for His Bride! We should be pursuing evangelism with great fervor as we see the "Day" approaching . . . calling those we love to believe while it is still called "today!" The only comfort I have is that God is still sovereign and He will have compassion upon whom He choses. Perhaps many we know who miss the Rapture are part of that "elect" group the God will call out of the Great Tribulation! Although we eagerly await His appearing, these are sobering days! In Christ, Mommapbs |
Bible Answer: Mommapbs; These are sobering days. I have not read the left behind series. I believe however, that the scripture makes it clear that if one rejects Christ and should die in that state or if the rapture occurs and they are left behind that they have indeed missed salvation. I also believe that God uses his word presented to sinners and by his Spirit he works with the souls of men. He never leaves a searching sinner alone. You are correct that God is sovereign and will bless whom he desires. However, I think that he has made it clear that if we miss Christ by willingly rejecting him there will be no second chance after death or after the rapture. I take great joy however, that God will bless those who have never heard and will save a great multitue of them alone with the remanent of Israel during the great tribulation. I often think of the words of Judah "How shall up go up to my father and the lad be not with me" Gen44:34 This is simmply an application with the thought "How can I go to my heavenly father, if my children be not with me". This has always tempered the joy of going to be with Christ when we have unbelieving children and friends. May it be that we who are Christs might reflect these eternal realilties to those who are near and dear to us and to those we are with each day. We know that he doeth all things well. In Christ Robert |