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NASB | Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God]. |
Subject: people who have never heard the Gospel ? |
Bible Note: Everyone has access the plan of salvation. That is my understanding of the message from scripture. I have stated above that the Gospel has been preached from Genesis 3 to this time. Moreover, it will continue to go forth until Jesus comes. It will be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Matthew 24). That is what Paul seems to be saying in Romans 10. “The Word is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart"; that is, the same word of faith that he was proclaiming. Moses had said the same thing to the children of Israel. “It is not in Heaven, that you should say, ‘Who shall go up for us to Heaven, and bring it to us, so that we may hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who shall go over the sea for us to the region beyond the sea, and bring it to us, so that we may hear it and do it?’ But the Word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, so that you may do it‘” (Deuteronomy 30). It is not clear to me why you would say that Psalm 19:4 speaks of the apostles and ministers of the Gospel. I am also wondering why you say that their line having gone out to the whole world refers to the Gospel having gone out to the known world. It seems to me that Psalm 19 is a song about nature, the heavens declaring the glory of God, and the expanse proclaiming his handiwork. There is a message in the sun and the moon and the stars and in all of creation that gets across to all men everywhere. The same is said by Paul in Romans 1, that the unseen things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being realized by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that people everywhere are without excuse. God also speaks to people through their consciences, so that they have a law written in their hearts. The Jews had the Law, but also the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves (Romans 2). They show that the work of the law is written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts accusing or else excusing one another. The grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (Titus 2). And yet, conscience and nature do not preach the Gospel, though they may prepare men to accept it. The one who has brought the Gospel to us is the Lord Jesus Christ, and I give you to understand that he has been doing that throughout time and to all peoples. It is the mystery which was not clearly seen in Old Testament times, but we can see it now. The Gentiles would be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ by the Gospel. Peter tells us that he preached to the people in Noah’s day, though Noah preached also, so that they would have their chance before they were taken away in the flood. Of course, the Jews heard the message. But God is no respecter of persons. A Rahab and a Ruth are just as welcome, and somehow they knew it. The Lord Jesus Christ goes with us now as we preach the Gospel where he has sent us, into all the world. And when he sends out his sheep, he goes before them. What is he doing? He is lightening every man who comes into the world (John 1). He is drawing all men to himself (John 12). He is still saying, “Ho, everyone that is thirsty”. He is still saying, “Come unto me all”. And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come”. And those who hear can say, “Come”. Anyone who is athirst can come. And whosoever will, he can take the water of life freely”. That is what I call universal access. I know that you will say no man will come unless God inclines his heart. And what I have said here indicates that he draws all men. Whether or not they can resist him, I do not think we are allowed to discuss that here. |