GRASPING AT STRAWS (Fig. to depend on something that is useless; to make a futile attempt at something.) That phrase was the only thing I could think of when I was presented with the following salvation question: SALVATON QUESTION #11. What about a person on a deserted island who never hears the message of Salvation? Many times, when presenting the Acts 2:38 message of Salvation, I am presented with this question in one form or another. On one occasion, I actually had a man stop me before I could explain the New Birth. His reasoning: “If I never hear it, I won’t be held accountable.” As I have answered before, every person will stand before a righteous judge someday. We will all be at the mercy of God. As Disciples of Christ, we are merely the bearers of the message of truth. While we would like to believe that the person on the deserted island (or any others who never heard) would be saved, we must take an honest look at the scriptures: 2 Corinthians 4: 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Mark 22: 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God…” Ephesians 4: 17, 18 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; Jesus commissioned His church to preach the gospel to the whole world. It is His plan that the gospel be presented to every single soul. Here is perhaps the most important question of all: What about YOU? You are NOT on a deserted island, you HAVE heard the message of Salvation. With all due respect and love I say this, instead of worrying about the man on a deserted island, you need to be concerned with the man in the mirror. Do not place your Salvation in the hands of a hypothetical situation. 1 Peter 4: 17, 18 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? @Back on Track Bible Studies - Rick Flores
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 12:00:01 +0000