Lesson 13 for September 26, 2015

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31) Will only Christians be saved? Will only certain Christian denominations be saved? Could someone be saved if he or she didn’t find Jesus? That is a clear statement on how to be saved. Nevertheless, some questions may arise about salvation: Will God save everyone since He loves everyone (universalism)? Is every religion a way to salvation (pluralism)? Millions of people died without knowing anything about Jesus, so more questions may arise: Why must the whole world hear about the Gospel? Can the Gospel be heard by everyone on Earth? Finally, two more questions on how the Gospel is going to be preached:

“This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12) Peter explained that Jesus is the only way to salvation. It may seem like only Christians may reach salvation. Some denominations believe salvation may only be found at their church. On the other hand, Peter also said, “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” (Acts 10:34-35). If there are people who fear God and do righteousness but don’t know Jesus… shouldn’t they be saved although they are not Christians?

All saved people will be so by the blood of Jesus although some may have not known the Gospel. Everyone may accept or reject salvation. God’s law is written in every heart, and all created things testify (Romans 1:20). Maybe they didn’t hear about Jesus, but He will save them if they accept the light they had received (John 10:16). “For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” (Romans 2:14-16)

“that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:12) Universalists believe that God will give everyone eternal life because He is love, no matter what they did. There is no eternal death and condemnation for them. Jesus didn’t teach that. He said that there is a way to salvation and a way to condemnation (Matthew 7:13-14). Pluralists believe that every religion leads to salvation. But we already learnt that there is only one way to salvation, Jesus (Acts 4:11- 12). A Buddhist may be saved by how sincerely he obeyed his conscience. That doesn’t mean that Buddha saved him, but Jesus did.

“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’” (Mark 16:15)

“The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God’s plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency. The members of the church, those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory. The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to ‘the principalities and powers in heavenly places,’ the final and full display of the love of God. Ephesians 3:10.” E.G.W. (The Acts of the Apostles, pg. 9)

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) We may find some obstacles when trying to convert non-Christians: An inadequate planning. Educating, healing and helping, but not preaching the Gospel. Lack of staff and resources. Christianity is banned in some nations. Nevertheless, God gave us encouraging promises: He is with us (Matthew 28:20). Our enemies won’t defeat us (Matthew 16:18). The Message will be spread all over the world (Acts 1:8). The Word of God will prosper and will fulfill its mission (Isaiah 55:11).

“There are many who are crying out for the living God, longing for the divine presence. Philosophical theories or literary essays, however brilliant, cannot satisfy the heart. The assertions and inventions of men are of no value. Let the word of God speak to the people. Let those who have heard only traditions and human theories and maxims hear the voice of Him whose word can renew the soul unto everlasting life.” E.G.W. (Christ’s Object Lessons, cp. 2, pg. 40)