1. Answering Doctrinal Questions (Part 6) Stan Crowley But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; (1 Pet 3:15 NKJV)

2.  Why do people ask this kind of question? The situation does not apply to the one asking such a question (like the Thief on the Cross). Are they looking for an excuse to avoid baptism?  It is hard for us to know that someone has never had the opportunity! God has diligently sought us: Creation (Romans chapter 1). (Acts 14:17 NKJV)... He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." Revelation Sacrifice of His Son 17. Will accountable people who have never had the opportunity to hear and obey the Gospel be lost? 2

3.  We must diligently seek Him. (Heb 11:6 NKJV) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  Assurance has been given to the diligent seekers. (Mat 7:7 NKJV) "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 17. Will accountable people who have never had the opportunity to hear and obey the Gospel be lost? 3

4.  Here is what we do know:  God has a law for all men. All sin. (Rom 3:23 NKJV) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Where there is no law, there is no sin. (Rom 5:13 NKJV) … but sin is not imputed when there is no law. (Rom 2:12 NKJV) For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 17. Will accountable people who have never had the opportunity to hear and obey the Gospel be lost? 4

5.  Each becomes guilty of sin when he/she sins. (Rom 5:12 NKJV) Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned;  The only source of reconciliation is the cross. (Eph 2:15-16 NKJV) … to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.  There is no other source of salvation. (Acts 4:12 NKJV) "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."  This is all that can be offered. 17. Will accountable people who have never had the opportunity to hear and obey the Gospel be lost? 5

6.  It is not wrong, it is necessary, to teach the truth, including the opposition of error, from the pulpit.  In some cases, describing the erroneous teaching and showing where it is inconsistent with the Bible is sufficient.  If there is a danger that members of the flock might fall under the influence of the one teaching error, then the source of error needs to be identified (e.g., I & II Tim., III John). 19. When teaching others, is it wrong to name a false religious group or a false teacher and explain what they teach? 6

7.  Yes. We should; we must. (2 Th 3:6 NKJV) But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 20. Should we withdraw fellowship from brothers or sisters who are living in sin if they refuse to repent? 7

8.  Yes. We should; we must. (1 Cor 5:11 NKJV) But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; not even to eat with such a person. (1 Cor 5:10 NKJV) Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 20. Should we withdraw fellowship from brothers or sisters who are living in sin if they refuse to repent? 8

9.  Yes. We should; we must. (Titus 3:10 NKJV) Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, (Titus 3:11 NKJV) knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. 20. Should we withdraw fellowship from brothers or sisters who are living in sin if they refuse to repent? 9

10.  Yes. But, take care in how we treat them. (Gal 6:1 NKJV) Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (2 Th 3:14-15 NKJV) … note that person and do not keep company with him, … Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 20. Should we withdraw fellowship from brothers or sisters who are living in sin if they refuse to repent? 10