Presentaci

1
MUST THE WHOLE WORLD HEAR?
Lesson 13 for September 26, 2015
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Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will
be saved. (Acts 1631)
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WILL ONLY CHRISTIANS BE SAVED?
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
411-12)
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
1034-35). If there are people who fear God and
do righteousness but dont know Jesus shouldnt
they be saved although they are not Christians?
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COULD SOMEONE BE SAVED IF HE OR SHE DIDNT FIND
JESUS?
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 214-16)
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.
Gods law is written in every heart, and all
created things testify (Romans 120). Maybe they
didnt hear about Jesus, but He will save them if
they accept the light they had received (John
1016).
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UNIVERSALISM AND PLURALISM
that they all may be condemned who did not
believe the truth but had pleasure in
unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 212)
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 didnt teach that.
He said that there is a way to salvation and a
way to condemnation (Matthew 713-14).
Pluralists believe that every religion leads to
salvation. But we already learnt that there is
only one way to salvation, Jesus (Acts 411-12).
A Buddhist may be saved by how sincerely he
obeyed his conscience. That doesnt mean that
Buddha saved him, but Jesus did.
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MUST THE GOSPEL BE PREACHED?
And He said to them, Go into all the world and
preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark
1615)
Pagans may be saved thanks to the minimum
divine revelation they received. Nevertheless,
God is longing for them to understand salvation
in a deeper way.
God loves all people, but all people are sinners
in need of grace, and this grace has been
revealed in Jesus. He has called His church to
spread the good news of this grace to the
world. The order is very clear, Lift up your
voice with strength (Isaiah 409). We are
responsible for announcing the only way to
salvationthe Good News of the Gospelto this
thirsty world.
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The church is Gods 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 Gods 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 310.
E.G.W. (The Acts of the Apostles, pg. 9)
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CAN THE GOSPEL BE HEARD BY EVERYONE ON EARTH?
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 2414)
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 2820). Our enemies wont
defeat us (Matthew 1618). The Message will be
spread all over the world (Acts 18). The Word of
God will prosper and will fulfill its mission
(Isaiah 5511).
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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. (Christs Object Lessons, cp. 2, pg. 40)