Featured What are your thoughts on Salvation and those who haven't heard the Gospel ?

While we await the redemption of our bodies, we are, in an abracadabra moment, lol...saved. And we will be no more "saved" when we are glorified (in regards to Eternal Redemption) than we are when we are born again:


1 John 5:13

King James Version (KJV)

13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.


Titus 3:4-5

King James Version (KJV)

4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Not at all:



1 Peter 1:23

King James Version (KJV)

23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.


James 1:18

King James Version (KJV)

18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.


God bless.

 

Now, Tom...how does one exercise faith? Do they not have to have something to place faith in?

They had faith in the revealed will they had at the time, it was not necessary that they have a knowledge of Jesus Christ in specific New Testament understanding. That is clearly shown as something not revealed to men in past Ages:


Romans 16:24-26

King James Version (KJV)

24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

I answered this in Post #17, so would just suggest you address the post.

You are imposing a demand which is not supported by Scripture, that is, "Unless someone hears the Gospel of Jesus Christ they cannot be saved." That is an unfortunate doctrinal position that denies the teachings which pertain to the Mystery of the Gospel. See in Post 17 the Romans references, where we see Gentiles, explicitly stated not to have the Law, fulfilled the Law which was written upon their hearts.

Well, have to get going, so will just say briefly I do not view men as having souls, but being souls, so my answer would be they were eternal souls, as in fact all men are. All born into this world will spend eternity somewhere.


God bless.

 

27 And beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Lu 24

 

I cherish the gospel; what on earth have I written to make you think I belittle it?

I don't understand the question.

 

So does regeneration, but we do not divorce the Ministry of the Comforter in this Age, and the ministry of the Holy Ghost in the Old Testament...from the equation.

Men do not simply pick up a Bible, or turn on a radio and listen to a Gospel message...and intellectually understand or receive the truth of the Gospel.

They must be enlightened by the Spirit of God first. This is true in all Ages.

Show me one person in Scripture that was in relationship with God who did not first benefit from God's ministry. You won't find such an individual.

Even for Gentiles who obeyed the Law written on their heart...are in debt to God first revealing that Law to them.


Romans 1:18-20

King James Version (KJV)

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:



Romans 2:13-15

King James Version (KJV)

13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

14 For when 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:

15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another)


This is the means of revelation both in Old Testament Eras as well as today.

But the Ministry of God in this Age has been shown to us by Christ:


John 16:7-9

King James Version (KJV)

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;


The only real difference between these two Ministries is...the revelation itself. God was not revealing the Mystery of the Gospel in those days, it was hidden. If you go to Biblegateway and do a search of "mystery," it will help you understand this better.

I have given you one passage (Romans 16:25-26), let's consider the Gentiles and Gentile Inclusion now:


Ephesians 3

King James Version (KJV)

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:


Gentiles were not bereft of the Grace of God when they did not have the Law, but, they were still foreigners to the Commonwealth of Israel. But the Gospel makes of those two groups...one man. There is neither Jew nor Greek, and that is a result of the revelation of the Mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.


God bless.