Non-Christians in Heaven?

[canadyjd]

One must be cautious in proclaiming salvation is in the “name” of Jesus......The name itself doesn’t save, but the person bearing that name (as well as Emanuel, prince of peace, Lord, Christ, Messiah, ...) does the saving.

Also, when it comes to the actual name, is it Jesu, Joshua, Yeshua, Iso, ....? Over 90 some can be found...,,

It isn’t just the name or the person but also the content of the message preached.

There are many “faiths” that use the name of Jesus or Yeshua or others mentioned.

At what point does the content of the message become so different as to make such faith non-salvific? Or...are there folks here that believe a theology of a “response to the light given” by God is enough for salvation even if that message doesn’t include the truth about who Jesus is and what He did?

peace to you

 

[Revmitchell]

Thanks. Do you know the basis for the belief?

peace to you

Its been a while. If I remember correctly its about those who believe in a god but have never heard e gospel

 

[canadyjd]

That would be the only group that would be "non Christian",as the name did not exist even yet during their lifetimes!
But think OP refers to other religions and faiths saving us apart from Jesus!

“Christ” is the Greek translation of the Hebrew “Messiah”. Those in OT times looked in faith toward the coming Messiah of God, believed His promise and were saved by grace. They were “Christians” in that they followed the teachings of God concerning His Messiah.
Peace to you

 

[canadyjd]

Its been a while. If I remember correctly its about those who believe in a god but have never heard e gospel

That is what I suspected. It is the “respond to the light given” theory.

The major problem I have with the theory is that Jesus prayed to the Father to spare Him from the cross if there were any other way to accomplish God’s will.

If there is another way to salvation, Jesus did not have to go to the cross.

peace to you

 

[Hannahande]

I do not know any of them surnamed Christ though!

same haha

 

[MartyF]

Hmm, was Moses Christian?

 

[Dave G]

Hmm, was Moses Christian?

" Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
41 I receive not honour from men.
42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43 I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?
45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is [one] that accuseth you, [even] Moses, in whom ye trust.
46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?" ( John 5:39-47 ).

Moses wrote of the coming Christ.

 

[canadyjd]

Yes, Moses was a “Christian” because he believed the teachings of God concerning the coming Messiah/Christ.

peace to you

 

[Baptist Believer]

That is what I suspected. It is the “respond to the light given” theory.

The major problem I have with the theory is that Jesus prayed to the Father to spare Him from the cross if there were any other way to accomplish God’s will.

If there is another way to salvation, Jesus did not have to go to the cross.

Willard believed that everyone who is saved is saved through Jesus, so the work that Jesus did on the cross was essential.

Instead of relying on RevMitchell's memory, you can read an explanation of his view in "Knowing Christ Today: Why We Can Trust Spiritual Knowledge." In that book, he explains how the gospel is not really about belief, but about knowing Christ and having faith in Him based upon that knowledge. Christian pluralism (as opposed to simple pluralism) is one of the things he discusses in relation to that view of the Christian faith.

If you want a very brief treatment of the subject, you can look at this interview article, Rethinking Evangelism, published in 2001, where he touches on it. Be sure to read it from the beginning, so you will have the appropriate context. Willard didn't write it, but the interviewer(s) do a decent job of presenting his view.

 

[MB]

There's a big difference between what God can do and what God says He will do.

Could God save non-Christians? I suppose so, although I don't know how. But will God save non-Christians? No. He has already stated that salvation is for the elect, those who are in Christ.

The Bible never states that Salvation is only for the elect. If so then only Jews would be saved.
MB

 

[Yeshua1]

The Bible never states that Salvation is only for the elect. If so then only Jews would be saved.
MB

All who have ever been saved are the Elect of God!

 

[Yeshua1]

Yes, Moses was a “Christian” because he believed the teachings of God concerning the coming Messiah/Christ.

peace to you

He is part of the one body, as are all OT saints, but would not have considered themselves as Christians in strict use of term, as was not even called that as of yet!

 

[Yeshua1]

It isn’t just the name or the person but also the content of the message preached.

There are many “faiths” that use the name of Jesus or Yeshua or others mentioned.

At what point does the content of the message become so different as to make such faith non-salvific? Or...are there folks here that believe a theology of a “response to the light given” by God is enough for salvation even if that message doesn’t include the truth about who Jesus is and what He did?

peace to you

The inyetresting part of this is that the election and grace of God towards his own chosen in Christ can even have saved those in RCC/Sda/Mormonism/JW etc, NOT due to them holding to the right Gospel and right Jesus, but do to the work of the Holy Spirit Himself!

 

[Van]

Can someone who has not been "given" to Christ enter heaven? How is a person made perfect? Transferred into Christ and washed with His blood? To whom did Christ preach in Hades? Those in Abraham's bosom?

 

[Yeshua1]

Can someone who has not been "given" to Christ enter heaven? How is a person made perfect? Transferred into Christ and washed with His blood? To whom did Christ preach in Hades? Those in Abraham's bosom?

He told the saved OT saints that their departure with him to heaven was now, and proclaimed to the lost that He is Lord!

 

[Van]

He told the saved OT saints that their departure with him to heaven was now, and proclaimed to the lost that He is Lord!

How would you know what He said? Reading between the lines, or just putting words in His mouth.

 

[Yeshua1]

How would you know what He said? Reading between the lines, or just putting words in His mouth.

We know that when He ascended He took them with Him, as per Paul!

 

[canadyjd]

Willard believed that everyone who is saved is saved through Jesus, so the work that Jesus did on the cross was essential.

Instead of relying on RevMitchell's memory, you can read an explanation of his view in "Knowing Christ Today: Why We Can Trust Spiritual Knowledge." In that book, he explains how the gospel is not really about belief, but about knowing Christ and having faith in Him based upon that knowledge. Christian pluralism (as opposed to simple pluralism) is one of the things he discusses in relation to that view of the Christian faith..

Thanks for the input. Perhaps you could explain “Christian pluralism” and how it relates (or not) to the statement that there may be “non-Christians” in heaven

peace to you

 

[canadyjd]

He is part of the one body, as are all OT saints, but would not have considered themselves as Christians in strict use of term, as was not even called that as of yet!

I guess we will have to define “Christian”.

peace to you

 

[Hollow Man]

The Bible never states that Salvation is only for the elect. If so then only Jews would be saved.MB

Your ignorance of scripture and of elementary Christian doctrines is duly noted.