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Judgement Question:
Dear Sir, after watching this weeks program on the Armour of God, "Does
God love the World enough to save it", I have a question. Although a
resurrection to physical life for devout people of different religions
who never had an opportunity to study the Bible and learn about God and
Christ seems fair, how about the people with ample opportunity to learn
but little interest? How about people who scorn those with faith and
live sinful lives without regret? Will they also be given a chance to
"see the light" after the millennium? If so, I find this hardly fair at
all. Please give me your opinion.
Answer:
I was not one of the presenters on the program but find your question to
be sufficiently clear to enable me to present an answer.
James writes, "to him who knows to do good and does not do it, it will
be accounted to him as sin".
The writer of Hebrews says one should have a fearful expectation for
having knowingly walked away from God.
Our position is that people are accountable for what they know and do.
This is why Jesus said, "it will be better for Sodom and Gomorrah then
for Capernaum". The people of Capernaum were considered to be more
righteous but denied Christ although they had every opportunity to see.
The people of Sodom were less moral but also less accountable because of
what they didn't know.
A loving father does not hold his child accountable for doing the wrong
thing if they did not know better - he teaches them so they don't do it
again. Likewise with God.
However, a rebellious child should fear his father, likewise His God.
Not doing what is your responsibility may also be an item of
accountability and is especially important for people like parents
(ministers too) because it is their responsibility to teach their
children and will have to answer for it.
Paul does say that most can know many things because of natural law
around us - ie nature teaches us that male and female mate. However,
further clarification on how to live is provided in the law and writings
of the Bible to make us wise and safe. The other bit of knowledge that
is required to be saved now is the Testimony of Jesus.
Many people are good and decent but do not have saving knowledge today
so God has no desire to have them permanently perish.
Those who count the blood of Christ as nothing and wish to live their
live as they see fit are accountable today.
In short, be accountable before God and teach others to be also.
This teaching should NEVER allow anyone to feel unaccountable before God
but provide hope for others. For oneself we should learn and do what we
believe God expects from us each day and continue to ask for mercy and
wisdom in the name of Jesus daily.
I hope this provides the clarity you desired.
PS Everyone who is not a part of the first spiritual resurrection will
be part of the second physical resurrection. We are told to fear the
second death because it is permanent.
To the Princes and Princesses of God (literally Spiritual Israel), God
says, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you".
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