How Much Must One Know?
Picking up where we left off on Sunday, we can see that although the work of Christ provides the only means of salvation, some believe that explicit knowledge of Christ is not necessary in order for one to be saved. This does not imply that salvation is available apart from Christ but that God is able and willing to apply the merits of Christ’s work to whomever He wishes. Some believe that those who do not know Christ and have never been exposed to the gospel, but who under the influence of the Holy Spirit feel a need for deliverance, and act on it, will be saved.
The quote from Ellen G. White at the end of yesterday’s study certainly implies this (think of Job and Melchizedek). What light do the following texts shed on this idea?
Ps. 87:4–6
John 10:16
Acts 14:17
Rom. 2:12–16
“God ‘will repay each person according to what they have done.’ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life” (Rom. 2:6, 7, NIV). Paul here declares that there are some outside of Christianity who will receive eternal life as a result of an “obedience-unto-life” principle (cf. Lev. 18:5).
For those “Gentiles” who “show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts” because “their consciences also bearing witness” (Rom. 2:15, NIV), it will make a difference on Judgment Day because these people have responded to the work of the Spirit in their hearts.
Because we don’t know people’s hearts, why in all cases, either with professed Christians or non-Christians, must we be careful not to judge their souls’ salvation?
Adventist Sabbath School Lesson for Adults
Q3 2015 «Biblical Missionaries»
Lesson 13 – Must the Whole World Hear?
