People lost for lack of witnesses?

[Gerr]

Will there be people lost because you/me/we, did not witness to them? If so, is that fair? Is salvation a matter of geographical chance?

[Gibs]

It appears Gerry that it must be so.

Eze 3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Eze 3:19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Eze 3:20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come

When then He has guided us into the truth of things and we know it because His Spirit not only covicts of sin but truth as well we are then accountable to witness it.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Robert]

Will there be people lost because you/me/we, did not witness to them? If so, is that fair? Is salvation a matter of geographical chance?

If God places that on your weak, sinful shoulders then I have a problem with God.

1] I didn't ask to be born on this sinful planet under Lucifer's control.

2] God allowed Lucifer to build his kingdom here. I've been caught in the middle.

3] God has promised me salvation in His Son. I have accepted. I can never answer the law (which is spiritual) as Christ did.

4] In a nutshell, it's God's problem. He created Lucifer knowing he would sin.

5] Hence all I can do is rest in Him.

No worries...

[Robert]

It appears Gerry that it must be so.

Please read the whole chapter and stop taking things out of context.

Also, keep the following in mind:

Ez 18:20 The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.

Guilt cannot be transferred. God sends His Spirit to all men. We are accountable to God individually. If He chooses not to listen to his conscience I cannot have his sin charged to me.

[Gibs]

In God's justice I don't see that geographical location would be a problem. We if we can't get up and go witness salvation and Christ to those in far out corners we should support any that go. But to support an effort that didn't spread the true gospel message is not desired and would be detrimental.

The statement of Jesus that few would find the way keeps ringing in my ears. If it is not one thing it is another that Satan is doing or has done to prevent a greater share finding it.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Robert]

Wherever there is an impulse of love [agape] and sympathy, wherever the heart reaches out to bless and uplift others, there is revealed the working of God’s Holy Spirit. In the depths of heathenism, men who have had no knowledge of the written law of God, who have never even heard the name of Christ, have been kind to His servants, protecting them at the risk of their own lives. Their acts show the working of a divine power. The Holy Spirit has implanted the grace of Christ in the heart of the savage, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature, contrary to his education. The “Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9), is shining in his soul; and this light, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God.

The Holy Spirit enlightens every men's mind. There's no excuse to blame someone being lost on others....

The Bible states this also:

Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

2:14 Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15 since they show that the requirements of the law (agape) are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness....

[Gibs]

Will there be people lost because you/me/we, did not witness to them? If so, is that fair? Is salvation a matter of geographical chance?

Your question here Gerry is a good one and would that more gave some feedback.

Thanks.

[JoeMo]

I agree with Gibs, Gerry - this is a very pertinent question - one that I ponder frequently. I can't help but think that we are very near to the time of the end. Yet it is estimated that over 3 billion people currently on earth (not to mention the billions who died in the past) have never heard the name of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, how many people in ages present and past may have heard about Jesus; but He was so poorly presented that they didn't want to have anything to do with Him? Example - how the early Spanish explorers "converted" native Americans by giving them a choice between Catholicism or beheading? Or Irish Catholics and Protestants killing each other in the name of Jesus? How about the Spanish Inquisition? How about how condemning and judgmental we Christians are to each other here on CA (I'm preaching to myself, here also)?

Will Jesus give all those who have never heard of Him, and those who have never had a chance to see the Godhead for the loving, caring and merciful God that He/They are an opportunity to make an informed and intelligent choice for or against Him? It seems only fair; but I don't know where I can back that up with scripture.

[Felix Florimon]

Will there be people lost because you/me/we, did not witness to them? If so, is that fair? Is salvation a matter of geographical chance?

[CoAspen]

No!

The Holy Spirit is alive and well! Is God waiting for His followers to tell everyone, No.

Do we believe the 'still small voice' is only for 'followers' or every person? I don't, but we all have the privilege of being a part of spreading the Good News!!

[Gerr]

So then, how much chance did/does a Muslim born in the Islamic world have of hearing the gospel? And then hearing if from someone too timid, or lazy, or don't even know what the gospel is, or too wrapped up in the things of this world to care? Is that where or who someone's eternal life depends on?

[Guest]

So then, how much chance did/does a Muslim born in the Islamic world have of hearing the gospel? And then hearing if from someone too timid, or lazy, or don't even know what the gospel is, or too wrapped up in the things of this world to care? Is that where or who someone's eternal life depends on?

It may not be as dismal as we think Gerry. I was just sitting here thinking about this, and almost getting depressed over it. And then it came to me.

God already knows that the vast majority of the world would/will reject Him when given a choice, when it comes right down to it. On top of that, He also knows exactly who would, and who wouldn't. Do you see where I'm going with this?

There are many stories of God working miracles to reach honest hearted people who otherwise would never have had any knowledge of Him.

Sometimes what we think are the biggest problems for God, are not problems at all. Did He not say that if need be, He would make the stones cry out? So He doesn't seem to be too worried about it, since He has already said He will do whatever it takes basically.

The real problem may be for us, if we refuse to at least try to do our part.

[Guest]

And we haven't even seen the end time working of the Holy Spirit yet. Nobody has. The closest thing we have to compare it too would be Pentecost. And we know that it will be far far greater than that.

[Felix Florimon]

So then, how much chance did/does a Muslim born in the Islamic world have of hearing the gospel? And then hearing if from someone too timid, or lazy, or don't even know what the gospel is, or too wrapped up in the things of this world to care? Is that where or who someone's eternal life depends on?

[JoeMo]

I have a DVD of Muslims who have become Christians because of dreams and visions giving their testimonies at a non-denominational Christian Church in Pakistan. One of them was actually a terrorist tasked with destroying this Christian Church. Jesus appeared to Him in a dream; and asked Him not to do it; and requested that the man read a book that would be on the top shelf of his closet when he woke up. The next morning, the man got up and found a leather-bound New Testament in his closet. He read it, escaped the terrorist compound, and is now a Christian lay worker.

Are these the young men who will dream dreams and see visions in the latter rain?

[Gerr]

If God gives each person enough evidence to base their decision for or against God, then what's the point of witnessing?

[Gibs]

His Spirit works and He sends forth men and so does Satan for that matter and the Spirit of God must be there to convict the heart of the hearer.

"Point after point of truth should be investigated; for there is no limitation to the truth of God, and in its study a most lively interest should be felt by both teachers and pupils, that they may know what God hath said. For years the voice of God has been saying to us, “Agitate, agitate, agitate.” Study every point of truth, that you may know for yourselves what is truth in distinction from error. Let students search for themselves, that they may know the deep things of God. Let this work be done in the Spirit of Christ. Put no restriction upon the students. {TSS 55.2}

In searching the Scriptures there is need of great humility of mind and contrition of heart, of seeking earnestly unto God. Those who come in a lowly spirit, seeking for truth, will be aided in their search by the angels of God. {TSS 56.1}

The Lord will raise up men to bear the message of truth to the world and to His people. If those in responsible positions do not move onward in the opening providences of God, bearing an appropriate message for this time, the words of warning will be given to others who will be faithful to their trust. Even youthful Christians will be chosen to “cry aloud and spare not.” {TSS 56.2}

Her idea of agitate is to awaken to the nudging of the Holy Spirit.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Guest]

Amen Gibs.

[Felix Florimon]

If God gives each person enough evidence to base their decision for or against God, then what's the point of witnessing?

God's plan is to live in our hearts and minds (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). When we witness to others (by example and by words) we are allowing ourselves to be God' means of communication between Him and those who don't know anything about Him. We end up having a closer communion with the Creator and Satan's grip on any of us becomes much weaker.

FF

[Gerr]

Originally Posted By: Gerry Cabalo

If God gives each person enough evidence to base their decision for or against God, then what's the point of witnessing?

God's plan is to live in our hearts and minds (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). When we witness to others (by example and by words) we are allowing ourselves to be God' means of communication between Him and those who don't know anything about Him. We end up having a closer communion with the Creator and Satan's grip on any of us becomes much weaker.

FF

That's a byproduct of witnessing. But back to the original question - would someone be lost because you/me/we failed to share the gospel?

[Gerr]

People are dying every minute of the day while waiting for God to raise up people who will go and proclaim the gospel. How fair of God is that?

[Gibs]

Gerry there is no doubt but that His Spirit tugs at all who have not grieved Him away.

But I do believe it is on the order if one don't warn the one in sin his blood will be on our hands.

We are His ambassadors and we should invite and present His love and sacrifice and invitation , He says "come unto me".

My wife will not witness a thing to any of her family and none are in any church. My daughters I have gotten to see the true gospel message and all go to church. But my son believes just be good and you will be saved. He didn't get that from me but probably from his mom as she kinda expressed that idea, and I think to include her family as she deeply loves them. My sons wife is also an unbeliever but she hears me better than my son. I touch the subject to them when I can and continue to pray His Spirit will not give them peace till they do come to Him.

2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Felix Florimon]

If God gives each person enough evidence to base their decision for or against God, then what's the point of witnessing?

[JoeMo]

This might sound like a silly question - but in our witnessing, are we witnessing for Christ or for the SDA Church? Should our witness be a conscious and verbal action (like "Jesus loves you" or "Are you keeping all 10 Commandments"), or should it be an unconcious ongoing activity exemplified by our behavior?

IMO, we should be bringing people to Christ (mandatory) way before we ever attempt to bring them to Adventism (optional); and it should usually be done unconsciously (kind of like exposing someone to a cold) exemplified by how we live our lives. IOW, our Christianity should be "contagious".

We should be "God bombs" - constantly exposing people to collateral blessing! :)

[Gibs]

JoeMo, I agree and I think most do, the important thing to do is get people to come to Christ and then to follow Him only. The church of no denomination saves, Chist alone is Saviour.

Instilling the truth can be a touchy matter, some are quick to see and take hold of the truth, and some have preconceived ideas hard to unseat in the old mind bank.

Many will be saved that never been through a church door. Church can be under an oak or an overhanging cliff, it is where two or three are gathered in His name as the truth is with them. He must be worshipped in spirit and in truth or He will not be present, then you do not have church. Only the presence of the High and Holy one constitutes church,!

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.