Do you know or is it wrong to say?

[Norman Byers, N.D.]

Can God's people know who are lost?

So that you know; when I say lost, I mean on their way to destruction, better known as the 2nd death.

I am asking this question because I want to know what you really think about this. If you wish please provide reasons for your beliefs.

There are statements and Bible verses that can back up both positions.

What do you say?

Norman

[Naomi]

We all know there are verses which one could use to support either yes or no.

IMHO, we can be observant of their works and actions and know if they are walking the pathway of destruction.

Only God knows the end from the beginning ... only he knows what might happen at the last minute. Example, the thief on the cross

Should we judge? No

Should we point out actions which are not Bibical? Yes, otherwise we are guilty of not witnessing. However, there is a way to witness to a person which does not build barriers and a way which can drive a person further from God. It's a fine line

They say "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink"

Should we simply live by example and not use words? In most cases this is the best way ... imho

just some thoughts from top of my head ...duhhhhhh

[Look Alive!]

If we cannot point out "actions which are not Biblical" without ourselves doing so in a manner that is more likely to erect barriers than to win confidences, we are better off keeping our opinions on such matters to ourselves, methinks.

I would be very careful about judging a fellow believer "lost" on the basis of differences of theological opinion. It is not our theology which saves us. It is Jesus Christ. The Bible is very clear about the criteria for receiving and confessing Christ -- and "thinking exactly the way I do on all points of doctrine and eschatology" isn't part of it.

[Nan]

Quote:

Can God's people know who are lost?

Is the question 'can' or 'should try to judge'?

Except in a very few isolated and specified cases (and then with great caution) I cannot see how making this kind of call can help either "God's people" or those who are going to be lost.

I can try to encourage and admonish others - but ultimately the only one over whom I have any control is me. I do not want to judge the final destiny of anyone else, I leave that to God, Who alone is qualified.

[Norman Byers, N.D.]

Hi y'all,

Jesus said, "But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Mat 10:6

Mat 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Mat 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

It is obvious that we are given eyes to see who are lost for the purpose bringing them Gospel.

But here's what we should not do with that gift, because we do have it.

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. Rom 14:13

This is great counsel and we benefit from following it and all scripture. the judging here is to determine who is lost and condemning them. It is not the same as warning someone that they are lost or heading there.

There is a 3rd aspect to this, which is where some problems can arise and have arisen.

Luk 17:1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

The whole context of these verses is offenses and the word trespass here in context is to offend.

This is a separate issue from knowing who is lost but sometimes gets mixed into it. By doing the above we are not saying that the other is lost only that they have done something that is wrong. Offenses are wrongs done to someone whether it be us or God.

To sum up what I have shared.

1. We can know who is lost

2. we have this knowledge to find the lost and share the Gospel

3. rebuked an offending brother or sister is not the same as saying someone is lost.

What do you think does this make sense?

Norman

[Gregory Matthews]

I will suggest that the individual may know whether or not he/sh is lost or saved. But, that person cannot know the same about another person.

[Robert]

Can God's people know who are lost?

2 Tim 2:19 "The Lord knows those who are His"

[olger]

Perhaps it will be helpful to remember that the term "judgement" carries two distinct meanings in the Bible.

1) to discern

2) to condemn

In our culture it is common to forget that the word also means discernment, which is a good thing.

regards,

olger

[Norman Byers, N.D.]

Hi Gregory,

Quote:

I will suggest that the individual may know whether or not he/sh is lost or saved. But, that person cannot know the same about another person.

Can you expand on this? (the bold part)

Thanks,

Norman