“Will God Save Good People Outside of Christ?”

Introduction. Man has very limit knowledge of certain things. (Eternity, The nature of the soul, the nature of God Himself.)

  • We can have confidence that we have all that we need to be acceptable to Him.
    II Peter 1:3 Ñ “ÉHis divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,”
    II Timothy 3:16,17 Ñ “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
  • But we only know what has been revealed. (Deuteronomy 29:29)
         That means that all we can do is look to what God has revealed to us in His word to answer our questions, trusting that God will 1.) Do what He has said, 2.) Do what is just and right!
    What does Scripture say about this question?

    I. God commands everyone to repent. (Acts 17:24-31) Who is Paul talking to? vss. 16-21 The Athenians - worshippers of many gods. (Thus these were people outside of Christ). What does he tell them? -- Nature of God. (Not an image - vs. 24,25). -- God’s expectations of man. (Repent - vs. 30). What is repentance?

  • Before the flood -- Genesis 6:6 - “And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. (KJV).
  • After his decision to destroy the Israelites when they worshipped the Golden calf -- Exodus 32:14 - “And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.” (KJV).
         Notice it is a change of mind followed by a change of action. Acts 26:20 -- Paul teaches men “...should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.”
    (Back to Acts 17). Who must repent? vs. 30 “all men everywhere.” Why?

    II. God will judge men through Jesus. (Acts 17:30,31). Radio show host I enjoy has a saying - “words mean things” That is quite true! Example: “Stop” “Yield” (Turkish - “Dur”). Notice some words in this text:
    -- “All men” (Not some, the chosen, the religious - All)
    -- “Everywhere” (Location is no excuse - We are in His juristdiction now!)
    -- “Through Jesus” (i.e. through His words, through His deeds, in accordance with His plan.)

    What are we if we just don’t do that ? -- Disobedient! (Compare the consequenses of disobedience to civil law with Divine law.) Note another example of some important words...

    III. There is no way to the Father except through Christ. (John 14:6). Compare Acts 17 & John 14 -- All men - repent / No man - come to the Father -- Judged through Christ / Can’t come to Father except through Christ.
    What does tell us? 1.) God wants every human being everywhere to obey Jesus, 2.) No one can come to God without Jesus, 3.) All will be judged through Jesus!

    IV. Those who do not obey the gospel are lost. (II Thessalonians 1:3-10). To Whom is this Addressed? vs. 1 The “church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
    Note: In God & In Christ.

  • What is the context? vs. 3-5 Praise of their endurance in the midst of persecution. Note: “...patience and faith in all your persecution and tribulations which you endure.” (vs. 4).
  • The Change of Focus. From praise of them to declaring the fate of their persecutors. Note: “...repay with tribulation those who trouble you.” (vs. 6)
  • Only Persecutors? No. All who 1.) “do not know God” 2.) “do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
  • What is their fate? “Everlasting destruction.”
    What This Means.
    1.) One who has not obeyed the gospel faces everlasting destruction.
    2.) Ignorance will not excuse a person, because even those who do not know God face everlasting destruction.
    3.) The one who has not obeyed the gospel is classed with those who persecute the church.

    V. What Is Obedience To The Gospel? (Colossians 1:3-6). Note:

  • It is something that is heard. vs. 5 “...heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.” (i.e. a message - the message about Christ & the teachings of Christ.)
  • It has come to all. vs. 6 “which has come to you as it hasalso in all the worldÉ”
  • It brings forth fruit. vs. 6 “...since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth.” If the gospel is not bearing fruit you are not obedient to it.

    VI. How Can I Begin To Be Obedient to the Gospel? (Acts 2:36-39) Note: They were “cut to the heart” (i.e. they felt guilty). They asked what to do. They were told - Repent (we have already seen that) then Be Baptized.

  • It is a burial with Christ unto a new life. (Romans 6:1-6).
  • It is a part of putting on Christ. (Galatians 3:26,27).
  • It is necessary for salvation. (Acts 22:12-16).

    Conclusion. Based on the evidence of Scripture there is no hope of salvation held out for the “good person” who is outside of Christ. God calls upon all people everywhere to come to Him through obedience to the gospel of Christ. Are you outside of Christ today?