What about the people in the Old Testament? If all men have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, what washed away their sin? Jesus paid for our sin with his blood; what washed this same sin away before Jesus died on the cross? I know it was prophesized that He would come, but what happened before? How were their sins forgiven?
People in the Old Testament were saved by the same means we are saved today; Faith (Rom 4:1-25). The only difference is that they looked forward to the cross; we look back to the cross. In Old Testament times, they used animal sacrifices to “make” atonement for their sin (Lev 1:4 – Burnt Offerings, Lev 4:26 – Sin Offerings and Lev 5:16 – Guilt Offering.) These offerings did not atone completely; they merely covered up the sin until Christ suffered God’s wrath, shed His own blood, died and rose again (1 John 2:2). Propitiation means to appease and give favor to another. For more detailed information on this subject, go to www.CrossMoments.com and click on the “Why Jesus Died” link on the left-hand side.
Are they in hell?
Some are and some aren’t. This goes back to the everlasting debate that extends way beyond my comprehension. Some believe that all who simply believe in Jesus will be saved. I believe that some will be saved and some will not (Rom 9:1-18) and that merely belief alone does not save a person. There is a plethora of passages in the Bible that speaks of God making the choice. The modern method of teaching salvation has made this man’s choice. As the Scriptures referenced above make clear, God chooses whom He will have mercy on. There are many more passages that make this clear as well. Again, this is a harsh reality, but a reality none the less. Okay, okay, if you read the Romans reference above, you might be asking some questions about the fact that God loved Jacob and hated Esau. I’ll briefly touch on the word hate. I’ll be honest; this is the part that loses me. Some scholars say that the word hate in the context of Romans simply means “to love less”. This causes me to ask, “Why would God love one person less than another?” This does not seem fair. The response then to my question is usually, “God is God and He can do what he wants.” Sorry, but that answer doesn’t set well with me nor should it with anyone who is actively seeking to know Him. The truth is all people are condemned to suffer God’s wrath (Rom 3:23 & Rom 6:23) and are in need of His mercy. If salvation was based on performance, then it would not be fair for God to condemn someone who is sincerely trying. All deserve His wrath, but only a few will actually be saved by Him.
How does a person go about spreading the Gospel when they still have much to learn? I would have a hard time explaining and sounding like I was confident if I don’t fully understand.
We all have much to learn. The Gospel is really simple though. The best way to get confident is the same way you get confident at doing anything; practice. If you never talk to anyone about God, you will never learn. First of all, it is okay if you make a mistake. It’s also okay to say, I don’t really know the answer, but I will try to get you the answer.” Make certain you get back to them with the answer. At least you will be faithful in doing what we are called to do. Second, look how Jesus did it. He took a common topic, getting a drink of water, and turned it into a spiritual conversation that affected and entire town (John 4:1-43). The key is simply speaking to people with the intention of taking whatever conversation you are having and turning it into glorifying God through the Gospel.
If you don’t have the gift of speaking, in what other ways can you spread the Gospel? Do you have to actually “preach”? Can’t we touch lives and share the Gospel by the way we live? Isn’t that just as effective in spreading the Gospel?
Absolutely; I am convinced that your life preaches something. Either you believe what you preach or you don’t. 1 John speaks heavily to those who “say” one thing and actually love something else. You can reach people by the way you live, however you must be mindful of the opportunities to turn your life into a living example of who Christ is. Failure to do so just classifies you as a “good person”. Sometimes this can even be a detriment to your ability to speak truth because you appear too perfect and you are so intimidating that they keep to the small talk. Live your life in front of them and be ready to give a reason for the hope that is within you (I Pet 3:15). As for actually preaching; some are called are given gifts as apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds or teachers (Eph 4:1-16). This is the unity of true believers working together diligently to spread the Gospel. Again, you will act out what you truly believe.
You said there is nothing a person can do to save themselves or someone else. Don’t you have to place your faith in Jesus and accept him as your savior? I know it is not by works or deeds, etc that you get to Heaven, but through faith in Jesus. If you put your faith in Jesus and ask forgiveness of your sins, is there still a chance you’ll go to hell?
These are loaded questions and the answer to each could be a full blog by itself. I will approach these with references to Scriptures and then wait for more questions. I am certain they will come.
You said there is nothing a person can do to save themselves or someone else. Don’t you have to place your faith in Jesus and accept him as your savior? Read Romans chapters 3 & 4.
I know it is not by works or deeds, etc that you get to Heaven, but through faith in Jesus. If you put your faith in Jesus and ask forgiveness of your sins, is there still a chance you’ll go to hell? Reread Romans chapter 4 – Salvation is a gift. Read the following scriptures: John 6:65 & 2 Pet 1:3. Now read I John 1:9 – Confession and Acts 11:18 – Repentance. Faith is a key element of our salvation, but confession and repentance is as well. You cannot have saving faith if you do not have a life filled with confession and repentance. Many people believe that all they have to do is “ask forgiveness” and God will forgive abundantly. Those people may be in danger of suffering God’s wrath if they have not confessed and repented. Only God knows for sure who He has saved and who He hasn’t. For more information on confession, see the blog titled “Go Ahead, Say It” at http://crossmoments.blogspot.com/2009/11/go-ahead-say-it.html. My next blog just happens to be focused on repentance.
Please seek out the above referenced scriptures and prayerfully study them. I know there are a lot of references, but it will be well worth your time. Take care.
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