Salvation for the non-believers?

[BelieveItOarKnot]

But it may be, certainly, as most people's love , if they ever had love, has grown cold, as God Says.

There is no colder form of love than placing one's neighbors in potential hell. You know, the ones we are to actually love

 

[BelieveItOarKnot]

ur still remains an abomination not to be discussed in the company of anyone, believers or not.
It may cause millions or billions to die without repentance being deceived thinking they don't have to repent in this life.
It also cannot be brought up , according to the limited rules of this forum,
except in the controversial section - and even there it helps no one.

Jesus is the savior of captives. We're all captives. Some are in fact saved after death, as we are shown in Romans 11:26-32. Even enemies of the Gospel who were purposefully made that way by God, Romans 11:8.

God put all of us under our adversary in the flesh, the tempter. We all fail because of that fact, because it's not just us here in our sorry hides

 

[BelieveItOarKnot]

ooops, big mistake.

Jesus pointed out who have satan, the devil, as their father.

Well, if you believe people are devils that puts you out in heretic land, plain and simple.

Jesus was clear enough, cover to cover, to love our neighbors as ourselves.

No use making our faith more complicated than that. Faith "works" through love. Gal. 5:6

He still knows today who belongs to satan.
He always knows.

Are you claiming to be sinless?

I'd simply remind you we're no better. Romans 3:9

The only difference IS, we see our state. Most don't and can't because God doesn't let them see

 

[d taylor]

Oh, absolutely not. But my question is more, if I have the slim chance to be saved thanks to opening my heart to the grace of God, it makes me feel sad that my family doesn’t even seem to get to have that chance; and so what can I do for them? Do they have any chance at all? (Though it seems like there is a lot of disagreement here on that)

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For the believer in Jesus there is no such thing as having a slim chance at being saved. They are 100% saved at the very moment of belief in Jesus.

Assurance: Of the Essence of Saving Faith – Grace Evangelical Society

As for an unbeliever they have no chance after death, so they have until they die to receive God's free gift of Eternal Life.

God is gracious and this may extend to people who have never heard of Jesus or have a mental handicap that prevents them from being able to believe. Plus since all sin has been taken away by Jesus, the person who has not aged enough like a baby, if they die will go to heaven.

 

[Clare73]

I just quoted scripture from what Jesus said and He said what a “good man” does. I found from the law in the Psalms that “the steps of the good man are ordered by the Lord” and that the “eyes of the Lord” keep “watch on the evil and the good”.

"Good" in the OT was based on a commonly accepted notion of man, which does not mean the same thing as "good" in the NT; i.e., sinless (Mk 10:18).

 

[Lukaris]

"Good" in the OT was based on a commonly accepted notion of man, which does not mean the same thing as "good" in the NT; i.e., sinless (Mk 10:18).

I quoted the Lord speaking in the New Testament Gospels of Matthew & Luke.

 

[Lukaris]

Did he say there that any good men actually existed?

And with man they are impossible (Mt 19:26).

Therefore, man does not do them.

So if they are done, it is not by man, it is only by God enabling man to do so, and he does not enable all.

No, they are addressed to those in whom God is working.

With man this is impossible.

No one lives by the truth unless God enables him. . .and he does not enable all.

It is all moot to those to whom God does not give the power.

Jesus' words are spoken to those in whom God is working.
No one else can either receive or obey them (Jn 6:65, 3:3-5).

I referenced Psalm 37:21-24 in verse 23 it says the steps of the good man are prepared by the Lord. Anything good is of God ( James 1:17).

 

[Clare73]

I quoted the Lord speaking in the New Testament Gospels of Matthew & Luke.

Jesus lived in the OT under the Old Covenant. Much of what he said was according to the OT under which they were all living.
There was much NT teaching that could not be given before the cross.

There was no actual NT nor New Covenant before the cross.

 

[Clare73]

I referenced Psalm 37:21-24 in verse 23 it says the steps of the good man are prepared by the Lord. Anything good is of God ( James 1:17).

"Good" in the OT was based on a commonly accepted notion of man, which does not mean the same thing as "good" in the NT; i.e., sinless (Mk 10:18).
Post #31.

 

[Clare73]

Sadly many many members and posters and readers/ visitors daily contradict what Jesus says.
There is no rule against that on the internet anywhere, on this forum or elsewhere.

You knew I was referring to Scripture there, right?

 

[Lukaris]

Did he say there that any good men actually existed?

Apparently, and that it is His call and I don’t put clarifications on it. It is a matter for Him to know not us. I do my best to not conflate my reasoning with my faith expression ( Matthew 7:1-12).

And with man they are impossible (Mt 19:26).

Therefore, man does not do them.

So if they are done, it is not by man, it is only by God enabling man to do so, and he does not enable all.

No, they are addressed to those in whom God is working.

With man this is impossible.

No one lives by the truth unless God enables him. . .and he does not enable all.

It is all moot to those to whom God does not give the power.

Jesus' words are spoken to those in whom God is working.
No one else can either receive or obey them (Jn 6:65, 3:3-5).

So who is saying otherwise? ( Romans 9:14-18). Even in our fallen state, we sometimes do what is right ( 1 John 3:10-12).

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

I am in the process of conversion (will be baptized on Easter Vigil), but among my friends and family, I’m the only one who’s decided to convert.

In general, I think the people I love and care have lived virtuous lives on earth so far thanks to their consciences. But because all of them are either atheists or pagans, doesn’t that mean that they still will not get the chance to see Heaven? And my husband, who is supposed to be the other half of me, didn’t decide to be baptized with me because he can’t believe and I couldn’t convince him to believe. So even if I live a good life from now on and get the chance to be saved, will I be alone? What about all the people I love and care about? What can I do for them?

It’s just so horrible to imagine that even if I manage to be saved that I cannot share it with the people I love. People who got to grow up in a Christian community are so lucky not to know this sorrow. It would be so wonderful if universalism was true, but are there any other answers out there?

I feel your pain. I was the second person saved in my family after my little sister. After me, my mother (the daughter of a preacher) got saved. Later my twin sister got saved. Finally, my Father became a believer about a week before he died. I married a Christian lady and our only child was saved at a young age. I still have family members who are not saved. I keep on praying for them because I care for their souls. Do not be disheartened that you are the first one in your family who has become a believer. There is hope for all those who you love.

 

[Free2bHeretical4Him!]

First, ur is a horrible abomination in God's Plan and Sight. To make as if people do not need to repent of their sin, to make as if after people die they still have a chance at life if they rejected Jesus during life, to make as if Jesus' Death and Resurrection means nothing/was for nothing,
to deny the overall Scripture, to deny God's Way, means death for billions , billions , billions of souls.
Second, Growing up , so to speak, "in a Christian community" is neither lucky nor a sign that anyone is saved. That's a common error, and leads to more being without repentance, thus not forgiven
Third, many followers of Jesus, immersed in His Name, have tremendous SORROW and GRIEF, not only for family and neighbors, but also for fello countrymen and people of other nations who are lost.
The apostle Paul grieved seriously and deeply that he could not give his life to save his own countrymen .......
The answer is truth. The answer is Jesus. Complete with all the sorrow and grief of loss of souls.

brassica said:
It’s just so horrible to imagine that even if I manage to be saved that I cannot share it with the people I love. People who got to grow up in a Christian community are so lucky not to know this sorrow. It would be so wonderful if universalism was true, but are there any other answers out there?

Note: Universalism is NOT the same as Christian Universalism. But don’t concern yourself with any labels at this point.

My reply:
brassica … you already possess more God given love and compassion in your heart than many of the posters in this thread. Your heart is genuine and authentic and refreshing. Never simply take the word of someone, myself included, as “the truth.” Read the Scripture for yourself and ask our Heavenly Father to lead you to the center of His heart. Jesus.

If I were you at his point in your walk I would leave this forum and not return for some time. Select a few translations of Scripture and begin your journey hand in hand, alone with our heavenly Father. Pray. Pray. Pray. As this is His way of aligning your heart with His. Initially, stay in the New Testament for some time until you learn to recognize His Voice in your spirit. I suggest comparing three types of bibles along side each other. Here are some suggestions. Pick one from each category and get ready for a life a life long journey with your Creator!

1). Literal Standard Version (LSV), Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible (REB).
2). English Standard Version (ESV), New King James Version (NKJV), New International Version (NIV).
3). The Living Bible (TLB), New Living Translation (NLT), Good News Translation (GNT).

Finally. Keep your heart in line with LOVE at all times. See 1st Corinthians chapter 13. LOVE NEVER FAILS!

blessings upon blessings to you and all those you love!

 

[Lukaris]

I am in the process of conversion (will be baptized on Easter Vigil), but among my friends and family, I’m the only one who’s decided to convert.

In general, I think the people I love and care have lived virtuous lives on earth so far thanks to their consciences. But because all of them are either atheists or pagans, doesn’t that mean that they still will not get the chance to see Heaven? And my husband, who is supposed to be the other half of me, didn’t decide to be baptized with me because he can’t believe and I couldn’t convince him to believe. So even if I live a good life from now on and get the chance to be saved, will I be alone? What about all the people I love and care about? What can I do for them?

It’s just so horrible to imagine that even if I manage to be saved that I cannot share it with the people I love. People who got to grow up in a Christian community are so lucky not to know this sorrow. It would be so wonderful if universalism was true, but are there any other answers out there?

You are Catholic, here is the teaching of the Catholic Church.

Salvation for Non-Christians Explained Sola Scriptura

Many Protestants I know believe that anyone who does not hold to the Christian faith holds a one-way ticket to hell. Other Protestants allow that non-Christians...

www.catholic.com