Post by Caroline on Mar 25, 2017 15:27:53 GMT -5
Christians differ somewhat in their beliefs about salvation, or how it is one gets to heaven. Most objections regarding this seem to focus on the evangelical doctrine of salvation by faith and not by works. If, as is commonly thought, in order to be saved one must have heard of Jesus, what about all those who haven’t? The doctrine thus understood seems incredibly unjust and makes God appear so as well.
I have a three-part blog post on this beginning with this one, but here’s the summary: God is just and will not condemn anyone for lacking faith in Jesus if they hadn’t the ability nor the opportunity to know of him. Children too young to understand what sin is and unable to make a faith commitment to Christ get a pass. Those of age, no matter when or where they lived or live, will be judged on the light they had and not on what they didn’t. And interpreting Scripture properly requires careful observation and study.
But Jesus is still the only way. Without him none of us would enjoy eternal life with God in heaven. His sacrificial death on the cross, taking the penalty for our sin on himself, is the satisfaction of our debt owed because of that sin. Every single saved sinner is beholden to him. I simply take the view that in some circumstances God applies his payment to an individual’s account without their direct commitment of faith in Christ.
I have a three-part blog post on this beginning with this one, but here’s the summary: God is just and will not condemn anyone for lacking faith in Jesus if they hadn’t the ability nor the opportunity to know of him. Children too young to understand what sin is and unable to make a faith commitment to Christ get a pass. Those of age, no matter when or where they lived or live, will be judged on the light they had and not on what they didn’t. And interpreting Scripture properly requires careful observation and study.
But Jesus is still the only way. Without him none of us would enjoy eternal life with God in heaven. His sacrificial death on the cross, taking the penalty for our sin on himself, is the satisfaction of our debt owed because of that sin. Every single saved sinner is beholden to him. I simply take the view that in some circumstances God applies his payment to an individual’s account without their direct commitment of faith in Christ.