This question is a very interesting one, and one which we cannot afford to fail to address as it is a matter of life and death to know and understand the answer.
We could discuss what we might like the answer to be. We could think about what theological scholars or the clergy think about this topic. We could project forth our own hopes and ideas on the topic – but such human thinking would be useless for there is only one authority which can answer this question for us, the Bible, the word of the living God which is able to “make us wise unto salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15).
God does not lie
Of course, God can forgive who He wishes to – but with most questions of this nature, it’s not really a question of what God can do (as all things are possible with God) but what God has revealed He will do. Therefore it would not be appropriate for any mere mortal to seek to answer on God’s behalf. The only suitable course of action would be to seek out what God Himself has told His creation about this subject.
Anything is possible for God but one thing – and that is to lie. We are clearly told in the scriptures that God does not lie (Titus 1:2) and so we can have absolute confidence in what He has decreed.
What does the Bible reveal?
With that in mind these verses shed some light on our question:
“The gospel… is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” Romans 1:16
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God”
Ephesians 2:8“For we are saved by hope…” Romans 8:24
“I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you… By which also ye are saved” 1 Corinthians 15:1-2
“If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:9
“(Christ will) present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel…” Col 1:23-24
It seems clear therefore that God’s word declares that to believe in the true gospel is vital for salvation. We have to have a faith and that means believing in a set of doctrines. Having a true understanding of The Truth of the Bible is the mechanism by which we can become ready for baptism into Christ and we must continue to believe this. To suggest otherwise is to doubt these words which God has caused to be written.
This may not be the answer we want, but we must humble ourselves and listen to the still small voice of Gods word, for as the prophet Isaiah by inspiration records:
“…But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” Isaiah 66:2
Christadelphians believe they have found this truth and it is summarised in their statement of faith.
Time is running out
The verse above tell us then that if we reject the true gospel message of the Bible, God will not forgive us and give us the gift of eternal life in His Kingdom. This is quite a powerful thing to come to terms with – especially when we consider the majority of Christendom believe three key doctrines which are contrary to Bible teaching (The immortal soul, The Trinity and an immortal Devil). The Bible tells us that these apostasies are not acceptable in Gods eyes. In Acts we read this sobering verse:
“Because God hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge theworld in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” Acts 17:31
The day of judgment for this world is fast approaching and therefore the quest for truth must be an urgent one else we will find ourselves on the wrong side in that day.
On the other hand however, we also know that there is no position from which we can’t repent before Christ’s return, seek forgiveness and be found acceptable in God’s mercy. This must be done on Gods terms however and not our own. It must be done on the basis of that unique gospel message found in His word. Therefore, in the days that remain we must seek to stay true to the faith once delivered unto the saints, guarding it and upholding it and warning those who do not have it.
If you do not have this Truth dear reader, if you do not understand the gospel which is wrapped up in the promises of the Old Testament which God gave to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Galatians 3:8, 2 Peter 1:4) please study your Bible, pray and seek out this knowledge. This website endeavours to help all those seeking truth and it is hopefully an aid to those on such a quest. You may find this article on “The Gospel” helpful as a starting point.
