Salvation for the Unreached
2,788 Baptisms and the Weight of Questions
The speaker begins by highlighting the significance of 2,788 baptisms, drawing a parallel to the day of Pentecost where 3,000 were baptized.
He acknowledges the multitude of questions arising from the congregation, affirming that it's okay to have questions and that he himself has more questions than answers. He emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ outweighing any doubts or questions.
He encourages the congregation to text questions to "20" for a Q&A session with Pastor Ashley in the final week of the series.
The Most Commonly Asked Question: Salvation for Those Who Haven't Heard of Jesus
The speaker addresses the frequently asked question: "What will happen to those who have never had a chance to accept Jesus?" This includes babies who die young, individuals with disabilities, and people in remote regions or countries where preaching Christianity is prohibited.
The Case of Babies and People with Disabilities
He references the passage in Mark 10 where Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." He interprets this to mean that children are model citizens of the kingdom not because they're innocent, but because of their faith.
He extends this concept to people with disabilities, suggesting that their extraordinary love and trust are blessings that God respects. He introduces the concept of culpability, stating that if one lacks the ability to self-regulate emotions or understand the gospel due to age or disability, they cannot be held accountable. He explains that at some point, individuals reach an "age of accountability" where they understand that sin is not an inability to regulate emotions, but outright rebellion against God.
He encourages parents to send their young children to camp, where they can receive guidance and support in their faith journey.
The Case of Unreached People Groups
He acknowledges that the question of those in remote regions is more complex. He asserts that he is not their judge, nor is anyone else in the congregation. He emphasizes the role of preaching and teaching the word of God without adding personal interpretations.
He affirms God's desire for all people to be saved, referencing 1 Timothy 2, and underscores that God's mercy and care for these individuals surpass human understanding. He cites Genesis 12, where God promises to bless all people on earth through Abraham, illustrating God's long-standing desire for universal salvation.
He highlights that God wants to bless all people through one man: Jesus Christ, emphasizing that Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". He addresses the perceived narrowness of this statement by questioning who else has died and risen for humanity.
He shares a hypothetical story about a hiker in mortal danger to illustrate that when someone offers a way out of danger, it's illogical to question its convenience.
Quoting Acts 4:12, the speaker reiterates Peter's declaration that "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
God's Preparation and the Role of Conscience and Creation
He references Romans 2, explaining that Gentiles who do not have the law sometimes do by nature the things required by the law, showing that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts. He emphasizes the role of conscience in understanding the need for a savior and creation in revealing God's eternal power and divine nature (Romans 1:20), leaving people without excuse.
He speculates that God might judge people not only on what they have done, but on what they would have done had they been given the opportunity to know Jesus.
The Call to Action and God's Work in the World
He emphasizes that God is counting on believers to share the gospel, referencing Jesus's command in Matthew 28:19-20 to go into all the world and make disciples.
He shares the story of Mohammed, a Muslim taxi driver in Tehran who came to faith through a dream and then found the gospel online. He also shares the story of missionaries in China and the word for righteousness.
He points out that while many are food insecure , the world produces enough food to feed people. He stated that the problem of hunger is not production but distribution. He draws a parallel to the gospel message, stating that God is waiting for believers to be obedient in spreading it.
He mentions CCV's mission trips to numerous countries, encouraging the congregation to participate through going, praying, or sending funds. He highlights the church's practice of tithing 10% of its income to missions, believing that God will bless the remaining 90%.
He concludes by urging the congregation to share their stories and speak the name of Jesus in their daily lives, emphasizing that they may be the only connection some people have to Him. He ends with the question: "What on earth are you doing for God's sake?"