Can Jesus Save You Without You Knowing It? (Is Obama a Christian Ctd)
Friday November 21, 2008
Amidst the debate over Barack Obama's controversial comments about salvation, I asked why progressive Christians don't believe that John 3:16 means one can only be saved. Community member "Robert" responded: Even Billy Graham has said that he has come to...
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When Jesus speaks of eternal salvation in Matthew 25, he sets no doctrinal standard, and doesn't insist upon belief in him. In fact, many who are saved appear to be astonished and ask when did they do anything good to him?
In John, he says none come to the Father, but by him. However, that is true in the Matthew 25 story in which he advocates for all who gain salvation through their practice of selfless love.
I frankly see no other way to reconcile these two sayings.
Remember this was not written in the words you are reading and there is no simple word for word translation from Greek, not to mention even if there was, meanings give to expressions vary. I read somewhere that the Greek translated as "only through me" could as easily have been translated "only through what I am teaching", i.e. selfless love. Does anyone hear know Ancient Greek?
The word "only" appears in John 3:16 solely in reference to the numbers of sons God has. People read it as if the word "only" precedes "whosoever."
You know, it is up to Jesus to decide who he will save, not any of us. We need to back off on our arrogance that we know the mind of Jesus.
Short answer to your question: Yes.
Millions of innocent children die every year without the intellectual knowledge of the bible or Jesus Christ. This is irrelevant because in their hearts they know Him and He knows them. Just because you read your bible and go to church every week does not mean you are worthy of Christ's love. You are not and will never be worthy. That's the whole point. Even though we don't deserve it, Christ offers salvation to all.
I am with you - the answer is not in the words of those explaining the Word, but in the Word itself.
And that same gospel of John states that "in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God, and the Word was with God," that is, the Word of God to the world was Jesus, not words on paper we call a Bible.
The God incarnated in Jesus demonstrates unconditional love and forgiveness.
God gave us his Son and whosoever believeth in Him (unconditional love and forgiveness) will have life everlasting.
Distressingly simple.
Especially interesting in the whole "Obama isn't a Christian" thing ... can you believe in Jesus and still not be a Christian if you also believe Jesus might save someone who doesn't know who he is? Sounds silly to me.
The question is irrelevant.
Barak Obama shows all the properties of a psychopath:
1) No conscience;
2) No empathy;
3) Plays games.
Besides this is his charisma and glibness. He knows how to impress boomers.
Watch for the games.
This is not the sign of a Christian. It is someone solidly in "the other" camp.
By their fruit you shall know them.
Time will tell.
Unfortunately, by the time he is revealed for what he is, it will be far too late for the rest of us.
But that doesn't matter, does it?
God the Father has solutions, not men.
The first commands of the gospel are: Repent and believe. God initiates our call, but we must respond. You cannot do this and be saved without knowing it.
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