Four Questions For Thoughtful People

The whole religious world, (liberals and fundamentalists, modern sects and historical denominations), is in perfect harmony and agreement in the gospel they believe and teach. Here are four basic points of doctrine they all hold in common.

1. God loves all men without exception.

2. It is the will of God that all men be saved.

3. Christ died to redeem the whole human race.

4. The Holy Spirit calls all to life and faith in Christ.

Have you ever taken time to think about those assertions? Here are four questions which I heard Bro. Henry Mahan ask in a sermon. Thoughtfully consider them. You will see the absurdity of those tenets of religion embraced by virtually all religious people.

First, IF GOD LOVES ALL MEN WITHOUT EXCEPTION AND SOME ARE NOT SAVED, WHAT DOES THE LOVE OF GOD HAVE TO DO WITH ANYONE'S SALVATION? Absolutely nothing! If that were the case, God's love would be fickle, changeable, useless! It could give no comfort to anyone. But God declares that his love is always saving (Jer. 31:3; 32:38-40). Thank God, he does love some! But he does not love all (Rom. 10:13).

Second, IF IT IS GOD'S WILL THAT EVERYONE BE SAVED AND SOME PERISH IN HELL, WHAT DOES THE WILL OF GOD HAVE TO DO WITH ANYONE'S SALVATION? Nothing! His will would be frustrated, defeated, and reversed! But God declares that his will is absolute and unchangeable (Isa. 14:24). It is by God's will that salvation is accomplished (Rom. 9:16).

Thirdly, IF CHRIST DIED TO REDEEM AND SAVE ALL PEOPLE AND SOME DIE UNDER THE WRATH OF GOD, WHAT DOES HIS BLOOD HAVE TO DO WITH ANYONE'S SALVATION? Absolutely nothing! If Christ died for those in hell as well as those in heaven then his blood is of no value. It saves no one. It does not wash away sin. It was shed in vain! But Christ assures us that all for whom his blood was shed shall be eternally saved (John 10:15,18;Rom.8:34).

Fourthly, IF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT CALLS ALL SINNERS TO SALVATION IN CHRIST AND SOME DIE WITHOUT IT, WHAT DOES THE SPIRIT'S CALL HAVE TO DO WITH ANYONE'S SALVATION? Nothing! If his grace can be resisted, then his grace is not the distinguishing factor in salvation.But God declares that it is(Psa.65:4;John 6:63; I Cor.4:7).

Don Fortner