1. No- Romans 10:17 answers this: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
2. No one- Romans 10:18 answers this: But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
Is Christianity Accessible to All People?
Discussion in 'Calvinism & Arminianism Debate' started by thatbrian, Feb 2, 2018.
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1) Can someone believe in Jesus if he has never head of Jesus? Nope
2) How many people have lived and died without ever hearing the gospel of Jesus? Unknown, but probably millions.
The apparent implication, is that salvation is not "available" to all those unable to hear either because the gospel was never presented to them or they had been hardened such that they could not understand. And I would say that premise is true. They therefore face perfect justice in the afterlife. -
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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The Archangel Well-Known Member
I have enjoyed the interaction on this thread today--very much so!
Perhaps this follow-up question should be a new thread. If so, please make it so. Here it is: Does God have to make it accessible to all or is He free to "veil" it from some?
The reason I ask is that many of the non-reformed I've interacted with over the years reply simply: It isn't fair if God doesn't make it available to all.
Blessings,
The Archangel -
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The Archangel Well-Known Member
The Archangel -
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InTheLight Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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The Archangel Well-Known Member
Because believers in Christ belong to Abraham, just as Israel did. Paul is quite clear in Galatians when he writes:
And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. (Galatians 3:29 ESV)And, you've misunderstood my point. Israel is not ignorant of who God is and what He demands, since He has told them by revealing Himself to them. The disconnect comes not from the application of the Old Testament, including Ezekiel, to believers in Christ, but from the application of the Old Testament promises to people outside of the revelation of God. God works with Israel in one way and that way is extended to believers in Christ. Jesus Himself is quite clear on this, too, as He references the Old Testament and applies it to those who believe in Him. Of course, Paul, Peter, and the rest of the apostles do the same thing and even make that application applicable to both Jews and Gentiles.
Blessings,
The Archangel -
Of course the Jews would not have known Him as "Jesus", but simply as the Messiah. The messiah is who the Jews had faith in. -
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The Archangel Well-Known Member
The Archangel
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