Recently overheard: a conversation between a believer and a non-believer on various topics concerning eternal salvation
After both presented views each considered to be reasonable and favorable to convincing the other, the discussion hovered for a good while over the question:
“What’s the alternative to believing the gospel of Jesus Christ?”
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
–1 Corinthians 15:3-8
After putting forth the proposition that the alternative was non-belief and a life filled with unbelief, another question was posed.
“Yes, but what sort of life is non-belief? Why is that life better than a life which is predicated on eternal salvation and all of the benefits which believers enjoy as part of this life as well?”
This line of reasoning appeared to give the other person a few things to think about.
This temporary silence allowed the second person to expand upon his earlier thoughts.
“What kind of life is open to the non-believer? It’s a life which mostly focuses on the positives and negatives of this life–which seem to be mostly negatives. A life of belief offers to many benefits to the person who believes that it’s a no-brainer.
“Without a belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ, a person is forced to focus on what he knows; and what most people know is what they are used to: this present life, with all of its tricks, traps, attractions and lusts.
What does life have to offer the person who is consumed with satisfying his appetites; his carnal desires? The Epicureans already tried that a few thousand years ago–and who has heard of someone who is an Epicurean nowadays?”
It was at this moment that the first person stirred himself and offered, “So, if I’m hearing you right, you’re saying it’s better to live a life of belief even if you don’t REALLY believe?”
“No, what I am saying is that a life of belief–real, honest-to-goodness belief–is better than one of no or false beliefs.
“The world’s default position these days seems to be “I can’t believe you would fall for that!” whenever the subject of believing the gospel of Jesus Christ is mentioned. Why isn’t the opposite true? Why not give Jesus a chance?”
“Jesus had his chance: for over 2000 years, Jesus had his chance. It’s time to give somebody else a chance.”
“Spoken like a true end times non-believer.
“Take some time, think about it and then tell me what is the alternative to the gospel of Jesus Christ?”
And then the discussion moved to other topics.
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
–Matthew 24:44
DOES the reader believe that “Jesus had his chance“?
DOES the reader believe it is now the time for others to supersede Jesus Christ?
It is not YET too late: there is still time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.
DOES the reader believe he is saved?
Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival
DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?
Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: Making a Choice
- The Gospel of Jesus Christ
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: The Power of God Unto Salvation
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: The End Times Power of God Unleashed
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-8
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16
MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report
[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: October 25-27, 2019.]
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by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier
image: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.com
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