Who will be saved in the Great Tribulation?

Could those now familiar with the gospel be saved after the Rapture?

God has always reserved the right to establish deadlines in His offer of salvation: death, despite the uplifted serpent (Numbers 21);" TARGET="_blank">Numbers 21); the falling of judgment after God closed the door of Noah's ark; a closed door when the Son of Man returns to earth (Matthew 25:10;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:10; Luke 13:25)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 13:25). Similarly, the Scriptures point to a deadline enforced when the Savior returns for His Church. 2 Thessalonians 2:10" TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 2:10 describes the deceivableness of unrighteousness operating in "them that perish" (same word as "lost" in 2 Corinthians 4:3)." TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 4:3). Note two important phrases: "that they might be saved"; "that they might be condemned." Failing to receive the love of the truth and be saved, they will believe the lie and be condemned. Such strong language underlines the danger of making sweeping statements about some not included in the passage. Failing to "believe" or "receive" the truth indicates a conscious failure to repent and receive the Gospel -more than merely living where Bibles are available or gospel meetings are accessible. However, publically implying that some in a Gospel audience might find salvation after the Lord returns is infinitely more dangerous. The evangelist's responsibility is to urge his audience to "Seek ... the Lord while He may be found."

E. Higgins

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Is the Gospel Hall similar to the group The Church of Christ?

Greetings. I found your site while searching for an ESV/KJV parallel Bible. I looked at your description of "Gospel Hall" and found the teaching not too dissimilar from the Churches of Christ is some respects. Am I missing something?

Don

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In some respects yes, the Church of Christ and the Gospel Hall both hold to doctrines about the church that are based on the example of the early believers in Acts and the teachings about the church in the Epistles. The name of the church comes from the Bible, not a denomination. The manner in which the meetings are conducted is also taken from the Bible. For example, the breaking of bread is done regularly; the women are silent in the meetings; the singing is for the congregation without instrumental accompaniment; there are elders in each congregation accountable to each other etc. etc.

However, the people I have met from the Church of Christ usually point to their baptism as when they were saved. Although all of the people at the Gospel Hall, if they are part of the fellowship, were baptized as believers, they don't depend on their baptism to make them saved. Instead, they have a moment sometime earlier in their life when they realized how their sin made them condemned before God and that Christ did all the work to save them from eternal fire. At that time they received Christ as savior and received the assurance of eternal life. "He that believes on the Son has everlasting life, but he that does not believe on the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (John 3:36)." TARGET="_blank">John 3:36).

You can see some examples of this salvation moment at the Personal Stories section of the page. For example:

Rosa and her Son Jesus find Christ

At the Church of Christ, Acts 2:38" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:38 is the basis of security of the believers - "Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins".

So while the two groups agree on many aspects of the church, they are preaching two completely different messages in regards to salvation: Should one have faith in Christ's work alone or trust in one's obedience in baptism and doctrines of the church?

In matters of the doctrines of the Church, we believe that although they are important, they are not what make the determination for having eternal life. A person will go to heaven trusting in Christ's death for sins even if he gets other doctrines wrong.

In regards to interpreting Acts 2:38," TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:38, we would teach that Peter wanted his audience to repent in order to be saved and then to be baptized as a way to tell the world that they had just been saved. Repenting and being baptized are mentioned in the same breath in this sermon which leads one to ask the question "Are both a requirement for salvation?" However other scriptures clarify that a person is saved through faith and then demonstrated through what he does later. For example, Peter in a sermon one chapter later (Acts 3:19)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 3:19) says that repenting and being converted are the proper responses to the message of the cross. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out..." Why not mention baptism if it is essential?

For more views about what is taught about salvation, see the section: FAQs about Salvation

Shad Sluiter
Postville, IA

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How can I maintain a pure life while trying to reach out to people who are not saved

How can I be scripturally "safe" as I contact neighbors socially with the gospel?

Avoid both condemnation and compromise. When, for conscience sake, we decline some activities with a "No thank you, I'm a Christian," we unnecessarily condemn others by implying we are better than they. "No, thank you," is quite sufficient! Joining in any activity or function where our Lord would be unwelcome or would not go compromises God's truth. This renders any witnessing ineffective (Matthew 5:16)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 5:16).

Be friendly and kind; show interest in them; build a relationship with them. Shopping, helping with a project in the yard, or inviting them to a family picnic does not compromise Christian principles. One-on-one contacts, rather than neighborhood group activities, provide a better opportunity to speak of spiritual things.

Right from the start, as you seek to build a relationship, show how much you appreciate your salvation, thus making salvation as attractive as it is (1 Peter 2:9)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:9). Draw them to Christ. This will also preserve you from situations that could damage your testimony.

When discussing salvation, don't attempt to tell all at once. One point clearly made now and further points later are more effective. Promote two way conversations.

Stress that the Bible is God's Word. Show them verses as you discuss them. Eventually emphasize that sin bars them from heaven and results in eternal judgment. A primary objective is to help them recognize they are lost. Then they will appreciate the Savior's substitutionary death for their sin.

J. Slabaugh

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Is there a difference between the

Is there a difference between the “Principalities” and “Powers” mentioned in Ephesians 1:21; 3:10; 6:12;" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Colossians 1:16;" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:16; 2:10 and 2:15?

Some of the statements made concerning them suggest that they are good, others that they are evil.

The words “principalities” and “powers,” when used together, define the status of certain who hold high place of rule, whether among men, or among angelic beings. In the former connection they are found in Titus 3." TARGET="_blank">Titus 3. i, where we are exhorted to be subject to them; while of the latter the clearest example is perhaps Ephesians 6:12, in which they are definitely set in contrast with “flesh and blood.” In some passages, as Romans 8:38," TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:38, Ephesians 1:21," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:21, Colossians 1: 16," TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1: 16, they occur in a statement of such a character that it might perhaps be thought of as inclusive of both.
With regard to those principalities and powers which are angelic, there certainly does seem to be a difference on the lines indicated in the question above. Against those mentioned in Ephesians 6:12" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 6:12 we have to fight, and verse I shows that their leader is the Devil. But on the other hand, the principalities and powers of Ephesians 3:10," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 3:10, who are even now learning lessons through the Church of the manifold wisdom of God, can scarcely be thought of as other than good, especially when comparison is made with the similar statement of 1 Peter 1:12," TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 1:12, “Which things angels desire to look into.” It must not be thought however that their being described as “in heavenly places” is sufficient proof of their goodness, since this is the very same term which is rendered “high places” in connection with those of chapter 6. z (see R.V.).
According to Col 1:16," TARGET="_blank">Col 1:16, all principalities and powers were created by Christ, and this of course implies that they were all good originally. But we read in Jude 6" TARGET="_blank">Jude 6 (R.V.) of “Angels which kept not their own principality,” an expression which will at once suggest a reason why there should now be found both good and evil amongst them. Then in Revelation 12:7-9" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 12:7-9 we read of a conflict between good angels under the leadership of Michael and evil angels led by the Devil, in which the latter and his host will be defeated, and cast down to the earth from the heavenly position until then occupied by him.
W.R.

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Did the Mayan Calendar predict the end of the world in 2012?

Did the Mayan Calendar predict the end of the world in 2012?

According to many who interpret the Mayan calendar, there will be a world-wide catastrophe in December 21, 2012. How did 12/21/2012 come to the year of the end of the world? Will there be catastrophes or disasters that end civilization? Are there prophecies in the Bible about this being the Great Tribulation or the coming of Christ?

The Mayan civilization was very involved with the study of the movements of the stars. For hundreds of years they carefully observed the stars and created several different calendars that accurately predicted the future positions of planets and stars as viewed from earth. They noticed that there was a wobble in the earth’s rotation that caused slight variation in the positions of the stars. The effect is slow, taking 5,125 years to complete one cycle. The Mayan astronomers noticed that the dark band at the center of the Milky Way (called the Galactic Equator) coincides with the plane of sun’s movement across the sky, once every 5,125 years. The last time these two intersected was in 3114 B.C. The next time they coincide is 2012" TARGET="_blank">is 2012 A.D.

This intersection is significant to the Mayans because they believed that the Sun is a god and the Milky Way is the gateway to life and death. The Mayans believed that 3114 B.C. was the year of the creation of the earth and that 2012 A.D. would mark the change of a new cycle bringing some significant change to the earth which gives rise to the theory that the Mayan’s know when and how the world will end.

As to the specific day of the end of the world, December 21 is the date of the winter solstice every year in the northern hemisphere (the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere) where the sun reaches its maximum distance north (or south) of the equator. This marks the first day of winter in the northern hemisphere and the first day of the summer season in the south which is important for a society of farmers.

The end of the world scenarios is based on uncertain interpretations by scholars of Mayan hieroglyphs. The calendar may end in 2012, but it doesn’t mean that it is the end of the world. Other than the astronomical coincidences, there is little proof that the Mayans prophesied the events of this distant future. The Mayans were not even able to predict their own cultural apocalypse. They died out without any special predictions of their own. They were great astronomers, but lousy prophets.

If we are to believe that the Mayan’s knew the exact date of the end of the world, logically we would have to accept other beliefs of theirs:

•   The Mayans believed that the blood of human sacrifices was what powered the sun and gave it life.
•   The Mayans believed that the world was created in 3114 B.C.
•   The Mayans believed that the movements of the stars affected life on earth – astrology.

The Bible?

Bible prophecies do no indicate the specific year of the end of the world. In fact, the Bible speaks of future events as two periods of time that are yet to come – the Tribulation, which will last seven years, and the Millennium, which will last 1,000 years. (Revelation 21:1-10)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 21:1-10).

The Mayan religion is described along with other false forms of worship in the Bible in Romans chapter 1. “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 1:25).

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Should young children be baptized?

Ought children who say they are saved and ask for baptism, to be baptized and received into fellowship without delay, or ought they to be asked to wait for a time?

The Scriptures teach the baptism, not of adult believers, but of believers—”He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved” (Mark 16:16)." TARGET="_blank">Mark 16:16). “Manyof the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were baptized” (Acts 18:8)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 18:8). “When they believed Philip preaching. . . they were baptized, both men and women” (Acts 8:12)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 8:12). It is true that children are not mentioned here, only “men and women”—but this, I think, merely emphasises the fact that both sexes were baptised, or perhaps there was no child believer on the occasion. But the fact that we never read of children as such being baptised, merely arises from the fact that it is not the age of a candidate that is in question, but the faith.

Can a child of thirteen believe the Gospel? Undoubtedly it can; and many such have been brought to faith, confession, baptism and fellowship, and have stood well. We do not know if there were children in the households of Lydia and the Philippian jailor, etc., but if so, they were old enough to hear the Word, believe, and be baptized. On the other hand, children are easily impressed and are apt to follow the example of their elders, and I am afraid it is a fact that few would contest, that some children have been too lightly received as believers and baptized, and their after-history has not been encouraging, but has rather cast doubt on the reality of their confession of faith. Is not then the evident lesson that no rule can possibly be made? Each case must stand on its own merits. If the parents and elder brethren, whose advice may well be asked, are satisfied, let them go forward in faith and count on God! But if there be not unamity of judgment, further waiting would be indicated. At the same time, there is a danger of discouraging true faith and putting the child back from a step, which might under God’s blessing be a deciding factor in its whole future. The word, “saved,” in Mark 16" TARGET="_blank">Mark 16:"16 goes further than “forgiven” or “justified,” it seems to include the thought of deliverance, which is connected so closely with the truth of death and resurrection, in baptism, and it would be sad to deprive a real believer, be it young or grown-up, of this help in the Christian life.

Some parents who have perhaps too easily encouraged their children to be baptized have later on regretted it, and some who have discouraged their children have lived to regret it, too. We are cast upon God for each case, and if we definitely wait on Him, He will surely give oneness
of mind to those concerned.

W.H.

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How much intimacy is appropriate for couples who are dating?

What activities and how much intimacy are appropriate for couples who are dating?

Christians should seek God's will for a life's partner during courtship. Dating is the time for learning to know each other and planning for the future. It is not (as in society) simply for a good time, or experimentation, or conquest.

Two words help answer our question: purity and modesty Paul instructed Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:2" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 5:2 to encourage "the younger (women) as sisters, with all purity." In Genesis 24:65," TARGET="_blank">Genesis 24:65, Rebecca, when about to meet her husband-to-be, "took a vail, and covered herself."

A young man should regard his intended as his "sister" during courtship. He should have genuine respect for her that will preserve from violating her purity. An embrace and kiss when greeting or parting is appropriate with his sister and is equally so with his intended. Their greetings may be more than a quick peck on the cheek but they should avoid any activity leading to greater physical intimacy. Both should dress and behave so as not to stir up strong desire in the other. Strong desire may lead to disaster and loss of purity. Couples should avoid circumstances or activities where they would be ashamed to be found. A good testimony is vital.

Couples need time together. Eating out, drives through the country and visiting points of interest afford suitable opportunities. Visiting older Christians will encourage them. The young may also gain insights of great value for their future together.

They need to learn each other's values, expectations and goals. They should recognize and make needed adjustments. These are easier to make during courtship than after marriage. Reading and praying together will promote spiritual bonding and growth and begin a good habit for a lifetime together.

J. Slabaugh

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Is it ever God's will for a Christian to marry an unbeliever?

Is it ever God’s will for an assembly Christian to marry an unbeliever or a believer who is not in assembly fellowship?

Because God is the same (Hebrews 1:12; 13:8)," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 1:12; 13:8), His will today is the same as when He inspired His Word (2 Timothy 3:16)." TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 3:16). God’s will is never contrary to His Word. He teaches, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Corinthhians 6:14), which clearly includes marriage.

For believers, the Lord places this restriction: "only in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7:39)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 7:39). The New Testament distinguishes between the expressions "in Christ" and "in the Lord." "In Christ" relates to our union and position in relationship with Christ. "In the Lord" expresses our submission in responsibility to the Lord. Marriage in Christ would involve marriage to another Christian. Marriage in the Lord involves the marriage of two believers who are willing to submit to the Lord. Full submission to His lordship includes gathering to His name (Matthew 18:20)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:20).

Admittedly, some who gather to His name are not fully submitted to His lordship and some who do not gather to His name submit to His lordship to a greater degree. A believer who receives the Biblical teaching of gathering to His name and doesn’t submit to it (or only "submits" to it to gain the hand of a partner in marriage) is not submitting to His lordship. Marrying such a person is not "marriage in the Lord."

Marrying an unbeliever or marrying a believer who does not submit to the Lordship of Christ violates God’s Word and cannot be His will.

David Oliver
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What principles does a Christian violate by voting in a state referendum?

What principles does a Christian violate by voting in a state referendum on issues like allowing gambling casinos or legalizing abortion?

Voting, in and of itself, is neutral. If voting involves the believer in the political system, this seems to violate the principle of separation (Ephesians 5:11;" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:11; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18)." TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 6:14-18). As our Lord Jesus, we are not "of the world" (John 17:16)." TARGET="_blank">John 17:16). He refused to be drawn into politics (Matthew 22:17-21)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 22:17-21). By our lives, we are to be salt, exerting a preserving influence on the world (Matthew 5:13)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 5:13). By our prayers, we are to effect good in government (1 Timothy 2:2)." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:2). It is an admission of failure to have to use the voting booth to do what neither our lives nor prayers are doing.

On the other hand, a referendum, as stated by the question, may not involve entanglement in the affairs of this life (2 Timothy 2:4)." TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 2:4). Suppose a politician, for example, took a poll of neighborhood opinion and stopped at a Christian’s door. Responding would hardly violate the principles mentioned above. The same can be said of voting in a referendum.

D. Oliver
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What is the sealing of the Holy Spirit?

THE SEALING
Is the sealing of the Holy Spirit in this dispensation, a sealing on the forehead, seen outwardly, or is it experienced inwardly?

Does not John Bunyan refer to an outward sealing in the Pilgrim's Progress?

The sign of the old covenant was circumcision, an outward mark in the flesh. It is said in the case of Abraham to have been the “seal of the righteousness of the faith, which he had yet being uncircumcised” (Romans 4:9)," TARGET="_blank">Romans 4:9), which was of course exceptional, as infants of eight days old have no righteousness. The Lord seals His people as His own by giving them His Holy Spirit. “In whom having believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:13 R.V.; see also Ephesians 4:30;" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:30; and 2 Corinthians 1:22)." TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 1:22). This is not an experience subsequent to conversion, but at conversion; nor is it an outward mark on the flesh, but a spiritual reality, which no doubt will come out in life. John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” is an allegory: that is, a spiritual truth conveyed under the form of a literal story. We should get into no end of difficulties, if we interpreted the figures literally.

Are all sinners, for example, to wade through a literal “Slough of Despond” on their way to the wicket gate? Besides, even Bunyan must be checked by the Word of God, and no less, “experiences” that pious persons claim to have passed through. There is no such thing taught in the Bible, as a Christian “being sealed on the forehead,” and for anyone to claim such a thing is a mistaken pretension, which he should seek grace from God to abandon.

W.H.

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