If you're reading this, God bless you. No particular reason I say that other than that I've been too caught up in politics and fighting online. We all need to take a step back and pray.
God bless you..... The majority of people that argue online are just wanting to spread hate and your not going to change their minds... Find people that are genuinely wanting to live a better life and spread the word of Christ... Again God bless you and keep your mind fixed on Christ
Thankyou Pastor Mike for this careful and helpful explanation! C.S.Lewis said "Nobody is saved except through the blood of Christ. But not everyone who is so saved is aware of it."
Explain to me how is that possible because it sounds like sentimentalism theology to me. Or calvinism election, wich is heretical. You may say like many others "that's not very loving of you", and I say, if we do not rebuke a false gospel that will save no one, are we loving our neighbor? I don't think so.
This makes me SO grateful that I was born into a family that loves the Lord and that I had the opportunities I have had to learn about the truth of Jesus. Praise the Lord!
Thank you so much. I only started listening a few months ago. My friend suggested I listen to your sermon on Jehovah's witness. I have a friend who is in that cult. I have been listening ever since. Thank you for your preaching. You make everything easy to understand. Clear verse by verse teaching. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.
This sermon is the most biblically sound review and answer I have seen to the question of “What about those who have never heard of Jesus”? Thank you for your careful and loving diligence Pastor Mike.
this question was the only thing holding me back from becoming a missionary. Now my heart is stirred up to get the gospel to Japan. thank you and God bless!
In India, you might be lucky with the Saint Thomas Christians. They are one of the oldest (ancient) christian communities in the world. You could possibly have conversations with them in your native tongue (depending where in India you live or such).
I've come to the same conclusion and I'm so happy to hear I'm not alone in this. I often think of the examples of the Ethiopian eunuch and Cornelius; people seeking God who's searches were met with answers. I cannot see how God would reveal Himself in creation and conscience to those who never heard the gospel, and yet deny salvation to any who truly plead like the tax collector: "God have mercy on me, a sinner."
Thank you for this clear, humble, biblical teaching. Another example from scripture: What gospel did God call Jonah to preach to over 100,000 people in the ‘great city’ of Nineveh? Whatever it was, it caused them to repent and believe in God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This such an encouraging message. I grew up in the former Soviet Union and there were many many millions of people who were born into the revolution and died before the collapse and never had a chance with the Gospel. You are also correct about the fact that God doesn’t really owe us anything. When people ask me “what about all the horrors in this world”; it’s exactly what I answer them.
@Patrick Montgomery John 3:3-5 3 In response Jesus said to him: “Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 Nic·o·deʹmus said to him: “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter into the womb of his mother a second time and be born, can he?” 5 Jesus answered: “Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born from water and spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. So what happens to the people that died and was never born again? Are they able to enter into the Kingdom of God anyway? Did Jesus lie when he said "“Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born from water and spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God"?
@Patrick Montgomery My question remains. In Della's post, what about those who died before the collapse and never had a chance with the Gospel? They never had a chance to come to the knowledge of the gospel and be born again. 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. How does your religion explain this conundrum?
@Patrick Montgomery The bible has the answer but your religion does not have the correct interpretation so your religious leaders ignore scriptures they do not understand. It is a long explanation but I will show you the short explanation. Re 5:9, 10 And they sing a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, for you were slaughtered and with your blood you BOUGHT PEOPLE FOR GOD OUT OF EVERY TRIBE AND TONGUE AND PEOPLE AND NATION, 10 and you made them to be a kingdom and PRIESTS to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.” Rev 20:6 Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and they will rule as kings with him for the 1,000 years God''s kingdom is in heaven. Those going to heaven will be kings and priests and rule with Jesus for 1,000 years. Priests officially represent God to the people they served, instructing them about God and his laws. In turn, they represented the people before God, interceding and pleading for the people. Why are priests needed in heaven if everyone going there are saved? Rev 20:6 speaks about a first resurrection where the second death has no authority. Doesn't that imply a resurrection to follow? Who would be in the resurrection to follow where the second death does have authority? How can they be resurrected to heaven if they are not born again? Matthew 5:5 “Happy are the mild-tempered, since they will inherit the earth. Psalms 37:11 But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace. Psalms 37:29 The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it If the resurrection to follow is an earthly resurrection. The people can be instructed about the gospel through the priests. The people become the subjects of the kings that go to heaven in the first resurrection. They do not need to be born again to see the kingdom of God in heaven since they will live forever on the earth. If a person then rejects the gospel the second death does have authority over them and they will die in their sins.
@Patrick Montgomery Most Christians are taught they either go to heaven or go to hell. They ignore God's other promises about living forever on the earth. If you think these scriptures are errors and heresies then show me where I went wrong by pointing them out. You did not know how people that never heard the Gospel could be saved and go to heaven without being born again. You was going to leave it up to Jesus. But God has already revealed this.
Thank you for taking the time to prepare this information and making it so accessible. Your humility and openess are so refreshing and also engaging into what you share.
God is good, gentle, wise, kind, just, and ... definitely fair. "From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us." ~ Acts 17:26-27
I think this verse best sums things up: And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: - Acts 17:30 Not certain of the Old Testament times but in this age it is quite clear! Jesus is the ONLY way and the only way people will come to a saving faith in Christ is by hearing and understanding the Gospel message (Rom. 10:14-17)! God will use his creation along with our conscience (Rom. 1:19-21, 2:12-15) to bear witness of himself and the fact that something isn’t right but it is the Gospel message and the Word of God that will bring one to an actual saving faith and understanding this makes me keenly aware of the incredible responsibility I have when he gives me opportunity to be a witness for him! I am a Calvinist but a balanced, biblical Calvinist acknowledges both God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility!
My goodness Mike I'm learning so much from your videos. You tackle the tough subjects that we Face everyday. This one here is an essential truth to understand and explain when we are witnessing. Thank you for doing such a great job here. I love it. Then the other video on Romans 9 and Calvinism was absolutely fantastic as well. I took two pages of notes. Praise God. Thank you brother.
Pastor Mike, I’ve been watching your videos for many months and this one has really motivated me to evangelize especially to my friends and family. God Bless your ministry.
Don t you get it? He says: Wrath comes upon you for the sins you commit. That brings the wrath of God upon you. But otherwise he preaches: "God hates the sin, not the sinner - so why would the sinner be punished. Rubbish. And in the Romans: "I, God am the potter, I mold some to be wicked, some to be saints." So why would he first make wicked people, and the have a feeling of wrath upon them? So his analogy with teh firefighter is not valid. Correct me if I misunderstood, thank you wonderful people. Thank you also to Mike Winger for bravely defending God, although in my view with flawed data.
Thank you so much for addressing this! I've had this question for most of my life and I've had to rely on faith, knowing God is just. Dante even addressed this issue in Paradiso 19, and came to the same conclusion.
Abraham's faith was in YHWH who revealed himself as "I AM", Jesus pointedly revealed that he is the "I AM". Salvation is through Christ,, regardless of the age or place of revelation. All tings are FROM and TO the Father, THROUGH Christ, the Word, and BY the power of the Holy Spirit whether we speak of Creation, Revelation or redemption.
U may be right T, however, check out Bi lical Unitarian, I believe it's called. His claim is that ANYone who's on a mission from God, can be bestowed with the ' I am that I am tag?
Jesus did not say He was the I Am He simply said before Abraham was God and He has always been with God...John 17:3 plainly tells us that there is one God and it the God of Jesus, John 20 :17 Jesus tells us again His God is our God.....peace, love, and light
@@bobbywolfe7191Thomas said to Jesus “my Lord (wait for it….) “AND” MY GOD..(John 20:28). John 1:1 says : In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Colossians 1:16 says : For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. I COULD CONTINUE ENDLESSLY WITH THIS
@@betrion7 always ongoing ;) God knows what he is doing , we are co-workers in Gods service, it remains his work. When we dont know , it is safe to fall back on this concept : our knowing does not change the reality of Gods work. He is Just in every way. Even as I seek more knowledge, I pray for content in what I do know , what has been revealed unto me and pray for God to use me in any way required at what ever level of wisdom im at within my current context of existence.
Outstanding pastor Mike !! Well done. I'm learning a lot about all the truths you say from gods holy word. Thank you and God bless you and all who believe in our lord Jesus
You would do better to go to "Catholic Answers" Why not progress to know God better ? Direct from Jesus …. leave the man made churches for the Catholic Church. .. Contrary to what Winger says Catholicism is at one with the bible as nothing in Catholicism is contrary to the bible. Every mass has four bible readings including the Eucharist which is based on John 6 & 14 other scripture verses. See Dr Scott Hahn a protestant pastor who turned to God in the Catholic Church
@@1234poppycat may I please ask this sir, why would I go to man to tell me what HE THINKS God says, when I can go directly to the Bible to see what God says? If I go to the Bible it says this for instance, and I don't think this is taught in the Roman Catholic Church. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Ephesians chapter 2 look at verse 8. "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God," then look at verse 9 "not of Works, lest any man should boast." They definitely don't teach that in Roman Catholic Church I believe correct me if I'm wrong, they teach Works based salvation. Check this out in the Holy Bible as well. Titus Chapter 3. That's in the New Testament right after 1st and 2nd Timothy and before Philemon and Hebrews. Look at verse 5 "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his Mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ Our Savior (in verse 6.) Wow glory to God my savior. AJA, are you born again ( have you had the washing of regeneration,) have you been saved from the Wrath to come?
Found this video on 3/13/22. Mike has a BIG library, more than 600 videos on this channel. I look forward to watching all of them in time. But I've been looking for a scripture-based response to this exact question about those who are never exposed to the gospel for 20 yrs. MAY GOD BLESS YOU & KEEP YOU, PASTOR MIKE!
@30:55 "how many people really are like this and they're out somewhere and maybe they're in a pagan culture surrounded by false religions and then they realize..." as someone who was cluelessly Catholic, and was converted by tribulation to look to God alone in _that tribulation_ questioning everything _but_ the Creator and the name of Jesus, which I did confess but hardly understood, I can testify that God Himself *will walk you right out of your error* if you are trusting Him above yourself. In our modern world that is hard and my tribulation effectively rendered me helpless (so that made it a lot easier to quit pursuing the way that seemed right in my _own eyes_ as I kind of didn't have many other options) but that blind walk in raw faith in God and this Jesus I did not know very well, was very biblical; God gave me understanding as needed, by deposit that I didn't even know was 100% consistent with the teaching I would later find in the bible. In other words, Isaiah 55 and Isaiah 30:20 in the _Greek_ are 100% true. If you seek God with your whole heart, He will guide you to His word through His understanding that He gives you in your faith. I was thrilled to eventually come to scriptures to see everything I _had already_ experienced was actually written. Isaiah 30:20-21 In the Greek: And The Lord will give you the bread of tribulation and straight water and those leading you astray will no longer approach you because your eyes will behold those leading you astray. and your ears will hear the words of those behind you misleading you saying "this is the way we should go, in it to the right or to the left"
Why then did you not learn about your Catholic Faith ??? You actually gave up the sacraments and especially the Eucharist for this !!! Why not progress to know God better ? Direct from Jesus …. leave the man made churches for the Catholic Church. .. Contrary to what Winger says Catholicism is at one with the bible as nothing in Catholicism is contrary to the bible. Every mass has four bible readings including the Eucharist which is based on John 6 & 14 other scripture verses. See Dr Scott Hahn a protestant pastor who turned to God in the Catholic Church
I saw this very question asked on facebook today. I was searching for a good way to answer. Your absence is exactly what I believe but didn’t know how to explain it clearly. I was going to send this to the individual, but got back on facebook and couldn’t find the post again. I will share it to my page in the hopes that the right people will watch.
Your premise holds true for any who were saved before the death, burial and resurrection, but not after. There is no other way to be saved but by Him and in His name. If you can show otherwise I am willing to have my mind changed. Thank you dear brother for you work in Jesus' name.
I genuinely don't understand your question but am not even sure which part to ask for clarification on. The "but not after," is probably my point of confusion because once we die there isn't any time left to be saved, but if I'm understanding you correctly, you may believe that salvation can be gained after death? I'm sure my misunderstanding is a very simple fix and am certain you won't ever see this, but I'm so curious to understand what you mean
@@bufficliff8978 Thanks Buffi for asking. You are right in asking about our own death being the end of our chances. My point was that SINCE the cross there is no OTHER way to get to heaven but through Jesus. Those that died before Jesus ... their sins could not be paid for by the animal sacrifices ... it was still the blood of Christ --- yet to be shed --- that paid the price. Sorry if this answer is more confusing than before. : ) God bless you friend.
"It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me-" this verse is so true and real to me because I refused Jesus for a while but was open to Him but I believed in YHWH with all my heart needless to say it wasn't long till God revealed to me His Son and I believed because if you believe in Moses you believe in Jesus.
Interesting. Good for you. But what of those who have desperately seeked God, cried and begged for him to reveal himself and He never did? Please spare me the “god reveals himself through his love and word.”
@@adamropp4757 Everyone travels the road at different speeds. So too is everyone’s journey to God. Keep seeking, He will reveal Himself to you when it makes the most impact on you.
11:34... When a nonbeliever… Or a believer for that matter, asks me, “What about people who have never heard the gospel, Have no knowledge of the Old Testament or any of the patriarchs… Just none of it, how are they judged?“ I also go to the passage in Romans that talks about the law of God, the knowledge of good and evil, The knowledge of right and wrong written on their hearts. Then I also add this: “I know the nature of God and that is that he is 100% just, rich in mercy, and compassionate. I believe firmly that the scripture supports that God will deal with any such individual with mercy and justice. I also know that just because he hasn’t stated exactly how he deals with such people does not mean he will not be just and merciful with them. I believe that even a person who has never heard of the gospel can make an internal choice to love good and hate evil and feel remorse for having failed in doing good.
I enjoy the older messages. As I step out in Christ, what an inspiration how nervous pastor seemed at times--focused, however, on obedience unto the LORD'S will, and the ordained purpose assigned. There's no better cause than the Almighty's Soveregnty to "step out of one's box." 🙏 ✝️ 🙌
Except Hebrews tells us the OT Saints also needed Jesus’ gospel. They received it when He descended to the captives in Abraham’s bosom. “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:39-40
Why not progress to know God better ? Direct from Jesus …. leave the man made churches for the Catholic Church. .. Contrary to what Winger says Catholicism is at one with the bible as nothing in Catholicism is contrary to the bible. Every mass has four bible readings including the Eucharist which is based on John 6 & 14 other scripture verses. See Dr Scott Hahn a protestant pastor who turned to God in the Catholic Church
@@1234poppycat May I please mention this sir.... if you read John chapter 6 and you get the Holy Eucharist out of that I really don't understand it. You would have to be taught from someone that's what it means. The biggest question is AJA, have you been born again? I know that's not taught in the Roman Catholic catechism nor in RCIA class nor ever preached during mass. But it's in John chapter 3. You had to read that first before you got to John chapter 6. My second question is if there's a heaven, who goes there? Is there a hell? Who goes there?
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Scripture says, all will hear before His return.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I am so glad to hear Mike speak of this. I previously have come to the same conclusion - that the propitiation of Christ can be applied to those who have never heard of him. “Whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” I followed the same lines of thinking to arrive at this position: thinking of the OT believers, thinking of Moses’ father-in-law, thinking of Melchizedek, abd etcetera. Moreover, in Romans it speaks of those who, having observed the grandeur of creation being “without excuse” if they reject the revelation of God. If “general revelation” makes God known so that they are “without excuse”, then it follows that they are not without opportunity. I also found Acts 17 to bear on the subject.
So, I have been a believer for 24 years. I know that the unsaved are judged by their conscience. The part I have struggled with is that I know how people are judged based on their conscience but how do they get salvation from this judgment without ever hearing the gospel? Aren’t they just set up to fail? For instance, the ancient Chinese or the Aztecs pre-Spanish. They have the law on their heart and are judged by this but from birth to death have no chance to change their destination due to never hearing that there is a cure for sin. I have finally come to the fact that God can save who he wants to and no man will have an excuse. What that looks like on the day of judgment who knows. He didn’t have to save anyone and maybe people don’t hear the Gospel because God knows they would reject it even if they did.
Praise the Lord for the presentation in this video! A better way, in my humble opinion, of contending for the faith entrusted to us than engaging in a debate with those who spread lies knowingly or otherwise! Almost all aspects of the topic have been covered in this video, and in an amiable manner too! I agree, we can know the answers to even the hardest questions when we study the Bible! We also have received the spirit that is from God so that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God! Thank God for the electronic media that makes the gospel more accessible, just as in the case of Kaustav who sought and found the Lord Jesus Christ on TH-cam!
Ya know the creation never proved God to me but since I started believing and got saved, I see just how perfect everything really is made and the harmony of the creation which points to intelligent design. This is no cosmic accident, this is not order out of chaos (which by the laws of physics cannot happen), it is intelligent design!
Like the prophets, we know in part and only have the answers we have been given and can’t say more. Thanks for making the most of what truth we have, what is opinion and not go beyond our imaginations or what we ideally think is right.
God judges people outsides the body of Christ and his wisdom will be reveal on the day of Judgement. Jesus is God and great Savior, so let us pray for unbelieving brothers.
It is sure great that God has a plan for everyone to be able to hear his gospel in this life and after death, as this estate on earth continues in the post earth life.
Agreed with so much of what you've said here and I appreciate your diligence and labor to answer one of the most challenging and important questions that people face when hearing the gospel. My biggest divergence here is on taking the word "every" from Revelation 5:9 to refer to tribal identities in time. In other words, I think the assumption that this means someone must have been saved from a tribe that the Cherokee conquered and wiped out before the gospel arrived to North America is flawed because it both fails to deal with the nature of apocalyptic genre and doesn't acknowledge that the people of those tribes live on under different tribal banners. The Cherokee might conquer a tribe, but they will probably take some of their women and their lineage lives on. Or some members of that tribe might flee and live on somewhere else. Or there might be multiple tribes under different names that are all really the same tribe of people. Regardless, I don't think Apocalyptic literature was meant to be taken this literally. Again, I just want to convey my appreciation for this video and I am definitely going to be sharing this with friends. You may not ever get this message, but I am praying for your ministry with thanksgiving in my heart. May Christ Captivate!
Wait a minute! Genesis clearly states that Abraham: "[Gen 26:4-5 KJV] 4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; 5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." He was certainly pre-Law of Moses, but there was still Law before Moses.
Revelation 5:9 can also be understood to mean, every tribe tongue people and nation who are in existence at the end times when the scene in heaven is happening will have representatives there. Not necessarily every one from history who ever existed. I take these verses very seriously as I am a missionary working in the remotest parts of the world who has purposely sought out a tribe to work among who had never as far as I know ever had a believer in the history of the world, since the tower of Babel. So I've based my life on this verse in believing that going to these last remaining tribes is worth while because at least someone from that tribe will be saved. In fact up til now we have just celebrated the first 16 believers and are now translating portions of scripture for them. It is impossible to know if someone from this language group has ever believed in Christ before if he appeared to them in a dream, or to an infant, etc. But by the "normal" means of salvation, this tribe had never heard of Jesus before we started working there in 2003. Since that time there has been a major change as they have began to accept the true and Living God little by little as they have come to understand Him. Praise the Lord for the freedom that has set them free from the bondage they were in to sin and evil spirits, etc. Practicing all forms of evil. They were not happier in their ignorance, but are experiencing real freedom and joy now for the first time ever. It's our privilege to get to be used by God to bring them the gospel for the first time. I can think of nothing greater. May the Lord inspire many more to devote their lives to bringing the gospel to those who have never heard.
Wow, Mike! You've done such a good job of making clear a fuzzy idea I've slowly been starting to understand recently, thank you so much! One passage I was hoping you'd mention is Acts 18:24-19:6. It talks about a man named Apollos who didn't know Jesus, but based on his knowledge of John the Baptist's ministry he "spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus." Priscilla and Aquila found him and explained to him the way of God "more accurately." Later, Paul comes to Ephesus and finds a group of men who were followers of Apollos' teaching, it says they were disciples. Paul asks if they received the Holy Spirit when they believed, and they say "we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." The key here I think is that they already believed, even before Paul gave them more special revelation and the Holy Spirit fell on them. So we have here in the New Testament, AFTER Jesus had already returned to heaven, an example of how "seed faith" as you called it, can result in genuine salvation, even without full revelation of Jesus and the Gospel. I think this is important, because I think it would be very easy for someone to try to make the claim that all the examples you gave were before Jesus, and that now that we (humanity in general) have been given the full revelation, perhaps it doesn't work the same way it did for Abraham and the like. Again, thank you and God bless you for your consistent and grounded teaching of the Scripture! You have helped my faith and understanding of the Bible so much in the few short months since I discovered your channel!
+Judah Matthews I think that the people you are speaking of are a really good example of that! I wish I had included them in my message. I do think that if someone could show that the Bible teaches that all those examples I gave don't apply to today because they were before the cross then my whole argument would break down. But I don't think this can be shown from scripture. I take Romans and Hebrews to teach that salvation has always been through Christ, even when those with partial knowledge were saved, and it is more a matter of how much information a person has received than it is about a sudden change in "how" a person is saved once we pass a particular date on the calendar. Your example is a great way to respond to such an objection as well.
Mike Winger I totally agree with everything you said! I've started picking up your practice of trying to see what the counter-arguments to your claim might be beforehand, so you have a response whenever they inevitably come up. Hence, the Acts passage I quoted! Your brother in Christ, Judah
Jesus gave us HIS Church and those ordained in his church like Peter and Paul and their successors. Not a multitude of man made churches where you can pick and mix to get the religion that fits in with you. Why not progress to know God better ? Direct from Jesus …. leave the man made churches for the Catholic Church. .. Contrary to what Winger says Catholicism is at one with the bible as nothing in Catholicism is contrary to the bible. Every mass has four bible readings including the Eucharist which is based on John 6 & 14 other scripture verses. See Dr Scott Hahn a protestant pastor who turned to God in the Catholic Church
I love your new videos, but I also REALLY like seeing you preach. Idk what it is, but I like the different feeling. Man just good content all around. continue to let God guide you in what type of content to make, He clearly is doing well! Thank you, and more over thank the Lord, for your TH-cam content! It's been a blessing in my walk and really challenged me (I think I would have been offended if not for God opening my eyes. You have poked some of my idols and they didn't like it!) and I am closer to Christ for it. Thank you again!
Thank you for making the point about fair meaning we ALL die for our sins. I love dropping that bomb on my students in children's ministry. The realization helps to shift our paradigm about the unfairness of life. Personally, I'm glad life's not fair.
Aleithia Toews: "I love dropping that bomb on my students in children's ministry." - Your conflation of "students" and "children" is remarkable and deeply worrying. What people think of when they hear "student" is somebody who has, at least, reached the age of reason. But "children" is quite another matter. I do not mean to be unkind, I assure you, but imagine somebody was talking about communism or nazism and they wrote that they like to persuade by "dropping that bomb on [their] students in children's politics ministry." Please consider honestly what you would think. To me, this desire to see children as "students" and to manipulate their beliefs, has terrible echoes of paedophilia.
I have come to accept that the best answer to the question of how much or how little does someone need to know to be saved is this: one must humbly believe that God is one and only source of one’s salvation. One might not understand all the details of how or when God will accomplish this salvation, but they believe it nonetheless. Just believing in one God that He exists is not good enough.
43:08 this fills me with dread, mournfulness, and a more brutal view of Gods version of love, justice, and goodness. I wish He would've done more for those that wouldve changed had they been granted special revelation.
@A A God is such a loving God he actually went to the Cross was beat up and hung at Calvary for hour upon hour, spikes in his hands and feet. He was spit on they drove Branch spikes or thorns in his head, they buffeted him and he went through all that because he loves the people he created. I would imagine that folks as you mention who were born without capabilities for much, they will be rejoicing in heaven with brand new bodies and praising God with the other believers. I have faith in God because he is so good he's given up so much to get me.
@A A very interesting, thank you for writing that. I'm going to have to read it a couple more times. I'd like to try and get full understanding of what you're saying. All I know about judgement is that the Lord has prepared a Lake of Fire for the devil and his angels. "But the fearful and unbelieving and the Abominable and murderers and whoremongers and Sorcerers and idolaters and all liars shall have their place in this Lake of Fire which burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death." That's all I know LOL
“A good example of our need for the gospel is found in Acts 10. Cornelius knew about God and was “devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly” (Acts 10:2). Did God save Cornelius because of his devotion to God based on the limited knowledge he had? No. Cornelius needed to hear about Jesus. God instructed Cornelius to contact the apostle Peter and invite him to come to Cornelius’ home. Cornelius obeyed, and Peter came and presented the gospel to Cornelius and his family. Cornelius and his household believed in Jesus and were therefore saved (Acts 10:44-48). No one, not even a “good” man like Cornelius, is saved simply by believing that God exists or by honoring God in certain ways. “
that makes god the worst being to ever exist because there are people who haven't heard the gospel who live in such remote places and speak their own language
But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. - Matthew 11:22 But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. - Luke 10:14
Dear Mike, I cannot agree with everything you say in this video but I still get very motivated by your many videos and I'm very grateful for this. Would you agree, Mike, that God cannot rely ENTIRELY on us, Christians, to bring salvation to the world?? Many of us Christians lack the passion to "witness" to everyone who comes in their life, whether for a brief moment, or for a longer time. For example, what about those kids, in a Christian family, who choose eventually (when they get in their rebellious teenagehood, for example) to reject their Christian beliefs in Jesus, as the only Saviour of the world??? How would evangelical parents feel believing that their own daughter/son has lost his/her salvation and how would they feel if they lose their life in that state???
We have to be careful with this though. Us simply spreading the gospel isn't the special revelation, it's God Himself, His Holy Spirit, working within us, that does the special revelation.
Questions lead to answers that always lead to other questions---that is called the learning process abd is how anyone grows intellectually and spiritually.
35:50 Something happens though… if you meet someone who has general revelation and they meet you, and you live out Christ command of loving your neighbor as Christ loved us. Those people are not going to just sit there and think. “Oh this is a nice person.” They will be compelled to ask or at least they will suddenly feel drawn to you. When that happens YOU MUST give an account.
Hello Mike You said, isn’t God a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him ? Yes but the question I want to ask is why Paul writes in Romans 3:10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” There seems to be a contradiction here unless our faith and repentance are a gift freely given to us through the sovereign work of God in our regeneration .”a change of nature “ that’s why we now seek Him and did not before because we were dead in our trespasses and sins , He made us alive and gave us a measure of faith (Rom 12:3 )in order to please Him , all to His Glory. So yes I agree that there are those who are ordained to obtain saving faith before knowing Gods full decreed plan for the unrighteous to be made righteous thru the sacrificial work the lamb of God ,our High Priest, our Mediator , our King . Who are they ? They are the elect , chosen by God before the foundation of the world by His will and Grace Alone . 2 Thessalonians 2 13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 8:28 -34 John 3:3- 8 I appreciate your love of God and His Word And your willingness to dialogue with reasonable brothers that oppose 😀
John 3:18-19 KJVS [18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
The problem No 1 with lost people is that they don't realise themselves as sinners, and therefore they don't really know what forgiveness is, and have no clue what god's grace is about, or what the mercy of god means, or why Jesus had to suffer so much for US. Only the Holy Spirit can make this alive in the hearts of people.
Hi mike lately I’ve been watching your videos may i ask.. so do you believe that God still speaks to people who didn’t know the gospel, through revelations even the Bible is already written?
21:00 I don't hear this very often but I really notice when I do. Praise God for the Revelation Mike !! It's absolutely clear from scripture that Jesus is the Father. So many non denominational churches have the triangle with God in the middle Father at the top, Son and Holy Spirit at the other sides. They'll Jesus Is God but Jesus is not the Father. You know the picture I'm talking about. Praise God.. they all forget Isaiah 9:6.
I don’t believe he stated that Jesus is the Father, but that he is Yahweh, God. I don’t want to speak for Mike but I’ve also seen other teachings where I don’t think he believe that and most scholars and theologians don’t believe that when understanding the doctrine of the Trinity.
@@richardoverman809 you're exactly right and that's why I notice it when I hear it. It's pretty deep stuff because most theologians, as you say correctly, do not speak on this. But I find it so clear in the scriptures, absolutely crystal clear. Not sure why it's a thought lost in the shuffle. But that's okay no need to divide over it or make a big deal about it. I do have two points and would love your comments please. There is only ONE God. Just ONE. Second point is this... Isaiah 9:6. Love to hear your thoughts. Oh, a little extra credit John 14 verse 18.
@@richardoverman809 here's a follow-up thought and I guess question. So Yahweh does not specifically mean the Father? And I'm trying to gain an understanding here, because I'm just human and I definitely don't know it all. That's a fact right there LOL. So if I'm hearing it correctly Yahweh is Jesus is what Mike Winger is saying and Yahweh is the Godhead? Is that correct? Thank you very much for taking the time... I'm sorting through this myself. I appreciate it.
Gary G Definitely never want to respond to divide or argue. But conversation on these are always good! I don’t want to say you believe this but what you are describing sounds like Modalism..? That there is 1 God (which I believe) and He manifests himself 3 different ways (Father, Son, Spirit). Is that what you are saying? Isaiah - based on understanding these are titles and in no way based on Hebrew or the Septuagint is a basis of deity. Also looking at scripture, you have to look at all scriptures where He, Jesus, is identified separately. John 17:1 when he prays to the Father, if He is one in the same, how does that reconcile on that sense.. ? John 14:18? I’m not sure that applies. Do you mean 14:20?
@@richardoverman809 Interesting thoughts and I need to re-read what you've written here a couple times to fully understand. And then also look up modalism. John 14 is about Jesus leaving but sending the comforter, the Holy Spirit. He says Throughout the chapter that he's out of here but don't fret, I'm sending the comforter to take my place so you will be covered and in good hands. I'm going he's coming. Again and again, I'm out of here, comforter is coming. Then John 14:18 says, I AM COMING TO YOU. Jesus speaking !! Jesus IS the comforter. Jesus IS the Holy Ghost. There's just ONE God. Can I explain it properly? Nope. I just know that Jesus said he is coming when he said the holy spirit is coming. Bible also says the spirit lives in us, but in other places it's Christ who lives in us. Can I explain it? No. Is it a fact there's one God? Absolutely. That's all I've got.
The person without the gospel does not know there is a firefighter or a ladder. The judge dispensing pardons only gives them to prisoners who know there is a pardon available and ask for one. True that grace is not something we can say we deserve, but why would a loving and merciful God not make the escape/pardon known by all of his creations unless He does not care about their fate? As to general revelation, is a general awareness of God really the same as specific knowledge of Christ and is that really enough to save us now? The Old Testament prophets had the best gospel then available (and wrote the only scriptures available at the time of Christ). I believe you are correct that God’s key focus is Love. But the issues described above do not indicate much love.
Your last point is something that’s convicted me but as I re-read the gospel with that in mind it sometimes seems that those who would be saved had they heard are on the right side of Sheol (where Jesus went) and that perhaps He Himself ministered to them after death but before judgement?
hi mike.. though this was almost 4 years ago, but would you say that the "special revelation" can be defined and used by Calvinists as election before the foundation of the world--irresistible grace?? how would you respond to this interpretation?
If you're reading this, God bless you. No particular reason I say that other than that I've been too caught up in politics and fighting online. We all need to take a step back and pray.
God bless you!
and GOD bless you ❤
@@eli_tnpmartha1943 May God bless you and the rest of the church
God bless you..... The majority of people that argue online are just wanting to spread hate and your not going to change their minds... Find people that are genuinely wanting to live a better life and spread the word of Christ... Again God bless you and keep your mind fixed on Christ
And may God bless you!!!
Thankyou Pastor Mike for this careful and helpful explanation!
C.S.Lewis said "Nobody is saved except through the blood of Christ. But not everyone who is so saved is aware of it."
Explain to me how is that possible because it sounds like sentimentalism theology to me. Or calvinism election, wich is heretical.
You may say like many others "that's not very loving of you", and I say, if we do not rebuke a false gospel that will save no one, are we loving our neighbor? I don't think so.
That is just a horrible and false understanding of salvation
Your understanding of Calvinism is false,@@JesusProtects No Calvninist would say someone is saved without having faith in Christ
This makes me SO grateful that I was born into a family that loves the Lord and that I had the opportunities I have had to learn about the truth of Jesus. Praise the Lord!
Amen!
agreed
@@jaziybabe me too
Thank you so much. I only started listening a few months ago. My friend suggested I listen to your sermon on Jehovah's witness. I have a friend who is in that cult. I have been listening ever since. Thank you for your preaching. You make everything easy to understand. Clear verse by verse teaching. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.
Well I thought I was the only one that first saw him through that video 😆 🤣
How's your friend doing? Is he out of the cult? I pray God bless him with the truth.
This sermon is the most biblically sound review and answer I have seen to the question of “What about those who have never heard of Jesus”? Thank you for your careful and loving diligence Pastor Mike.
this question was the only thing holding me back from becoming a missionary. Now my heart is stirred up to get the gospel to Japan. thank you and God bless!
I am from India. Your teaching is biblical rather than theological. That's impressive. I want to know more about your ministry.
In India, you might be lucky with the Saint Thomas Christians. They are one of the oldest (ancient) christian communities in the world. You could possibly have conversations with them in your native tongue (depending where in India you live or such).
I've come to the same conclusion and I'm so happy to hear I'm not alone in this. I often think of the examples of the Ethiopian eunuch and Cornelius; people seeking God who's searches were met with answers.
I cannot see how God would reveal Himself in creation and conscience to those who never heard the gospel, and yet deny salvation to any who truly plead like the tax collector: "God have mercy on me, a sinner."
All my doubts were cleared.Thanks be to God
Thank you for this clear, humble, biblical teaching. Another example from scripture: What gospel did God call Jonah to preach to over 100,000 people in the ‘great city’ of Nineveh? Whatever it was, it caused them to repent and believe in God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This such an encouraging message. I grew up in the former Soviet Union and there were many many millions of people who were born into the revolution and died before the collapse and never had a chance with the Gospel. You are also correct about the fact that God doesn’t really owe us anything. When people ask me “what about all the horrors in this world”; it’s exactly what I answer them.
try reading the book....Eternity in Their Hearts....and see if this would apply to the conditions that you have mentioned...….
@Patrick Montgomery
John 3:3-5
3 In response Jesus said to him: “Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 Nic·o·deʹmus said to him: “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter into the womb of his mother a second time and be born, can he?” 5 Jesus answered: “Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born from water and spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.
So what happens to the people that died and was never born again?
Are they able to enter into the Kingdom of God anyway?
Did Jesus lie when he said "“Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born from water and spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God"?
@Patrick Montgomery
My question remains. In Della's post, what about those who died before the collapse and never had a chance with the Gospel? They never had a chance to come to the knowledge of the gospel and be born again.
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
How does your religion explain this conundrum?
@Patrick Montgomery
The bible has the answer but your religion does not have the correct interpretation so your religious leaders ignore scriptures they do not understand. It is a long explanation but I will show you the short explanation.
Re 5:9, 10
And they sing a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, for you were slaughtered and with your blood you BOUGHT PEOPLE FOR GOD OUT OF EVERY TRIBE AND TONGUE AND PEOPLE AND NATION, 10 and you made them to be a kingdom and PRIESTS to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.”
Rev 20:6
Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and they will rule as kings with him for the 1,000 years
God''s kingdom is in heaven. Those going to heaven will be kings and priests and rule with Jesus for 1,000 years. Priests officially represent God to the people they served, instructing them about God and his laws. In turn, they represented the people before God, interceding and pleading for the people.
Why are priests needed in heaven if everyone going there are saved?
Rev 20:6 speaks about a first resurrection where the second death has no authority. Doesn't that imply a resurrection to follow?
Who would be in the resurrection to follow where the second death does have authority?
How can they be resurrected to heaven if they are not born again?
Matthew 5:5 “Happy are the mild-tempered, since they will inherit the earth.
Psalms 37:11 But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.
Psalms 37:29 The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it
If the resurrection to follow is an earthly resurrection. The people can be instructed about the gospel through the priests. The people become the subjects of the kings that go to heaven in the first resurrection. They do not need to be born again to see the kingdom of God in heaven since they will live forever on the earth. If a person then rejects the gospel the second death does have authority over them and they will die in their sins.
@Patrick Montgomery
Most Christians are taught they either go to heaven or go to hell. They ignore God's other promises about living forever on the earth. If you think these scriptures are errors and heresies then show me where I went wrong by pointing them out. You did not know how people that never heard the Gospel could be saved and go to heaven without being born again. You was going to leave it up to Jesus. But God has already revealed this.
This is such an AMAZING sermon. Thank you Pastor Mike.
Bless you, Mike, for your scholarship and passionate, humble delivery. I hang on your every word. Life-changing stuff. Thank you so very much.
Thank you for taking the time to prepare this information and making it so accessible. Your humility and openess are so refreshing and also engaging into what you share.
I was driving home from church today and this exact question was on my mind ... now, I can't sleep and this video comes up! Wow! Thank you ❤️
The beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair.
God is good, gentle, wise, kind, just, and ... definitely fair.
"From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us."
~ Acts 17:26-27
I'm asked this question constantly. Mike your God sent. Bless you and your family.
I think this verse best sums things up:
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: - Acts 17:30
Not certain of the Old Testament times but in this age it is quite clear! Jesus is the ONLY way and the only way people will come to a saving faith in Christ is by hearing and understanding the Gospel message (Rom. 10:14-17)!
God will use his creation along with our conscience (Rom. 1:19-21, 2:12-15) to bear witness of himself and the fact that something isn’t right but it is the Gospel message and the Word of God that will bring one to an actual saving faith and understanding this makes me keenly aware of the incredible responsibility I have when he gives me opportunity to be a witness for him!
I am a Calvinist but a balanced, biblical Calvinist acknowledges both God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility!
Ray Sauter Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38
My goodness Mike I'm learning so much from your videos. You tackle the tough subjects that we Face everyday. This one here is an essential truth to understand and explain when we are witnessing. Thank you for doing such a great job here. I love it.
Then the other video on Romans 9 and Calvinism was absolutely fantastic as well. I took two pages of notes. Praise God. Thank you brother.
Pastor Mike, I’ve been watching your videos for many months and this one has really motivated me to evangelize especially to my friends and family. God Bless your ministry.
Don t you get it? He says: Wrath comes upon you for the sins you commit. That brings the wrath of God upon you. But otherwise he preaches: "God hates the sin, not the sinner - so why would the sinner be punished. Rubbish. And in the Romans: "I, God am the potter, I mold some to be wicked, some to be saints." So why would he first make wicked people, and the have a feeling of wrath upon them? So his analogy with teh firefighter is not valid. Correct me if I misunderstood, thank you wonderful people. Thank you also to Mike Winger for bravely defending God, although in my view with flawed data.
Thank you so much for addressing this! I've had this question for most of my life and I've had to rely on faith, knowing God is just.
Dante even addressed this issue in Paradiso 19, and came to the same conclusion.
Thank you Mike Winger. Please keep it up. I’m praying for you brother. I praise God for you my brother in Christ!!! ❤
Abraham's faith was in YHWH who revealed himself as "I AM", Jesus pointedly revealed that he is the "I AM". Salvation is through Christ,, regardless of the age or place of revelation. All tings are FROM and TO the Father, THROUGH Christ, the Word, and BY the power of the Holy Spirit whether we speak of Creation, Revelation or redemption.
Great point!
That's pretty
U may be right T, however, check out Bi lical Unitarian, I believe it's called. His claim is that ANYone who's on a mission from God, can be bestowed with the ' I am that I am tag?
Jesus did not say He was the I Am He simply said before Abraham was God and He has always been with God...John 17:3 plainly tells us that there is one God and it the God of Jesus, John 20 :17 Jesus tells us again His God is our God.....peace, love, and light
@@bobbywolfe7191Thomas said to Jesus “my Lord (wait for it….) “AND”
MY GOD..(John 20:28).
John 1:1 says : In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Colossians 1:16 says : For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. I COULD CONTINUE ENDLESSLY WITH THIS
wow that verse at the end has really got me thinking about some things .. i pray for God to give me wisdom in these matters.
Mike you are a true blessing to the kingdom don't stop. I was truly blessed by this word today
Did He?
@@betrion7 always ongoing ;) God knows what he is doing , we are co-workers in Gods service, it remains his work. When we dont know , it is safe to fall back on this concept : our knowing does not change the reality of Gods work. He is Just in every way. Even as I seek more knowledge, I pray for content in what I do know , what has been revealed unto me and pray for God to use me in any way required at what ever level of wisdom im at within my current context of existence.
Outstanding pastor Mike !! Well done. I'm learning a lot about all the truths you say from gods holy word. Thank you and God bless you and all who believe in our lord Jesus
You would do better to go to "Catholic Answers" Why not progress to know God better ? Direct from Jesus …. leave the man made churches for the Catholic Church. .. Contrary to what Winger says Catholicism is at one with the bible as nothing in Catholicism is contrary to the bible. Every mass has four bible readings including the Eucharist which is based on John 6 & 14 other scripture verses. See Dr Scott Hahn a protestant pastor who turned to God in the Catholic Church
@@1234poppycat may I please ask this sir, why would I go to man to tell me what HE THINKS God says, when I can go directly to the Bible to see what God says?
If I go to the Bible it says this for instance, and I don't think this is taught in the Roman Catholic Church. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Ephesians chapter 2 look at verse 8. "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God," then look at verse 9 "not of Works, lest any man should boast." They definitely don't teach that in Roman Catholic Church I believe correct me if I'm wrong, they teach Works based salvation.
Check this out in the Holy Bible as well. Titus Chapter 3. That's in the New Testament right after 1st and 2nd Timothy and before Philemon and Hebrews. Look at verse 5 "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his Mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ Our Savior (in verse 6.) Wow glory to God my savior. AJA, are you born again ( have you had the washing of regeneration,) have you been saved from the Wrath to come?
Found this video on 3/13/22. Mike has a BIG library, more than 600 videos on this channel. I look forward to watching all of them in time. But I've been looking for a scripture-based response to this exact question about those who are never exposed to the gospel for 20 yrs. MAY GOD BLESS YOU & KEEP YOU, PASTOR MIKE!
@30:55 "how many people really are like this and they're out somewhere and maybe they're in a pagan culture surrounded by false religions and then they realize..." as someone who was cluelessly Catholic, and was converted by tribulation to look to God alone in _that tribulation_ questioning everything _but_ the Creator and the name of Jesus, which I did confess but hardly understood, I can testify that God Himself *will walk you right out of your error* if you are trusting Him above yourself. In our modern world that is hard and my tribulation effectively rendered me helpless (so that made it a lot easier to quit pursuing the way that seemed right in my _own eyes_ as I kind of didn't have many other options) but that blind walk in raw faith in God and this Jesus I did not know very well, was very biblical; God gave me understanding as needed, by deposit that I didn't even know was 100% consistent with the teaching I would later find in the bible. In other words, Isaiah 55 and Isaiah 30:20 in the _Greek_ are 100% true. If you seek God with your whole heart, He will guide you to His word through His understanding that He gives you in your faith. I was thrilled to eventually come to scriptures to see everything I _had already_ experienced was actually written.
Isaiah 30:20-21 In the Greek:
And The Lord will give you the bread of tribulation and straight water and those leading you astray will no longer approach you because your eyes will behold those leading you astray. and your ears will hear the words of those behind you misleading you saying "this is the way we should go, in it to the right or to the left"
inTruthbyGrace, thank you for your testimony. God is faithful to reveal Himself to those who seek Him.
Why then did you not learn about your Catholic Faith ??? You actually gave up the sacraments and especially the Eucharist for this !!! Why not progress to know God better ? Direct from Jesus …. leave the man made churches for the Catholic Church. .. Contrary to what Winger says Catholicism is at one with the bible as nothing in Catholicism is contrary to the bible. Every mass has four bible readings including the Eucharist which is based on John 6 & 14 other scripture verses. See Dr Scott Hahn a protestant pastor who turned to God in the Catholic Church
I heard this sermon twice. To help me understanding about people who never heard the gospel. Thanks a lot !
I saw this very question asked on facebook today. I was searching for a good way to answer. Your absence is exactly what I believe but didn’t know how to explain it clearly. I was going to send this to the individual, but got back on facebook and couldn’t find the post again. I will share it to my page in the hopes that the right people will watch.
Keep teaching brother, thank you
Your premise holds true for any who were saved before the death, burial and resurrection, but not after. There is no other way to be saved but by Him and in His name. If you can show otherwise I am willing to have my mind changed. Thank you dear brother for you work in Jesus' name.
Thank you for your courteous and clear response in true humility. So rare. I wondered the same thing and I hope Mike answers.
@@thestraightroad305 Godspeed fellow Christian and friend.
I genuinely don't understand your question but am not even sure which part to ask for clarification on. The "but not after," is probably my point of confusion because once we die there isn't any time left to be saved, but if I'm understanding you correctly, you may believe that salvation can be gained after death?
I'm sure my misunderstanding is a very simple fix and am certain you won't ever see this, but I'm so curious to understand what you mean
@@bufficliff8978 Thanks Buffi for asking. You are right in asking about our own death being the end of our chances. My point was that SINCE the cross there is no OTHER way to get to heaven but through Jesus. Those that died before Jesus ... their sins could not be paid for by the animal sacrifices ... it was still the blood of Christ --- yet to be shed --- that paid the price. Sorry if this answer is more confusing than before. : ) God bless you friend.
2024 July 21 questions skeptics episode brought me here. Great message ❤
"It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me-" this verse is so true and real to me because I refused Jesus for a while but was open to Him but I believed in YHWH with all my heart needless to say it wasn't long till God revealed to me His Son and I believed because if you believe in Moses you believe in Jesus.
Yes if you truly seek God with all your heart he will reveal himself to you. Jesus is God!
Interesting. Good for you. But what of those who have desperately seeked God, cried and begged for him to reveal himself and He never did? Please spare me the “god reveals himself through his love and word.”
@@adamropp4757 Everyone travels the road at different speeds. So too is everyone’s journey to God. Keep seeking, He will reveal Himself to you when it makes the most impact on you.
Very good biblical answers, thank you
Fantastic teaching! So well explained. Thank you Mike.
Thank-you so much for this presentation! The LORD Bless You and Keep You!
Thank you for taking the time to do this.
Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
It is at the door.
Great sermon and motivation for going out there and saving souls.
11:34... When a nonbeliever… Or a believer for that matter, asks me, “What about people who have never heard the gospel, Have no knowledge of the Old Testament or any of the patriarchs… Just none of it, how are they judged?“ I also go to the passage in Romans that talks about the law of God, the knowledge of good and evil, The knowledge of right and wrong written on their hearts.
Then I also add this: “I know the nature of God and that is that he is 100% just, rich in mercy, and compassionate. I believe firmly that the scripture supports that God will deal with any such individual with mercy and justice. I also know that just because he hasn’t stated exactly how he deals with such people does not mean he will not be just and merciful with them. I believe that even a person who has never heard of the gospel can make an internal choice to love good and hate evil and feel remorse for having failed in doing good.
I enjoy the older messages. As I step out in Christ, what an inspiration how nervous pastor seemed at times--focused, however, on obedience unto the LORD'S will, and the ordained purpose assigned.
There's no better cause than the Almighty's Soveregnty to "step out of one's box." 🙏 ✝️ 🙌
Thank you for this scripture based study. I find no fault in these arguments and explanations.
It's easy to make up your own rules when basing them upon a book rooted in circular reasoning.
Except Hebrews tells us the OT Saints also needed Jesus’ gospel. They received it when He descended to the captives in Abraham’s bosom.
“These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”
Hebrews 11:39-40
Why not progress to know God better ? Direct from Jesus …. leave the man made churches for the Catholic Church. .. Contrary to what Winger says Catholicism is at one with the bible as nothing in Catholicism is contrary to the bible. Every mass has four bible readings including the Eucharist which is based on John 6 & 14 other scripture verses. See Dr Scott Hahn a protestant pastor who turned to God in the Catholic Church
@@1234poppycat May I please mention this sir.... if you read John chapter 6 and you get the Holy Eucharist out of that I really don't understand it. You would have to be taught from someone that's what it means. The biggest question is AJA, have you been born again? I know that's not taught in the Roman Catholic catechism nor in RCIA class nor ever preached during mass. But it's in John chapter 3. You had to read that first before you got to John chapter 6.
My second question is if there's a heaven, who goes there? Is there a hell? Who goes there?
Scripture says, all will hear before His return.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Mathew 24:14
Thank you for this. I’ve been really struggling with this question.
I am so glad to hear Mike speak of this. I previously have come to the same conclusion - that the propitiation of Christ can be applied to those who have never heard of him. “Whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” I followed the same lines of thinking to arrive at this position: thinking of the OT believers, thinking of Moses’ father-in-law, thinking of Melchizedek, abd etcetera.
Moreover, in Romans it speaks of those who, having observed the grandeur of creation being “without excuse” if they reject the revelation of God. If “general revelation” makes God known so that they are “without excuse”, then it follows that they are not without opportunity. I also found Acts 17 to bear on the subject.
Abraham rejoiced to see my day, he saw it and was glad
“You are not yet 50 years old, and yet you have seen Abraham?”
Praise the Lord for you and all your teaching thank you
Cornelius is a good example of that minority seeking God but not knowing Him, God sent Peter
Wow. Great job tying in the exclusive claims of the Gospel with the inclusive love of God. This presentation is one of the most balanced I've heard.
Great Teaching. God bless you.
So, I have been a believer for 24 years. I know that the unsaved are judged by their conscience. The part I have struggled with is that I know how people are judged based on their conscience but how do they get salvation from this judgment without ever hearing the gospel? Aren’t they just set up to fail? For instance, the ancient Chinese or the Aztecs pre-Spanish. They have the law on their heart and are judged by this but from birth to death have no chance to change their destination due to never hearing that there is a cure for sin.
I have finally come to the fact that God can save who he wants to and no man will have an excuse. What that looks like on the day of judgment who knows. He didn’t have to save anyone and maybe people don’t hear the Gospel because God knows they would reject it even if they did.
Praise the Lord for the presentation in this video! A better way, in my humble opinion, of contending for the faith entrusted to us than engaging in a debate with those who spread lies knowingly or otherwise! Almost all aspects of the topic have been covered in this video, and in an amiable manner too! I agree, we can know the answers to even the hardest questions when we study the Bible! We also have received the spirit that is from God so that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God! Thank God for the electronic media that makes the gospel more accessible, just as in the case of Kaustav who sought and found the Lord Jesus Christ on TH-cam!
Ya know the creation never proved God to me but since I started believing and got saved, I see just how perfect everything really is made and the harmony of the creation which points to intelligent design. This is no cosmic accident, this is not order out of chaos (which by the laws of physics cannot happen), it is intelligent design!
I listened carefully and I could take issue with a few points, however, This subject was handled really well.
A great teaching.
Share those issues, please!
you obviously didn't have any real issues otherwise you would have listed them
Amen ! Praise abba Yah. Yes Yahweh Yahuah our Eli is and has always been Yahusha Hamashiach
Proverbs 4:18(KJV) "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
Thanks, look fwd to running into these scriptures in the future.
Like the prophets, we know in part and only have the answers we have been given and can’t say more. Thanks for making the most of what truth we have, what is opinion and not go beyond our imaginations or what we ideally think is right.
God judges people outsides the body of Christ and his wisdom will be reveal on the day of Judgement. Jesus is God and great Savior, so let us pray for unbelieving brothers.
It is sure great that God has a plan for everyone to be able to hear his gospel in this life and after death, as this estate on earth continues in the post earth life.
Needed this I was trying today to explain this
Thank you for this teaching.
I was waiting for the Q&A session at the end......
Roy Sammons Yes, me too.. Somehow, not included.
Agreed with so much of what you've said here and I appreciate your diligence and labor to answer one of the most challenging and important questions that people face when hearing the gospel. My biggest divergence here is on taking the word "every" from Revelation 5:9 to refer to tribal identities in time. In other words, I think the assumption that this means someone must have been saved from a tribe that the Cherokee conquered and wiped out before the gospel arrived to North America is flawed because it both fails to deal with the nature of apocalyptic genre and doesn't acknowledge that the people of those tribes live on under different tribal banners. The Cherokee might conquer a tribe, but they will probably take some of their women and their lineage lives on. Or some members of that tribe might flee and live on somewhere else. Or there might be multiple tribes under different names that are all really the same tribe of people. Regardless, I don't think Apocalyptic literature was meant to be taken this literally.
Again, I just want to convey my appreciation for this video and I am definitely going to be sharing this with friends. You may not ever get this message, but I am praying for your ministry with thanksgiving in my heart.
May Christ Captivate!
Wait a minute! Genesis clearly states that Abraham: "[Gen 26:4-5 KJV] 4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; 5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." He was certainly pre-Law of Moses, but there was still Law before Moses.
There has always been the law of your conscience. Faith is believing God and obeying. Holiness is required with faith but faith is essential.
Romans 2 14-16
@mineben256 That doesn't change what I said about Genesis.
Revelation 5:9 can also be understood to mean, every tribe tongue people and nation who are in existence at the end times when the scene in heaven is happening will have representatives there. Not necessarily every one from history who ever existed. I take these verses very seriously as I am a missionary working in the remotest parts of the world who has purposely sought out a tribe to work among who had never as far as I know ever had a believer in the history of the world, since the tower of Babel. So I've based my life on this verse in believing that going to these last remaining tribes is worth while because at least someone from that tribe will be saved. In fact up til now we have just celebrated the first 16 believers and are now translating portions of scripture for them. It is impossible to know if someone from this language group has ever believed in Christ before if he appeared to them in a dream, or to an infant, etc. But by the "normal" means of salvation, this tribe had never heard of Jesus before we started working there in 2003. Since that time there has been a major change as they have began to accept the true and Living God little by little as they have come to understand Him. Praise the Lord for the freedom that has set them free from the bondage they were in to sin and evil spirits, etc. Practicing all forms of evil. They were not happier in their ignorance, but are experiencing real freedom and joy now for the first time ever. It's our privilege to get to be used by God to bring them the gospel for the first time. I can think of nothing greater. May the Lord inspire many more to devote their lives to bringing the gospel to those who have never heard.
Wow, Mike! You've done such a good job of making clear a fuzzy idea I've slowly been starting to understand recently, thank you so much!
One passage I was hoping you'd mention is Acts 18:24-19:6. It talks about a man named Apollos who didn't know Jesus, but based on his knowledge of John the Baptist's ministry he "spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus." Priscilla and Aquila found him and explained to him the way of God "more accurately."
Later, Paul comes to Ephesus and finds a group of men who were followers of Apollos' teaching, it says they were disciples. Paul asks if they received the Holy Spirit when they believed, and they say "we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." The key here I think is that they already believed, even before Paul gave them more special revelation and the Holy Spirit fell on them.
So we have here in the New Testament, AFTER Jesus had already returned to heaven, an example of how "seed faith" as you called it, can result in genuine salvation, even without full revelation of Jesus and the Gospel. I think this is important, because I think it would be very easy for someone to try to make the claim that all the examples you gave were before Jesus, and that now that we (humanity in general) have been given the full revelation, perhaps it doesn't work the same way it did for Abraham and the like.
Again, thank you and God bless you for your consistent and grounded teaching of the Scripture! You have helped my faith and understanding of the Bible so much in the few short months since I discovered your channel!
+Judah Matthews I think that the people you are speaking of are a really good example of that! I wish I had included them in my message. I do think that if someone could show that the Bible teaches that all those examples I gave don't apply to today because they were before the cross then my whole argument would break down. But I don't think this can be shown from scripture. I take Romans and Hebrews to teach that salvation has always been through Christ, even when those with partial knowledge were saved, and it is more a matter of how much information a person has received than it is about a sudden change in "how" a person is saved once we pass a particular date on the calendar. Your example is a great way to respond to such an objection as well.
Mike Winger I totally agree with everything you said! I've started picking up your practice of trying to see what the counter-arguments to your claim might be beforehand, so you have a response whenever they inevitably come up. Hence, the Acts passage I quoted!
Your brother in Christ,
Judah
You need to do a survey of the New Testament then repent.
Judah Matthews who is mike winger bible thinker
Jesus gave us HIS Church and those ordained in his church like Peter and Paul and their successors. Not a multitude of man made churches where you can pick and mix to get the religion that fits in with you. Why not progress to know God better ? Direct from Jesus …. leave the man made churches for the Catholic Church. .. Contrary to what Winger says Catholicism is at one with the bible as nothing in Catholicism is contrary to the bible. Every mass has four bible readings including the Eucharist which is based on John 6 & 14 other scripture verses. See Dr Scott Hahn a protestant pastor who turned to God in the Catholic Church
I love your new videos, but I also REALLY like seeing you preach. Idk what it is, but I like the different feeling. Man just good content all around. continue to let God guide you in what type of content to make, He clearly is doing well! Thank you, and more over thank the Lord, for your TH-cam content! It's been a blessing in my walk and really challenged me (I think I would have been offended if not for God opening my eyes. You have poked some of my idols and they didn't like it!) and I am closer to Christ for it. Thank you again!
Thank you for making the point about fair meaning we ALL die for our sins. I love dropping that bomb on my students in children's ministry. The realization helps to shift our paradigm about the unfairness of life. Personally, I'm glad life's not fair.
Aleithia Toews: "I love dropping that bomb on my students in children's ministry." - Your conflation of "students" and "children" is remarkable and deeply worrying. What people think of when they hear "student" is somebody who has, at least, reached the age of reason. But "children" is quite another matter. I do not mean to be unkind, I assure you, but imagine somebody was talking about communism or nazism and they wrote that they like to persuade by "dropping that bomb on [their] students in children's politics ministry." Please consider honestly what you would think.
To me, this desire to see children as "students" and to manipulate their beliefs, has terrible echoes of paedophilia.
Thanks Mike! I always had this question, and I am glad you provided your thoughts on it.
I have come to accept that the best answer to the question of how much or how little does someone need to know to be saved is this: one must humbly believe that God is one and only source of one’s salvation. One might not understand all the details of how or when God will accomplish this salvation, but they believe it nonetheless. Just believing in one God that He exists is not good enough.
43:08 this fills me with dread, mournfulness, and a more brutal view of Gods version of love, justice, and goodness. I wish He would've done more for those that wouldve changed had they been granted special revelation.
they are guilty, as you and me, and this is why we take them the gospel, or they will perish. He will reach his sheep, he will not fail.
@A A God is such a loving God he actually went to the Cross was beat up and hung at Calvary for hour upon hour, spikes in his hands and feet. He was spit on they drove Branch spikes or thorns in his head, they buffeted him and he went through all that because he loves the people he created.
I would imagine that folks as you mention who were born without capabilities for much, they will be rejoicing in heaven with brand new bodies and praising God with the other believers. I have faith in God because he is so good he's given up so much to get me.
@A A very interesting, thank you for writing that. I'm going to have to read it a couple more times. I'd like to try and get full understanding of what you're saying.
All I know about judgement is that the Lord has prepared a Lake of Fire for the devil and his angels.
"But the fearful and unbelieving and the Abominable and murderers and whoremongers and Sorcerers and idolaters and all liars shall have their place in this Lake of Fire which burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death." That's all I know LOL
@Infinite Adriannn well no, what he said would not be Calvinistic
Absolutely brilliant picture @ 6.00. 👏
“A good example of our need for the gospel is found in Acts 10. Cornelius knew about God and was “devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly” (Acts 10:2). Did God save Cornelius because of his devotion to God based on the limited knowledge he had? No. Cornelius needed to hear about Jesus. God instructed Cornelius to contact the apostle Peter and invite him to come to Cornelius’ home. Cornelius obeyed, and Peter came and presented the gospel to Cornelius and his family. Cornelius and his household believed in Jesus and were therefore saved (Acts 10:44-48). No one, not even a “good” man like Cornelius, is saved simply by believing that God exists or by honoring God in certain ways. “
that makes god the worst being to ever exist because there are people who haven't heard the gospel who live in such remote places and speak their own language
This guy is amazing
This was sooooo interesting and got my mind really intrigued. I love how your mind wires abs your insight
Also Galatians 3:8 says the gospel was preached beforehand to Abraham" (paraphrase) So I believe Abraham did have some knowledge of Christ.
That's why Mathew 24:14 says that Good News about God's Kingdom will be preached first and then the End will come.
But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
- Matthew 11:22
But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.
- Luke 10:14
Dear Mike, I cannot agree with everything you say in this video but I still get very motivated by your many videos and I'm very grateful for this. Would you agree, Mike, that God cannot rely ENTIRELY on us, Christians, to bring salvation to the world?? Many of us Christians lack the passion to "witness" to everyone who comes in their life, whether for a brief moment, or for a longer time. For example, what about those kids, in a Christian family, who choose eventually (when they get in their rebellious teenagehood, for example) to reject their Christian beliefs in Jesus, as the only Saviour of the world??? How would evangelical parents feel believing that their own daughter/son has lost his/her salvation and how would they feel if they lose their life in that state???
We are the ones who bring the special revelation that the thirsty ones need to be saved. Let’s just preach the gospel.
We have to be careful with this though. Us simply spreading the gospel isn't the special revelation, it's God Himself, His Holy Spirit, working within us, that does the special revelation.
Questions lead to answers that always lead to other questions---that is called the learning process abd is how anyone grows intellectually and spiritually.
35:50 Something happens though… if you meet someone who has general revelation and they meet you, and you live out Christ command of loving your neighbor as Christ loved us. Those people are not going to just sit there and think. “Oh this is a nice person.” They will be compelled to ask or at least they will suddenly feel drawn to you. When that happens YOU MUST give an account.
Great teacher and teacher. Thanks.
Hello Mike
You said, isn’t God a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him ? Yes but the question I want to ask is why Paul writes in Romans 3:10
As it is written:
“There is none righteous, no, not one;
11 There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
12 They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”
There seems to be a contradiction here unless our faith and repentance are a gift freely given to us through the sovereign work of God in our regeneration .”a change of nature “ that’s why we now seek Him and did not before because we were dead in our trespasses and sins , He made us alive and gave us a measure of faith (Rom 12:3 )in order to please Him , all to His Glory.
So yes I agree that there are those who are ordained to obtain saving faith before knowing Gods full decreed plan for the unrighteous to be made righteous thru the sacrificial work the lamb of God ,our High Priest, our Mediator , our King . Who are they ? They are the elect , chosen by God before the foundation of the world by His will and Grace Alone .
2 Thessalonians 2
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,
14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:28 -34
John 3:3- 8
I appreciate your love of God and His Word
And your willingness to dialogue with reasonable brothers that oppose 😀
Lance Graham Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8-9.
John 3:18-19 KJVS
[18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Great words about the Word
Makes sense to me... I've only read several chapters of the Bible and I know 100% it's God's word the more I read the more I know this is true
More on Gospel essentials please, Mike.
The problem No 1 with lost people is that they don't realise themselves as sinners, and therefore they don't really know what forgiveness is, and have no clue what god's grace is about, or what the mercy of god means, or why Jesus had to suffer so much for US. Only the Holy Spirit can make this alive in the hearts of people.
Hi mike lately I’ve been watching your videos may i ask.. so do you believe that God still speaks to people who didn’t know the gospel, through revelations even the Bible is already written?
thank you. I had similar thoughts about this.
I'm just interested what church is this? maybe I would visit it one day.
Amen. Many are called, few are chosen 36:43
21:00 I don't hear this very often but I really notice when I do. Praise God for the Revelation Mike !! It's absolutely clear from scripture that Jesus is the Father. So many non denominational churches have the triangle with God in the middle Father at the top, Son and Holy Spirit at the other sides. They'll Jesus Is God but Jesus is not the Father. You know the picture I'm talking about. Praise God.. they all forget Isaiah 9:6.
I don’t believe he stated that Jesus is the Father, but that he is Yahweh, God. I don’t want to speak for Mike but I’ve also seen other teachings where I don’t think he believe that and most scholars and theologians don’t believe that when understanding the doctrine of the Trinity.
@@richardoverman809 you're exactly right and that's why I notice it when I hear it. It's pretty deep stuff because most theologians, as you say correctly, do not speak on this.
But I find it so clear in the scriptures, absolutely crystal clear. Not sure why it's a thought lost in the shuffle. But that's okay no need to divide over it or make a big deal about it.
I do have two points and would love your comments please. There is only ONE God. Just ONE. Second point is this... Isaiah 9:6. Love to hear your thoughts. Oh, a little extra credit John 14 verse 18.
@@richardoverman809 here's a follow-up thought and I guess question. So Yahweh does not specifically mean the Father? And I'm trying to gain an understanding here, because I'm just human and I definitely don't know it all. That's a fact right there LOL.
So if I'm hearing it correctly Yahweh is Jesus is what Mike Winger is saying and Yahweh is the Godhead? Is that correct?
Thank you very much for taking the time... I'm sorting through this myself. I appreciate it.
Gary G Definitely never want to respond to divide or argue. But conversation on these are always good!
I don’t want to say you believe this but what you are describing sounds like Modalism..? That there is 1 God (which I believe) and He manifests himself 3 different ways (Father, Son, Spirit). Is that what you are saying?
Isaiah - based on understanding these are titles and in no way based on Hebrew or the Septuagint is a basis of deity. Also looking at scripture, you have to look at all scriptures where He, Jesus, is identified separately. John 17:1 when he prays to the Father, if He is one in the same, how does that reconcile on that sense.. ?
John 14:18? I’m not sure that applies. Do you mean 14:20?
@@richardoverman809 Interesting thoughts and I need to re-read what you've written here a couple times to fully understand. And then also look up modalism.
John 14 is about Jesus leaving but sending the comforter, the Holy Spirit. He says Throughout the chapter that he's out of here but don't fret, I'm sending the comforter to take my place so you will be covered and in good hands. I'm going he's coming. Again and again, I'm out of here, comforter is coming.
Then John 14:18 says, I AM COMING TO YOU. Jesus speaking !! Jesus IS the comforter. Jesus IS the Holy Ghost. There's just ONE God. Can I explain it properly? Nope. I just know that Jesus said he is coming when he said the holy spirit is coming.
Bible also says the spirit lives in us, but in other places it's Christ who lives in us. Can I explain it? No. Is it a fact there's one God? Absolutely. That's all I've got.
The person without the gospel does not know there is a firefighter or a ladder. The judge dispensing pardons only gives them to prisoners who know there is a pardon available and ask for one. True that grace is not something we can say we deserve, but why would a loving and merciful God not make the escape/pardon known by all of his creations unless He does not care about their fate? As to general revelation, is a general awareness of God really the same as specific knowledge of Christ and is that really enough to save us now? The Old Testament prophets had the best gospel then available (and wrote the only scriptures available at the time of Christ). I believe you are correct that God’s key focus is Love. But the issues described above do not indicate much love.
Your last point is something that’s convicted me but as I re-read the gospel with that in mind it sometimes seems that those who would be saved had they heard are on the right side of Sheol (where Jesus went) and that perhaps He Himself ministered to them after death but before judgement?
hi mike.. though this was almost 4 years ago, but would you say that the "special revelation" can be defined and used by Calvinists as election before the foundation of the world--irresistible grace?? how would you respond to this interpretation?
14:45 Rahab, Ruth. The woman of faith who followed God.
amazing teacher