{"id":2286,"date":"2022-05-20T10:02:17","date_gmt":"2022-05-20T14:02:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/?p=2286"},"modified":"2022-05-20T19:14:10","modified_gmt":"2022-05-20T23:14:10","slug":"3-common-questions-about-salvation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/teachings\/3-common-questions-about-salvation\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Common Questions About Salvation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"2297\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/teachings\/3-common-questions-about-salvation\/attachment\/print-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jesus-in-the-whole-bible-crown-thorns_smaller2.jpg?fit=2048%2C768&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2048,768\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Print&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Print\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jesus-in-the-whole-bible-crown-thorns_smaller2.jpg?fit=300%2C113&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jesus-in-the-whole-bible-crown-thorns_smaller2.jpg?fit=1024%2C384&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jesus-in-the-whole-bible-crown-thorns_smaller2.jpg?resize=1024%2C384&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2297\" width=\"1024\" height=\"384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jesus-in-the-whole-bible-crown-thorns_smaller2.jpg?resize=1024%2C384&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jesus-in-the-whole-bible-crown-thorns_smaller2.jpg?resize=300%2C113&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jesus-in-the-whole-bible-crown-thorns_smaller2.jpg?resize=768%2C288&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jesus-in-the-whole-bible-crown-thorns_smaller2.jpg?resize=1536%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jesus-in-the-whole-bible-crown-thorns_smaller2.jpg?resize=392%2C147&amp;ssl=1 392w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jesus-in-the-whole-bible-crown-thorns_smaller2.jpg?resize=534%2C200&amp;ssl=1 534w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jesus-in-the-whole-bible-crown-thorns_smaller2.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3 Common Questions About Salvation<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">[<strong>written for those who love God\u2019s salvation]<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview of Article<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" id=\"Question2\"><li><strong><a href=\"#Introduction\">Introduction: So Great a Salvation!<\/a><\/strong><br>\u2192 Sidenote #1: The Roman Road<br>\u2192 Sidenote #2: The Difference Between Asking Questions and Questioning<br><br><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#Question1\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Question1\">Question #1: Could People be Saved Before Jesus Died on the Cross? If So, How?<\/a><\/strong><br>\u2192 Misconception #1: In the Old Testament, Salvation was by Keeping the Law of Moses<br>\u2192 Misconception #2: In the Old Testament, Salvation was by the Blood of Sacrifices<br>\u2192 Sidenote #3: There Is Only One Gospel \u2013 the \u201c5 Solas\u201d<br>\u2192 Sidenote #4: Where Is \u201cGrace Alone\u201d &amp; \u201cFaith Alone\u201d Seen in the Old Testament?<br>\u2192 Sidenote #5: How Could Salvation be \u201cIn Christ Alone\u201d in the Old Testament?<br><br><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#Question2\">Question #2 \u2013 How Does God Judge People Raised in Non-Christian Cultures?<\/a><\/strong><br>\u2192 Sidenote #6: The Proper Frame of Reference: God\u2019s Ultimate Goodness &amp; Perfection<br>\u2192 Sidenote #7: How could we ever doubt God\u2019s perfect ways of doing things?<br><br><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#Question3\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Question3\">Question #3:&nbsp; Is There an Age of Accountability in the Bible?<\/a><\/strong><br><br><\/li><li><a href=\"#Conclusion\"><strong>The Conclusion: Our Responsibility \u2013 The Call of the Gospel<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Introduction\">Introduction: So Great a Salvation!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"2314\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/teachings\/3-common-questions-about-salvation\/attachment\/jesus-emptytomb-cross-easter-smaller\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Jesus-EmptyTomb-Cross-Easter-smaller.jpg?fit=960%2C649&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"960,649\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;22&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Romolo Tavani&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 5DS R&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1552073619&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;Romolo Tavani&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.01&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Jesus-EmptyTomb-Cross-Easter-smaller\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Jesus-EmptyTomb-Cross-Easter-smaller.jpg?fit=300%2C203&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Jesus-EmptyTomb-Cross-Easter-smaller.jpg?fit=960%2C649&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Jesus-EmptyTomb-Cross-Easter-smaller.jpg?resize=300%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2314\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>What a wonderful salvation God has provided for us through His Son, and what a wonderful Savior is our Lord Jesus Christ!<br><br>Paul was so in love with Jesus, his Savior, and so appreciated the Gospel that he often referred to it as &#8220;my Gospel&#8221; (Rom 2:16; Rom 16:25; 2 Tim 2:8). Paul had received a wonderful revelation of the Gospel and it is all about Jesus!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">1 Corinthians 15:1-4 \u2013 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the Gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you\u2014unless you believed in vain.\nFor I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Romans 1:16-17 \u2013 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, &#8220;The just shall live by faith.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On several occasions, the Psalmist talks about \u201cthose who love salvation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Psalms 40:16 \u2013 Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, \"The Lord be magnified!\" (See also Psalm 70:4.)<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>The writer of Hebrews exhorts us never to neglect or forget such a \u201cGreat Salvation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Hebrews 2:3 \u2013 How shall we escape if we neglect such a GREAT SALVATION? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Peter tells us that spiritual shortsightedness and even blindness can occur if we forget that our old sins have been washed away:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">2 Peter 1:9 \u2013 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually, when Christians talk about salvation, they are referring to the forgiveness and cleansing of our sins by the Blood of Jesus and the gift of eternal life. This is definitely an initial part of salvation, but there is so much more to God\u2019s plan for man. As someone once said, \u201cGod loves us just as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us like that!\u201d Being saved from eternal punishment in hell is something for which we will be eternally grateful; yet, what God has provided through His Son, Jesus Christ, does not stop there. He wants to restore, sanctify, and transform us from \u201cglory to glory into the same image\u201d (2 Cor 3:18).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>May we never forget just how great this salvation is!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2022 Sidenote #1: The Roman Road<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>It is vital to ensure we are on the same page concerning the Gospel. A beautiful way to understand the Gospel is a simple method called the \u201cRoman Road.\u201d The \u201cRoman Road\u201d walks through four verses in Romans that reveal man\u2019s need, God\u2019s provision in Christ, and how to receive the gift of salvation. More on the \u201cRoman Road\u201d can be read here: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/teachings\/roman-road\/the-roman-road-revisited-expanded\/\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/teachings\/roman-road\/the-roman-road-revisited-expanded\/ <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Romans 3:23 \u2013 <em>&#8220;For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.&#8221;<\/em><\/li><li>Romans 6:23a \u2013 <em>&#8220;For the wages of sin is death\u2026&#8221;<\/em><\/li><li>Romans 6:23b \u2013 <em>&#8220;\u2026BUT (an important word!) the Free Gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.&#8221;<\/em><\/li><li>Romans 10:9-10 \u2013 <em>&#8220;That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.&#8221;<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2022 Sidenote #2: The Difference Between Asking Questions and Questioning<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several questions that arise concerning the Gospel (the \u201cGood News\u201d) of Jesus Christ. Of course, asking questions is a good thing, but, first of all, this needs to be said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is one thing (and a good thing) to ask God questions. However, it is quite another thing (and NOT a good thing) to question God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A person who questions God only does so because they do not honor God as Creator and, therefore, they do not trust Him. People who question God are, in their inner core, simply \u201cunreasonable\u201d \u2013 they would not even want to hear or understand a response to their questioning. Paul asked the church to pray that God would deliver him from \u201cunreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith\u201d (2 Thes 3:2).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A person who chooses to love, trust, and surrender to God may have many appropriate questions, but they would never consider questioning God or His motives, for deep down in every fiber of their being, they agree with the psalmist when he proclaims: <em>\u201cYou are good, and You do good\u2026\u201d (Psalm 119:68)<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, the responses to these questions are purposely addressed to those who sincerely want to hear Biblical reasoning that can satisfy their questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Question1\">Question #1: Could People Be Saved Before Jesus Died on the Cross? If So, How?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"2315\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/teachings\/3-common-questions-about-salvation\/attachment\/lamb-with-shepherd-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/34997758_m.jpg?fit=2508%2C1672&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2508,1672\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 7D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;lamb with shepherd&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1419605693&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;55&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.005&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;lamb with shepherd&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"lamb with shepherd\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;lamb with shepherd&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/34997758_m.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/34997758_m.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/34997758_m.jpg?resize=200%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2315\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2192 Misconception #1: In the Old Testament, Salvation was by Keeping the Law of Moses<br>\u2192 Misconception #2: In the Old Testament, Salvation was by the Blood of Sacrifices<br>\u2192 Sidenote #3: There Is Only One Gospel \u2013 the \u201c5 Solas\u201d<br>\u2192 Sidenote #4: Where Is \u201cGrace Alone\u201d &amp; \u201cFaith Alone\u201d Seen in the Old Testament?<br>\u2192 Sidenote #5: How Could Salvation be \u201cIn Christ Alone\u201d in the Old Testament?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2192 Misconception #1: In the Old Testament, Salvation was by Keeping the Law of Moses<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>One prevalent misconception is that people in the Old Testament were saved by keeping the Law of Moses. But Scripture makes it clear that that idea is not valid:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Romans 3:20 \u2013 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Galatians 2:16 \u2013 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Galatians 3:11 \u2013 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for \u201cThe righteous shall live by faith.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2192 Misconception #2: In the Old Testament, Salvation was by the Blood of Sacrifices<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Another misconception is that the blood of the animal sacrifices in the Old Testament Law would atone for and wash their sins away. This, too, is a misunderstanding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Hebrews 10:4 \u2013 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>So, right from the start, we must be very clear about what the Bible teaches for all of mankind, past, present, or for the remainder of man\u2019s future on this earth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2192 Sidenote #3: There Is Only One Gospel \u2013 the \u201c5 Solas\u201d<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>There can be only one Gospel. Paul was very clear about this (2 Cor 11:4; Gal 1:6-9)!&nbsp; The Gospel of salvation has always been and always will be by grace alone, through faith alone, and in Christ alone. This truth is expressed in the Five \u201cSolas\u201d of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th Century:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Sola Scriptura<\/strong> (Latin for <em>\u201cScripture Alone&#8221;<\/em>) \u2013 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21<\/li><li><strong>Sola Gratia<\/strong> (Latin for <em>\u201cGrace Alone\u201d<\/em>) \u2013 Eph 2:8-9<\/li><li><strong>Sola Fide<\/strong> (Latin for <em>\u201cFaith Alone\u201d<\/em>) \u2013 Eph 2:8-9<\/li><li><strong>Solus Christus <\/strong>(Latin for <em>\u201cChrist Alone\u201d<\/em>) \u2013 John 14:6; 1 Tim 2:4-6<\/li><li><strong>Soli Deo Gloria<\/strong> (Latin for <em>\u201cGlory to God Alone\u201d<\/em>) \u2013 Rom 11:33-36; 1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:17; 1 Peter 4:10-11<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">Salvation is only by &#8220;Grace Alone&#8221; through &#8220;Faith Alone.&#8221;<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Ephesians 2:8-9 \u2013 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">Salvation is only found  &#8220;in Christ Alone&#8221;!<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">John 14:6 \u2013 Jesus said to him, \u201cI am the way, the truth, and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father except through Me.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">1 Timothy 2:3-6 \u2013 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>In Hebrews, we are told that the Gospel (the same Gospel!) was preached to the Israelites even though many of them did not receive it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Hebrews 4:2 \u2013 For indeed the Gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, concerning the fact that Salvation is only received by faith, let\u2019s look at the definition that Hebrews gives us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Hebrews 11:1,6 \u2013 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen\u2026 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2192 Sidenote #4 \u2013 Where Is \u201cGrace Alone\u201d &amp; \u201cFaith Alone\u201d Seen in the Old Testament?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>This same chapter in Hebrews continues this theme of faith by telling of men and women who had faith in God and in that faith did great things that pleased God. But then, this chapter makes a remarkable statement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Hebrews 11:13,16 \u2013 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth\u2026Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>So\u2026 somehow, and in some way, these men had faith in the one true God. Because of their faith, God says, \u201cI am not ashamed to be called their God.\u201d Wow! In fact, this is seen all throughout the Bible where we see God referred to as the \u201cGod of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob\u201d (Exo 3:6; Exo 3:15-16; Exo 4:5; Mat 23:32; Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37; Acts 3:13; Acts 7:32).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jesus makes it yet more apparent that men like these will be in the Kingdom of God:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Matthew 8:11 \u2013 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. (See also Luke 13:28.)<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Now the Psalmist David sang about the forgiveness of sins, and the word salvation appears more than sixty times in the book of Psalms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Psalms 51:10-12 \u2013 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation\u2026<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Psalms 32:1-2 \u2013 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Psalms 85:2 \u2013 You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Psalms 86:5 \u2013 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Psalms 103:2-3 \u2013 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Psalms 130:3-4 \u2013 If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>So it is evident that there were people in the Old Testament who experienced salvation and are in Heaven right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But how?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone! The faith these Old Testament had was not a vague, personal-interpretation, man-made idea of God. Instead, they had faith in the one true God who created the heavens, the earth, and everything in them. They sought Him, found Him, and experienced salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With Jesus\u2019 arrival in the New Testament, the content of faith became more specific. The promised Messiah had arrived. Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system, the one Savior for all mankind who restores man into relationship with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In one of the most remarkable passages of Scripture, we see the resurrected Jesus suddenly walking with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Neither of these men recognized Jesus. With no idea with Whom they were conversing, they explained how disillusioned they were because the One they thought would be the Messiah had been crucified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, without yet revealing Himself, Jesus says this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Luke 24:25-27 \u2013 And He said to them, \u201cO foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?\u201d Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Later, while breaking bread in their home, their eyes are suddenly opened to recognize Jesus, and in that very instant, Jesus disappeared. How awesome is that! Oh, how I dearly love reading how those men spoke to each other right after Jesus disappeared:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Luke 24:32 \u2013 And they said to one another, \u201cDid not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Luke then tells how Jesus suddenly appears in a room with His disciples and gives them the burning Bible Study about the Gospel from the Old Testament:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Luke 24:44-48 \u2013 Then He said to them, \u201cThese are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.\u201d And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.<br>Then He said to them, \u201cThus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>What God revealed throughout Moses and the Prophets had now been perfectly fulfilled in Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Peter tells us something else quite remarkable about the Old Testament prophets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">1 Peter 1:10-12 \u2013 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, \u2006seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven\u2014things into which angels long to look.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Peter explains that the \u201cSpirit of Christ\u201d was in those prophets who spoke God\u2019s Word. Now, it must be understood that the Spirit of Christ and the Holy Spirit are not the same (that is another teaching!). The \u201cSpirit of Christ\u201d refers to Christ, the Second Person of the Triune God. So, when someone confesses Jesus as Lord and believes in their heart who Jesus is and that He has risen from the dead, they have \u201creceived Jesus.\u201d Or it can also be said that they have received the \u201cSpirit of Christ\u201d and are birthed into God\u2019s family. Now Jesus is the \u201cWord\u201d (John 1:1-14), so it can also be said that they have \u201creceived the Word\u201d \u2013 an expression especially used throughout the book of Acts to describe when someone has been born again (see Acts 11:1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is precisely what John describes :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">John 1:12-13 \u2013 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, \u2006who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Paul further explains that when we are born again, God sends the \u201cSpirit of His Son\u201d into our hearts, and we, as newly-born children of God, cry out, \u201cAbba [Daddy], Father\u201d (Gal 4:6).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, putting these pieces together, we can understand that when Peter says that the \u201cSpirit of Christ\u201d was in these Old Testament prophets, it means that they had believed and become children of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Peter explained, these Old Testament believers understood something about God\u2019s provision of salvation, but it was not yet a fully-painted picture. Nevertheless, by grace through faith in God\u2019s Word, these men experienced salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, since Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah has already come, the picture of salvation has been fully painted in full living color. The writer of Hebrews explains it this way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Hebrews 1:1-2 \u2013 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son\u2026<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, back again in the faith chapter of Hebrews, we are given a little key to better understand the faith God requires for a person to be saved before Christ died on the Cross:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Hebrews 11:13 \u2013 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having SEEN THEM AFAR OFF were assured of them, embraced them\u2026<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>In agreement with Hebrews 11:13, Jesus spoke specifically about how Abraham \u201csaw\u201d something far off in the future:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">John 8:56-59 \u2013 \u201cYour father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.\u201d Then the Jews said to Him, \u201cYou are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?\u201d Jesus said to them, \u201cMost assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.\u201d Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Isaiah is known as the Messianic prophet because of everything he spoke about Jesus. In fact, Isaiah 53 graphically reveals Jesus&#8217; crucifixion. Quoting from Isaiah 53:1, John informs us that Isaiah saw the glory of Jesus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">John 12:38,41 \u2013 That the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: \u201cLord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?\u201d These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>As we said before, Abraham, David, Isaiah, and the other Old Testament believers could not see the entire picture because it was not fully painted here on earth, but what they did see of God\u2019s promise \u201cafar off\u201d (Heb 11:13), was a revelation of salvation which they believed with all their heart and they \u201cembraced\u201d and cherished it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2192 Sidenote #5: How Could Salvation be \u201cIn Christ Alone\u201d in the Old Testament?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"2322\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/teachings\/3-common-questions-about-salvation\/attachment\/print-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/JESUS-in-the-Bible-1.jpg?fit=2048%2C513&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2048,513\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Print&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Print\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/JESUS-in-the-Bible-1.jpg?fit=300%2C75&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/JESUS-in-the-Bible-1.jpg?fit=1024%2C257&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/JESUS-in-the-Bible-1.jpg?resize=512%2C129&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2322\" width=\"512\" height=\"129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/JESUS-in-the-Bible-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C257&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/JESUS-in-the-Bible-1.jpg?resize=300%2C75&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/JESUS-in-the-Bible-1.jpg?resize=768%2C192&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/JESUS-in-the-Bible-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C385&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/JESUS-in-the-Bible-1.jpg?resize=392%2C98&amp;ssl=1 392w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/JESUS-in-the-Bible-1.jpg?resize=800%2C200&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/JESUS-in-the-Bible-1.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>So, we have seen how salvation has and always will be \u201cby grace alone, through faith alone.\u201d BUT&#8230; how can we say that salvation always has been and always will be \u201cin Christ alone\u201d when Christ and His death on the Cross did not occur until the New Testament times?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Peter gives us a marvelous glimpse that can unlock this mystery:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">1 Peter 1:18-21 \u2013 Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was FOREORDAINED BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>And in Revelation, this idea of Christ being the Lamb slain from all eternity is even clearer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Revelation 13:8 \u2013 All who dwell on the earth will worship him [the antichrist], whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the LAMB SLAIN FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>To understand how Jesus was the \u201cLamb slain\u201d even before the Heavens and Earth were created, we need to understand the eternal nature of the Triune God. Look how Isaiah explains this important truth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Isaiah 57:15 \u2013 For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: \u201cI dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>God \u201cinhabits eternity.\u201d He does not live on our temporal timeline, for He is the One who created time! A Christian physicist made this observation. He said that in physics, there are three things referred to as the \u201ccontinuum\u201d (watch the YouTube video: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/cR_qr-omOdM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/cR_qr-omOdM<\/a>). They are Time, Space, and Matter. All three are contained in the first ten words of the Bible. [Notice that this continuum is a trinity of trinities (3 sets of 3) created by the Triune God!]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;Time<\/strong> \u2013 <em><strong>\u201cIn the beginning God\u201d<\/strong><\/em> (3 dimensions: <em>past, present, future<\/em>)<\/li><li>&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Space <\/strong>\u2013 <strong><em>\u201ccreated the Heavens\u201d<\/em><\/strong> (3 dimensions: <em>height, width, depth<\/em>)<\/li><li>&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Matter <\/strong>\u2013 <strong><em>\u201cand the Earth\u201d<\/em><\/strong> (3 dimensions: <em>solid, liquid, gas<\/em>)<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Time, Space, and Matter could never have evolved over millions of years because they cannot exist independently. Consider this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>If matter was created before space, WHERE would you put the matter?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>If matter and space were created before time, WHEN would you put them?<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>God is the Creator, and, according to Genesis 1:1, He created Time, Space, and Matter simultaneously. Since God is the Creator, He is not subject to time, space, and matter. Just like a man who builds a computer cannot exist within the computer, God does not exist within the Time\u2013Space\u2013Matter Continuum, nor is He subject to their limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So when we understand that God \u201cinhabits eternity\u201d (dwells outside of time), it makes sense that Jesus Christ, the eternally existent Son of God, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead, is also the \u201cLamb of God slain before the foundation of the world.\u201d In God\u2019s mind, the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross has already been accomplished before our timeline ever came into existence and made \u201cmanifest\u201d for us in these last times. From the animal slain to clothe Adam and Eve to all the animal sacrifices required by the Mosaic Law \u2013 all of these are nothing other than \u201cshadows\u201d of the reality of \u201cthe Lamb slain before the foundation of the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So salvation has always been and will always be \u201cin Christ alone,\u201d and we can express it like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-heading\">\u2022 Believers <em>BEFORE<\/em> Christ \u2013 had a faith that \u201clooked <em>FORWARD<\/em> in time\u201d to the Cross.<br>\u2022 Believers <em>AFTER<\/em> Christ \u2013 have a faith that \u201clooks <em>BACKWARD<\/em> in time\u201d to the Cross.<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>This is what the writer of Hebrews meant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Hebrews 11:13,16 \u2013 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them AFAR OFF [in the future] were assured of them, embraced them\u2026 Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God\u2026<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Hebrews 11:39-40 (Amplified) \u2013 And all of these, though they gained [divine] approval through their faith, did not receive [the fulfillment of] what was promised, because God had us in mind and had something better for us, so that they [these men and women of authentic faith] would not be made perfect [that is, completed in Him] apart from us.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>So it is very fitting that the writer of Hebrews would begin chapter twelve with this exhortation to run the race because \u201cwe are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses\u201d (referring to these Old Testament men and women of faith who are already in Heaven):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Hebrews 12:1-2 \u2013 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Question2\">Question #2 \u2013 How Does God Judge People Raised in Non-Christian Cultures?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"2316\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/teachings\/3-common-questions-about-salvation\/attachment\/mexico-chichen-itza-yucatn-mayan-pyramid-of-kukulcan-el-castillo\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/111562127_s.jpg?fit=899%2C533&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"899,533\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;9&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;IR Stone&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 5D Mark III&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Mexico, Chichen Itza, Yucatn. Mayan pyramid of Kukulcan El Castillo&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1518895695&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;IR Stone&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;38&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Mexico, Chichen Itza, Yucatn. Mayan pyramid of Kukulcan El Castillo&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Mexico, Chichen Itza, Yucatn. Mayan pyramid of Kukulcan El Castillo\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Mexico, Chichen Itza, Yucatn. Mayan pyramid of Kukulcan El Castillo&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/111562127_s.jpg?fit=300%2C178&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/111562127_s.jpg?fit=899%2C533&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/111562127_s.jpg?resize=200%2C120&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2316\" width=\"200\" height=\"120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/111562127_s.jpg?w=899&amp;ssl=1 899w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/111562127_s.jpg?resize=300%2C178&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/111562127_s.jpg?resize=337%2C200&amp;ssl=1 337w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2192 Sidenote #6:<\/strong> The Proper Frame of Reference: God\u2019s Ultimate Goodness &amp; Perfection<br><strong>\u2192 Sidenote #7:<\/strong> How could we ever doubt God\u2019s perfect ways of doing things?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A much less respectful way in which this question is often asked is: <em>\u201cHow can a good God send a person to hell for eternity when that person never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But that kind of critical questioning is a direct result of unbelief and doubting God\u2019s goodness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2192 Sidenote #6: The Proper Frame of Reference: God\u2019s Ultimate Goodness &amp; Perfection<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>People question or challenge God\u2019s absolute Goodness because of the poisonous seed first dropped into Eve\u2019s heart as she stood looking at the forbidden fruit. Notice how Satan sows his malicious lies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Genesis 3:1-5 \u2013 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, \u201cHas God indeed said, \u2018You shall not eat of every tree of the garden\u2019?\u201d\nAnd the woman said to the serpent, \u201cWe may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, \u2018You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.\u2019\u201d\nThen the serpent said to the woman, \u201cYou will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Satan sowed the seed of doubt about God\u2019s character of absolute goodness and perfection in two ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><em>\u201cYou will not surely die.\u201d<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 He said God was lying that they would die if they ate the fruit.<\/li><li><strong><em>\u201cFor God knows that when you eat that fruit, you will be like God, knowing good and evil.\u201d<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 In other words, God was withholding something that would be really good for them<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Adam and Eve accepted and acted upon Satan\u2019s lies. Since that day, the human race has inherited this poison of mistrust and doubt in God\u2019s ultimate goodness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No wonder faith pleases God so much! In fact, the salvation God designed for us is all about God demonstrating His love and goodness in the most extravagant, cinematic event ever orchestrated \u2013 all that we might believe and fully trust and rely upon Him:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">John 3:16 \u2013 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>As we said before in this document, we must get this truth engraved deep down upon our heart, soul, and mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Salvation has always been and always will be:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>By grace alone<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Through faith alone<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>In Christ alone<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>So back to the question \u2013 but this time, without doubting God\u2019s goodness!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What happens to people from other cultures who have never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This question assumes that God only uses one specific method to reveal Himself to people. However, the Scriptures show us that God can \u2013 and already has \u2013 revealed Himself in another unique way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Romans 1:18-20 \u2013 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>So God clearly speaks to all people through the created universe, and because of this, those who ignore God as Creator are without excuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, God also chooses to reveal Himself to those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 notes that \u201cHe is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An example of this is found in the book of Acts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Acts 10:1-2 \u2013 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though Cornelius was a gentile, he was a man who sincerely sought God. The Lord responded to this man\u2019s faith by connecting him with Peter. Consider all the ways God brought that about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Cornelius has a vision of an angel who gives him Simon Peter\u2019s address and tells him to send men to bring Peter back with them.<\/li><li>Peter has three visions while praying on a rooftop.<\/li><li>Immediately after those three visions, the Holy Spirit tells Peter that men are coming to the house and that he should go down and go with those men without any more doubting.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Peter, being a Jew, was reluctant to go to a gentile\u2019s house since it was forbidden by Jewish law. But nevertheless, Peter starts with this significant revelation that was brand new to him:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Acts 10:34-35 \u2013 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: \u201cIn truth, I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Then Peter started his Gospel message, but he only shared a few sentences. He did not even have a chance to make an altar call! Then, to Peter\u2019s complete surprise, Cornelius and those with him are baptized in the Holy Spirit, and they began speaking in tongues!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Acts 10:44-46 \u2013&nbsp; While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Peter\u2019s immediate response was this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Acts 10:47-48 \u2013 \u201cCan anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?\u201d And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Peter\u2019s revelation had completely revolutionized his Jewish thinking: <em>\u201c&#8230;in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him\u201d (Acts 10:35).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Peter uses it, fearing God corresponds to believing, seeking, and honoring God \u2013 not just any vague deity \u2013 but the one true God, the only God who created Heaven and Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Years ago, I met a missionary woman who had been raised in a part of India where Hinduism was practiced fervently. That area had never been reached with the Gospel. Then, as a teenager, she had a dream where a person appeared to her saying, \u201cI am Jesus. I am God.\u201d This happened several nights in a row. She had never met a Christian before, and neither she nor her family had heard of anyone named Jesus. But she immediately stopped worshipping the Hindu gods, and she began worshipping and praying to the Jesus she saw in her dreams. Shortly after that, a missionary came to her village for the first time. He began to preach about Jesus in their streets, and to his surprise, she ran up to him and said, \u201cI know Jesus! I worship Jesus!\u201d Her family and friends disowned her, but shortly after, she joined a missionary organization and preached the Gospel in India and many other places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many accounts just like that from all around the world where God reveals Himself in miraculous ways. Formerly unreached people have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and embraced Him as Savior. God reveals Himself to those who seek Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2192 Sidenote #7: How could we ever doubt God\u2019s perfect ways of doing things?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Deuteronomy 32:4 \u2013 He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>God decides how and when to reveal Himself. We are not called to question His ways but to trust Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Psalms 147:5 \u2013&nbsp; Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Romans 11:33-36 \u2013 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!<br>For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?<br>Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?<br>For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Question3\">Question #3:&nbsp; Is There an Age of Accountability in the Bible?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"2317\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/teachings\/3-common-questions-about-salvation\/attachment\/cute-asian-little-girl-closed-her-eyes-and-folded-her-hand-in-p\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/78250921_s.jpg?fit=847%2C565&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"847,565\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 5D Mark II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Cute asian little girl closed her eyes and  folded her hand in prayer on a Holy Bible for faith concept in vintage color tone&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1494694037&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;78&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;125&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00625&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Cute asian little girl closed her eyes and  folded her hand in p&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cute asian little girl closed her eyes and  folded her hand in p\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Cute asian little girl closed her eyes and  folded her hand in prayer on a Holy Bible for faith concept in vintage color tone&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/78250921_s.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/78250921_s.jpg?fit=847%2C565&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/78250921_s.jpg?resize=250%2C160&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2317\" width=\"250\" height=\"160\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Another way this question can be asked is, <em>\u201cWhat Happens to Babies That Die?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The concept of an \u201cage of accountability\u201d refers to a certain age at which people become accountable to respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ for salvation. Before that age, this belief teaches that children who die go to heaven because they are not old enough to understand what it means to choose faith in Christ. This time period is also called the \u201cage of innocence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those who speak of the \u201cage of accountability\u201d often differ among themselves as to what that exact age may be. However, the Bible gives no direct support for any specific age of accountability. It likely varies from child to child. A child has passed the age of accountability once they are capable of making a faith decision for or against Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2 Samuel, we have a passage of Scripture that sheds some light upon this matter. We see King David fasting and praying for his infant son, who is ill. When the child dies, David stops fasting and mourning, which completely confuses his servants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">2 Samuel 12:21 \u2013 Then his servants said to him, \u201cWhat is this that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child died, you arose and ate food.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>David\u2019s answer is astonishing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">2 Samuel 12:22-23 \u2013 And he said, \u201cWhile the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, \u2018Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?\u2019 But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>In King David\u2019s words, two observations can be made:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>David had wonderful assurance concerning eternity. He understood that he would once again see his infant son, who had died.<\/li><li>David actually finds comfort when his child passes away. Why? Because his revelation of God and eternity involved a deep understanding of God&#8217;s perfect love and graciousness. This is evident in many of the Psalms David penned.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"2318\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/teachings\/3-common-questions-about-salvation\/attachment\/2010-01-08_lydia-grace2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/2010-01-08_Lydia-Grace2.jpg?fit=320%2C240&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"320,240\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.2&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;DSC-H7&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1263044881&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;12.9&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.066666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"2010-01-08_Lydia-Grace2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/2010-01-08_Lydia-Grace2.jpg?fit=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/2010-01-08_Lydia-Grace2.jpg?fit=320%2C240&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/2010-01-08_Lydia-Grace2.jpg?resize=240%2C180&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2318\" width=\"240\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/2010-01-08_Lydia-Grace2.jpg?w=320&amp;ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/2010-01-08_Lydia-Grace2.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/2010-01-08_Lydia-Grace2.jpg?resize=267%2C200&amp;ssl=1 267w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bible does not directly tell us that young children or others who are unable to make a decision to respond to the Gospel and receive Christ as their Savior. Nevertheless, there is no reason to say that God would not mercifully save those who cannot make a genuine faith decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So we can safely say that the age of accountability is not a specific age but rather a theological idea that God&#8217;s grace extends to those too young to make a decision to receive Christ by faith as the Bible teaches.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Conclusion\">The Conclusion: Our Responsibility \u2013 <em>The Call of the Gospel<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"2324\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/teachings\/3-common-questions-about-salvation\/attachment\/bible-praying-men-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bible-closed-man-sitting-looking-at-city-42205000_m_purchased-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1493&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2560,1493\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Bible, Praying, Men.&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1434017864&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Bible, Praying, Men.&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Bible, Praying, Men.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Bible, Praying, Men.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bible-closed-man-sitting-looking-at-city-42205000_m_purchased-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C175&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bible-closed-man-sitting-looking-at-city-42205000_m_purchased-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C597&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bible-closed-man-sitting-looking-at-city-42205000_m_purchased.jpg?resize=256%2C149&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2324\" width=\"256\" height=\"149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bible-closed-man-sitting-looking-at-city-42205000_m_purchased-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C597&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bible-closed-man-sitting-looking-at-city-42205000_m_purchased-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C175&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bible-closed-man-sitting-looking-at-city-42205000_m_purchased-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C448&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bible-closed-man-sitting-looking-at-city-42205000_m_purchased-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C896&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bible-closed-man-sitting-looking-at-city-42205000_m_purchased-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1195&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bible-closed-man-sitting-looking-at-city-42205000_m_purchased-scaled.jpg?resize=343%2C200&amp;ssl=1 343w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bible-closed-man-sitting-looking-at-city-42205000_m_purchased-scaled.jpg?w=2120&amp;ssl=1 2120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 256px) 100vw, 256px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>So, in conclusion, knowing that God is absolutely good and perfect, we can leave the decisions in all these circumstances to the One who loves every soul far more than we could ever imagine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, while we can rest our minds that God knows what He is doing, just knowing there are people today who have not yet heard and not yet responded to the Gospel should stir us up to action!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Believers are called to take the message of Christ to all the nations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Matthew 28:19-20 \u2013 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>The fact that many die apart from Christ should motivate us to urgently take the gospel to those who have yet to hear \u2013 whether they be people groups in faraway lands or young children down the street. We need to be praying that God would send more workers into the fields that are ripe for harvest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Matthew 9:37-38 \u2013 Then He said to His disciples, \u201cThe harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Paul said it like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Romans 10:13-15 \u2013 For \u201cwhoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.\u201d\nHow then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:\n\u201cHow beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>So, knowing we have the Gospel \u2013 the Greatest Good News ever \u2013 let\u2019s answer the call as Isaiah did:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Isaiah 6:8 \u2013 Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: \u201cWhom shall I send, and who will go for Us?\u201d<br>Then I said, \u201cHere am I! Send me.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">Lord, here am I! Send me. Amen.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"516\" data-attachment-id=\"2327\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/teachings\/3-common-questions-about-salvation\/attachment\/human-hands-open-palm-up-worship-eucharist-therapy-bless-god-he-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/here-am-i-send-me-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1290&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2560,1290\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;ILCE-6400&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Human hands open palm up worship. Eucharist Therapy Bless God Helping Repent Catholic Easter Lent Mind Pray. Christian Religion concept background. fighting and victory for god&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1548973889&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;30&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Human hands open palm up worship. Eucharist Therapy Bless God He&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Human hands open palm up worship. Eucharist Therapy Bless God He\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Human hands open palm up worship. Eucharist Therapy Bless God Helping Repent Catholic Easter Lent Mind Pray. Christian Religion concept background. fighting and victory for god&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/here-am-i-send-me-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C151&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/here-am-i-send-me-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C516&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/here-am-i-send-me.jpg?resize=1024%2C516&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2327\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/here-am-i-send-me-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C516&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/here-am-i-send-me-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C151&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/here-am-i-send-me-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C387&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/here-am-i-send-me-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C774&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/here-am-i-send-me-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1032&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/here-am-i-send-me-scaled.jpg?resize=392%2C198&amp;ssl=1 392w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/here-am-i-send-me-scaled.jpg?w=2120&amp;ssl=1 2120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>3 Common Questions About Salvation [written for those who love God\u2019s salvation] Overview of Article Introduction: So Great a Salvation!\u2192 Sidenote #1: The Roman Road\u2192 &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2297,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[437,11],"tags":[440,101,439,441,442,444,438,186,443,445],"class_list":["post-2286","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-salvation","category-teachings","tag-faith-alone","tag-gospel","tag-grace-alone","tag-how-to-be-saved","tag-old-testament-people","tag-other-cultures","tag-question-about-salvation","tag-salvation","tag-unsaved-people-groups","tag-will-babies-be-saved"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jesus-in-the-whole-bible-crown-thorns_smaller2.jpg?fit=2048%2C768&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pa8ofw-AS","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2286","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2286"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2286\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2348,"href":"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2286\/revisions\/2348"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2286"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2286"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/slentz.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2286"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}