It’s perhaps one of the most interesting questions in Christendom. “If you have never heard the Gospel – what happens to you?”

Well, there’s several verses which pertain to it. There’s several schools of thought.

Here is my take.

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge.” (Psalm 19)

God’s creation testifies to His existence. Also:

” For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from (by) faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”

It’s not brain surgery, in my humble opinion. Whatever men need to know about God – He has revealed. I’ll say along with James Holding: “Those who want to know it, will be given the knowledge needed for salvation. Those who seek God will have God sufficiently revealed to them.”

Also, as he notes: “Nevertheless, it is not lack of hearing the Gospel that causes condemnation; it is sin that causes condemnation, and it is not hard to arrive at a deduction that sin is offensive to whatever powers one may suppose to be at hand (indeed, the religious history of sacrifice and penance suggests a broad awareness of this!) and that there needs to be some connection or bridge in order to achieve a reconciliation.”

One last thing: Jesus said, Himself, that the Gospel is hidden from those who think themselves wise.

“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.”

I’m not interested in a “God isn’t fair” argument. God is NOT fair. He is Just, and He is Merciful. All deserve His Justice – by which all sin results in death. So, regardless of whether they heard the gospel or not – they are condemned. However, God is also merciful – so, He offers a chance to be saved from His Justice, by His Mercy. This is the Gospel. Are all granted the specific mercy of hearing the Gospel? No. Do you need the Gospel to be saved? Well… not exactly. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” But does the Gospel contain that? Yes. In today’s society, it’s hard to imagine someone who has not heard the Gospel. In far countries, and in foreign lands, it is possible noone has heard. From what missionaries tell us, though – it is more frequent to see a foundation laid in that place for the Gospel, than it is to not see one.

So, my basic wrap-up?

Who are we to say what happens?

If God grants us the Gospel, we are recipients of His mercy. He grants that mercy to whomever He will. We all deserve Justice. Some receive His mercy. Even that is much, much more than we deserve.

So… who knows? Our goal should be to “go, tell it on the mountain – over the hills and everywhere”. Only God knows exactly what happens. All I know is that His Justice – AND His Mercy – are utterly, inconceivably far above mine. Second-guessing either is just as utterly foolish.

The “Special Edition”, in essence, is my “weekend” edition of my “Daily Cut”. I run it for both Saturday and Sunday, and basically find what there is to find, and let you all know what’s on my heart, and in the works.

I took a bit of time off today to just read. Specifically, to run through “The Evangelical Disaster”, by Francis Schaeffer. If you’ve never read that book, and you are an Evangelical – and, even if you aren’t an Evangelical, but want to know what we really stand for – read it. I’ll be starting a series this week, covering the book point by point. I’d appreciate anyone else who would like to look it over, and really do a study from it, into what exactly we, as Evangelicals, should, and do, stand for.

See, when we say “I am an Evangelical” – what does that mean, really? Why, when we look at the “Evangelical” community, does our heart break, sometimes? Why does it infuriate some, and energize others, to be referred to as a “Fundamantalist”, or an “Evangelical”? Should it?

What exactly does being an “Evangelical” mean? What is the “chasm” which separates Evangelicals from non-Evangelicals? Denomination? Scriptural innerrancy? Salvation’s importance? What is it?

I’m going to cover all of those topics, and expand on the book itself, a bit. As a “shade tree” apologist ( and as a student of God’s Word – as we all should be) I think it behooves me to do an in-depth study on what it really means to be an Evangelical, a Biblie-believing Christian, and, more specifically, an apologist; not just a “cultural” apologist – but a Biblical Apologist, who stands to confront – lovingly – all “theologies”, concepts, and ideas contrary to the ones laid out for us in God’s Word. Get ready – it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Enough about me. Let’s get to the Daily Cut!

< ------------------->

Ed “What the Heck”man has some further discussion of a previously mentioned Daily Cut topic: “Romanism” – which originates from a statement by a blogger named Rand, who asserts that “Romanists” (Roman Catholics…) will not go to heaven“. And, sadly – I’m not misquoting. Ales Rarus, our resident Catholic Apologist, responds – and Ed is having a much more profitable conversation with Ales about the Doctrine and theology involved.

Since Adrian asks:

(I love him – but… he doesn’t post the right mix of stuff for me to put him in my personal top ten. it’s not his fault. We just have different interests. I like… apologetics/hard-core theology – almost to a fault. He does post on both – but he also gets more into the “linking, more than thinking” aspect of blogging. Which is cool. I use him as a clearing house, more than anything.)

Which reminds me, now that I think of it. In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been trying to be a “content producer” more lately. I still do my “Daily Cut” – but I’m purposely keeping out of reporting anything else but what is on the aggregator, or is sent to me via email.

Basically, I want to actually write apologetics. I love pointing others to good posts, and to apologetics – but like I said in my series on The Ghetto – content providers (thinkers) should be doing their thinking – even if they do a bit of linking. I write too much to be linking all the time. So, yeah, anyway. That’s why the Daily Cut is smaller, and posts are more prolific.

The second Carnival of the Godless will be at Pharyngula this week. Watch for an update, and a link to the carnival – so you can look for someone to dialogue with.

Hookflash has an answer to my reply in his comments section.

This is a continuation of this discussion. Click “more” below to read the entire entry. It’s a bit long for a full post on the front page.

Read the rest of this entry

Announcements:

Vox Apologia IV will be hosted at firstpete315. Head over there for submission information. The subject, is “What happens to those who have never heard the Gospel?”

The Evangelical Blog Awards have been narrowed down to 5 finalists, in each category.

For our particular category:

Best Evangelical Blog-Apologetics
Joe Missionary
Real Clear Theology
Razor’s Kiss
Bible Archive
Weapons of Warfare

The last three blogs are members of the Apologetics Aggregator.

Apologetics:

21st Century Reformation is discussing The Global Village and Materialism.

Weapons of Warfare takes on The Raving Atheist’s “Basic Assumptions” in his “Debunking Atheism“.

Ryan Wetzel concludes his Circling God series.

The Minor Prophet tackles Satan and Demon Possession. Go comment, and stuff. Interesting topic.

They also cover “The Truth About the Crusades” – which, as we know is an atheistic/agnostic favorite “soft spot”. So, go check it out, and see what you think.

Imago Dei discusses The Myth of Moral Neutrality.

Cults:

Kabbalist leader says: The Jews brought the Holocaust on themselves: By rejecting Kabbalism?
(HT: The Raving Atheist)

Discourses of the day:

Still looking… got one to share?

Around the ‘sphere:

Found on American Digest – “You are only one little link, lost in the immensity of God’s blogroll” – image can be found here. I like it.

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The largest percentage of major blogs are politically oriented. Yes, I link to them – because I read them – but I don’t write about it often. If you’d like a political discussion, I suggest you visit one of the blogs listed to your right under “Politics”.

I hate to be a spoilsport, but that’s not what this blog is here for. This blog is here to discuss why you think the way you think, why you believe the way you believe, and why you hold the values you hold. If you’d like a discussion about one of the things above – feel free to comment. Otherwise… don’t.

Discussion:

If you disagree, do so in a manner which encourages, and promotes discussion. Stating your opinion has no bearing on discussion. This is usually easily discerned by the words you use anyway. Tell us why you hold a certain opinion/belief, and the basis you rest those opinions/beliefs on.

Some Basic Assumptions:

Jesus is the second member of the Trinity – the Creator God of the universe, and Savior of all of mankind who choose to accept Him. Any contrary definition must be defined, please (unless you plainly state you have an alternate religious belief, and adhere to the doctrines of that belief).

The Bible is the infallible, inerrant Word of God. Specific claims to the contrary will have to be provided before I do anything other than refer you to this statement first.

“Judge not lest ye be judged” will be your verse of last resort. It is, perhaps, the most quoted verse there is today. Unfortunately… the vast majority of the time, it is quoted out of context. If I see it before I see you cite any other verses, you will be referred to this statement. As Inigo Montoya said: “You keep using that word… I don’t think it means what you think it means.” (See here for further reference of what judgement means.)

Homosexuality is a sin like any other. Abortion is murder of children. Sex outside of marriage is a sin, like any other. Definitions to the contrary must be precise, and professing Christians must support their definition from the Bible.

More may be added later, to any of the preceding sections.

Announcements:

Vox Apologia IV will be hosted at firstpete315. Head over there for submission information. The subject, as you can see on your right, is “What happens to those who have never heard the Gospel?” Toughie – and a goodie.

Welcomes:

To the Aggregator:

off shore fisherman

Bible Archive

Imago Dei

Alpha and Omega

Tim Challies

Making the Cut:

Every Thought Captive, with a thoughtful analysis of where the Emergent Church is going right right

Alex Forrest, giving us Geisler’s take on apologetics.

Allthings2all – “The Spiritual Meaning of Grasshoppers“. Must read.

Evangelical Underground, with “Tolerance in Love“.

firstpete315, with Marital Validity among Divorce: Revisited. As a divorcee myself, this subject has a bit of impact. Go check it out.

blogma, with Dogma Dienstag: Is there only one true scripture?, and Westminster Shorter Catechism – Question 5.

Bible Archive, with Elijah: The Proclamation. He also wonders whether the “Death Star” of the blogosphere should be deployed, and how it should be deployed, when it comes to Joel Osteen.

Challies looks at The Minister in the Garden.

Update:

Wittenberg Gate asks: Are you bad Enough to be a Christian?

Discourse of the day:

Hookflash, with “Midafternoon musings“

Here’s a “What’s coming up” breakdown.

(postponed. I mean, seriously.. who cares?) A response to an assertion that Jesus’ General is not a satire of Christianity. (/postponed)

Part two of my response to “Argument from Evil”.

A critique of Joel Osteen’s theology (or lack thereof).

Commenting/Trackback rules.

A discussion about the Evangelical Disaster, by Francis Schaeffer.

A spotlight series targeting “real word blogapologetics”.

A reiteration of my “Challenge: Be an active Apologist”

So, that gives me plenty to do between now and this weekend. I got home at 9:30, and spent most of it replying to comments here. So… g’night.

The Apologist’s Evening Prayer

From all my lame defeats and oh! Much more From all the victories that I seem to score ;

From cleverness shot forth on Thy behalf At which, while angels weep, the audience laugh; From all my proofs of Thy divinity, Thou, who wouldst give no sign, deliver me.

Thoughts are but coins. Let me not trust, instead of Thee, their thin-worn image of Thy head. From all my thoughts, even from my thoughts of Thee 0 Thou fair Silence fall, and set me free. Lord of the narrow gate and the needle’s eye, Take from me all my trumpery lest I die.

-C.S. Lewis

Apologetics:

Vox Apologia:

firstPete315 is next week’s host. His “welcome” post is up here.

Aggregatees:

Ed “What the” Heckman goes Spongebob Cache Diving. If you’re interested in the spongebob debate, this looks to be a well-researched look at what was really on the WAFF site. I’ve heard a very similar story on American Family Radio’s, “Today’s Issues”, incidentally. Just as another tidbit, Tim Wildmon, Don’s son, was scheduled to be on the O’Rielly show mentioned in Ed’s entry. He was bumped just before the piece aired. Hrmm.

Ed contributes to the discussion between Rand and Ales, but concerning Mary. Well, Ales is discussing. Rand won’t. So, yeah.

Ales Rarus also weighs in on spongebob.

21st Century Reformation talks about the Cost of a Morally Beautiful Community

Mr. Dumpling is “a little” obsessed with insects. Really. Go see for yourself. He spends “too much time” on the internet too. Heavens to Betsy! We let him visit here??

No, seriously, he has an “about me” post up. However, I must mention: I, like Amy, am crushed by the nondisclosure in his final FAQ answer. I don’t know if I’ll ever recover from it. Thanks a lot Dave. Sheesh. (heh.)

Oh, and I actually had two im conversations, and left my computer for an extended amount of time – at night. You should all be shocked and appalled.

From all of us here at The Daily Cut… (ok, ok – just me) good day!

– In response to Hookflash vs. World‘s Carnival of the Godless entry.

In your post, you presented the argument from Evil.

The Argument from Evil essentially goes like this: If God is willing but not able to prevent evil, then he is not omnipotent. If he is able but not willing, then he is not benevolent. If he is neither able nor willing, then why call him God? If he is both able and willing, then why is there evil?

Well, let me give you an example, from the theology I know, to answer that argument, and see what you think, ok?

Let’s take it at a run. Should you be interested in the dialogue after that, we’ll continue. It’s a tough one – most good questions are.

———-

I’m interested in why you are reducing the individual questions to either-or. I’m also curious as to why you are making the assumption that those two choices are, in fact, the only two options in those particular cases.

I would define “free will” per the dictionary: “The power of making free choices that are unconstrained by external circumstances or by an agency such as fate or divine will.”

Note the “or”. Let’s focus on the second half of that. “unconstrained by the divine will”, as that is the meaning pertinent to the discussion. Every will is, by necessity, not entirely free. Circumstances impinge, and always will. Within those circumstances, we have the ability to choose our own course of action, to the extent to which we are able.

Read the rest of this entry

Reminder: I do these every day. If you post something, and would like it included, as part of my “apologetics” portion in every “Daily Cut”, email me. It saves me time, and you get faster service. Thanks!

Apologetics:

Wittenberg Gate administers a worldview test to Charles Darwin and Christopher Columbus. What do they score? Go check it out.

Ryan Wetzel gives us Circling on God: Part 3. I highly suggest you read it. Oh, and he has some Firefox plugins, too.

Ales Rarus is discussing purgatory. Be nice.

Update: Weapons of Warfare adds to the discussion above.

Dawn Treader has a question: Can Blogs Be Used Effectively In Apologetics? So… go read, and answer.
Every Thought Captive responds first.

Vox Apologia III is up at Revenge of Mr. Dumpling.

Go read it.