Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!samsung!sdd.hp.com!wuarchive!emory!gatech!rutgers!dimacs.rutgers.edu!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: wagner@karazm.math.uh.edu (David Wagner) Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Re: Preaching to the dead? Message-ID: Date: 11 Dec 90 06:22:33 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Organization: University of Houston -- Department of Mathematics Lines: 51 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu In article farkas@eng.sun.com (Frank Farkas) writes: >In article , wagner@karazm.math.uh.edu (David Wagner) writes: >I just would like to clarify that LDS doctrine doesn't teach that there >is a second chance. All those who have heard the gospel in this life, and >rejected it, will have no opportunity once again in the spirit world. >However, there are billions who have lived and died without the oportunity >to hear the gospel. These will be provided with the oportunity to hear >the gospel and to respond by either accepting it or rejecting it. I'm glad to hear the first statement. I strongly disagree with the second. >Paul said the following: >Romans 10:12-15 >"For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord >over all is rich unto all that call upon him." >"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." >"How 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?" >How can it be made any clearer then this? We need to hear to believe and >there must be one who will preach. We all know the doctrine that we are >saved by grace through faith. Now, if we have not heard it, how can one >believe it? And if we don't believe, how are we going to be saved without >faith? Everything you say here is correct. But you omit one point: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that *men are without excuse*." --Romans 1:20 "In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." --Acts 14:16,17 God reveals himself in his creation, and shows grace to all men by giving them rain, crops, food, and joy while they live on the earth. Thus men are without excuse. But nowhere does SCripture say that this 'natural knowledge of God' is able to save anyone; only the Gospel can do that. David H. Wagner a confessional Lutheran