Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uwm.edu!lll-winken!sun-barr!rutgers!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: sdn@motcsd.sjc.csd.mot.COM (Steve Newman) Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Re: A Question... Message-ID: Date: 22 Feb 90 09:22:20 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Lines: 93 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu [This is a contributing to the continuing discussion of what happens to people who never heard the Word of God --clh] Regarding the question about what happens to those who never heard of Jesus Christ while they lived on the earth, I submit some thoughts and references that reflect my beliefs as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The idea that those who never heard of Jesus Christ would automatically be consigned to eternal damnation certainly seems unjust. However, the scriptures are clear that there are certain requirements to enter the kingdom of God; requirements that seem impossible for many of God's children to meet. For example, the Savior said, ". . .Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5, KJV) Also, in the sixteenth verse of the same chapter are the beautiful words: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." How can a person who lived 3000 years ago in China be born of the water and of the Spirit? How can that person believe in Christ when he probably never heard His name? First, I strongly believe that our Father in Heaven has made it possible for everyone to enjoy the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ, no matter when they lived. Furthermore, the way that this is accomplished is an integral part of Christ's gospel. As described in the 20th chapter of John, on the morning of the second day after the crucifixion, Mary Magdalene and a few other women went to the sepulchre to continue the preparation of Christ's body for burial. (They were unable to perform this service earlier because of the impending sabbath.) To their amazement, the stone covering the entrance had been rolled away. Mary Magdalene ran to get Peter and John and returned with them. After the apostles saw that Christ's body was gone they returned to their homes, leaving Mary outside the tomb. She spoke briefly with two angels, "And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus." (John 20:14, KJV) The 16th verse is short but full of emotion as it indicates Mary's joyful recognition of the risen Lord. Then, in the 17th verse as Mary undoubtedly intended to embrace Him, "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." Mary Magdalene did go to where the disciples were gathered and told them what she had seen. That evening Jesus appeared to them and then allowed the disciples to feel the wounds in His hands and feet and even ate with them. It is logical to conclude that between the time he saw Mary Magdalene in the morning and when he appeared to the disciples in the evening he had ascended to His Father. In the above account, there is an unexplained period of time between the death of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection. When He saw Mary outside the tomb Jesus indicated that He had not yet ascended to His Father. Therefore, where did Jesus' spirit go when it left his body? Here are two biblical references that apply: "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: "By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; "Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water." (I Peter 3:18-20, KJV) and "For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." (I Peter 4:6, KJV) I believe with all the power I have to believe, that Christ made provision for His gospel to be preached to everyone, if not here on the earth, then in the place where spirits go after death. I realize this implies much that is not considered part of traditional Christian theology, but I offer it with my witness born of the Spirit that it is true and is but yet another part of Christ's gospel to bring us eternal happiness. -- =========================================================================== Steve Newman, Elk Grove, CA | "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean ..!apple!motcsd!NEWMAN!sdn | someone's not out to get you." -Unknown ===========================================================================