Lesson 3

Jesus tells us we need to be drawn or called by God to him. He also said only those who believe in him can get to God. This seems to leave people not called by God, alienated from him through no fault of their own. Having not heard, they simply were not drawn to Jesus in the first place. Leaving them no possibility to believe in Jesus. Romans 10:11-15 in the American Standard Version explains how only those who learn of Jesus and call upon him can be saved.

Romans 10:11-15
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be put to shame. 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: 13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!

This process severely limits those who can be saved to those who are reached. 

Most Christians believe those who don’t accept Jesus during this life are without hope, utterly lost to their sins and beyond salvation. However, God explains he wants all to be saved. He is love, and wants all of humanity to share in love with him. 

2 Peter 3:9 GOD’S WORD Translation
9 The Lord isn’t slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn’t want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act.

This conundrum has caused some to question if Jesus really is the only path to God. They justifiably argue, those who never heard about Jesus, through no fault of their own, have no chance at salvation. Not learning of any other future possibilities, most of these thinkers turn away from Jesus and their Christian God of love, to follow the world’s spiritual imaganings. What are some of the ways other religions use to know God? Were the Bereans tempted to learn from the worldly religions around them? Where did the Bereans go to find Godly wisdom? Where should Christians seek Godly wisdom?