Lesson 6
Not understanding where the classical traditions and Christian beliefs come from, has led to many misunderstandings and errors in spreading the gospel of Jesus. One error is the way salvation is explained to new converts. They are correctly told the only way to salvation is through Jesus, but it is not often disclosed that Jesus said, the only way to him is to be drawn by God. We can never know who might be called to Jesus, however not everyone will be drawn during this present life. Not knowing all relevant scriptures has led many to believe their forefathers and those who did not hear about Jesus, have lost out on salvation, which is only gained by accepting His sacrifice for themselves. It also sets up a false urgency in the minds of missionaries to convince others to accept Jesus and be saved. Jesus told his followers to proclaim his gospel of the coming Kingdom of God to the world but it is up to God to draw those he has chosen. God’s Kingdom plans have provisions for all who are not called during this life to make their own informed choice. Those who have a high regard for their ancestors find it difficult to think their forefathers are forever lost with no chance of salvation. Many residential school survivors recall rejecting salvation so they could be with their families in a future hell, even if it meant torment for themselves. Could understanding the coming Kingdom of God, how it unfolds and when humanity is called to Jesus, build faith, love and truth for all men? Would Bible verses explaining the coming Kingdom of God ease aboriginal concerns?
Acts 4:12 J.B. Phillips New Testament
12 In no one else can salvation be found. For in all the world no other name has been given to men but this, and it is by this name that we must be saved!”
John 14:6 GOD’S WORD Translation
6 Jesus answered him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me.
John 6:44 International Standard Version
44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him to life on the last day.
Romans 10:9-10 Easy-to-Read Version
9 If you openly say, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from death, you will be saved. 10 Yes, we believe in Jesus deep in our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we openly say that we believe in him, and so we are saved.
Mark 1:14-15 King James Version
14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.