Introduction. Man has very limit knowledge of certain things. (Eternity, The nature of the soul, the nature of God Himself.)
II Peter 1:3 Ñ “ÉHis divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,”
II Timothy 3:16,17 Ñ “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
I. God commands everyone to repent. (Acts 17:24-31)
Who is Paul talking to? vss. 16-21 The Athenians - worshippers of many gods. (Thus these were people outside of Christ).
What does he tell them?
-- Nature of God. (Not an image - vs. 24,25).
-- God’s expectations of man. (Repent - vs. 30).
What is repentance?
II. God will judge men through Jesus. (Acts 17:30,31). What are we if we just don’t do that ? -- Disobedient! (Compare the consequenses of disobedience to civil law with Divine law.) Note another example of some important words...
III. There is no way to the Father except through Christ. (John 14:6). IV. Those who do not obey the gospel are lost. (II Thessalonians 1:3-10). V. What Is Obedience To The Gospel? (Colossians 1:3-6). VI. How Can I Begin To Be Obedient to the Gospel? (Acts 2:36-39) Conclusion.
Based on the evidence of Scripture there is no hope of salvation held out for the “good person” who is outside of Christ. God calls upon all people everywhere to come to Him through obedience to the gospel of Christ. Are you outside of Christ today?
Notice it is a change of mind followed by a change of action. Acts 26:20 -- Paul teaches men “...should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.”
(Back to Acts 17). Who must repent? vs. 30 “all men everywhere.” Why?
-- “All men” (Not some, the chosen, the religious - All)
-- “Everywhere” (Location is no excuse - We are in His juristdiction now!)
-- “Through Jesus” (i.e. through His words, through His deeds, in accordance with His plan.)
What does tell us? 1.) God wants every human being everywhere to obey Jesus, 2.) No one can come to God without Jesus, 3.) All will be judged through Jesus!
Note: In God & In Christ.
What This Means.
1.) One who has not obeyed the gospel faces everlasting destruction.
2.) Ignorance will not excuse a person, because even those who do not know God face everlasting destruction.
3.) The one who has not obeyed the gospel is classed with those who persecute the church.