Do you have to believe in Jesus in order to be saved? Can people be saved by following their conscience? In this short video, Anthony Buzzard argues for a “wider hope”–that God will deal with people on the basis of what they could reasonably be held responsible for. In other words, if someone never knew about Christ, will she be damned even though she lived a good life? Can God apply Jesus’ blood to people who never heard of him? Buzzard suggests that the second resurrection may be the time for those who were not recorded in the book of life, but led a good life. He’s careful to distinguish between this view and universalism, which he acknowledges as unbiblical.
What do you think about this important question? Can people be saved without believing in the gospel message? If so, then how can Jesus’ statement that “no one comes to the father except through him” be true (John 14.6)? If people are saved apart from believing in the gospel, then what’s the point of evangelism? Why did Jesus leave the church with the Great Commission (Matthew 28.19) if preaching is really unnecessary?
Hello Sean, good work by Anthony. Also just to let you know after your interview with Greg Debble I have been able to meet with Greg here in Australia, who organises a Unitarian type Christian groups in Australia which has been a great blessing. I have also been able to introduce others into this association who have been searching for like minded people.
I have also benefitted from Restitutio.Org by learning the truth around subjects such as the resurrection hope as being only an Earthly one. Initially when I introduced my thoughts on this topic when it was being examined on a web site for ex Jehovah’s Witnesses, (Borean Pickets) I received “40 strokes less 1” from the online commentators/contributors. This left me disheartened, however after a short time this topic was raised again by the authors as requiring a re-examination. We are up to part 5 and will end with a summary and conclusion in part 6. And I am ecstatic that they have presented the biblical proofs with the resurrection as being only a an Earthly one! I have suggested that the true nature of Jesus and whether he had a pre-existence could be examined in the future too. Anyway just to let you know that your good work is bearing fruit in other parts of the world, the message of primitive Christianity is spreading and your and others work is greatly appreciated.
regards John Raftos.
John Raftos, fellow ex-jw here myself! I have immensely enjoyed the work of both Borean Pickets and Restitutio. I would describe my beliefs as an amalgamation of most of the two sites theology. Ironically enough, after waking up from the Watchtower, I set aside basically all my beliefs and just from simple bible reading came to these conclusions before I had ever even found any Christian Restorationist/ Unitarian groups. I think it speaks to power of the Holy spirits leading when someone is sincerely searching the scriptures. I have also found a great deal of encouragement through Christian Discipling Ministries International and the free bible students in general. They were people that dumped the false portions of Watchtower dogmatism way back around the turn of the last century. Keep up the great work and let the glory always go to our Father Yahweh and our Lord Jesus Christ!
I am stunned that anyone would ask or consider this question!
SALVATION APART FROM CHRIST?
Apparently the writer who asked this question does not trust the Bible as the place to find answers to a doubting question such as this. It takes my breath away! To consider that the conscience of a carnal minded human could in any way be pure enough to bypass Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and bring a person straight to God The Father. without The Son, makes me believe that there is not a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ really is.
The verses in the Bible have been screaming, for centuries, that Jesus Christ is the only way. Read the proof. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way , the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me. (The positions of both Father and Son are shown)
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (No one comes to the Father but by Jesus. )
John 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.( No one can come to the Son unless the Father draws one) How could it be clearer?
Of course, a good conscience will be a result of living in obedience to the spiritual laws of God. But, the greatest and most wonderful blessing is that we and our conscience have nothing to do with salvation. It all is made possible by GRACE. Every human that has and will ever live was SAVED BY GRACE, BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN. If we could be saved by living a good life and having a good conscience, it would be the same as being saved by our own works, AND NO NEED FOR THE DEATH SACRIFICE OF JESUS. We know that is not possible. We have been saved by GRACE as the greatest gift of God.
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works, otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) [The author asked if the blood of Jesus could be applied to those who haven’t heard of Jesus Christ.] Well sure it can. IT IS CALLED GRACE. See below. 1 Tim 2:4
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:] Not of yourself, means all the good you can do with a good conscience. The fact and the most wonderful blessing will always remain. All have been saved by free grace before the world began. Read it, 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.] Great proof: 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began ,
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
I thank God that I and mankind had nothing to do with its own salvation. It would have been the ultimate disaster and failure. The Bible is a spiritual book. It can not be understood by human intellect. John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. Does the Bible clearly state that Jesus is the only way to God. Read it: 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
The large problem with people is that they can not believe with their heart what they read with their eyes. Jesus Christ is the total magnificent savior of the whole world. There is only one (1) more factor and that is FAITH. We can preach and carry on about all of our ideas and doctrines of men, but they mean nothing without FAITH IN GOD AND JESUS CHRIST. OH! DOES THAT SEEM TOO SIMPLE? THAT IS WHAT MAKES IT SO HARD. NO ONE WILL BELIEVE ME, and rightly so, BUT, WE HAD BETTER BELIEVE GOD. HE DOES NOT MUTTER. HE SPEAKS WITH A CLEAR VOICE. READ HOW IMPORTANT FAITH IS TO GOD, THE FATHER: Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Jesus is the only way because He is Spirit. Do not trust or even consider the flesh as a way to anywhere righteous, holy!
So, give God, our Heavenly Father pleasure. Please Him with FAITH!
Well I could go on but this is just a comment and not an article.
Oh! Please, just one more. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.] It doesn’t seem possible that we could take the gospel of the CONSCIENCE to the world.
God bless you and all you love. Amen
donAservant Verses copied and pasted from King James Version
I have done some studying on the topic of general theology and general revelation. I want to be humble and ask if there are somethings I am missing? This is what I have so far. Again this is not set in stone but the evidence seems to point to this view. I also think God is compassionate and while Romans 1 and most of 2 are explicitly condemning. What are the implications of Romans 2:12-16? The Westminster Confession of Faith Q80 with the Scripture reference of 1 John 2:3; Millard J. Erickson’s book Christian Theology pages 124-128, and Pastor Harry Reeder’s sermon on Romans 2:12-16 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=61421200386108 are some evidences that if someone doesn’t hear the Gospel they can be saved. Obviously under the umbrella of Christ (Romans 2:16). Christ is judge of all and will judge according to the amount of light or knowledge given. Christ will use natural theology to either accuse or excuse spiritual Gentiles (Romans 2:15).
Hello Sean, good work by Anthony. Also just to let you know after your interview with Greg Debble I have been able to meet with Greg here in Australia, who organises a Unitarian type Christian groups in Australia which has been a great blessing. I have also been able to introduce others into this association who have been searching for like minded people.
I have also benefitted from Restitutio.Org by learning the truth around subjects such as the resurrection hope as being only an Earthly one. Initially when I introduced my thoughts on this topic when it was being examined on a web site for ex Jehovah’s Witnesses, (Borean Pickets) I received “40 strokes less 1” from the online commentators/contributors. This left me disheartened, however after a short time this topic was raised again by the authors as requiring a re-examination. We are up to part 5 and will end with a summary and conclusion in part 6. And I am ecstatic that they have presented the biblical proofs with the resurrection as being only a an Earthly one! I have suggested that the true nature of Jesus and whether he had a pre-existence could be examined in the future too. Anyway just to let you know that your good work is bearing fruit in other parts of the world, the message of primitive Christianity is spreading and your and others work is greatly appreciated.
regards John Raftos.
John Raftos, fellow ex-jw here myself! I have immensely enjoyed the work of both Borean Pickets and Restitutio. I would describe my beliefs as an amalgamation of most of the two sites theology. Ironically enough, after waking up from the Watchtower, I set aside basically all my beliefs and just from simple bible reading came to these conclusions before I had ever even found any Christian Restorationist/ Unitarian groups. I think it speaks to power of the Holy spirits leading when someone is sincerely searching the scriptures. I have also found a great deal of encouragement through Christian Discipling Ministries International and the free bible students in general. They were people that dumped the false portions of Watchtower dogmatism way back around the turn of the last century. Keep up the great work and let the glory always go to our Father Yahweh and our Lord Jesus Christ!
I am stunned that anyone would ask or consider this question!
SALVATION APART FROM CHRIST?
Apparently the writer who asked this question does not trust the Bible as the place to find answers to a doubting question such as this. It takes my breath away! To consider that the conscience of a carnal minded human could in any way be pure enough to bypass Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and bring a person straight to God The Father. without The Son, makes me believe that there is not a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ really is.
The verses in the Bible have been screaming, for centuries, that Jesus Christ is the only way. Read the proof. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way , the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me. (The positions of both Father and Son are shown)
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (No one comes to the Father but by Jesus. )
John 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.( No one can come to the Son unless the Father draws one) How could it be clearer?
Of course, a good conscience will be a result of living in obedience to the spiritual laws of God. But, the greatest and most wonderful blessing is that we and our conscience have nothing to do with salvation. It all is made possible by GRACE. Every human that has and will ever live was SAVED BY GRACE, BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN. If we could be saved by living a good life and having a good conscience, it would be the same as being saved by our own works, AND NO NEED FOR THE DEATH SACRIFICE OF JESUS. We know that is not possible. We have been saved by GRACE as the greatest gift of God.
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works, otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) [The author asked if the blood of Jesus could be applied to those who haven’t heard of Jesus Christ.] Well sure it can. IT IS CALLED GRACE. See below. 1 Tim 2:4
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:] Not of yourself, means all the good you can do with a good conscience. The fact and the most wonderful blessing will always remain. All have been saved by free grace before the world began. Read it, 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.] Great proof: 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began ,
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
I thank God that I and mankind had nothing to do with its own salvation. It would have been the ultimate disaster and failure. The Bible is a spiritual book. It can not be understood by human intellect. John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. Does the Bible clearly state that Jesus is the only way to God. Read it: 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
The large problem with people is that they can not believe with their heart what they read with their eyes. Jesus Christ is the total magnificent savior of the whole world. There is only one (1) more factor and that is FAITH. We can preach and carry on about all of our ideas and doctrines of men, but they mean nothing without FAITH IN GOD AND JESUS CHRIST. OH! DOES THAT SEEM TOO SIMPLE? THAT IS WHAT MAKES IT SO HARD. NO ONE WILL BELIEVE ME, and rightly so, BUT, WE HAD BETTER BELIEVE GOD. HE DOES NOT MUTTER. HE SPEAKS WITH A CLEAR VOICE. READ HOW IMPORTANT FAITH IS TO GOD, THE FATHER: Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Jesus is the only way because He is Spirit. Do not trust or even consider the flesh as a way to anywhere righteous, holy!
So, give God, our Heavenly Father pleasure. Please Him with FAITH!
Well I could go on but this is just a comment and not an article.
Oh! Please, just one more. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.] It doesn’t seem possible that we could take the gospel of the CONSCIENCE to the world.
God bless you and all you love. Amen
donAservant Verses copied and pasted from King James Version
I have done some studying on the topic of general theology and general revelation. I want to be humble and ask if there are somethings I am missing? This is what I have so far. Again this is not set in stone but the evidence seems to point to this view. I also think God is compassionate and while Romans 1 and most of 2 are explicitly condemning. What are the implications of Romans 2:12-16? The Westminster Confession of Faith Q80 with the Scripture reference of 1 John 2:3; Millard J. Erickson’s book Christian Theology pages 124-128, and Pastor Harry Reeder’s sermon on Romans 2:12-16 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=61421200386108 are some evidences that if someone doesn’t hear the Gospel they can be saved. Obviously under the umbrella of Christ (Romans 2:16). Christ is judge of all and will judge according to the amount of light or knowledge given. Christ will use natural theology to either accuse or excuse spiritual Gentiles (Romans 2:15).