A controversial point on God's Amazing Grace—
I would like to demonstrate a dimension of God’s grace that is nothing less than amazing.
I believe the Bible teaches that God has children in every quadrant of Earth, in every language and in every nation. I further believe the Bible teaches that God will resurrect billions who have never heard the name of Jesus and He will grant them eternal life. In other words, because of God’s amazing grace, Jesus is going to grant eternal life to a host of people who have never heard anything about Jesus or the plan of salvation. They will ask, "Who is the One with the scars?"
Where do I find such a thing in the Bible? Two places. Notice the first text: "For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them. This will take place on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares." (Romans 2:13-16)
In these verses Paul points out that God’s grace is so inclusive that Gentiles, who are totally ignorant of God’s way, yet who sincerely follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in their hearts will be saved through Christ’s redemption. In other words, salvation does not come through a knowledge of God, it comes through submission to His Spirit.
This does not diminish the importance of knowledge, rather it heightens the amazing grace of God.
The second text comes from Jesus. Notice what He said, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." (John 10:14-16) Jesus clearly identifies sheep that are not a part of Israel as His sheep.
He also predicts that a time is coming when there will be one flock and one Shepherd. I know many religious organizations claim they are the one true sheep pen, but I do not think this is so. One of these days we are going to see who are the true sheep and who are not and it is my opinion that no self-respecting church on Earth would have this group. (Remember who made up Jesus’ core followers.)
I marvel at the operation of God’s grace in every sphere of life whether it is plant, animal or person. I marvel at the balances God put in place. I marvel at His goodness and mercies.
I am amazed that He loved this tiny orb so much He died for it. I marvel at His government, His system of justice and fairness. I marvel at His creative wisdom and power. I find God to be AMAZING and His unchanging grace to be the same.
I can hear the words of Paul still echoing from the steps of the Areopagus in Athens, ". . . From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole Earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though He is not far from each one of us. ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being . . ." (Acts 17:26-28)
Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come. (Matthew 12:32)
And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. (Luke 12:10)
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