SERMON - WHO WILL BE SAVED

Who Will Be

Saved

There continues to be controversy among Christians respecting just who will be saved and who will not. There are constant battles between Denominations that claim being from one particular Denomination guarantees salvation and all others are hell bound. Even non-Denominational Christians argue that certain Denominations will suffer hell fire and others, as they say, ‘Have a chance.’

God gave us His Word. He has told us time and time again that He alone is our Judge and He alone will determine who is saved and who does not believe in Him will suffer His wrath.

We Christians have been taught that unless we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we will not be saved. We then are taught to apply that logic, although human in nature, to all we meet.

People, I have a surprise for you and it is a biggie!

Romans 11: 33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
      How unsearchable his judgments,
      and his paths beyond tracing out!
 34"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
      Or who has been his counselor?"
 35"Who has ever given to God,
      that God should repay him?"^]
 36For from him and through him and to him are all things.
      To him be the glory forever! Amen. 

What this Scripture is telling us is that it is impossible for us to understand His decisions and His methods. Allow me to share some Old Testament Scripture that addresses this same matter.

Job 11  7 "Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
       Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?

 8 They are higher than the heavens—what can you do?
       They are deeper than the depths of the grave^] —what can you know?

 9 Their measure is longer than the earth
       and wider than the sea.

 In these Scriptures we are told, in no uncertain terms, no man knows the Lord’s ways and none can counsel Him. By this I mean to tell you that God’s wisdom is far superior to that of men’s ability to even comprehend in matters that are His domain and His domain alone!

We are taught never to judge anyone.

Matthew 7:1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you “

I now ask, if anyone says that any man is not going to heaven or is going to hell, is that a judgment? In my mind, it certainly is!

When we add the language of man and make the statement that if someone is not of our Denomination, are we sitting in judgment of that man? We are! If we say, If you are not Christian, you are not going to heaven, are we sitting in judgment? We most definitely are! In doing these things we are being judges and God has said:

1 Corinthians 4: 5Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.  

There will be a time that Christians are called upon, by God, to be judges! But, that time will be as saints, not as living men here on earth.

1 Corinthians 6: 2Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3Do you not know that we will judge angels?

Who amongst you knows what lies ahead after this earthly life? As a true Christian you should have the faith to know that salvation lies ahead. What I am asking is, what are the particulars respecting our sitting in judgment? If everyone that died was a Christian, then who will there to be to judge? If every Christian is to be given sainthood then just who are we to judge?

Well, well…Any answers?

I’ll tell you who we are to judge. We are to sit in judgment of non-Christians that God has chosen us to render in judgment upon, them and angels that might have fallen from grace.

We all know that the Bible teaches us that, “One day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”  What about “every” is not understandable? With that being said, when is it that “every” person came to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? Could it be that God, in His Infinite wisdom knows something we do not know?

The answer is yes, a resounding yes.

God has told us that the wisdom of man is but a folly. Why? Because that is so! Denominations have named as sin some of the most foolish of imaginations possible. God has told us what is right and what is sin but too many just have to add their two cents worth of sins to feel as if they are in charge of something!

God will forgive us our trespasses and will forget our sins. He alone will decide who is entitled to His grace and salvation and who is not! People, He is God…and there is no other!

Matthew 7:  21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Some of the men that hold themselves out to be religious and set forth laws that they see as necessary to live by in order to attain salvation may be those that we, as saints, will be called upon to judge! Now that’s something to contemplate! But, in accordance with “Judge not” we must keep our thoughts on His ways, not ours!

James 3: 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

His ways must be our ways. We are imperfect and must realize that as a fact. We are His servants and we must never be so bold as to begin to say, if you don’t believe as I do, ‘sorry, you are going to hell.’

In simple language, it is not our call!

Ephesians 2: 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

God alone is our judge. He alone says who is to gain salvation and who is not. If you truly believe in Him and His awesome powers then you are a true believer. With my earthly understandings, I think that I will place all of my faith and trust in Him.

(Closing prayer)

Almighty God, Heavenly Father, Abba, please accept our praise, our worship and our love for You and all that You do. You are our Creator and it is unimaginable as to what Your full wisdom is and Lord, we trust that You will accept us as we are, frail, weak and wanting in knowledge. Strengthen us O Lord and see us as worthy of Your grace and Your Heavenly Kingdom.

Please know Father that we are trying to learn Your ways and to walk the paths You want us to follow. It is by Your guidance that we live from day to day and strive to be the children You deem to be Your servants. Thank You for Your love.

Father, we ask that You send Your angels to protect our military and keep them from harm. Allow them to stand firm in the face of those that oppose freedom and Your Divine ways. Touch the hearts and minds of our elected officials and guide them to lead us in honesty and in accordance to You will and not their own.

We pray that You will protect our judges, police officials and those charged with keeping America safe. Allow us to indeed be Your City on the Hill for all to behold.

Lord, protect our fellow Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world and keep them in Your protection.

Open the eyes of those who claim to be Christian and correct any that You will.

We pray these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is One with You and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever,

Amen, amen and amen

God's Word Christian Ministry
Pastor Lee S Gliddon Jr, DOM