Heart of the Matter: May I Strip Away Your Excuses
I have looked into the tearful eyes of many parents as they shared the details of their children abandoning Christianity. While I have learned a great deal about why young people leave the Church, one nugget that has stood out from such conversations is that there are millions of miles between our children “going through the motions” in reference to their spiritual life versus our children possessing hearts that dictate their actions. Thus, I think it is vitally important for parents, teachers, preachers, and elders to get to the heart of the matter. In this column, I hope to share with you what I hope to instill in the hearts of my own children and those whom I love.
As a parent and teacher, I am acutely aware of the questions that many pose as a means to absolve themselves from any responsibility toward God. “What about the poor innocent Aborigines in Australia? Is God really going to send the “poor innocent Aborigine” to Hell—even though they have never heard the Good News of Jesus Christ? Furthermore, is He really going to send millions of “innocent” people to Hell just because they have not obeyed the Gospel?” While I won’t judge the motives of the individual asking the question, I am inclined to believe that this question is often used as a deflection or an escape tactic by those who do not want to humble themselves before Almighty God.
Is the Aborigine Innocent?
Here’s what I intend to teach my children regarding this question:
First, I have never met a “poor innocent Aborigine” from Australia or any other country. The key word there is “innocent.” Innocence would indicate this person has never sinned and is therefore not in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. The Bible clearly indicates that , “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23; cf. 1 John 1:8-10). So we can safely know that every person of an accountable age on this planet has at some point sinned—an act that separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2).
Second, the sad facts are that there are people on this planet who have never heard the Gospel. While the Bible indicates that all men in times past heard the Good News (Colossians 1:23; Matthew 24:14), we know today that many generations have passed since that declaration. Sadly, the population has been steadily increasing, while the zeal and evangelistic efforts of many Christians have been steadily decreasing. (As we discussed in the October 2007 issue of Think, one of the problems facing Christians today is apathy—something for which we will stand in judgment).
So what then of the poor “sinful” Aborigine? Do they get a free pass to Heaven? Absolutely not! The inspired Word of God indicates that sin separates us from God, and therefore they too are separated. But what about that word “innocent”? Are they truly innocent? Could ancient tribes of Indians, or children reared in a predominately Hindu culture grow up on this planet and never see evidence of a Supreme Being? In other words, can someone know God exists without being taught? Again, I believe the Bible addresses this as well.
In Romans 1:18-20, Paul is discussing the wrath of God on those who are unrighteous. In verses 19-20, he wrote, “Because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (emp. added). Paul was telling those Christians in Rome that God’s invisible attributes have been clearly seen since the Creation of the world. He then stresses that even His eternal power and Godhead can be understood. But notice the last phrase: “So that they are without excuse.”
While many people living in America today are counting on playing the “ignorance” card on the Day of Judgment, Paul tells us that it is not going to work! It’s not enough to say to God, “If only I had known. If only You had given me a sign.” Paul is revealing that those signs have been around literally since Creation! Paul, in essence, has stripped away the excuse that millions of people are counting on for that Great Day.
This truth does not give me any pleasure, and it certainly does not rest easy on my mind. In fact, I believe it places a tremendous burden on those of us who know the Truth. Since my children were little, I have taught them that their number one goal in life (above everything else) is to get to Heaven. The second goal in life that I am trying to instill in my children is that we are to take as many people as we can with us to Heaven. Only when we realize just how many individuals around us are in a lost condition will the importance of this goal be fully comprehended.
As further evidence that God can be known, the inspired Psalmist observed, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). The implication is that the existence of God can be known through His creation.
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From these simple points, we can know that all humans have sinned and that our iniquities have separated us from God. We can further know that the existence and power of God can be known simply through His creation. Yes, many people (like the militant atheists of today) will suppress that truth, but this does not negate the fact. Now back to the individual living in the backcountry of some third world country, or the millions who have not obeyed the Truth. What is their fate? Is it hopeless for them?
Again, we must turn to God’s Word. In Deuteronomy 4:29 Moses wrote, “But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all of your heart and with all of your soul.” This proclamation is confirmed in Jeremiah 29:13, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search with all your heart.”
Clearly, the text indicates that if one truly seeks God, then he or she will find Him. I firmly believe that this is where faithful Christians must zealously step into the picture. Through actions (funding and sending missionaries to other countries), through print (magazines, tracts, study courses), through media (internet, radio, and television), we must be there for those who are seeking.
The heart of the matter is that there are no innocent people on the planet. Sin separates people from the Creator. However, God can be known, and those who seek Him will find Him. How will these truths affect your daily actions?