What About the Lost?

Of the 2,000 passengers on the Titanic, 1517 were lost. At the time the Titanic went down, another ship, the California was only 30 miles away. The Titanic’s operator frantically sent out SOS repeatedly; but the wireless set on the California was closed because there was only one operator aboard and he had gone to bed. Help was available but the California sailed on its way totally unaware of the tragedy.

Are there those near you who could use your help? You have been appointed by Christ to go reach out. If not now, when? If not you, who?   (From a sermon by Gaither Bailey, Is Your Name Written In Heaven? 7/1/2010)

Seemingly absent in many churches and among Christians today is a strong concern for the lost. This is manifested by lack of personal evangelism, and evidenced by failure to actively support foreign evangelism.

It is as though many have adopted the doctrine of universalism. That many, if not all, people will ultimately be saved. And that all sincere people, no matter their religion, will  go to heaven. Do we find ourselves not concerned for the souls of those who are lost? If so, then let Jesus and His apostles remind us of the lostness of the lost as proclaimed by Jesus:

1) In his Sermon on the Mount. There, Jesus spoke of the reality of hell (Matthew 5:22,29-30). He warned that few will find the way that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). And, that even many religious people who believe in Him will find themselves lost (Matthew 7:21-23). Did Jesus not teach that most, even the religious, will be lost?

2) In His parables. He warned that many in His kingdom will be lost (Matthew 13:41-43). Jesus also spoke of the separation of the wicked from the just (Matthew 13:49-50) Did Jesus not teach even many in His kingdom will be lost?

3) In His Great Commission. He commanded His apostles to preach of salvation and condemnation (Mark 16:15-16). He required that repentance be preached in His name to all nations (Luke 24:46-47). Why give such a charge, unless Jesus believed in the lostness of the lost?

Jesus not only proclaimed the lostness of the lost, but also made it clear that He is the only way to God and salvation (cf. John 14:6). Let Jesus also remind us of  the lostness of the lost as proclaimed by His apostles:

1) Peter: Calling on the need to repent (Acts 3:19). Claiming salvation only in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:10-12). Who wrote of judgment and the scarcity of salvation (1 Peter 4:17-18). Who described the fiery judgment of the ungodly, thus the need for repentance (2 Peter 3:7-12). Peter clearly believed in the lostness of the lost.

 2) Paul: Who also preached of judgment, and the need for all to repent (Acts 17:30-31). Who wrote of God's wrath, the need for mercy, and the judgment to come (Romans 1:18; 2:4-11; 3:23; 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Who warned of the end of those who do not obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Paul clearly proclaimed the lostness of the lost.

 3) John: Who wrote that eternal life is only in the Son (Jesus) (1 John 5:11-13). Who taught that we must abide in the doctrine of Christ to have God (2 John 9). Who foresaw the judgment, and the terrible end of the wicked (Revelation 20:11-15; 21:8). Yes, even John, "the apostle of love", believed in the lostness of the lost.

Who can deny that Jesus and His apostles believed and taught that people are lost, and that a terrible end awaits those who do not repent and obey the gospel of Christ?

What then, should be evident among Christians today who truly believe in the lostness of the lost as believed by His disciples?:

1) They take their own salvation seriously, as exemplified by the apostle Paul (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:12-14). Growing in grace and knowledge, as instructed by Peter (cf. 2 Peter 3:17-18; 1:5-11). Does concern for your own salvation reflect belief in the lostness of the lost?

2) They are concerned for the salvation of others. They will have compassion for the lost, like Jesus and Paul (cf. Matthew 9:35-36; Romans 10:1-4). Such compassion, accompanied by a knowledge the lostness of others, will move them to act like Jesus and Paul did (cf. Matthew 9:37-38; 10:1,5-7; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11). They will either go to the lost themselves, or send others to go (cf. Romans 10:14-15). Does your concern for others' salvation reflect belief in the lostness of the lost?

Certainly the gospel of Christ is not all "fire, hell, and damnation."  It is good news of God's grace, love, and mercy to sinners (1 Timothy 2:3-6). Whatever delay there may seem to be regarding the Lord's return is due to God's desire that all be saved (2 Peter 3:9).

But neither is the gospel of Christ a doctrine of universal salvation. In other words, a doctrine in which a benign God accepts everyone as they are with no need to repent; and in which there is no compelling need to share the gospel of salvation to others

If we are to be properly motivated to save others, we need to be moved not only by the love of Christ, but also by a proper understanding of the lostness of the lost.

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences." (2 Corinthians 5:10-11).

Scripture: Mark 16:16; James 5:20; John 14:6; 1 John 1:9; Luke 15:4; Genesis 1:27; Luke 19:9-10

Prayer: Dear Father, help us to hear the voice of the Spirit louder than any other voice. Help us to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches -- and to us. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

May God bless you always!

Mindee