Unbelievers

<<atheists, non-Christians>>

God doesn’t want anyone to perish, desiring all to come to repentance, however those who die without knowing Christ as Saviour, will be doomed to an eternity of torment for although they may have a mental understanding of God, they do not have any heart relationship with Him (Mt 7:23, 13:49,50, 25:11,12; Lk 12:46, 13:24-27; Jn 3:17; Rom 3:18; 2 Pet 3:9; Rev 21:8).

Just as Jesus was called “the friend of sinners”, we too should be a godly catalyst influencing those we mix with through our lifestyle, good works and ‘sowing seeds’ of the gospel (Mt 5:13-16, 11:19, 28:18-20; Lk 5:30-32, 7:34, 15:2; Jn 4:16-18; Gal 6:10). Friendship evangelism enables us to unbelievers,

What do you consider some good ways to talk to others about God?

discover their worldview, and be specific as we give them ‘the reason for the hope’ that is within us (Act 17:16-34; 1 Pet 3:15). As you mingle with those presently outside the Kingdom of God, stay clear of those who are grossly immoral or vehemently opposed to all that Christianity stands for because Satan darkens the minds of unbelievers (Deut 12:30; Ps 73:3-28; Prov 6:15; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 5:7,12; 3 Jn 1:11). When there is persistent refusal to believe regardless of the evidence God simply confirms their stance (Jn 12:40,41).

There is a vast difference between the mindset and lifestyle of believers and unbelievers, culminating in the ultimate outcome of their lives (Ps 1:1-6). The Bible is very clear Christians are not to marry or form business partnerships with non-Christians, which will cause a conflict of interest and compromise of faith, yet we are to coexist, working alongside them and being a witness as we live out our new life in Christ (Mt 5:13-16; 2 Cor 5:17, 6:14-17). However, sometimes when one spouse becomes a believer and consistently lives out the Christian life the other will turn to Christ also. For this reason Paul encourages such couples not to separate (1 Cor 7:14,15).

As everyone is loved by God and potentially His child, how many will I point to the Saviour? We are the only Bible some people will ever read – is it in a language they understand and is it inviting? While the necessity for, and the offer of salvation has not changed, the means of sharing it should relevant

Have resources on hand to share with unbelievers on suitable occasions

and appropriate. Jesus is still the only way to God, and without Him people are lost (Lk 19:10; Jn 3:36, 14:6; Act 4:12; Rev 20:15). True repentance of sin, acceptance of the gift of salvation and living in the newness of life are necessary to be transferred from the Kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of God but this can be communicated in fresh ways and using varied means/media (Lk 13:3; Jn 1:12; Act 2:38, 17:30; Rom 6:4; Col 1:13).

Although unbelievers may live honourable lives, and their expertise can be utilized in some measure within the church, they obviously can’t fulfill any spiritual functions or earn their way into heaven (2 Chr 2:7-14; Ezra 1:1-7; Neh 2:1-10; Eph 2:8,9).

The question is sometimes asked what about those who have never heard about Christ and the need to repent (Rom10:14). God knows the hearts of all people and if they will or would have responded if they had a clear presentation of the gospel given them. The Bible says that God has clearly revealed Himself in nature and in the hearts of people (Ps 19:1; Eccl 3:11; Rom 1:20). Each one is responsible to God for what He has already revealed to them. Most unevangelised people reject the knowledge of God that is present in their own hearts and evidenced in nature, deciding to worship a ‘god’ of their own creation (Ex 20:3-6, 34:14; Lev 26:1; Hab 2:18). Instead of debating the eternal destiny of those who have never heard about the gospel we should be actively spreading it throughout the nations (Mt 28:19,20; Act 1:8).

Although it is possible that God applies Christ’s payment for sin to those who cannot believe – aborted babies, those who die at a young age and the seriously mentally handicapped – the Bible does not specifically say that He does this, therefore it is open for speculation. However, we are certain that God is loving, holy, merciful, just, and gracious. “Will not the judge of the entire world do right?” (Gen 18:25).