Announcer: This program is made possible by the generous support of the Amazing Facts Ministry.
Doug Batchelor: Although it has been many years, the memory remains vivid. I once lived in a cave perched high above Palm Springs, with no money, no direction, and a deep sense of confusion about my identity and purpose in life. Despite coming from a wealthy background where I could have easily pursued wealth, power, and fame, these things felt hollow to me—like they were just superficial distractions. It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that I stumbled upon something truly transformative: someone had left a Bible in that cave. As I began to read it, I quickly understood why this book is the world’s best-seller.
Friends, words cannot fully express what the Bible has done for me. It is an awe-inspiring text with the power to change lives at their very core. Jesus said in John 8:31-32: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” These words remain as true today as they were then; they are why I’m here now—grateful for this opportunity to share His Word and eager to offer hope to those who need it most. Today’s program aims to fulfill that mission and leave you richly blessed by its message. And remember—stay tuned until the end for an important free offer.
Doug: If God intends to judge us all based on our sins alone, we’re all doomed because we are inherently sinful beings—a condition passed down from our first parents: Adam and Eve. They were created pure and loving but when they disobeyed God by eating from that forbidden tree, something within them became twisted; their natural inclination toward love was replaced by selfishness—a trait that has plagued humanity ever since. Sin is essentially rooted in selfishness; it’s been humanity’s universal problem since time immemorial.
We all fall short—we all sin—and without transformation or redemption we’re headed for disaster because none of us can claim righteousness on our own merit—not even one person can stand blameless before God (Romans 3:10). So what does this mean? What’s at stake? Romans 6:23 tells us plainly: “The wages of sin is death,” but there’s also good news—the verse continues with “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Now consider this—even those who haven’t accepted Jesus or don’t even know Him are alive today because of Him! Don’t overlook this crucial point—if sin leads inevitably to death (and everyone sins), then why do so many people still live? The answer lies not only in Christ’s sacrifice providing forgiveness but also granting humanity probationary time—a period during which each person can choose whether or not they’ll accept salvation through Him—even those who curse His name owe their very breath today thanks solely due His grace!
God sent His Son not just so we could be saved from sin but also so we’d have time—to decide whether we’ll turn towards life or continue down paths leading only towards destruction (Ezekiel 18:20). The penalty for unrepented sin remains certain—it ends tragically if unresolved—but there exists hope! Psalm 145 reminds us “The Lord preserves all who love Him,” while Revelation warns “the wicked will face destruction.”
Let me clarify further—the Bible clearly states there will be punishment after judgment day involving both intensity & duration depending upon deeds done—but contrary popular belief—they won’t burn forever—they’ll face finality known as ‘second death’ where everything evil perishes completely leaving behind new world devoid pain/suffering/death altogether!
So what’s next? There exists only one remedy available according Ezekiel 18—to cast away transgressions committed thus far while seeking renewal heart/spirit lest perish eternally without chance entering Kingdom Heaven unless born again spiritually speaking…God takes no pleasure seeing anyone die unnecessarily hence plea urging repentance turning back onto path leading everlasting life instead inevitable doom awaiting otherwise…
I recall reading about Dirk Willems—a young man living during Reformation era around mid-1500s converted Anabaptist faith believing baptism should follow conscious decision rather than infant ritualistic practice common church leaders opposed vehemently resulting arrest warrant issued against him eventually imprisoned escaping later pursued bounty hunter across frozen river breaking ice nearly drowning forcing moral dilemma whether save pursuer risking capture torture execution burning stake ultimately choosing compassion over self-preservation despite knowing consequences ahead demonstrating profound witness faithfulness till end inspiring countless others thereafter…
When hearing such stories might feel overwhelming sense injustice yet…The essence of love is profound, especially when it involves a willingness to endure suffering and even death for the sake of another’s salvation. This is the kind of love Jesus demonstrated when He sacrificed His life, offering humanity a chance to repent and change. When Jesus calls us to turn away from our sins, it’s important to remember that this plea comes from someone who gave everything so we could have the opportunity for redemption. This realization should move us deeply and inspire genuine repentance. As Peter declared in Acts 3:19, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”
This message brings hope because sin leads to spiritual death. However, when we truly repent and experience a transformation of heart—when we are converted—our sins are erased by the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. His blood washes them away completely. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 that Christ died for our sins according to Scripture; He was buried and rose again on the third day as foretold by Scripture. Romans 5:8 further emphasizes God’s immense love for us: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Even though humanity was estranged from God—some even denying His existence—Jesus still chose to die for everyone.
There is only one solution provided by God for salvation—a truth often quoted by preachers: “Salvation is found in no one else; there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The name of Jesus stands alone as the source of salvation.
So what does this mean? Does it imply that those who have never heard about Jesus are lost? What about people who lived before Christ’s time? Those individuals were saved through faith as they looked forward with hope towards a promised Savior—the Messiah symbolized by sacrificial lambs in their rituals. But what about others throughout history? Acts 10:43 provides insight into this question: “To Him all prophets bear witness that through His name whoever believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins.”
The good news remains clear—there is indeed a way for people’s sins to be forgiven—and it’s through none other than Jesus Christ Himself! As stated plainly in 1 Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and mankind—the man Christ Jesus.” There isn’t another mediator or path; just one true way exists.
Jesus Himself affirmed this truth unequivocally when He said not just “I am a way,” but rather “I am the way.” In today’s world where relativism reigns supreme—with many claiming their personal truths hold equal value—it might seem more palatable or politically correct simply say ‘Jesus is one option among many.’ But that’s not what He taught at all! Instead he declared boldly “I am THE Truth” – not merely ‘a’ version thereof.
This modern notion suggesting multiple truths coexist equally sounds appealingly inclusive yet ultimately falls apart under scrutiny because if someone asserts there are absolutely no absolutes—they’ve already contradicted themselves since making such an assertion requires believing at least ONE absolute truth exists!
While humans may struggle fully grasping every aspect surrounding absolute truth—we can rest assured knowing certain things beyond doubt—including these words spoken directly by our Savior himself saying clearly ‘I AM THE WAY,’ ‘THE TRUTH,’ AND ‘THE LIFE.’ Only through Him do any find eternal life—as confirmed also within scripture stating plainly those possessing Son possess Life whereas without Him none shall live eternally (1 John).
A story often shared during evangelistic efforts illustrates well how crucial understanding direction really matters spiritually too… Billy Graham once recounted asking directions while visiting unfamiliar town seeking post office location only hear young boy respond humorously after pointing him right direction remarking how odd preacher offering guidance heavenward couldn’t first navigate earthly streets properly!
In John chapter ten verse nine however unlike human fallibility leading occasional missteps along physical paths here below–Christ confidently assures followers declaring unequivocally ‘I AM THE DOOR’ meaning access eternal kingdom lies solely entering via HIS provision alone—not some alternative route devised independently outside divine plan laid forth long ago within Holy Scriptures themselves…
Yet despite clarity conveyed regarding exclusivity entrance heavenly realms granted solely upon basis relationship established personally between individual believer & risen Lord above–misconceptions abound concerning size scope doorway itself ranging extremes either overly restrictive interpretations barring entry anyone lacking complete doctrinal knowledge OR conversely dangerously broad inclusions allowing virtually anyone regardless belief system whatsoever pass freely unchallenged…
Ultimately though criteria determining eligibility outlined explicitly Word itself Revelation chapter One verses Seventeen Eighteen wherein resurrected victorious Savior declares holding keys both Death Hades thereby ensuring ONLY HE possesses authority grant everlasting life unto faithful followers trusting wholly finished work accomplished Calvary Cross centuries past now standing forevermore triumphant over grave awaiting glorious return future date known Father alone meantime continuing offer invitation open wide whosoever willing come receive gift grace mercy extended freely ALL nations tribes tongues peoples earth alike until final trumpet sounds signaling end age ushering eternity begin anew presence Almighty Creator Redeemer King Kings Lord Lords reigning supreme universe entire forever Amen Hallelujah Praise Name Above Every Other JESUS CHRIST SON LIVING GOD!!!The one who is alive today is the one you should seek answers from. Jesus made a profound statement to Martha in John 11:25, declaring, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, even if they die, will live again. And anyone who lives and believes in Me will never truly die.” He then asked her a crucial question: “Do you believe this?” This highlights that belief is essential to salvation. There’s only one path to eternal life—through Jesus Christ.
Now let’s address a challenging question directly: What about those who have never heard of Jesus? Consider people from remote regions like Australia or isolated tribes in South America or North America who lived for centuries without knowledge of Christ—are they all condemned? The Bible provides some insight into this matter. In Romans 1:19-20, Paul explains that God has revealed Himself to everyone through creation itself; His invisible qualities are evident in the world around us so that no one has an excuse for not knowing Him. Even those raised without direct knowledge of God often have an innate sense of right and wrong.
God’s truth reaches every corner of the earth because His Spirit can touch every heart regardless of location. In Matthew 25, Jesus shares a parable about judgment day where He describes separating sheep from goats—a metaphor for distinguishing between those who follow Him and those who do not. The criteria for entering God’s kingdom isn’t based on religious affiliation but on acts of love and kindness toward others—feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned.
When these righteous individuals ask when they ever did such things for Him personally, Jesus responds by saying that whatever good they did for others was as if they had done it directly for Him. Notice how He doesn’t commend them simply because they belonged to a particular denomination but because their actions reflected genuine love.
Jesus also warned religious leaders that many would be surprised at judgment day when people from all over—the east and west—enter God’s kingdom while some expected insiders are left out (Luke 13:28-30). He spoke about having other sheep not currently part of His fold but whom He must also bring together under one shepherd (John 10).
In heaven someday there will be people asking Jesus about His wounds—they might say something like “What happened to Your hands?” And just as someone might wake up after surgery saved by a doctor they’ve never met before realizing later what happened—it’s possible some will find themselves saved by Christ even though they didn’t know Him beforehand.
There are examples throughout Scripture where God reached out directly when necessary—for instance with Paul on his way to Damascus or Cornelius praying alone at home before any missionary arrived (Acts 9 & Acts 10). These stories show us how God sometimes intervenes personally or sends angels when human messengers haven’t yet reached someone—but typically works through people like missionaries.
We may be surprised at how many different ways God has touched lives across cultures through various means—not just among Christians but among all humanity whom He loves deeply enough that while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
So does this mean we don’t need missionaries anymore since God can reach anyone anywhere? Absolutely not! Missionaries play an essential role both in spreading God’s word more widely—and also benefiting spiritually themselves by participating actively in sharing good news with others (Romans 10). It’s important work meant not only for pastors but everyone called upon by faith—to join hands together as partakers in spreading hope across our world.Occasionally, the forces of darkness may manifest directly to lead people astray, but more often than not, their influence is subtle and operates behind the scenes. Similarly, while God and His angels sometimes make their presence known in extraordinary ways, the ongoing struggle between good and evil typically unfolds through human actions. If we fail to share the message of salvation with others, some souls may never hear it. It’s a rare occurrence for God to intervene directly when no one else can reach them. However, there are individuals who will remain unreached unless we take action. The principle of cause and effect is at work here; we have been given the incredible opportunity to be instruments in God’s hands by spreading His Word. It would be tragic if we neglected this responsibility because sharing the gospel allows others to receive salvation through Jesus Christ—the only solution for sin’s grave consequences.
Doug: The ability to choose is one of God’s most remarkable gifts to humanity. But when someone experiences salvation, do they choose God or does He choose them? And after being saved, does a person retain the freedom to change that decision? This topic has sparked intense debate throughout Christian history because misunderstanding what true salvation entails could lead to devastating consequences. Thankfully, you don’t need to remain uncertain about this crucial issue. Amazing Facts wants you to have a special resource titled “Can a Saved Man Choose To Be Lost?” This concise yet profound book addresses questions surrounding the doctrine of “once saved, always saved,” which has gained significant traction within Christian circles today. By reading it, you’ll gain clarity on your spiritual journey while being uplifted by insights into God’s just and loving nature. Don’t hesitate—call now using the number on your screen or visit our website with offer number 112 for your free copy! Afterward, consider passing it along so others can benefit too.
Announcer: Did you know that Noah was still alive during Abraham’s early years? While he might not have been present at Abraham’s birth itself—he was likely sharing tales from his time aboard that famous ark! From creation all through Revelation’s prophetic visions—biblehistory.com offers an expansive exploration into key biblical events and figures completely free-of-charge! Deepen your understanding as you delve into Scripture like never before—and draw nearer than ever towards God’s Word by visiting biblehistory.com today!
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Announcer: In just six days—the Creator fashioned both heaven & earth—and since ancient times mankind honored Him by resting on seventh day each week… Yet nowadays millions worship instead upon first day instead… What caused such dramatic shift away from original Sabbath observance established long ago? Does choosing which day really matter—or was something deeper behind this change altogether? Uncover truth hidden within history regarding divine law—and how alterations came about—by visiting sabbathtruth.com where answers await discovery…
Announcer: Don’t miss out on today’s special offer—it promises blessings beyond measure! We also want express heartfelt thanks toward everyone whose generous support enables us continue spreading Gospel worldwide via Amazing Facts ministry efforts…
Announcer: This program has been made possible thanks entirely due contributions received from friends like yourself supporting mission-driven work carried forth under banner Amazing Facts ministry…
