AboutCooper P. Abrams III Expertise Independent Fundamental Baptist missionary and pastor, ThB, MBS. I began pastoring in 1981, and have taught in churches, a Bible college, and Bible Institute. I have written numerous articles on various subjects from a biblical perspective and many are posted on my web site Bible Truth ( http://www.bible-truth.org ). Bible Truth receives over forty thousand visits per month. Since 1998 I have answered Bible related questions via e-mail. My answers are straight forward and biblical.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE -----DO NOT ASK A QUESTION AND THEN NOT READ THE ANSWER! ABOUT ONE IN TEN OF QUESTIONS ASKED ARE NEVER READ. I FREELY GIVE MY TIME TO GIVE HELPFUL ANSWERS. OFTEN THE ANSWER WILL REQUIRE AS MUCH AS A HOUR OR MORE TO RESEACH THEN THEN FORMULATE THE REPLY. IF YOU SEND A QUESTION PLEASE BE THOUGHTFUL ENOUGH TAKE THE TIME TO READ IT. MOST PEOPLE DO...BUT ALL SHOULD. THANKS
Experience PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE -----DO NOT ASK A QUESTION AND THEN NOT READ THE ANSWER! ABOUT ONE IN TEN OF QUESTIONS ASKED ARE NEVER READ. I FREELY GIVE MY TIME TO GIVE HELPFUL ANSWERS. OFTEN THE ANSWER WILL REQUIRE AS MUCH AS A HOUR OR MORE TO RESEACH THEN THEN FORMULATE THE REPLY. IF YOU SEND A QUESTION PLEASE BE THOUGHTFUL ENOUGH TAKE THE TIME TO READ IT. MOST PEOPLE DO...BUT ALL SHOULD. THANKS
Question I have always been taught that after a person dies, there is no opportunity whatsoever for him to "accept Christ" or to "be saved" if, in fact, he was not saved prior to the moment of his death. I know that Heb. 9:27 says "... after death comes judgement", but this seems a small platform to build such a huge doctrine on. Seems to me that if a person hasn't ever heard the gospel in this life, then he should have that opportunity after he dies. Can you shed any light for me on this subject? Thanks!
Answer Hi Chuck,
I answered your question last week...but I noticed you have not read it.
Chuck,
Good question. The Bible gives the answer most clearly in Romans 1:18-23.
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things." (Romans 1:18-23)
God says that the man who is condemned, meaning who dies in his sins, is without excuse....this means all men everywhere. The verse says that God's wrath is revealed from heaven against men's sin and that man holds the truth in unrighteousness. It states that God has revealed Himself to all men and therefore all men are without excuse. Although a man may not know about Jesus Christ specifically, he can know that God is there and he is God's creation by looking at the Creation. Knowing we are God's creation we also should understand we are responsible to Him and should worship Him. God does not explain everything about this process, but he plainly states He does reveal Himself to all men and that because God seeks men, man is responsible for his actions.
I hope this helps explain this. Hebrew 9:27 says specifically that man does not have a second chance after death. The verse says "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27) It uses the plural noun "men" which refers to all men. Any teaching or doctrine must be in line with this clear statement by the Lord.
Thanks for you question. If you have further questions of comments please write.
