He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:16)

God’s Word On Who Is Saved And Lost

Passing judgment on others is a delicate exercise in speaking where the word of God speaks and refraining from conclusions when the word of God does not speak. The matter of judging is a controversial discussion when one man suggests an eternal question about another man. Jesus forbade unrighteous judgment on others based on human wisdom but the Lord did not forbid the righteous judgment of others from the word of God. Before ascending to the Father, the Lord commissioned the eleven to go into all the world and share the gospel of salvation. That message was very simple, very plain, and very direct. When a person believes in the gospel of Jesus Christ and is baptized for the remission of their sins, they will be saved. However, there will be many who do not believe in the gospel of God refusing to have their sins washed away in the waters of baptism. These individuals will be lost. There is no hope in eternity and their souls are condemned to the lake of fire and brimstone.

It is difficult for the human brain to wrap around the idea that a righteous God can and will punish those who refuse to obey His word. There may some sense of justice of eternal damnation for evil men but not for good people who never obey the gospel. In fact, the place of torment is reserved for the wicked and vile men of earth along with many good and kind people who never obey the gospel. There is no distinction because neither man – wicked and good – have done what the Lord requires for salvation. Is it possible to make a judgment of a person who has not been baptized into Christ for the remission of their sins? According to what Jesus says there are two kinds of people: those who are baptized and those who are not. For those who are baptized into Christ salvation awaits. The man who refuses to follow the word of God will be lost regardless of how good a person he is, religious, devout, and kind to others he may be. If a man dies outside of Christ there is no hope.

The word of God has always been clear. In Eden, the instructions to Adam and Eve said that eating the forbidden fruit would bring judgment. They denied the word of God and the wrath of the Lord came upon them. Throughout the history of humanity, the will of the Lord has remained unchanged. There is a path to righteousness that leads to eternal life and when a man refuses to follow that path they will be condemned. Adultery may be acceptable in society but God has always condemned it. Homosexuality has become a societal norm but this has never changed the will of the Father. Lying is a way of life for many people but all liars will have their part in the lake of fire. Good, kind, and religious people are wonderful people who live quality lives of service to others but if they do not follow the word of God, they will hear the Lord say to them, “Depart from Me, you workers of iniquity.” Why? Because they have not done the will of God.

God’s word is the basis of determining righteousness and unrighteousness. There are many people caught up in churches that are created through the wisdom of men. The world is filled with good people who never serve the Lord God. Religions fill the earth that does not accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God. The list can go on but the reality is that if a man devotes himself to a man-made church that does not model itself after the New Testament, they will be lost. Being a good person cannot and will not save a soul. Eternal life is not based on goodness but godliness. Accepting all the religions of the world does not bring salvation. Jesus is the only way to the Father and without accepting that He is the Son of God, there is no hope. God’s word is the judge and when men speak the word of God they only declare the righteous judgment of the Lord.