Acceptance of Salvation is the Individual's Responsibility

Last month I attended a Bible Study on Hell. It's a terrible place and I don't want to go there. One of the participants asked how someone who had not heard the Gospel of Christ would receive the eternal punishment of Hell. Several years ago, I highlighted this verse during the Oct. 26 reading of the Bible in a Year.

NIV Psalms 98:2-3: The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

This Psalm was written by David or someone in his timeframe. Then, Israel was a nation blessed by God. Many of the surrounding nations were awed by Israel's divine protection because of David's military victories. Israel's people knew God had ordained David to lead them and when he died, his son Solomon was ordained by God to lead them. In Solomon's time, his wisdom and splendor were widely known. Even now, the secular world knows about it. The Sheban Queen came from Africa to see for herself. How did she hear? People involved in Solomon's many business enterprises had been there and told her people about it. Then she heard. Solomon traded all over the ancient world. Others heard by word of mouth. God was exalted all over the ancient world regarding Solomon's (God's) riches and blessings.

Fast forward to 1948. Miracuously, Israel returns to become a nation after almost 2,000 years. Many forces were against her and still are. But, she is still there because God wants her to be there. How many nations have returned after being out of existence for 2,000 years with their basic culture still intact? I'm a history minor and can think of none. This is a miracle and declares to the world today that God exists. Why do you think there is so much hatred and opposition to Israel?

God's declaration, made almost 2700 years ago holds true today: ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH HAVE SEEN THE SALVATION OF OUR GOD. All persons are responsible for their own salvation. Me, you, anyone is responsible for the acceptance of God's salvation. Today, His salvation comes from His Son, Jesus. Have you accepted Him?