UNANSWERED QUESTIONS IN THE BIBLE

There are several people in the Bible who heard the gospel, yet refused to acknowledge what was preached to them about Jesus. We never read in scripture as to whether these people EVER DID acknowledge what Peter stated of Jesus in Acts 2:36.  So we are left to wonder: did they ever accept Jesus as the Christ?  We want to examine some of these, and learn some valuable lessons for ourselves in the process.

#1—Felix – In Acts 24:24-27, we read, “But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.  At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him.  But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.”

While Felix heard Paul repeatedly, the subsequent meetings were NOT as the initial meeting, for Felix’s reason for continuing to meet with Paul was in hope of receiving money from Paul.  A question left unanswered: Did Felix ever obey the gospel? I don’t know that scripture answers, do you?

But I know of some preachers who ‘COULD’ (and I stress COULD) make a good case from this ‘unknown’ on why NOT to obey the gospel. They have made their ‘case’ from an “unknown revelation”, in their preaching, and, in so doing, have convinced their audiences to reject the example of many in the Bible who DID acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Christ (I’ll come back to this point later in sermon and show this).

In making a case from an “unknown revelation”, these preachers have done something that is ALWAYS a sin in scripture.  They have acted on PRESUMPTION!

David stated in Psalm 19:13 ~ “Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; then I will be blameless, and I shall be acquitted of great transgression.” (other passages: Exodus 21:14; Deut. 1:43; 17:12-13; 18:20, 22)

While it may be likely that Felix never did accept Christ, THE SCRIPTURES ARE SILENT ABOUT IT!

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#2—Those of Athens – In Acts 17:32-34, we read, “Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this.” So Paul went out of their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.”

Three responses: some began to sneer…others said, “we shall hear you again...some…believed”.

A question left unanswered: What of those who sneered and those who did as Felix, “sought to find a more convenient time”...DID THEY ever obey the gospel? Scripture is silent!  At best, we can say perhaps ‘yes’, but we can with equal certainty say perhaps ‘no’.  We cannot say with CERTAINTY, that they did. It is presumption to affirm either way with certainty.

Again, I know of some preachers who ‘COULD’ (and I stress COULD) make a good case by PRESUMPTION on how NOT to accept Jesus (but again, I’ll address this later).

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#3—King Agrippa – In Acts 26:28, we read, “Agrippa replied to Paul, In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.”

NOTE: I want to make a point from the language here, because it applies to the two previous examples: In all 3 of these examples the issue is the same: BECOMING A CHRISTIAN! (Acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Christ is to become a follower of Christ ~ Christ-like)

#1 ~ Paul spoke to Felix “about faith in Christ Jesus”; about “righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come”. These matters pertained to Felix becoming a “CHRISTIAN”.

#2 ~ Those in Athens heard about “the resurrection of the dead”. In Acts 17:18 they heard of “Jesus and the resurrection”.  Specifically in Acts 17:30-31 they heard of their need to repent and of the Judgment Day.  “God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”  All of these subjects are crucial to one’s decision in becoming a CHRISTIAN”.

So, Agrippa replies to Paul, In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” A question is left unanswered: Did Agrippa ever become a Christian? I don’t know that scripture answers, do you?  I can presume, reasoning it is likely; perhaps...but does scripture reveal?

I know of some preachers who ‘COULD’ (and I stress COULD) make a good case from PRESUMPTION on how NOT to become a Christian.

Now, let me address what I mentioned a little earlier. I’ve mentioned “these “UNKNOWN REVELATIONS” and “PRESUMPTIONS”. Let me do so, by citing one more example. This example is of one who did NOT defer his opportunity.

The thief on the cross: In Luke 23:39-43, we read, “One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

The bible is clear as to where this thief will be in eternity; no dispute (to my knowledge) about the matter.  However, a similarity exists between THIS case, and the others.  There is an “UNKNOWN REVELATION”; a “PRESUMPTION” made in preaching from this example!  You are probably familiar with this “unknown revelation”.  It is that this thief was NOT BAPTIZED!  Preachers have been telling their audiences an answer that God did not reveal in the Bible about this thief. In their presumptions, they have caused people to do as Felix, the Athenians, and Agrippa did - - - delay their decision to become a Christian until a “convenient season”.

The ‘presumption’ associated with this thief is his baptism.  Was he baptized, at some time prior to being crucified? To my knowledge, the Bible does not reveal this. (For that matter, we don’t know as to whether or not the other thief was ever baptized.)

Yet, in talking with folks who reject baptism for the remission of sins, this thief is cited as to why THEY refuse baptism FOR remission!  Interestingly, it is not that they reject baptism entirely, for many of them were baptized, BUT FOR ANOTHER PURPOSE!

The ‘PRESUMPTOUS’ statement they heard from their preacher, “The thief on the cross wasn’t baptized”!  How do they know? Revelation or presumption?

I might just as well make the case with Felix, those in Athens, and Agrippa, that, at some later date, all became a Christian.  I could preach that none of them ever did.  BASED ON WHAT ~ DIVINE REVELATION or PRESUMPTION?

“The thief on the cross wasn’t baptized”!  How do they know? Revelation or presumption? 

Compare:

Baptism is not essential because the thief wasn’t baptized.

Baptism is not essential because Agrippa wasn’t baptized.

Baptism is not essential because some in Athens weren’t baptized.

Does the bible "say" on any of these? If not, are these preachers saying that the Bible's silence permits or prohibits baptism?

Remember also this: Agrippa said he was almost persuaded to become a Christian. Did Agrippa believe? (see v. 27) Is one saved at the point of faith? If so, was Agrippa a ‘saved’ person? [Remember his question…]

Now, for those who preach by making assumptions, here is their dilemma: Agrippa is a saved believer, who was almost persuaded to become a Christian, yet wasn’t ever baptized to show it.

I have just as strong a case from presumption, in saying that the thief WAS baptized.  My proof is the same as their proof ~ ASSUMPTION!  [Incidentally, could you imagine me preaching against repentance on this reasoning?]

While more examples could be cited, these examples are sufficient for us to draw accurate conclusions as it relates to becoming a Christian.

Do you see what ASSUMPTION & PRESUMPTION in preaching accomplishes?

Remember, also, in regard to some others in Athens; they believed; DIVINE REVELATION says so! Were those who believed, saved? If so, they were saved believers, yet never baptized to show it. That is the dilemma of preaching assumptions!

2017

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