Aurel Gheorghe Supporter

This is a thought-provoking question.

Revelation 1:7 unveils a scene from Christ’s Second Coming and the sorrowful reaction of the lost (those who pierced Him) – meaning those who demanded His death and those who participated (directly or indirectly) to His crucifixion. 

I’m always reluctant to declare anyone lost unless there is enough and clear Bible indication of that fact (E.g. King Saul or Judas Iscariot). However, Revelation 1:7 leaves no room for doubt that those who killed Christ will be lost. 

Yes, Christ asked the Father that they may be forgiven, however, in absence of any evidence that they took advantage of the forgiveness extended to them and repented, we probably should assume that they will not be among the saved. 

A similar situation is related in Acts 7:60 where Stephen just before he died (fell asleep) asked God to forgive those who were stoning him. Among those was Saul, who later repented of his murderous ways and became Paul (Acts 9), the Apostle to the Gentiles who authored a large portion of the NT. In this case, we definitely see how God acknowledged Stephen’s prayer and forgave Saul.

Looking back to Christ’s crucifixion, in Matthew 27:54 we read how a Roman centurion was moved to declare: “Truly this was the Son of God!” It is possible that just like Saul, the Roman centurion converted and repented of his sins? It is possible, however, the Bible doesn’t say much more about this case. If the centurion only acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God but no true repentance took place, it is unlikely that he would be saved - even demons believe but that is not going to save them (James 2:19).

April 18 2019 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Leslie Coutinho Supporter

Luke 23:34: Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

When Lord Jesus was fastened and nailed on the cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him, and then He yielded and gave up His Spirit. (Mat 1:18,27:50/John 19:30) The chief priests, along with the scribes and elders, mocked Him; they were the rulers, along with the centurions, soldiers, and counselors. (Mat 27:25,36,41/Lk 23:35,36,47,50) Some who stood there and guarded Him claimed to, “Let His blood be on them and their children.” There was one counselor, a good and just man named Joseph, who sought permission from Pilate and took and wrapped His body and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock. (Luke 23:50,53) The chief priest and the Pharisees then set watchers who were the guards at the tomb. These guards witnessed an angel of the Lord roll back the stone from the tomb. The watchers were overwhelmed by fear and became like dead men witnessing and “some of the watch came to the city and told the chief priest.” And were given money and told how and what to say to the people. (Mat 28:4,11,15) 

All the disciples ran away when the multitude came with swords and staves from the chief priest, scribes and elders and laid their hands on Jesus. (Mark 14:27,50) Peter and Judas failed in what the Lord Jesus revealed to them; yet only Peter returned in repentance, while Judas took his own life. Lord Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but through Him that they might be saved. Satan steers one like the watchers who witnessed the angel that came and rolled over the stone from the tomb. “Some of the watch” who sinned to death came and were told to tell the people that His disciples came and stole away His body and were given large amounts of money. (1 John 5:16-17) One needs to be dead to sins through repentance, for the sin nature is in the body which is in the blood that strives one. When striving leads to right discernment, that is to be dead to sin through repentance then shall you live unto righteousness by whose stripe you were healed. (1Pet 2:24) 

Peter, along with all the disciples, came in repentance and was then led by the power of the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, they were all in one accord, united for a purpose, and gathered in one place. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues. Those who had gathered of various regions, of different tongues, were moved in their hearts as Peter revealed unto them, which prickled their hearts. He urged them, “Repent and be baptized for the remission of sin; then you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:4,8,14,38) The House of Israel, who had crucified Lord Jesus, felt deeply pierced in their heart. This event mirrored when the Lord sent two of His disciples to lose a tied colt and bring it to Him. When the masters saw them, they asked why they untied the colt, and they said the Lord commanded them to do so and they let them go. (Mark 11:2-6) Lord Jesus appeared unto many brothers and sisters who are still living, even though some had already fallen asleep. (1 Cor 15:4-6)

1 Corinthians 15:6: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

9 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report