Posted by Friend [Friend] on November 06, 1999 at 09:47:04 {p8g/8h8r5QhxaL3hj3H2OgnjR4Br/g}:
In Reply to: *******Good News of the Kingdom posted by mntzion on November 06, 1999 at 08:49:32:
mntzion
I am curious, however, how you see the "end" as it does seem you take the literal approach to the necessity for a global phenomena of spreading the "gospel" as a preamble to Jesus judging humanities "heart condition".
In respects to spreading the gospel being corollary to "the end" the gospel is only such in respect to Jesus’ answer for a sign. In other words, as part of a sign Jesus foretold that the gospel would be evident on a global scale prior to "the end". Jesus directed that such a work be done and in his answer for a sign he foretold that its extent would be global.
Considering Jesus’ closely associated parable of separating sheep from goats I see Jesus basing judgment upon people’s heart condition. If listening to the gospel and/or accepting it leads to that good condition of heart then favorable judgment will follow. If individuals otherwise have that good condition of heart aside from the gospel then they also should have favorable judgment. That must be the case because nothing in Jesus’ expressions indicates that every living human being will hear the gospel and have opportunity to respond, yet the gift of Jesus is offered for every human being. That leaves the deciding factor with the condition of heart. The gospel teaches a good condition of heart. Therefore people can gain life from accepting the gospel or lose life by rejecting the gospel. Nevertheless, none of that requires knowing the gospel to gain life. All it requires is good condition of heart, one acceptable to God. The gift of Jesus is for the world.
Friend