Lost

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(Are the Lost Really Lost?)

Introduction

1. Seemingly absent in many churches and among Christians today is a strong concern for the lost

a. Manifested by lack of personal evangelism

b. Evidenced by failure to actively support foreign evangelism

2. It is as though many have adopted the doctrine of universalism

a. That many, if not all, people will ultimately be saved

b. That all sincere people, no matter their religion, will go to heaven

3. We must remember that the Lost really are lost

Body

I. AS PROCLAIMED BY JESUS

A. IN HIS SERMON ON THE MOUNT

1. Jesus spoke of the reality of hell — Matthew 5:22, 29-30

2. He warned that few will find the way that leads to life – Matthew 7:13-14

3. Even many religious people who believe in Him will find themselves lost – Matthew 7:21-23

B. IN HIS PARABLES

1. Warning that many in His kingdom will be lost – Matthew 13:41-43

2. Speaking of the separation of the wicked from the just – Matthew 13:49-50

C. IN HIS GREAT COMMISSION

1. Commanding His apostles to preach of salvation and condemnation – Mark 16:15-16

2. Requiring that repentance be preached in His name to all nations – Luke 24:46-47

II. AS PROCLAIMED BY HIS APOSTLES

A. PETER

1. Calling on the need to repent – Acts 3:19

2. Claiming salvation only in the name of Jesus – Acts 4:10-12

3. Who wrote of judgment and the scarcity of salvation – 1 Peter 4:17-18

4. Who described the fiery judgment of the ungodly, thus the need for repentance – 2 Peter 3:7-12

B. PAUL

1. Who also preached of judgment, and the need for all to repent – Acts 17:30-31

2. Who wrote of God’s wrath, the need for mercy, and the judgment to come – 2 Corinthians 5:10

3. Who warned of the end of those who do not obey the gospel – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

C. JOHN

1. Who wrote that eternal life is only in the Son (Jesus) – 1 John 5:11-13

2. Who taught that we must abide in the doctrine of Christ to have God – 2 John 1:9

3. Who foresaw the judgment and the terrible end of the wicked – Revelation 21:8

Conclusion

1. Certainly the gospel of Christ is not all “fire, hell, and damnation”…

a. It is good news of God’s grace, love, and mercy to sinners – 1 Timothy 2:3-6

b. Whatever delay there may seem to be regarding the Lord’s return is due to God’s desire that all be saved – 2 Peter 3:9

2. But neither is the gospel of Christ a doctrine of universal salvation

a. In which a benign God accepts everyone as they are with no need to repent

b. In which there is no compelling need to share the gospel of salvation to others

3. If we are to be properly motivated to save others, we need to be moved not only by the love of Christ, but also by a proper understanding that the lost are lost

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” – 2 Corinthians 5:10-11