TOPIC 47 OF 47
The Destiny of Humanity
Holding firmly to Christ’s promises and entrusting hidden things to God.
THE MAIN TRUTH
Those who trust in the Lord Jesus are saved and will enter his eternal heavenly kingdom in the age to come.
The teaching
From the book · pages 143–146
Those who trust in the Lord Jesus are saved and will enter his eternal heavenly kingdom in the age to come. Those who reject the Good News of Christ are lost and will be separated from God’s heavenly presence in the outer darkness of hell in the age to come.
While we can confirm a person’s faith to some degree, we cannot judge anyone’s final destiny. When we have questions about saving faith in certain people—such as infants who die before birth, those with cognitive impairments, and those who have not heard the Gospel or have heard it insufficiently—we entrust them into God’s merciful hands.
We cannot make a doctrine out of what God has not yet revealed. Instead, we pray and confidently put our hope in the person of Christ Jesus and in the promises that God’s mercy endures forever; that he wants all to be saved and none to be lost; that Christ will draw all to himself; that he seeks every lost sheep; that he imprisons all in disobedience in order to show mercy to all; and that all things are possible for him, so that people may confess Jesus as Lord in faith.
Scripture foundations
All Scripture excerpts from this topic are presented below in the book’s order. Ellipses and bracketed explanations follow the manuscript. Select a reference to read the surrounding passage in the EHV.
Reading these passages together
The passages join the urgency of faith in Christ with humility about what God has not revealed. They call us to witness, pray, and entrust difficult questions to his merciful judgment.
10 Scripture excerpt groups
SCRIPTURE 01
1 John 5:11-13 ↗
“This is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. The one who has the Son has life . . . you who believe in the name of the Son of God . . . may know that you have eternal life.”
Book page 144
SCRIPTURE 02
2 Timothy 4:18 ↗
“The Lord will rescue me . . . and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Book page 144
SCRIPTURE 03
John 3:17,36 ↗
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him . . . but the one who rejects the Son will not see life; instead, God’s wrath remains on him.”
Book page 144
SCRIPTURE 04
John 3:19; 2 Peter 2:17 ↗
“This is the basis for the judgment: The light has come into the world, yet people loved the darkness rather than the light . . .” “. . . for whom the gloom of darkness has been reserved.”
Book page 144
SCRIPTURE 05
Acts 11:23; Romans 10:10; James 2:18 ↗
“When [Barnabas] arrived and saw God’s grace, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts.” “For it is with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and it is with the mouth that a person confesses, resulting in salvation.” “. . . I will show you my faith by my works.”
Book page 144
SCRIPTURE 06
1 Corinthians 4:4-5 ↗
“. . . the one who evaluates me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing ahead of time, until the Lord comes. He will bring to light whatever is hidden in darkness and also reveal the intentions of the heart.”
Book page 145
SCRIPTURE 07
Psalm 145:8-9 ↗
“The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all. His compassion extends over all he has made.”
Book page 145
SCRIPTURE 08
Deuteronomy 29:29; 1 Corinthians 4:6 ↗
“The hidden things belong to the LORD our God, but the revealed things belong to us, and our children forever . . .” “. . . you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written.”
Book page 145
SCRIPTURE 09
1 Timothy 1:15; 4:10 ↗
“. . . Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners . . .” “. . . we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”
Book page 145
SCRIPTURE 10
Psalm 100:5; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9; John 12:32; Luke 15:4; Romans 11:32; Mark 10:26-27; Philippians 2:11 ↗
“For the Lord is good. His mercy endures forever.” “God our Savior . . . wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” “. . . not wanting anyone to perish, but all to come to repentance.” “And I . . . will draw all people to myself.” “Which one of you, if you had a hundred sheep and lost one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine . . . and go after the one that was lost until he finds it?” “For God imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may show mercy to all.” “‘Who then can be saved?’ . . . ‘all things are possible for God.’” “. . . and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. . .”
Book page 145
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture passages are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV), copyright 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission, as noted in the manuscript.
PERSONAL REFLECTION OR GROUP DISCUSSION
Reflect and pray
What has God clearly revealed about salvation in Christ?
Why must we distinguish his promises from our unanswered questions about particular people?
How can trust in God’s mercy deepen prayer and witness without dismissing his warnings?
A prayer
Merciful Father, keep us firm in what you have revealed in Jesus. Teach us humility concerning hidden things and receive those we entrust to your loving care. Amen.