Are Only Apostolics Going To Be Saved?
Published by H T Paul Davis in Ministry · 26 February 2019
I once heard a preacher say
that he was asked, "Do you believe you folks are the only ones going to
heaven" His answer was, "No - I don't even believe all of us
are going to make it." In truth, it is not the denominational name
that is going to save a person. I have often taught that if the name on
the church door made a difference, the devil would paint a sign and hang it
up. However, what does matter is the "doctrine in the pulpit and the
experience in the pew." I believe that Jesus was very clear when he
said, "Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John
3:3) And then, "Except a man be born of the water and spirit, he
cannot enter the kingdom of heaven." (John 3:5). He also said,
"Except you repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Luke 13:3
The Gospel in A Nutshell Is This?
There are many who want to
point out that the thief on the cross was not born again. Isn't that an
exception? Well who made the exception? Jesus did, and he
can. But it was Jesus who was using the term "except" in the
scriptures above. One should notice that the thief on the cross was not
saved by the gospel of Jesus Christ because there was no gospel at that
time. The gospel is the "death, burial, and resurrection" of
Jesus Christ according to I Corinthians 15:1-4. The thief on the cross
could not participate or obey the gospel which had not happened. An exception
is just that - an exception. And perhaps we will find Jesus making such
exceptions when we reach the judgment - but it is more likely that Jesus will
use the other exceptions more frequently - the ones he mentions in his
Word.
