Knowledge Is Not Enough

Sometime ago I was at the airport getting ready for a flight when I saw an actor. I remembered having seen him on television reruns in Korea when I was a boy, so I introduced myself and began to talk to him. As he was friendly and open to visiting, I asked about some of his acting work and then took the opportunity to witness to him. As I shared the gospel with him, he told me he had played a big role in a Christian film back in the 1970s and that he "knew about that stuff."

I hope that he truly is converted, but it is certain that knowing the truth is not the same as believing the truth. The Bible tells us "the devils also believe, and tremble" (James 2:19). To be saved, a person must not only hear the gospel, he or she must also put their faith in Christ. 

Those of us who know the truth have a great responsibility to share the truth of the gospel with others. But we cannot make a choice for salvation for them. We can, however, urge them to make a decision for Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, the apostle Paul wrote, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God."

 Jesus said that in the day of judgment, "Many will say to me" that they are His children only to hear the awful words, "I never knew you: depart from me" (Matthew 7:22-23). I don’t want that to happen to anyone, so I never assume that anyone—even if he has had exposure to the gospel—has made the personal choice to believe in Christ as his personal Savior. 

Today’s Gospel Declaration Principle:

Pray today for those with whom you have shared the gospel who have not yet made a decision to receive Christ.