Is Praying For Someone’s Salvation Biblical?

Q: Is praying for someone’s Salvation biblical? I have 7 brothers and 5 sisters that still are not saved yet. RC Sproul seems to think that it is not biblical. He says God predestined everything and it is not useful to pray for someone’s salvation. Hope that is not true, would be depressing--either way we have a good God and He knows what He is doing. Your thoughts? Thanks

Thanks for your question. Though I am not currently serving on the staff of B4, I wanted to have a shot at addressing your question. I always value the times we get to talk. I know this has been on your heart for a long time...and you have been praying for them for a long time. I also would say that I have valued Dr. Sproul’s insights over the years, but have found that he seems to be more strident in his Reformed (Calvinist) theology in his later years.

A: My answer to your question is "Yes" and "No". I will answer this question like Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.

On the one hand, R.C. Sproul has a point. If you are a Calvinist then praying for someone’s salvation would be a wasted prayer. If God is not willing for them to be saved or has not chosen (elected) them, then it would be a futile prayer.

• On the other hand, such reasoning would render most prayer unnecessary. Since I am not a Calvinist I think that his answer (as you present it) is insufficient and misses the point.

On the one hand, if Jesus has made salvation possible for the whole world in his death on the cross and subsequent resurrection from the dead. Salvation is finished in his death in fact it is his loud cry from the cross “Tetelestai!” (which means “It is finished!” or, “Paid in full!”). So in that case what exactly would we be asking him to do? He has already done it all.

• On the other hand, we need to respond to the love he has offered. Will God make your brothers and sisters respond to his love in faith? I don’t think so, but there are many who do.

Perhaps the middle ground of faith is best found in the question, “Will he soften their hearts in answer to our prayers?” I think so. My reasoning might not be iron-clad, but if God—not willing that nay should perish(2 Peter 3:9)—can harden hearts like he did in cooperation with Pharaoh’s own choices to harden his heart, then he should be able to soften hearts too. That is how I pray…that God would soften their hearts to respond to:

• the conviction of the Holy Spirit (that they need to be saved) 
• the love of the Father (that he has always wanted to save them) 
• the grace of Christ (that Jesus alone is the one who makes us clean).

With both hands raised in prayer… I look to the examples of Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul,

In Jesus’ high priestly prayer (John 17) he prayed for those who would be saved through the ongoing faithful ministry of his disciples through the generations (v.20-21).

The Apostle Paul prayed for the salvation of his Jewish brothers and sisters and told the church in Rome about it. So, if Paul’s example is to be instructive for us then that may make Dr. Sproul’s extreme position (as you have presented it) un-biblical. I’ll let you decide.

“Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them

is that they may be saved.” (Romans 10:1)

If we "wrestle not against flesh and blood" with what or whom do we fight?

In response to a reader's question on another blog that I write...

Q: In Ephesians 6:12 it talks about “the rulers and authorities,” and the “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Could you elaborate on this please?

A: Yes. Though my original post was focused on Peter’s failure to spiritually prepare for the sifting of the devil that would come on the night that Jesus was betrayed as found in Mark 14, I quoted Eph. 6:12 in support of the idea that the real battle is spiritual and we tend to under-estimate its intensity.

First let’s start by reading the whole passage—always a good idea.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Eph. 6:10-20)

These terms in question have historically been understood to refer to demons or fallen angels within the spiritual realm. Our increasingly naturalistic Western culture no longer gives much serious thought to a spiritual realm. As a result, there have been many theories that apply these phrases to political power structures, cultural influences, and thought processes. However, outside of our culture there is no such barrier to belief in a spiritual realm that surrounds us all the time. 

While it is (historically) true that,

 'Down the centuries the principalities and powers have assumed many disguises. Terrifying and deadly they are, sometimes sprawling across the earth in some gigantic despotism, at times narrowed down to one single impulse in the mind of one individual  man.  But  the fight is on. For believers fighting there is the certainty of struggle to the end. But there is also the assurance of victory.’” [1]

And while it may be true to see these powers surface structurally, in economics, politics, and religious controls, it is not enough to conclude that Paul was simple referring to a human element. We need to examine this concept theologically. The contrasting word “but” makes the distinction fairly obvious. If we look at this passage in its immediate context, the most natural understanding is the traditional one—that Paul was referring to spiritual (non-physical) beings opposed to the work and people of God. If we expand the context to his entire letter to the Ephesians we see that Paul used the “rulers and authorities” phrase two other times in 1:20-21 and 3:10. John Stott points out that all three uses make a point of using “heavenly realm” to differentiate from the worldly/earthly realm and “apply more naturally to supernatural beings than to structures, institutions, and traditions.” [2]  

In addition to our need to “be strong in the Lord” (v.10) and to “take up” the spiritual armor that God gives us to enable us to stand firm (v.13), we pray “at all times in the Spirit” (v.18), and “keep alert with all perseverance.” 

One last thought, about our having to face a very real opposition in the spiritual realm. Ephesians gives us a couple of other insights that provide perspective. Take a look and see…

• What have we been given “in the heavenly realm”? (1:3)
• What are we doing and who are we with “in the heavenly places”? (2:6)

In submission to Christ Jesus, filled by the Holy Spirit, and clothed in the armor of God, we are able to stand and resist the devil. When we do this, the devil must flee.

"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:6-8)

________________________________________

[1] Gordon Rupp, Principalities and Powers, (1952), 2. Cited by John R.W. Stott, The Message of Ephesians (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1986), 268.

[2] John R.W. Stott, The Message of Ephesians (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1986), 273.

What is the meaning of Baptism for us today?

Q: What is the meaning of Baptism for us today?

A: This is a question that I have been asked many times. While there are many variations in the specific practices of baptism throughout the history of the church and between different denominations, Christian baptism is a universal statement of a person's belief in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I will not be addressing the particular differences between Christian groups but will simply addressing the common symbolism involved.  

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe 

will be condemned." (Mark 16:16 – ESV)

It is a Natural Thing to Do—Then and Now

Baptism for the Christian today is a wonderful symbol of God's saving work in our lives.  We are not baptized in order to be saved, but because we have been saved.  It is nowhere taught in the Bible that if you are not baptized that you are not saved.  Rather, baptism is referred to as the outward sign of an inward work of grace.  It is a believer's first public declaration of faith.  All throughout the Book of Acts, time and time again, we see that the first act of any new believer in the Scripture was baptism (Acts 2:41; 8:12-13,16,36-38; 9:18; 10:48; 16:15; 16:33; 18:8; 19:5; 22:16).

What should we as Christians do when we first believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died for our sins?  The Apostle Peter was asked this very question after his first sermon, and he answered, as it is written,

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."  When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"  Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off‑‑for all whom the Lord our God will call."  With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."  Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." (Acts 2:36-41)

In addition to the historical record of baptism in the early church, we also have several wonderful passages in Scripture that deal with the doctrinal aspect of baptism. 

It is a Funeral Service for the Flesh

Baptism is like a funeral service for our "old nature."  It died with Christ on the cross and now in baptism we have the funeral service as the "old nature" goes down into the water, symbolizing burial with Christ.  Here are a couple of texts to consider.
 
Romans 6:3-4 "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." 
 
And also,

Colossians 2:11-15 "In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.  When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ.  He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.  And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

It is in baptism that we identify ourselves with Christ's death for us on the cross (giving us the hope of victory over sin) and his burial, as well as with His resurrection from the dead (giving us the promise of eternal life).

It is a Celebration of the New Birth

So not only do we hold a "funeral service" for our sinful nature, we also celebrate the "new birth" as we come up out of the water, symbolizing the newness of life in Christ.  As it is written, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

There remains no trace of the penalty for our sins, once we have confessed and repented for Jesus has removed "the handwriting of requirements" and has cleansed us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  Baptism therefore is a celebration of a birth, our new birth in Jesus Christ!

It is an Identification with the Church—Christ's People

Baptism's imagery goes beyond identifying ourselves with Christ to include identifying ourselves with the Church, Christ's people.  We not only identify ourselves with Christ and His people, but we are immersed in their life. We become a part of the "body" as it is written in the following passages,

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.  So it is with Christ.  For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free‑‑and we were all given the one Spirit to drink."

Galatians 3:26-28 "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

We are made "sons of God through faith in Christ," and through baptism we testify publicly and practically that we have "clothed ourselves with Christ."  No longer will we fear that our nakedness will be exposed for now we are clothed not with "the filthy rags of our own righteousness" but with Christ Himself, He is the Robe of Righteousness that never wears out!

A Simple 3-Word Summary of the Doctrine Of Baptism

Declaration—You are saying something.  In baptism, you are declaring that you are dead to sin and alive to Christ.  You are making public your decision to respond to the love of God by surrendering to Jesus Christ and leaving behind the sinful things of the past.  You are saying that you have determined that because of Christ's work on the cross, you will no longer allow sin to reign over you but instead will submit your life to Christ, actively living for Him.

Identification—You are relating to Someone.  In baptism, you are identifying yourself with the Savior, in both His death and His resurrection.  You are saying that if there is going to be any distinguishing feature, any recognizable traits in your life, it will be that people recognize by your life and your words that you are a follower of Jesus!

Obedience—You are following Someone.  In baptism, you are obeying God's Word, beginning your life with Christ in an appropriate way.  We are commanded to be baptized and Jesus has given us an example to follow.  In being baptized as a profession of our faith in Christ, we are beginning to walk with the Lord as we ought.

After the flood, how did the animals from Noah's Ark survive without starving or being eaten?

Q: “So if Noah’s ark had a male and a female of each species, then released to repopulate the earth…many species eat other species to survive. How did they all survive long enough to repopulate without nearly everyone starving or being eaten immediately? Is “pairs” to be taken figuratively then?”

 

This is a great question! There are several ways it could have happened, but we are not told specifically how it happened, but only that it did happen. So beginning with faith and seeking understanding we can ponder this question. In regards to your last question about whether we should interpret the Bible “literally” or “figuratively” the answer is “yes.”) The Bible uses both figurative and concrete language. So we need to interpret it literarily—when  it is intended to be figurative we interpret it figuratively, when literal or historical we interpret it literally/historically. In this passage we are reading narrative that has no need of a figurative interpretation to help out it believability. So I would see “pair” in its natural sense of one male and one female.

 

However, I do need to clear up an inaccurate assumption in your question. Contrary to popular opinion, the Bible makes it clear that there was actually more than one pair of many of the “kinds” of animals on board the Ark.

 

“Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate, and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate, and seven pairs of the birds of the heavens also, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth. (Genesis 7:2-3)

 

There were seven pairs of all of the “clean” animals…and this wasn’t so that Noah and his family would have an easier time cleaning the ark! “Clean” and “Unclean” refers to how the people of Israel (Moses’ original audience) were taught by God to determine which animals were good for food and for sacrifice. (For more information on which animals were clean or unclean see Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14) This category of animals would have included all livestock and many of the non-predatory mammals.

 

It seems that God was concerned with this same question of the survival of the animals after the flood (7:3). Let’s consider several possible explanations that would serve to answer your question:

 

1.    The predatory animals were not solely carnivorous at this time.

The animals had originally been created vegetarian and there most likely would not have been enough loss of genetic material via mutation by this time (from Creation to the Flood) to have made vegetarianism physically impractical or impossible. While some animals began to develop carnivorous tendencies at some point after the fall of man, it would be reasonable that they were still mostly vegetarian at this time. According to the Biblical narrative, they had been fed from the stored food on board the Ark for over a year and so would not have immediately needed prey to survive (see #5).

 

2.    Very fertile plants and animals after the flood

Plants: Noah, his family, and the animals remained in the Ark for about 7 ½ months as the land dried (and as the plants grew) until God instructed him to leave the Ark. There was an Olive that had sprouted into leaf before they left the ark (8:11) and certainly the grasses grow even more rapidly having quite a head start in that warm sun and soft soil. It should also be noted that the soil would have had many water-borne nutrients deposited in it as a result of the flood. I can testify to how tall the grass in my neighbor’s backyard grew after 7 ½ months of not being mowed, even despite the bad soil!

 

Animals: As far as the animal population goes, I would assume that because of the length of time on the ark, and the animals being coupled in breeding pairs, it is likely that many either gave birth on the Ark or at least were pregnant upon leaving the zoological Love Boat! The command of God upon Noah’s family and by extension all of the animals was to, “be fruitful and multiply, teem on the earth and multiply in it.” (9:1, 7)

 

3.    There were other sources of protein available

The Bible does not say that all the fish and aquatic life perished in the flood, though much sea life would have been trapped in sediment (in fact this is the source of our fossil fuels today). Also as the waters receded and the land rose there would have been many fish, etc. trapped in lakes and shallow pools. So it is  likely that there would have been easy access to aquatic species as a source of animal protein for land based predators, and aquatic plants for the herbivores as well. In addition, it is also possible that there would have been a lot of flood-kill carrion deposits that were not covered by sediments that may have temporarily supported post-flood carnivores.

 

4.    The “fear of man” placed on the animals.

Up until this time it was not lawful for man to eat the animals, but given the moral conditions before the flood I am pretty sure that most did it anyway. I am not sure that this is now a new survival mechanism for the animals or simply the result of man now hunting them for food. In any event, this fear would make it harder for mankind to find and kill them.

 

5.    Remaining food supply in the Ark.

It is also reasonable to assume that the resources stored in the Ark had not been exhausted. Noah had no idea how long he was going to be on the Ark and certainly would have not only collected food for his family and the animals for as long as possible, but also to be able to plant crops following the flood.

 

I hope these five possible (but not exhaustive) solutions I have provided serve, if not individually, then collectively to answer your question. For further reading, the story of the world-wide flood is found in the Bible in Genesis 6:1 – 9:17. There are also a great number of scientific and theological treatments of the flood that are more comprehensive than I would attempt. Thanks again for your question.

If I am married to the wrong person can I divorce?

Q: If a person marries and then as they grow in Christ and realize they are married to the wrong person, can they divorce since they aren't who God intended for them?

Thanks for your emailed question. I could answer this on a number of different levels…so I will provide several options. If these answers don't resolve your question with adequate clarity I would be most willing to speak to you in person.

1.    Short answer: No.

2.    Medium Answer: No. Jesus makes it clear that marriage should not be terminated in divorce. "...What God has joined together let not man separate" (Matthew 19:6). The Bible tells us that the husband should love his wife not look for another one. (Eph. 5:25). Obviously the question you ask is about differences, not about a situation involving serious abuse, infidelity, or a concern for your physical safety.

3.    Longer Answer: No. There is quite a bit of teaching in the Bible about divorce. Jesus himself spoke about it on several occasions. Divorce was not an option. In fact his teaching in Matthew 19:1-10 (briefly quoted above) was so radical that even the disciples were blown away. Verse 10 records the disciples’ response, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” Yes, if you are not looking to love sacrificially someone other than yourself that is probably true. If someone is not willing to die daily to themselves and serve another, then it is better not to get married in the first place. And that doesn’t mean “living together” without getting married…that means celibacy.

Honestly, at some point almost everyone in any marriage becomes convinced they have married the "wrong one". If this were grounds for divorce then everyone would divorce. Our feelings in this are never a reliable guide. Marriage, as taught in the Bible, is not something that is to be ended willingly. As I describe “dying to self”, I am not suggesting that we endure marriage as we would suffer through a prison sentence. On the contrary, it is only when we learn to live like Jesus that we discover the real joy of love, and even a "dead marriage" can be made alive again. Invest in prayer for your spouse and sincerely ask God to kindle a deeper love and see how He answers that kind of faithful prayer.

A follow-up question to consider: Did God love us and “marry” us only then to decide that he had loved the wrong person? No. His love for us was not based on our lovability, but on his choice to love us as an expression of his character. Though we were unfaithful and arrogant and spurned his love he did not turn away. In his love he bought us back from the traffickers of sin with his own blood. Marriage is a very serious commitment. It is intended to depict for us all the love of God for his people. The issue we have to get past is our own “hardness of heart” that leads us to objectify our marriage…to fail to love. To use a financial metaphor, when our heart is hard we tend to sell a relationship short and reinvest somewhere else with a more attractive return rate. The bottom line becomes “my needs” rather than how can I love God by loving my spouse. Any time two people with their own thoughts, feelings, dreams, and desires not to mention all their habits and flaws come together to live as one, there will be a struggle. It is not for the cowardly or weak at heart. It involves a daily dying to your own agenda and personal preferences. But when two people can confess their own selfishness and pride and follow Jesus together it can be a glorious. 

I hope this helps. Please know that I, or any of our pastors here at the church, would love to talk with you about this further.

Pastor Greg

Is it wrong for two people who are engaged to be married, to live under the same roof?

Q: “Is it wrong for two people who are engaged to be married, to live under the same roof (in the same house to save time and money) even if they have separate bedrooms, and have no sexual relations until married?” 

A: The simple answer is that we would say not to do it.  You will not find a direct prohibition in the Bible since this option would not culturally have been even thinkable at the time it was written.  The Bible was written to a culture that was very protective of the young women in their families and villages.   A young man would agree to a marriage and then spend the next year preparing a home for him and his bride (this was a betrothal, like an engagement).  This was a time of waiting, in every sense of the word.  Historically, most societies have had some traditions built into how they protect woman and prepare a young couple for marriage.  Our current society has abandoned the ones that existed culturally prior to the middle of the past century.  So many people are asking these questions in a near vacuum.  25 years ago, I might have asked you if your parents would agree to the arrangement (a rhetorical question in those days).  But we are in the second and third generations of a permissive society, so perhaps they would be fine with it.  Here are the issues:

1.       Self-Control – a couple that intends to marry is going to be increasingly drawn to one another physically (if not, there is something amiss).  To put themselves in such a vulnerable position in the privacy of their own home is an invitation to give in to desires.  Our experience as a church is that the couples who have done this almost always succumb at some point, and then feel disappointed that they did not remain committed to waiting.

2.       Honoring of Parents – as noted above, this may not be a big deal to many parents in this day and age.  But if the parents do object, the right thing for the couple to do is to take them seriously and honor them.  Granted, some family relationships can be very broken and this might not seem like a very compelling reason.  But assuming there are some good relationships with the parents, their concerns should be taken seriously.  “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).  This is a command with a promise that it will go well with you.  Parents can be a great blessing to a couple.  Families are for life.  If living together brings disapproval or stress to the family relationships, then the larger family should be considered. 

3.       Appearance of Evil – A man who loves his bride should be concerned with protecting her honor.  He should seek every means possible to be sure that she is above reproach before believers and non-believers.  If this causes some temporary challenge financially or with respect to time, it is worth it.  It establishes a pattern of respect that will be very important to the marriage.  Even if they remain chaste, they have a witness to a world that is reticent to believe it.  They are in effect saying that living together is fine for Christians. We would also desire that your wedding day would be celebrated without reservation by all your family and friends...knowing that the vows you are exchanging be fore witnesses in church are sincere and not merely the pretending of hypocrites. We want the people at your wedding to know that you are different from the world, that your strongest love is for Jesus Christ and that your lives are surrendered to him alone, not to personal convenience. We want that confidence to start in your own hearts!

4.       Missing Out – our experience is that people who make this decision do so out of a compromise (time and money versus a biblical approach).  There is great spiritual and relational growth for couples who work through those challenges and remain committed to one another’s honor (and the avoidance of irresistible temptations and an appearance of evil).  A short cut might save a few hours and a few bucks, but result in missing out on how God would have a couple grow stronger together. 

I hope this helps you to frame the issue from a biblical perspective. Pastor Greg posted an answer to a very similar question on this blog dated January 13, 2011 (http://b4answers.blogspot.com/2011/01/is-it-ok-to-live-together-to-save-money.html?showComment=1295053645208#c7171192169152675773). 
Let us know if you have additional questions.

Blessings
Mark

Where are the New Answers?

Dear "Bible Answers" Readers,
We are so glad that so many of you have continued to read this blog for answers and direction over this past year...despite the lack of any new postings. We thought you might like a brief explanation.

The Bad News: For those of you who have wondered why there has been no new activity on this blog for the last year...in May of 2011 we had to reorganize our church staff in order to move strongly into the next phase of our ministry as a church, and at the same time to make cuts in order to live within our budget. As a result, there was a sizable staff lay-off, this included the pastor who was responsible for posting the answers to this blog (Greg). There were some comments added to some particular postings over the last year, but no fresh content posts.

The Good News: I (Greg) have been contracting with the church to provide content for two other blogs supporting Pastor Randy's excellent sermon series on Luke: Jesus for Everyone. One blog provides background information as well as study questions to go along with sermon notes and introductory videos that were shot on site in Israel in Nov.-Dec. 2011 that can be viewed at http://jesus4everyone.blogspot.com/. The second blog also supports our study in Luke and contains my own Bible journaling on the relevant passages each week which can be read at http://b4lukejournal.blogspot.com/.

The Future: We intend to provide new content on this blog with some regularity going forward, as people ask questions at “Ask a Pastor” with regularity as circumstances allow. There have been a number of questions asked and answered in the past year that have simply not made it to this blog and we hope to do some catching up soon!

If this resource has been helpful to you please let us know...and if you have other questions you would like us to address feel free to ask.