Depends on if he was seeking it or not is my guess.
The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for
“‘In him we live and move and have our being" Acts 17:24
HFPZ, the Bible does mention something about a fourfold witness to the truth. I’m not sure what all this entails, but from what I understand, we should be able to know it in the conscience and feel it in the heart. I suppose the physical evidence would testify to it sooner or later, so that we are able to see with our eyes. Scripture also mentions hearing with the ears, so I would say that those who have gone before tell us of it since they have already learned through experience.
Yes LLC, I do believe we can feel it in our conscience, and see it witnessed in the scriptures. The Holy Spirit has come to lead us and guide us into all truth. But the core of that truth is Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life, and the mystery of that truth is Christ in me, the hope of glory. So the manifestation of that truth is the expression of the divine nature trhough us.
It is good solid doctrine to focus on that, and imo it is the foundational reason we have confidence in the salvation of all- that is the nature of God, to save all; the testimony of the scriptures is that He is saving all through Christ crucified- the prime evidence that God is love.
So the word of God is that witness, in essence. When it is taken as a source foe jots and tittles of doctrine and focused on knowledge it wanders, in spirit- outside the boundaries of the true knowledge of God. When it is founded on, and focused on that essence, it is living and active.
But “Christians” disagree on so much, and spend so much time on these circular arguments about the same subjects of preipheral doctrine, I wonder at the source of the strife and division.
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.James 3
And I would put more faith, in what Catholic theology says…Regarding other religions and faith traditions - since Vatican II…Then what Benny Hinn has to say - regarding these matters.
Which begs the question, what are these alleged “many paths”? Do they involve His grace & faith in Him & the gospel:
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Are religions that call Christ a false teacher “paths to Jesus”?
Are beliefs that deny or doubt the existence of God a path to God?
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Heb.11:6)
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. (Psa.14:1)
But according to Joel Osteen 99.9% of people are good:
I don’t know about Osteen’s comments - on these matters. And there are MANY who comment - on Hinn’s fake healings and DUBIOUS financial dealings. And Osteen is more, of a Christian motivational speaker. Who lacks a theological training and degree. For that matter, i don’t think Benny Hinn has any either. According to Wiki at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benny_Hinn. So BOTH should refrain from speaking on matters - where they lack qualifications.
Inclusivism is an established theological position. And it is only though Christ, that folks are saved. Whether they know if or not. And it is puralism, that says there are “many paths”. Actually, there’s not too much difference, in the inclusivist and universalist positions. Except for magnitude and number - of those saved.
If folks want to know more - from AUTHENTIC sources. They can go back and read the links - in my prior post. With the apples and oranges GIF.
Should I also provide articles, that call into question - Benny Hinn’s fake healings and DUBIOUS financial dealings?
The apostles of Jesus hadn’t been to the Pharisees school for “a theological training and degree”, but that didn’t stop them from preaching & teaching the Christ, doing miracles & healings in His name, and writing the New Testament Scriptures:
Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13, NASB)
The apostles are gone. And much has occurred - since that time. Which needs folks trained in theology - to sort out. Or should we look to ordination mills, like the Universal Life Church? Where everyone can get a degree or an ordination? And preach the gospel, preform marriages, etc.? Which they can do legally - in the US - by the way. Like World Christianship Ministries.
And if folks do a Google search on “Benny Hinn fake”, they will find plenty of articles - on page 1 alone. Is this someone folks should listen to and follow - as a “man of God”?
The 12 are gone, but are apostles gone? And those that prophesy?
When will the divisions between theologians get sorted out?
Many look to those who speak with “power”:
and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (1 Cor.2:4)
18 I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15)
1 Jn.2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
If everyone is already reconciled to God, why should anyone care about topics like freewill, the moral abilities of unbelievers & how depraved man is? Why evangelize? Why read the Bible, pray, take up your cross & follow Jesus? Why not go live it up & part-ay!
And how will the common man, be able to sort out the messages - of those “speaking with power”? Especially if they are preaching contradictory messages? I’ve turned on many Pentecostal TV preachers (normally, they are black) and witnessed this first hand.
Let’s look at an article, describing one of these “men of power” - you like:
Why not get involved… there might be some chance of freeing some folks from much of the religious bondage that goes with so much of that.
“Why evangelize?” — hmm maybe to let people know they’ve been reconciled.
“Why read the Bible, pray, take up your cross & follow Jesus?” — that might be something some people feel let to do, so why not?
“Why not go live it up & part-ay!” — too many Christians live their lives like they’ve been baptised in lemon juice… Christians should be well able to live it up & part-ay! Like why not?
So it’s all about this life, since there is no future or after death punishment?
Is the gospel according to davo: “You are reconciled. But whether or not you believe that in this life won’t keep you from eternal life. All will enjoy eternal life anyway. Even serial killers will not be punished for how they’ve been in this life & get eternal life after they die.”? Does that about sum it up?
Is there anything that would motivate people to take up their cross & follow Jesus besides “that might be something some people feel let to do, so why not?” It doesn’t sound like that would matter. Does this matter:
1 Cor.6:9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.…