Recently I was asked the following question: “I have been trying to find the scripture that says all will be made to know truth and be given one more chance to accept or reject before their Final Judgment. Can you tell me where I can read this for myself?” It's not another chance at salvation; it's really the first chance for most of the world. Many people have this idea that Yahweh is in this pitched battle with haSatan over people's souls, and that Yahweh is desperately trying to save people, pleading with them to accept Yahshua as their Savior before they die and are lost to the enemy for all eternity. Is that really the truth? Should we be fretting and worrying about our friends and relatives and trying everything we can think of to convince and persuade them of The Truth so that they won't be lost forever? When we examine the whole word of Yahweh, we will see that He has a plan of salvation that will include an opportunity for everyone to receive eternal life. Yahweh's will, (His desire), is that everyone receives eternal life. But because He created human beings in His own image with free will, sadly some will decide not to accept the gift Yahweh offers them. 1 Tim 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable before Elohim our Savior, (4) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Pet 3:9 יהוה is not slow in regard to the promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward us, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. So, if we begin with the premise that Yahweh is not a respecter of persons, that is He doesn't favor one person over another with respect to salvation, it follows that everyone will be givenan opportunity for salvation. Not that everyone will accept the gift of salvation - but every person who has ever lived will be given an opportunity. Acts 10:34-35 And opening his mouth, Kěpha (Peter) said, “Truly I see that Elohim shows no partiality, (35) but in every nation, he who fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. So how can a person fear Yahweh and work righteousness if they have not had an opportunity to understand the truth, and if they have only heard lies and deception their entire life? In fact, scripture tells us that a person must be specifically drawn by the Father. Consider, a 10-year-old boy who lives in Gaza, and has never even heard the name of Yahshua. He has never seen the scriptures or known the Way of Yahweh. This boy is convinced to blow himself up to kill Jews. Is he lost forever and doomed to eternal torment and punishment, as some teach? If that were true, it would contradict what Shimon Kepha was inspired to write. John 6:44 “No one is able to come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him. And I shall raise him up in the last day. John 6:63-65 “It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh does not profit at all. The words that I speak to you are Spirit and are life. (64) “But there are some of you who do not believe.” For יהושע knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would deliver Him up. (65) And He said, “Because of this I have said to you that no one is able to come to Me unless it has been given to him by My Father.” Here we see that Yahshua says it is not even possible to come to a belief in Yahshua's words of eternal life unless it has been granted by the Father. Sha'ul (Paul) gives us another witness of this idea that until Yahweh calls someone they are not even able to understand His way of life: Rom 8:5-8 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the matters of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the matters of the Spirit. (6) For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace. (7) Because the mind of the flesh is enmity towards Elohim, for it does not subject itself to the Torah of Elohim, neither indeed is it able, (8) and those who are in the flesh are unable to please Elohim. Sha'ul addresses this idea that not everyone is called now and the reason that Yahweh does this. 1 Co 1:18-29 For the word of the stake is indeed foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of Elohim. (19) For it has been written, “I shall destroy the wisdom of the wise, and set aside the learning of the learned ones.”(Isaiah 29:14) (20) Where is the wise? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this age? Has not Elohim made foolish the wisdom of this world? (21) For since, in the wisdom of Elohim, the world through wisdom did not know Elohim, it pleased Elohim through the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. (22) And since Yehudim ask a sign, and Greeks seek wisdom, (23) yet we proclaim Messiah impaled, to the Yehudim a stumbling-block and to the Greeks foolishness, (24) but to those who are called– both Yehudim and Greeks– Messiah the power of Elohim and the wisdom of Elohim. (25) For the foolishness of Elohim is wiser than men, and the weakness of Elohim is stronger than men. (26) For look at your calling, brothers, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble. Notice he does not say that those who are not called right now will never get a chance; in fact he says the opposite. How could the strong and mighty be put to shame if they were never given the chance to have their minds opened and understand Yahweh's Way of life? (27) But Elohim has chosen the foolish matters ofthe world to put to shame the wise, and Elohim has chosen the weak of the world to put to shame the strong. (28) And Elohim has chosen the low-born of the world and the despised, and the ones that are not, that He might bring to naught (or to humble) the ones that are, (29) so that no flesh should boast in His presence. In first century Yisra'el, (Israel) there were many who came in contact with Yahshua, and their minds were blinded -on purpose. If they never would have an opportunity to have their minds opened, wouldn't Yahweh be a respecter of persons? Mat 11:25 At that time יהושע responding, said, “I thank You, Father, Master of the heavens and earth, because You have hidden these matters from clever and learned ones and have revealed them to babes. Luk 10:21 In that hour יהושע exulted in the Spirit and said, “I praise You, Father, Master of the heaven and of the earth, that You have hidden these matters from clever and learned ones, and did reveal them to babes. Yes, Father, because thus it was well-pleasing in Your sight. Joh 12:37-41 But though He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, (38) that the word of Yeshayahu [Isaiah] the prophet might be filled, which he spoke, “יהוה, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of יהוה been revealed?” Isa 53:1. (39) Because of this they were unable to believe, because again Yeshayahu said: (40) “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they should not see with their eyes and understand with their heart, and turn, and I should heal them.” (Isa_6:10). (41) Yeshayahu said this when he saw His esteem and spoke of Him. Rom 11:25 For I do not wish you to be ignorant of this secret, brothers, lest you should be wise in your own estimation, that hardening in part has come over Yisra’ěl, until the completeness of the nations has come in. So we see there is an order in which people will be called – or drawn, to know Yahweh’s truth; a plan that Yahweh has put in motion to give an opportunity to everyone. 1 Co 15:20-24 But now Messiah has been raised from the dead, and has become the first-fruit of those having fallen asleep. (21) For since death is through a man, resurrection of the dead is also through a Man. (22) For as all die in Adam, so also all shall be made alive in Messiah. (23) And each in his own order: Messiah the first-fruits, then those who are of Messiah at His coming, (24) then the end, when He delivers up the reign to Elohim the Father, when He has brought to naught all rule and all authority and power. There will be a time of judgment for everyone Yahweh is beginning with those through the centuries that He has called and to whom He has given His Holy Spirit 1 Pe 4:17-19 Because it is time for judgment to begin from the House of Elohim. And if firstly from us, what is the end of those who do not obey the Good News of Elohim? This word translated into English as judgment comes from the Greek word G2917 κρίμα krima Thayer's Definition: a matter to be judicially decided, a lawsuit, a case in court - it can also mean condemnation, but we see by the context that the first definition fits. Part of Speech: noun neuter A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G2919 So what is really happening here is an evaluation of our works, or how we walk out our faith, and Yahshua will be judging; Joh 5:21-22 “For as the Father raisesthe dead and makes alive, even so the Son makes alive whom He wishes. (22) “For the Father judges no one, but has given all the judgment to the Son, Joh 5:24-29 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me possesses everlasting life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. (25) “Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of Elohim. And those having heard shall live. (26) “For as the Father possesses life in Himself, so He gave also to the Son to possess life in Himself, (27) and He has given Him authority also to do judgment, because He is the Son of Adam.(28) “Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the tombs shall hear His voice, (29) and shall come forth – those who have done good, to the resurrection of life. (those who were called and chosen and faithful will be resurrected to spirit). Rev 20:6 Blessed and set-apart is the one having part in the first resurrection. The second death possesses no authority over these, but they shall be priests of Elohim and of Messiah, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. And those who have practiced evil matters, (who were not called during their physical life)to a resurrection of judgment - i.e.; evaluation. Yahshua points out that many (actually most people) have no idea of The Truth. Luk 12:47-48 “And that servant who knew his master’s desire, and did not prepare, nor did according to his desire, shall be beaten with many stripes.(48) “But he who did not know, yet did what deserved flogging, shall be beaten with few. And everyone to whom much is given, from him much shall be demanded. And to whom much has been entrusted, from him much more shall be asked. Yahshua tells us the even Sodom (and Gomorrah) will have a time of evaluation and repentance in the future. Mat 11:21-24 “Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Běyth Tsaiḏa! Because if the miracles which were done in you had been done in Tsor and Tsidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. (22) “But I say to you, it shall be more bearable for Tsor and Tsidon in the Day of Judgment than for you. (23) “And you, Kephar Nahum, who were exalted to the heaven, shall be brought down to She’ol! Isa 14:13 and Isa 14:15. Because if the miracles which were done in you had been done in Sedom, it would have remained until this day. (24) “But I say to you that it shall be more bearable for the land of Sedom in the day of judgment than for you.” Here's when that will happen: After the Thousand Year Reign of Messiah - Rev 20:12-13 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before the throne, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged from what was written in the books, according to their works. (13) And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and She’ol gave up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Here we find described perhapsthe most awesome event in human history, a time when all people—the unknown, the famous, and the infamous—will really come to understand why they were born! These formerly dead people, certainly including many of your own ancestors, are seen “standing before Yahweh”—obviously in a resurrection. Then the “books” are opened. The term “books” here is translated from the Greek word biblion, which is the same word translated “Bible”—meaning the books of the Bible! So, finally, these formerly blinded people from all ages past—including our own time—have the books of the Bible “opened” to their understanding. The veil that was over them, closing their minds to The Truth in the past is now removed. Now, at last, these people have their first genuine opportunity, not a second chance, to know Yahweh and to decide whether to repent and accept Yahshua as the true Messiah - as Master and Savior, or to go their own way. The opportunity for eternal life is at last presented to these multitudes of people “small and great.” They are resurrected back to physical life, perhaps for a period of 100 years—long enough for a thorough opportunity for them to learn, grow, and be tried and tested as to their willingness to live eternal life Yahweh’s Way. The same opportunity we have had as first fruits during our lifetimes. Isa 65:19-20 “And I shall rejoice in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), and shall joy in My people, and let the voice of weeping no more be heard in her, nor the voice of crying.(20) “No more is an infant from there going to live but a few days, nor an old man who does not complete his days, for the youth dies one hundred years old, but the sinner being one hundred years old shall be lightly esteemed. They will be called and have a chance to study and understand the Bible. Yahweh says that then—and only then—these resurrected people will be “judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books” (Rev 20:12). Now, after being given their first genuine chance to know and to act upon the truth, these people are judged by how they respond to and obey the teachings of the books of the Bible. So how will this happen? Eze 37:4-14 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and you shall say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of יהוה! (5) Thus said the Master יהוה to these bones, “See, I am bringing into you a spirit, and you shall live. (6) “And I shall put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, and cover you with skin and put a spirit in you, and you shall live. And you shall know that I am יהוה.” (7) And I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a noise, and there was a rattling. And the bones came together, bone to bone. (8) And I looked and saw sinews and flesh came upon them, and skin covered them, but there was no spirit in them. (9) He then said to me, “Prophesy to the spirit, prophesy, son of man, and you shall say to the spirit, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “Come from the four winds, O spirit, and breathe on these killed ones, so that they live.” ’ ” (this spirit or ruach is breath in their lungs) (10) And I prophesied as He commanded me, and the spirit came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, a very great army. (11) And He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are all the house of Yisra’ěl. See, they say, ‘Our bones are dry, our expectancy has perished, and we ourselves have been cut off!’ (12) “Therefore prophesy, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus said the Master יהוה, “See, O My people, I am opening your burial-sites and shall bring you up from your burial-sites, and shall bring you into the land of Yisra’ěl. (13) “And you shall know that I am יהוה, when I open your burial-sites, My people, and bring you up from your burial-sites. (14) “And I shall put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I shall settle you in your own land. And you shall know that I יהוה have spoken, and I have done it,” declares יהוה.’ ” Notice these people who are resurrected to physical life think that they are lost with no hope, but in this resurrection now Yahweh gives them His Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit)for the first time. Yahweh says that He will pour out His Spirit on all people - that hasn't happened yet. Joe 2:28-32 “And after this it shall be that I pour out My Spirit on all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men dream dreams, your young men see visions. (29) “And also on the male servants and on the female servants I shall pour out My Spirit in those days. (30) “And I shall give signs in the heavens and upon the earth: blood and fire and columns of smoke, (31) the sun is turned into darkness, and e moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of יהוה. (32) “And it shall be that everyone who calls on the Name of יהוה shall be delivered.
For on Mount Tsiyon (Zion) and in Yerushalayim there shall be an escape as יהוה has said, and among the survivors whom יהוה calls.
We don't have to worry about our friends and relatives who just don't understand the truth that we have. The fact is, they haven't been called - YET! They will have an opportunity to understand The Truth: Yahweh's Way of Life, and receive eternal life, but all this is in the Father's hands; when He decides.
c 2022 Green Bay Sabbath Fellowship / Eld J. Illgen