As I read the March 5th issue of this paper, I came across this statement on page 6B "Since God has promised to answer prayers which are according to his will, we can assume that the only thing holding back worldwide revival is the church's failure to pray." I would like to explain why this assumption is wrong.

Worldwide revival would be a wonderful thing. It certainly is possible and it is even God's will according to 2 Peter 3:9. Therefore, God's will is not the problem restricting worldwide revival nor is the problem that God has not made adequate provision for the salvation of mankind. Jesus came to seek and save the lost and completed that task according to John 17:4 which completed God's part in the redemption of man and it cost God much, even the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross. God's part is finished.

Now here is the problem. It is mankind failing to complete his part in his own salvation. That man even has a part in his salvation is an unpopular notion. We hear statements like "Christ did it all" which imply as mere humans we can in no way assist Christ in His effort to save us. At most we hear from so many that all you have to do is believe. To do anything beyond believe would, as they say, mean that we are earning our salvation, which the Bible plainly teaches that we can not do Eph 2:9.

So then, did Christ do it all? Simple logic tells us that He did not, for if He had no one would be lost and worldwide revival would be unnecessary. Also, statements from the Bible like "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" Phi 2:12, would make no sense.

All that Eph 2:9 is telling us is that the value of salvation is priceless and cannot be earned therefore it must be given to us from God. But God has placed certain conditions on our receiving that gift. This is His right. The gift of salvation will not be granted to anyone who does not have faith according to Heb 11:6 . There will be no atheists in heaven. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" Rom 10:17. Those who refuse to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ will not be found in heaven. Salvation will not be given to anyone who will allow sin to rule their life Rom 6:12. God requires repentance Acts 17:30. God will not give the gift of salvation to anyone who will not confess Jesus as the Son of God Rom 10:9-10. We cannot deny Jesus and go to heaven. And we cannot receive the gift of salvation without remission of our sins accomplished through baptism Mark 16:16. Baptism crucifies the old man of sin and raises us up a new creation, Rom 6, a Christian who then the Lord adds to the church Acts 2:47. At this point we are a babe in Christ, expected to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, 2 Pet 3:18, and if we are found faithful until death Jesus has promised us a crown of life Rev 2:10.

Worldwide revival will never happen and it has nothing to do with how much the church prays or does not pray. I know this because Jesus has plainly said so in Matt 7:14. There are only two reasons why so many will be lost. First, it is because they have not the love of the truth, 2 Thess 2:10, and second, because they obey not the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ 2 Thess 1:8.

Send comments or questions to the Clintwood Church of Christ, POB 746, Clintwood, Va. 24228 or E-mail me at bryanwa@ntelos.net

Check out our web page at clintwoodchurchofchrist.com