“EXPOSURE TO THE SON PREVENTS BURNING”
read the sign outside ofthe meeting place of a local congregation this
past week. Cute saying - but totallyunscriptural! When one is exposed to
the sun, he gets burned and that burning can be hazardous to health and
even, if there is too much exposes, it can be fatal. But does “exposure
to the Son” prevent one burning in hell, as the sign implies? To the denominationalist
who believes the false doctrine of “faith only” it may be a statement that
is full of comfort but to the child of God, it is a statement that is not
only erroneous but one that
gives a false hope to those who see it as they drive by. It gives a
false hope that if one is simply “exposed” to the Son then their eternal
salvation is assured. If the statement of the sign were true, then the
devils would be saved since they were indeed “exposed to the Son” for we
are told that the devils believe (James 2:19) and to believe, they must
have been “exposed to the Son.” However, that same verse says that they
also “tremble.” If simple “exposure to the Son” prevents burning in the
fires of hell, why would the devils be trembling. They tremble because
they know that simply believing or being exposed to the Son does not mean
they will be saved. Again, let us notice, “Nevertheless among the chief
rulers also many believed on him; but because
of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put
out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise
of God” (John 12:42-43). Here again, we see that the Chief Rulers were
exposed to the Son, since, they believed. Did that “exposure” give then
prevention from “burning” in the fires of hell? Their believe did not bring
salvation because we are told that they refused to confess Christ as they
feared being put out of the synagogue. Jesus made it clear that if we are
going to be able to enter the heavenly realm, we must be willing to do
that which these chief rulers were not, to confess Him before men. Note
what Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him
will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever
shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is
in
heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33). Again, what about Felix and King Agrippa.
Both of these were most certainly received “exposure to the Son” but their
is no indication in the Scriptures that either of them benefited as to
the
prevention of burning in the fires of hell by their exposure. Note
what we read concerning Paul’s encounter with Felix, “And after certain
days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent
for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. [And as he reasoned
of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come Felix trembled, and
answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I
will call for thee. He hoped also that money should have been given him
of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener,
and communed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix'
room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound”
(Acts 24:24-27). Again, respecting King Agrippa,
we read, “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou
believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be
a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also
all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am,
except these bonds” (Acts 26:27-29). Neither of these benefited from their
“exposure to the Son” as they did not respond to the message of salvation.
“Exposure to the Son” only prevents burning in the fires of hell when
those who are so exposed are taught the truth that will make them free
are obedient to the truth by their responding in obedience to the gospel.
As the Hebrew writer wrote: “And being made perfect, he became the author
of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:9). If you
do not want to burn in the fires of hell, be exposed to the Son and obey
Him that you might be saved.
Ken Chumbley