Acts 2:36-38
We tend to cast much doubt upon those who have never "done" those things we think they must do to be right with God. I guess rather than "doubt" I should say "judgment." We hold the lost accountable, despite their being dead in their sins and therefore unable to work the works of righteousness. They haven't repented. They haven't been baptized. They haven't walked an aisle. They haven't prayed a prayer. They haven't signed up in triplicate. Therefore, they are "unrighteous," "ungodly," "worldly," "sinful," "pagan," whatever. We know they need Jesus, and since they haven't "given their lives to Him" they somehow deserve our finger pointing and hellfire and brimstone.
Notice, here, though, that the "what shall we do?" follows the "they were cut to the heart." Conviction must precede profession. The work of faith--which is the free gift of God (Eph. 2:8)--must be done in one's soul before their conviction (on the inside) can be turned into repentance and baptism (the outside symbol of inside faith).
So, before we place the responsibility and judgment upon the lost--who are dead and unable to accomplish anything for righteousness sake--let's take a closer look at whom is really responsible. Before there could be repentance, their had to be conviction. Before there was conviction, there had to be proclamation. Somehow through the proclamation of the Gospel, God works to bring to life saving faith in the soul, which is evidenced through repentance.
Let us not judge the lost--that is God's business. We must judge ourselves. We have the responsibility. Read Acts 4:29-30. We proclaim. He acts.
Romans 10:13-17 says it all!
