‘Receiving that gift is their own choice. How is that not fair?’
It’s not just a matter of hearing the Word, it’s a matter of hearing it WELL.
Some never hear it, some hardly hear it, and some never truly get to hear it with the proper emphasis.
In the case of my relative, he stood among theologians who knew doctrine, etc — it HURT his faith. He walked in a Christian and walked out an agnostic.
>>> In the case of my relative, he stood among theologians who knew doctrine, etc — it HURT his faith. He walked in a Christian and walked out an agnostic.
Jesus warned of this. We should not be deceived or discouraged by the presence of those who would seek to deceive us.
I would submit that your relative has been deceived, and his current status with God is unchanged. How much sense does it make to judge God according to the actions or beliefs of men?
Our relationship with God is between Him and us alone.
Jesus made that possible.
The Holy Spirit is the one Who reveals scripture to us. (doctrine)
Tell your relative to get back in the race.... the rewards are well worth it. Salvation is already a done deal if he has surrendered to Jesus.