The God Files

Q: In the New Testament, Who was the first missionary?

A: ***WARNING: The answer might shock you, be open to the Holy Spirit of God while reading the answer.***

The first missionary is NOT Paul the apostle. Though through the work of the Holy Spirit and Paul’s convictions many are inspired, blessed and are saved through his missionary journeys.

Was it the disciples when they have received the Great Commission? No, the Great Commission (Mat 28:18-20 "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." [my stresses]) is the Biblical basis of missions but it was given after Jesus Christ’s resurrection, the first missionary was sent before that time.

Was it then the disciples when they were sent out in pairs by Jesus? No, The first missionary was sent before this time, it happened within the first year of the ministry of Jesus.

Who then was it? We don’t even know this man’s name; It was the man formerly possessed by many demons who called himself Legion. (Refer to Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-39) When you read the account; it is clear that after Jesus cast the demons away, he wanted to follow Jesus (Mk 5:18-19, Lk 8:38-39) but Jesus did not permit him. Instead, he was told to return to his own house and proclaim the great things God has done for him. He went his way and began to proclaim in Decapolis (Deci/deca = ten, polis = city or state) all that Jesus had done for him.

The difficulty with us is that, when we hear the word "missionary" we think of a person proclaiming Christ in a foreign country. Most people think "A missionary has to go to the remote parts of Africa and Asia to evangelize and teach people of the love of Christ." Not so, A missionary’s heart desires to proclaim the gospel where it is needed. It may be needed in foreign countries but it may also be needed where you are; In your homes, your office, or with your friends and relatives.

By the power of the Holy Spirit of God, may you be able to proclaim the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Q: Will a person who committed suicide go to Heaven?

A: Let it be said that this is a very controversial issue but we shall see what the Bible has to say about it. First of all, the question is indeterminate. Committing or not committing suicide is NOT the basis of salvation. According to the Bible, there is only ONE way, ONE provision to get to Heaven; that is the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior. If anyone rejects God’s SOLE provision for the remission of sin, then that person is already condemned. Thus the person has committed the unpardonable sin. Unpardonable because God would have no righteous basis to forgive that person.

Going back to the problem, the confusion stems from the Roman Catholic doctrine that declares anyone who has committed suicide would go directly to Hell. In the senteces that follow; I’ll tell you, according to God’s words, why this doctrine is unstable. This doctrine/line of thinking gives degrees to sin. In God’s eyes, sin is sin; no matter how "small" it may seem. As it is written in James 2:10 "For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." Thus, it takes only one sin in order for us to deserve Hell.

Now, Suicide is tantamount to murder. Murder is killing another person while suicide is the killing of oneself. Both involves killing a person. However, Jesus Christ said that "…anyone who murders will be subject to judgement. But I tell you, that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." (Mat 5:21-22) Therefore, murder is not just the physical act but of the spiritual. Jesus said, anger towards your brother is ALSO tantamount to murder. The question would not have much of an impact if we rewrite it like so: "Will a person *who’s angry with his brother* go to Heaven when he dies?"

Here’s the simple answer: Committing suicide or committing a sin (except the unpardonable) is NOT the basis of salvation. To balance it all of; I’m not encouraging nor am I advocating the Christian to commit suicide to get to Heaven. As Christians, there is always a yearning to go home and be with the Father. Remember that Paul felt the same way as it is writtten in Phil 1:20-23 & 2 Cor 5:2,8. Paul did not commit suicide because he knew his purpose. He knew that God would still want to use him here on earth. When our purpose is done then God will take us home. As for me, I will let God decide when I shall retire.