But for those who understand the doctrine and then reject it, I don't believe that they have any excuse...if they die in that state of unbelief, they will die in their sins
That is the point, they can't grasp it. Where in the Bible does it demand that we understand the depth and nature of God fully in order to be saved? The Jews since Abraham looked forward to the time when their Messiah/Savior would come and be King - none of them expected Him to be God in the flesh.
Also, most people are told to read the gospel of John first thing when they become new Christians.
Yes, that is the book that describes Christ's deity. I often share the list of statements which identify Him as God: "I am the way, the truth a d the life; I am the Bread of life; I am the Vine...; I am the resurrection ...; Before Abraham was, I AM; I am the Light of the World; etc. But then, one can read this and not understand and move on. Everyone of those statements are loaded, deep ... you can teach a whole sermon on one verse and still not quite reach the depth of it. The concept of God becoming man is not easy to grasp. So when we don't grasp it, we move on to things we can grasp. Believing in what Jesus did, being obedient to what He taught, following Him. I know, we expect all to see as we do, but shouldn't judge them if they don't. The Body of Christ, believe it or not, is made up of many denominations, Catholic, Protestant, non- denominational, (with probably 95% of them being Trinitarian), but then the rest who believe, follow and love Jesus are also included - don't you think?
Some churches are stagnant, they don't grow much, because they have false doctrine, but it is not all false. So the Holy Spirit does not grow those churches, but does that mean He discards them entirely? By their fruit , you will know them. I think anyone who is drawn to Christ and follows him cannot be part if Satan's plan. Satan devices false religions, philosphies, and cults to keep people away from Jesus, to hate, despise and reject Jesus and His followers.
We do not know what is in someone's heart. They could be a rare, but we would have to examine that individual, their lives, fruit of tue Spirit, etc.
So, if they see that it is the biblical teaching and reject it, that is a heart issue that amounts to unbelief.
If they tell you that they believe in Jesus, that He died for their sins and rose in the third day, is not that what Jesus requires? Are you going to start piling up more prerequisites/hoops to jump so you can pass a judgment on them? We are not supposed to say or imply who will be saved and who will not - we don't know. My father was an atheist until he surrender to His in his eighties - just before death. My 88 year old mother is filled with all kinds of her own spiritual smorgasbord. She thinks she can earn her way to heaven based in her kindness. She doesn't believe Jesus rise from the dead. If she died today with her beliefs - she would be judged and would forfeit her soul. Stubborn as she may be, there is still hope that she may see the light.
My brother is an atheist too. U always thought the only way they may be convinced is if they actually experienced the Great Tribulation that I have been warning about for 25 years. I know their hearts, I know them and still don't know for sure if God will enlighten them. I would rather they be non-Trinitarians than where they are now.
And since we are saved by grace through faith, unbelief on their part might be a condemning factor in their lives, don't you think?
You are implying they don't believe the gospel. They would tell you they do. If they believe that Jesus died for our sins and rose on the third day, they have faith. Some have weak faith and little knowledge and some have great faith and knowledge.
