Should I ask God to give people His complete knowledge?
Question:
Is it worthwhile to ask God in prayer to give confused or unbelieving people His complete knowledge of what is expected of them and a chance to accept it and be saved right before they would otherwise be damned? An example of what I mean by a confused person is, say, someone who thinks smoking is okay or that baptism isn't needed, or in a more general sense people who were trying to follow God but misunderstood things and acted upon what they thought was true. I would just rather not people go to hell if there is a way possible in accordance with God's will. I feel bad for confused Christians and sometimes wonder if I am accidentally or unknowingly doing something contrary to what God wants for me. I realize that whatever judgment God renders is ultimately the most appropriate thing and better than what I could decide. I am just wondering if this is worthwhile.
Answer:
God has given everyone a complete knowledge of what is needed to be righteous.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (II Timothy 3:16-17).
"As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" (II Peter 1:3).
When you notice someone doing something incorrectly, find an appropriate passage in the Bible and ask them if they ever considered what this means in their particular situation. Then you will be directing people to God and not offering your own opinion. "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen" (I Peter 4:11).
