What is the Gospel and salvation? To accept the gift that Christ has obtained for us! Therefore, there is only one way:
“No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.” (1 John 2:23 ESV)
Admittedly, this is an offensive message. It excludes all who do not
believe in Jesus. It also seems to be unjust. After all, who can blame
those who have never heard the Gospel for their disbelief in Christ?
However, Scripture informs us that all have the light and reject it, making them guilty:
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:18-20)
Consequently, all of us are "without excuse" for rejecting the one true God. We all have the evidence but we reject it. This makes us all guilty and condemned (Romans 6:23). Therefore, if God is to act justly, we are all damned. This means that we all require Christ's free gift.
Because He is merciful, is God required to save all? Certainly not! Mercy is freely given to whomever He wants among those who deserve damnation. God is not bound to save all. Instead, He says, "I will have mercy on those on whom I will have mercy."
We might not like this, but if this represents reality, then we have to adjust to it, as we must by breathing the air.
However, Scripture informs us that all have the light and reject it, making them guilty:
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:18-20)
Consequently, all of us are "without excuse" for rejecting the one true God. We all have the evidence but we reject it. This makes us all guilty and condemned (Romans 6:23). Therefore, if God is to act justly, we are all damned. This means that we all require Christ's free gift.
Because He is merciful, is God required to save all? Certainly not! Mercy is freely given to whomever He wants among those who deserve damnation. God is not bound to save all. Instead, He says, "I will have mercy on those on whom I will have mercy."
We might not like this, but if this represents reality, then we have to adjust to it, as we must by breathing the air.
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