Message from Scripture: 9/14/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today comes from Heb. 9:28; “So Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.”

 

I recently read an article where the author stated this verse confirms Christ only died for the sins of those God predestined to be saved. Everyone else is summarily condemned to eternal torment, no matter whether they seek God or not. This doctrine has to be one of the saddest, and most discouraging, views of life man has ever conceived. Gratefully, it is also wrong.

 

Jesus’ sacrifice is able to save everyone, but not everyone is willing to come to Him to find salvation. Paul reminded Timothy that God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4). The word desire doesn’t just mean to wish for it, but implies active volition and purpose. The same thought is expressed in 2 Pet. 3:9; “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” Or consider Jesus’ statement in John 3:16; “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” We also remember Jesus’ charge to His disciples; “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been immersed shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned’” (Mark 16:15-16).

 

There will be those who are lost, but it isn’t because God predestined them to be lost, but because they chose to reject the means to find life in Christ. Let’s rejoice God freely offers salvation to all in Christ. As those who are in Christ, let’s go out and serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and show all the salvation they can freely have in Him as well. God bless.

 

Robert