If you get into a conversation about salvation with two “religious” folks today, the likelihood is high that you will be talking to two individuals who believe, practice and teach two different things about this most fundamental of all subjects—salvation! That fact is amazing, frightening and discouraging.
Remarkably, some have taught that salvation is not available to all men, for God never intended for some to be saved. The doctrine of “limited atonement” has been advanced, which holds that Christ only died for the elect, thus His atoning sacrifice was only for a limited group. How does this doctrine hold up to the light of the gospel? Who can be saved, according to Scripture?
Scripture affirms that ALL need to be saved. There is no doubt that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and that “there is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:23, 10). Since God is the one who gave us these Scriptures, truly He knows that ALL need to be saved. Would a loving, gracious God only offer salvation to a limited number and unconditionally condemn all others?
Scripture affirms that God wants ALL to be saved. The two apostles we know the best firmly established the following through inspiration: God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4); “The Lord…is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). God desires anyone and everyone to be saved. (This is not to say there are not conditions.)
Scripture affirms that Jesus died for ALL to be saved. Is this not apparent throughout the New Testament? “He died for all” (2 Cor. 5:15; cf. 1 Tim. 2:6), that He “might taste death for everyone” (Heb. 2:9; “for the whole world,” 1 John 2:2), and “draw all peoples to” Himself (John 12:32). By Jesus, “the free gift came to all men” (Rom. 5:18). Jesus died only for those whom God wanted to save—and that’s ALL!
Scripture affirms that Jesus called for ALL to be saved. He invited, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden…” (Matt. 11:28). The invitation of the Lord is for “whoever desires” (Rev. 22:17).
When the most important and fundamental subject of Scripture is studied—salvation—let’s lay aside all manmade doctrines, go to the Bible and find God’s way.