The Offer of Salvation is Universal, But…

[PATrobas]

Reminders – The Offer of Salvation is Universal, But…

Part 1

            Christians are a very exclusive group of people. Membership is restricted by the criteria that God requires in order to belong. You can’t be a member if you  believe that Buddha, Mohammed, the Pope, or any man, deity, or angel is just another way to God. Neither can you be a member if your authority in spiritual matters is the Koran, the Book of Mormon, the Watchtower, or any new or ancient writings apart from the Bible. This is not my opinion, nor have I arrived at this conviction because it is the way I have chosen. It is the Creator God’s immutable declaration in His Word. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by me.” ^{John 14:6} He is not a way, He is the only way. Either Jesus is the only way, or He is a liar.

            It is because of God’s mercy and grace, His unmerited favor bestowed on mankind, that anyone can be saved. ^{Titus 3:4-7} This gracious mercy of God came in the form of Jesus and His death on the cross, His burial in a tomb, and His raising from the dead. This act was the giving of His only begotten Son spoken of in John 3:16. But this good news is not at all exclusive, but rather is universal, being offered to all, no matter who they are, or what they have done. “God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” ^{2 Peter 3:9}  As Jesus completed bearing the sin and sins of the world in His body on the cross, he said, “It is finished.” ^{John 19:30} and then He died. ^{Romans 6:23} It was then and there that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.” ^{2 Corinthians 5:19} God’s provision of the way of salvation for all mankind was finished. There was nothing left to do. The logical question then becomes, “why isn’t everybody saved and going to heaven?” The answer is, not everybody believes the Gospel. This is the restrictive part of Christianity. God says that in order to be saved, one must believe this good news. Not to put their trust in a man or in a religion or in an authority or in their good works, but rather in God and what He did and declares. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God to save everyone that believes. ^{Romans 1:16} “For without faith, it is impossible to please God.” ^{Hebrews 11:6}

            Final Thoughts: There is always someone who counters the Gospel of grace through faith by adding good works to the plan of salvation. They often bring up James’ statement “that faith without works is dead.” ^{James 2:20} This statement is true, but only because Biblical faith comes first and always produces good works.  Good works are a result of salvation, not the cause. Once someone has received the gift of salvation by grace through faith, then good works are produced. Notice the progression of these familiar scriptures, “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.” ^{Ephesians 2:8-10}

^(PH)

[Sower]

8 hours ago, PATrobas said:

The logical question then becomes, “why isn’t everybody saved and going to heaven?”

Why?   Unbelief.  They have not seen God, and have no faith.

"Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me?

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Thanks, Pat

[Who me]

18 hours ago, PATrobas said:

You can’t be a member if you  believe that Buddha, Mohammed, the Pope, or any man, deity, or angel is just another way to God.

Never understood this.

Christians are accused  of being narrow minded because one has to be a Christian to be saved!

Unfortunately Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism,  Mormons,  JW, etc etc etc all believe that only there followers will be saved.

The nonsense that all roads lead to God is shown to be false as Islam and the Christian sects have one God, Hinduism and mormons has a multitude of gods while Buddhism has no god.

 

The wonder of Christianity is that God is concerned  for us, he is active in saving us, so much so that unlike all other religions in Christianity the work of salvation is done for one and it has just to be accepted. 

[PATrobas]

I don't know who originally said it but it makes a good point, "All religions but one are man's attempt to reach God and appease Him by their works. Christianity is the only one where God reaches out to man, and no amount of works will appease Him." Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:17, Hebrews 11:6.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.