There are many scriptures that describe the
sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf. Perhaps the most widely known of these scriptures is
John 3:16 - That God so love the world that he
gave His only begotten Son, that who ever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life.
Clearly stated here is that Jesus gave His life for anyone that would believe in Him. Nothing is said about
the select few, in fact
Eph 2:8 says " For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from youselves,
it is Gods's gift, not from works, so that no one can boast.
If it is a gift that cannot be earned, then it is open to all who desire it, again it is for anyone who would
believe in Jesus.
John 1:12 says "But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children
of God, to those who believe in His name.
So let me ask this, do you believe that any father that loves His children would pick only a few select ones
to save? The answer is no. God demonstrated His love for us by sending Jesus to die on the cross.
Romans 5:8 But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners
Christ died for us!
Further proof that God views all of His children as equals is written in
Romans 3:9-10 What then? Are we any better? Not at all! For we have previously charged
that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin, as it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one.
God is speaking of us not being righteous of our own accord.
Romans 3:23 Says For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 6:23 Says For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal
life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So, How do we know that Jesus died for all of us and not the select few? Maybe a better question would be
how do I become one of the select few. We know that Christ died that we should live. Jesus said in Revelation 3:20
"Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him
and have dinner with him, and he with me.
Notice Jesus said anyone. In every scripture that pertains to salvation
it is cleary stated that salvation is open to anyone. However there is a condition that must be met to obtain this salvation,
and if you will to become one of the select few.
Romans 10:9-10 If you will confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe
in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with heart one believes, resulting in righteousness,
and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.
~ Michael Vines ~
12/02
