|
Larry Ray Hafley
(1) Grace: "The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all
men" (Titus 2:11). (2) Love: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only
begotten Son" (Jn. 3:16). (3) Death of Christ: "Jesus...taste(d) death for every
man" (Heb. 2:9).
God's grace and love sent Jesus to die on the cross for every man (Rom. 3:24;
5:6-8). However, not everyone is saved (Matt. 7:13, 14, 21-23). Why not? If
grace, love and the death of Christ saves, why is not everyone saved?
The answer is that God's gifts of forgiveness and eternal life are
conditionally received (Rom. 1:16; 2:4; 5:1; 6:17, 18, 23; 10:9, 10). Man cannot
earn his salvation. God does not owe us the forgiveness of sins. We do not
deserve his love and mercy, "but God commendeth his love toward us, in that,
while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). Jesus died that we
might be forgiven through his blood (Matt. 26:28; Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18,
19).
Sin brings death (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:13-15). Christ, though, "hath abolished
death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (2
Tim. 1:10). "But, if that is true, why is not everyone saved?" Again, one must
comply with terms or conditions of pardon. One must "believe" in order to be
saved. The gospel is God's power to save, but it will not save the man who will
not believe (Jn. 3:36; 8:24; Rom. 1:16). God's goodness will not save the man
who will not repent (Lk. 13:3; Acts 17:30; Rom. 2:4). The blessings of grace are
conditionally received!
Yes, the gift of God is eternal life, but it is only given unto "them that
obey him" (Matt. 7:21; Rom. 6:17, 18; Heb. 5:9). The question is: "Have you
obeyed him?" If not, please do so, for he will take vengeance on them "that obey
not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 2:6-11; 2 Thess. 1:8).
|