Should Be Saved

The English language can be a tricky beast.  While language allows us to express our thoughts, feelings and reasoning, it is possible to write or say words that are misunderstood, read into and misinterpreted by others.  This is one reason why it is important to have conversations face to face, where potential confusion or misspoken words can be explained more clearly.  Fellowship with other believers is critical for mutual encouragement, edification and sharpening in the church.

Recently I had a conversation when I said something that resulted in a visible reaction:  "Some people should not be saved."  Perhaps your eyebrows also shot up reading this.  Seeing the startled look provided an opportunity to explain what I meant by such a statement.  God has plainly told us in the Bible that we have all gone out of the way, have become unprofitable sinners, and cannot do good.  The reality is, in light of God's holiness and righteousness, no one should be saved.  I was including myself among those who should not be saved because of sin, who cannot save themselves by any attempts to do good.

Christians know we should not be saved, yet we can know we have been soundly saved by grace through faith in Jesus.  Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not of works, lest anyone should boast."  Having received salvation through the Gospel, we Christians believe all people should be saved because they can be saved.  Of course this does not mean all will be saved, for some are unwilling to come to Jesus and receive the free gift of salvation.  Jesus revealed Himself to be the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no one can come unto the Father but by Him (John 14:6).

I love that Jesus has provided salvation for all people, and He has urged whosoever will to come to Him, find pardon of sin and rest for their souls forever.  Concerning Jesus Paul wrote in Romans 10:11-13, "For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." ¹² For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. ¹³ For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."  Based on our sinful conduct we should not be saved, but we should be saved because of the love demonstrated to all people by God through the Gospel.  Wondering if we should be saved is a matter easily shot down by the Law of Moses, but God has brought grace and mercy into the equation by giving His only begotten Son to provide atonement so we can.  The question is, are we willing?