The scripture is clear that we can only inherit the kingdom of God if we believe in Jesus Christ and turn from our wicked ways. However, the journey to the kingdom of God begins with being saved, that is, accepting Jesus to be your savior. However, does Jesus save everyone?
Jesus died for everyone, but he only saves those who believe in him. The choice to be saved by Jesus is ours, but his precious blood was enough to pay the price for the sins of the whole universe. Therefore, there is no one who Christ cannot save if they believe in him. We are saved through faith and not by our deeds.
So, what does it mean to be saved by Jesus? Did Jesus die on the cross to save everyone? Who does the bible say will be saved? What should we do to be saved by Jesus? Is there a grace period to receiving Jesus’ salvation? Continue reading to get more insight into the topic of who Jesus can save.
What does it mean to be saved by Jesus?
Many people struggle with the concept of salvation. To be saved by Jesus Christ is more than knowing who Christ is or acknowledging that he is alive. To be saved by Jesus means that you have accepted your sins, accepted Jesus to be your personal savior, believe in his death and resurrection, and have faith that he has put to death your old ways and that you are now a new being.
Salvation happens through faith; in that, you must totally surrender and embrace Jesus as your savior and trust in his finished work. You have to believe that he died for you, paid the price for your sins with his precious blood and that you must walk in him once you accept him in your life.
Did Jesus die on the cross to save everyone?
The question of who Jesus died on the cross is a theological debate as some theologians believe that he died for the elect while others argue that he died for everyone. Those who say that he died for the elect quote the book of Romans 8:30, “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified, he also glorified.”
They argue that Jesus could not have died for everyone because if that is the case, then hell will be full of people that Christ already paid their debt for. They also claim that the reverse is true because if he died for the elect, then those whom he paid their price for will be in heaven.
On the other hand, some theologians and bible scholars believe in unlimited atonement, in that Christ Jesus died for everyone, but only those who choose to have faith in him will reap the benefits of his death. In a simple way, his death is sufficient for everyone but only effectual for those who have faith in him. 1st John 2:2 says, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
However, this dilemma of who Christ died for is a false one and of our own making because the nature of God is explicit in the bible as one who has infinite love for his people. Therefore, salvation is universal, and Christ died for the whole of humanity, and those who believe in him will be saved.
Who does the bible say will be saved?
The scripture is evident in the gospel of John 3:16 that those who believe in Jesus Christ will be saved. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It is important to note that salvation is not based on our own works of righteousness or effort but on the grace and mercy of God through our faith.
No one can save themselves, but anyone who chooses to believe in Christ Jesus, and acknowledges that he died and was resurrected, will be saved. Jesus paid the price for everyone, and it is in our hands to decide if we want to enjoy the benefits of his love (dying for us on the cross). Therefore, if you believe in Jesus as the personal savior of your life, then he will save you.
What should we do to be saved by Jesus?
The scripture is clear in several instances that we are not saved by our works, and the only thing that is required of us is to have faith and believe in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Humans, in our flesh nature, do not deserve salvation because no amount of work that we can do can pay the price for our sins. The only person who was eligible to pay the painful price for our sins through his precious blood was Jesus because he was perfect and free from any sin. He, therefore, became sin so that those who will have faith and believe in his finished work can be saved.
Is there a grace period to receiving Jesus’ salvation?
There is no grace period to receiving Jesus’ salvation. You can turn from your former ways at any time and decide to focus on Jesus Christ. The only time that we are beyond salvation is when we are dead because, in that state, we cannot confess our sins and repent. However, while on earth, it is never too late to reconsider your ways. Jesus died for the sins of the world, and at any point in your life, when you choose to believe in him, be sure that he will save you.
References
Did Christ die for all sin except for the sin of unbelief?
Why doesn’t God save everyone?
Does God want everyone to be saved?
What does it mean to be saved?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
