WON'T EVERY ONE BE SAVED

The average American believes in heaven, but he doesn't believe in hell. Even those who attend church find it hard to believe that God would allow any of his children to perish. Some churches boldly proclaim their belief in universal salvation for all. Others imagine that a second chance will be given to those who died alienated from God. A third group thinks that at death, sinners cease to exist, just like animals. Thus they experience no punishment beyond dying. This appears to be a doctrine full of comfort for those who choose not to serve Christ in this life.

The question is does God's Word agree with it? Consider the follow verses:

Jesus said, "Except ye believe that I am he (i.e., God's Son), ye shall die in your sins." If we die in our sins He said, "whither I go, ye cannot come" (John 8:21-24). When describing the judgment day, Christ said, he will separate folks like shepherd separates the sheep from the goats "and these (sinners) shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life" (Mathew 25:46). To those leaders who sought to destroy him, he said, "Ye hypocrites, how can you escape the judgment of hell?" (Mathew 23:33).

Some folks don't want to be saved. They don't believe in God nor accept his Son. They reject his offer of salvation and want no part of heaven. It would be a grave injustice to force such unbelievers into a heaven they don't want.

The Lord's invitation to salvation is extended to all people. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest" (Mathew 11:28). But only those willing to meet his terms will be saved. Christ said, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Mathew 7:21).

The Father's will includes faith in Christ, repentance for ones wrongs and baptism for forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38). There will be a lot of surprised people on judgment day!

If you want to learn how you can be saved, please allow us the opportunity to sit down with you and open the Scriptures where you will plainly see God's will for you.