The question, Why doesn’t God save everyone?, is a profound and challenging inquiry that has captivated both believers and skeptics alike. This question often emerges from a place of genuine concern, theological curiosity, or even doubt about God’s character. To explore this question fully, we must delve into the intricate relationship between God’s nature, human free will, and the biblical understanding of salvation.
- Reframing the Question: Do We Deserve Salvation?
- The Paradox of God’s Will: Desire vs. Sovereignty
- The Role of Free Will in God’s Plan
- The Necessity of Faith: A Personal Response
- Concluding Thoughts: Trusting in God’s Sovereignty and Love
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
- More reading and videos that you may like.
Reframing the Question: Do We Deserve Salvation?
At its core, the question Why doesn’t God save everyone? may be misguided. It presupposes that everyone deserves salvation while overlooking the pervasive reality of human sinfulness. As the Bible clearly states, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Since the fall of Adam and Eve, humanity has inherited a sinful nature, naturally inclined toward rebellion against God (Romans 5:12). This shifts the question from Why doesn’t God save everyone? to Why would God save anyone?
The Paradox of God’s Will: Desire vs. Sovereignty
The Bible presents God’s will as a multifaceted concept, encompassing both His expressed desires and His sovereign plan.
God’s Desire for All to Be Saved
Scripture reveals that God desires for all people to come to repentance and be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but instead longs for them to turn from their sinful ways and live (Ezekiel 33:11).
God’s Sovereign Will
On the other hand, the Bible also teaches that God is sovereign, meaning He ultimately determines who will be saved (Romans 9:15-16). This does not negate His love or His desire for all to be saved but rather acknowledges that His purposes and plans are beyond our complete understanding.
These two aspects of God’s will can be understood through the concepts of His “will of command” (His expressed desires) and His “will of decree” (His sovereign plan). While we may not fully comprehend the intricacies of God’s will, we can trust that He is both loving and just in all His actions.
The Role of Free Will in God’s Plan
A central aspect of God’s creation of humanity is the gift of free will. Unlike robots programmed to obey, humans are endowed with the ability to make meaningful choices between good and evil. This freedom is intrinsic to our being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), but it also means we are responsible for the consequences of our choices.
God’s love for humanity is so profound that He allows us the freedom to reject Him, even though it grieves Him deeply. As C.S. Lewis poignantly expressed, “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done’” (The Great Divorce).
The Necessity of Faith: A Personal Response
Salvation is not a universal entitlement but a gift freely offered by God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The Bible emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
While God desires that all be saved, He requires a personal response from each individual. We must choose to believe in Jesus and accept His gift of salvation. Those who reject this gift ultimately choose their own path, even if it leads to eternal separation from God.
Concluding Thoughts: Trusting in God’s Sovereignty and Love
The question of Why doesn’t God save everyone? cannot be fully answered from our limited human perspective. However, the Bible provides a framework for understanding God’s love, justice, and sovereignty. Although we may not grasp all the intricacies of His plan, we can trust that He is working all things according to His good purposes (Romans 8:28).
Ultimately, the answer to this profound question lies in the mystery of God’s will and the freedom He has granted us to choose our own path. Our responsibility is to respond to His offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and to trust that He is just and loving in all His ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does God allow people to reject salvation?
God allows people to reject salvation because He has given humanity free will. This freedom is essential for genuine love and choice, even if it means some will choose to reject God.
2. Is God fair in not saving everyone?
While it may seem difficult to understand, God’s justice and sovereignty are perfect. The Bible assures us that He is both loving and just in all His decisions.
3. Does the Bible explain why God doesn’t save everyone?
The Bible provides insights into God’s will, human responsibility, and the nature of salvation. However, it also acknowledges that some aspects of God’s plan are beyond human comprehension.
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Christianity
- hemustbecomegreater.com/2023/04/08/this-easter-become-conversant-with-the-worlds-largest-most-diverse-religion/