Love Wins

How is that good news?

If all we had was Colossians 1:20 (“and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”) we would be universalists. That is to say if the only word from God was that the cross made peace for all and all things are reconciled to God, then how could we ever teach that some are not saved, that some do not spend their eternity with God? Well a local answer is found right in the same context. Here is Colossians 1: 21-23. “And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.”

Notice the “if” clause I emphasized. While it is true that the best interpretation of this “if” is in the sense of “if, and I am sure this will be the case…”, still the “if” carries a sense of uncertainty. There is a distinct possibility for even church participants to miss out on the eternal rewards of salvation. Some participants are not true believers. (For further understanding on this read 1 John 2:19.) Only the sheep of Jesus are believers and will follow him and will receive eternal life, and they will never perish. (John 10:26-30) Again, the clear teaching of John 10 is that there are people who are not a part of Jesus’ flock. They do not believe; they do not receive eternal life.

This may not be the emotionally satisfying answer, but it is the truth. You cannot get to San Francisco by heading south to Los Angeles. You cannot have eternal life by ignoring the gospel, disobeying God, and establishing your own way. The victory of God’s love will be forever demonstrated in the contrast between those who receive his love and those who do not. “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” (Romans 9:13, quoting Malachi 1: 2-3) God says “I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” (Romans 9:15)

So how is this good news? Anyone, everyone, who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Those who do not call on him will not be saved. If we developed a drug which would cure prostate cancer 100% of the time, this would be good news. However, it would only be good news to those who take the medication. If you do not believe and deny the treatment it will do you no good. Jesus saves his sheep. His sheep believe and follow him. His sheep continue in the faith. Their continuing in the faith demonstrates their sheep nature. Are you his sheep?