Eternal life – is it only for the few

by | Jul 2, 2013 | 2013 | 0 comments

“What about my friends and family who died in the Hindu faith and never heard the gospel message?Are they lost forever?”

This question was put to the pastor who had just delivered an inspirational message at a Christian business luncheon.  Tears welled up in the eyes of the young lady as the answer came back with a resounding yes.  

A small group of people who were present at the lunch walked into my office afterwards with mixed emotions, ranging from anger, fearfulness and confusion to disappointment.  Does this mean that the endearing relationship she enjoyed with the family who loved and raised her, is lost forever?     

How do we reconcile our understanding of a loving God who cares deeply for every person on this earth, with what some people believe – that the greater part of humanity is doomed forever, simply because the wonderful news of our eternal destiny in Christ never reached their ears?  Yet, John 3:16-17 tells us, “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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  

This particular passage emphasises the remarkable truth that Christ did not come to condemn the world, but to liberate the world.  Yet, one may ask…would God not be condemning most in this world by allowing billions of its people to be excluded from the priceless knowledge that Jesus died for all, so that all will have the opportunity to respond to his amazing gift of salvation?

The extraordinary love of God towards all of humankind is highlighted in several passages of scripture.  For instance we read in I Timothy 2:3-4, “God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth,” and Titus 2:11, “The grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” In the latter years of his life, just prior to his exile to the Island of Patmos, the apostle John highlights the astounding truth that Jesus died for the whole world.    He declares in 1 John 2:2, “[Jesus is] the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” Everyone is included!

Some may wonder about the various biblical references to the few who embraced Jesus historically and respond to him now against the backdrop of some seven billion people living on the earth today.  Matthew 7:13-14 tells us, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” This and other passages refers to our present life in the world, where a smaller group of people has chosen to walk the more difficult path to salvation through Christ among the majority who live on the “broad road” that leads to destruction.  

Not limited

It is important to realise that God’s sovereign purpose and capacity to bring people to faith in Christ is not limited to our physical mortality in the here and now.  Jesus makes his intention to bring all people to himself clearly known in John 12:32 “I [Jesus], when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”  

Daniel 12:2 refers to a time in the future when “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”  This points to a future resurrection and final judgment when Christ will reveal Himself to all people, and all people will come to a knowledge and understanding of ‘Who’ he is.  As free moral agents every human being will have a choice – to respond to the offer of a magnificent eternal future in Christ – or not.  I believe the stark contrast of looking back at the indescribable consequences of living in a fallen world, characterised by sin, pain and suffering compared to a joy filled eternal future in the Kingdom of God, will undoubtedly result in an emphatic ‘yes’ by most.  

Think about our glorious future beyond the grave, when all who accept Jesus will be raised incorruptible and receive an immortal spiritual body no longer tainted by the devastating baggage brought about by the fall. When the perishable will be clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality. When death will be swallowed up in victory and God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:12-58).  

It is almost impossible for us to even begin to fathom the awe-inspiring depth and width and height of our gracious Father’s love for all humanity.   The infinite God has not only sacrificed himself for the salvation of all people, but even more breathtaking, provides the opportunity for everyone to join the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in a delightful relationship forever.  I was privileged to share these staggering truths with the group of concerned people who had arrived in my office with alarmed expressions on their faces.  They were deeply comforted by the limitless love of our Almighty Father who earnestly desires to see each and every human being enter the Kingdom.  

Imagine the overwhelming joy of the friends and family of this young lady when they meet up with their sister who had accepted Jesus and faithfully walked in his footsteps.  Imagine your unspeakable joy when you find yourself re-uniting with friends and family who never knew Christ on this side of the resurrection.  Remember, as free moral agents the decision to accept or reject this incredible gift of salvation is a personal choice for every individual to make.  

May I again suggest that the majority, including your loved ones, will say ‘yes’ to their future destiny in Christ.

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