Who can be saved?

Quick answer

Salvation by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross is open and free to anyone who trusts in it.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

From the very beginning, God’s desire has been to save all of mankind and restore the broken fellowship He once shared with man in the garden at creation (Genesis 3:15). His perfect plan was to rule alongside man, who had dominion over the physical world. Man decided to rule apart from God, and God set His plan of salvation into motion.

From the beginning God revealed His desire and intent to create humanity to have a relationship with Him. When sin distorted and destroyed this relationship, God still pursued people and saved people on the basis of faith in Him. God also set up the practice of animal sacrifice to reveal humanity’s sin and need for God, promising forgiveness and restoration to all who came to Him and confessed their need for Him. This ultimately pointed to Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice who took upon Himself the wrath of the Father. This offer is available to everyone. Anyone who comes to Him and trusts His work on the cross for their forgiveness will be saved.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

The promise of salvation was given to all mankind (Genesis 3:15).
God invited Cain to turn to Him before he killed his brother (Genesis 4:6-7).
God spared Noah and his family from the global flood (Genesis 6:13-18).
Abraham believed God and was gifted righteousness (Genesis 15:6).
God brought salvation to Israel by rescuing the people from bondage in Egypt (Exodus 12:37-38) and offered salvation, as well, to any foreigner who wished to serve Him (12:48-49).
God spared Rahab for her faith and brought her into Israel (Joshua 6:25).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Christ came to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
He came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).
God gives eternal life to whoever believes in Him (John 3:26).
Jesus can save to the uttermost all who call on Him (Hebrews 7:25).
God wants all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Anyone who wants to be saved can be saved. The requirement for salvation is to put your faith in Jesus. Admit that you are a sinner and that you deserve eternal death, the punishment for sin (Romans 6:23). Believe that Jesus is who He says He is—God in human flesh, who lived a perfect life to fulfill the law, then died the death we deserve in our place, then rose again victorious over death, and offered salvation to all who would believe in Him. Trust that God has applied Jesus' sacrifice to your account (2 Corinthians 5:16–21). Leave behind the emptiness of trying to save yourself or trying to live your life apart from God.

UNDERSTAND

God desires for all humanity to be saved.
Believing in Jesus' death and resurrection grants salvation.
Recognizing our sin and trusting in Jesus' work leads to salvation.

REFLECT

How does knowing that salvation is open to everyone influence your approach to sharing your faith with those around you?
In what ways can understanding that salvation is available to all help you deal with feelings of unworthiness or doubt about your own salvation?
How can the idea that salvation is a gift for anyone who believes change the way you handle daily decisions and challenges?

ENGAGE

How does salvation being available to all challenge our views on God's justice and mercy?
What are effective ways we can communicate the necessity of faith and repentance in a world with diverse beliefs?
How does God’s exclusive plan of salvation in Jesus, yet made available to all,impact the way we share our faith with others?