The Gospel is For All
Paul N. Merideth
After Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, and before his ascension into Heaven, he commissioned his disciples in Mark 16:15, 16 to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Likewise, we have recorded in Matthew 28:19, 20; “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Jesus is not selective in who he desires to follow him. In fact, the idea is that everyone in every place and in every time are invited to come and take advantage of the salvation which Christ offers. This fact is shown throughout scripture. 2Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Note carefully the phrases “every creature;” “all the nations;” “not willing that any should perish;” and “all should come to repentance.” Who does this exclude? Is this saving gospel message that Christ died for the sins of the world (Romans 1:16; 1John 2:2) dependant upon where ones lives, social status, or skin color? ABSOLUTELY NOT! The gospel is for all. However, there are many who choose to reject God’s offer. For whatever reason the vast majority are choosing, by their actions, to either ignore the gospel call to obedience or reject it. When a person rejects the gospel, they are rejecting the love of God. Either the gospel message or the hearer’s heart must be the impenitent heart that must adjust (Galatians 1:10-12; Psalms 119:89).
Just as the gospel is for all, it is also the same for all. Truth is absolute. God’s plan to save us is not tailored to each persons felt needs; instead it is universal. The dictates of faith, repentance, confession, immersion, and faithfulness are required of all. Just because a person may live in Cambridge, England doesn’t mean they’re too smart for the Bible (Romans 1:20-22). Just because a person may live in Las Vegas, Nevada, doesn’t make gambling right (Ephesians 4:28: 1 Corinthians 4:1,2). Just because a person may live in Miami, Florida doesn’t make immodesty alright (1 Timothy 2:9; Mark 6:22,26). The gospel precepts are universal.
The gospel is for ALL. The gospel is the same for ALL. Lastly, ALL need the gospel. The gospel, or good news, is God’s power to save us (Romans 1:16). It is the good news that Christ voluntarily deprived himself of heaven’s glory to come among mankind and redeem us from sin (Philippians 2:2-8). It was a terrible thing for Jesus to die upon that cross, but because of that selfless act we can have atonement for sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). God offers His grace and salvation to all. However, it is up to each of us individually to accept that grace and salvation by responding to the gospel with submissive obedient faith. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 paints a dismal picture for those who fail to see that the gospel is for them: “and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, [8] in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” May we all see the need for the gospel in our lives. Let us reject selfishness and apathy and replace it with love for God and obedience to Christ’s soul saving gospel.
