The Apostle Paul tells his protege Timothy to “pray for everyone” (1 Timothy 2). He writes it this way: “This is good and pleases God our Savior, Who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2, vv.3-4).
Paul is making the case that we are to pray for people – for everyone. It is through this that we would experience and receive peace, so that we would share the Good News of Jesus Christ. And just what is the Good News? That God desires that all would be saved! No need to complicate things or make it difficult. The Gospel is an amazing reality of simplicity and practicality. Too often, we (humans) are the ones that increasingly complicate it and make it inaccessible. God help us and forgive us!
But when we think and ponder about God – this is an important place to begin. His heart, His desire, His plan is that everyone would come to a saving faith. He wants everyone to know and accept the truth. He wants His people to live, and to really live. I would certainly say that this is an amazing thing that we cannot overlook. Not just people in this nation, or in that region, or who speak a certain language, or who have wealth and education. Not just people who come from a certain family, or who are specific personality types, or who are a certain age. No…God desires and wants all people to come to a saving faith and relationship with Himself!
It fits beautifully with what John records in his Gospel, in chapter 3. Perhaps one of the most well read, well memorized passages in all of Scripture: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life” (v.16). But don’t stop there. Read on in the verse that follows: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” (v.17).
Don’t you see this as Good News? God desires to know you…really know you…and to show you His truth!
Yes, God desires that everyone be saved. Now, that doesn’t mean that everyone will be – and this is in accordance with His Word. And His Word is truth and stands the test of time. But because everyone will not be saved does not mean that it’s not God’s desire that everyone would be. You see, some will refuse to believe and receive. It is called, “free will.” And within God’s design and order, His amazing love for us included the capacity for us to decide; to render a decision; to cast a ballot; to run toward God or run away from Him. Yet, it is still His heart’s desire and will that we would choose Him!
Let me tell you these facts:
- God loves you!
- God desires to know you!
- God wants you to come to a saving faith in His Son!
The only question left is the one we must all answer: Do you want and desire the same?
Jesus stated: “I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest” (John 10, v.10, CEV). You can have this today, without delay! And that is the best news ever! If you desire the same, but need help or have questions, please don’t hesitate in contacting me at pastorpg@bridgewaync.org. Don’t put off til tomorrow what can be received today. You are loved!
Porter
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