The Gift of Life
The Father’s provision for life is generous. We read:
“For 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.”
– John 3:16
“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
– John 6:40
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
– 2 Peter 3:9
Even those who have doctrinal errors, but have faith in God and in Christ can be saved:
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved —even though only as one escaping through the flames.”
– 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
And though we are told that the road leading to life is narrow (Matthew 7:13-14), based on the above scriptures, we know it is certainly wide enough for all those who desire life.
Finally, Jesus said:
“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”
– John 5:28-29
And the Apostle Paul stated:
“I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.”
– Acts 24:15
Clearly, there may be many more people resurrected than we would think. So it is unwise to make a definitive statement as to who will not be resurrected. But we can say that those who exercise faith in Christ are assured a resurrection. We can take it for granted (yes, we said take it for granted) that all sons of the Kingdom will be resurrected. As sons, we can then focus on our service to mankind, the ministry of reconciliation (1 Corinthians 5:18-20), and help others gain their own survival guarantee.
