Theology Thoughts

1. There are only two possible answers to the question will everyone be saved or not everyone saved?

Broad is the way that leads to destruction and narrow is the way that leads to life and few there be that find it.

The Bible is clear not all will be saved.

2. There are only two consistent answers to the question did God know at the cross all who would believe or is he learning that as time goes on?

No one enters into the city of God whose name was not written in the book of life before the foundations of the world. (Rev 21:27, 13:8)

So again the Bible is clear God has written down his children’s name before the foundation of the world.

So the only consistent arguments in the first question are universalism or limited atonement and in the second, open theism or omniscient, omnipotent God.

Is there any direct support for the idea that God knew not all would be saved and sent the son to die for those who would be?

“You do not believe BECAUSE you are not my sheep.” John 10:26. So, yes, the Bible rejects universalism.

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11. Clearly the Bible says there are sheep and goats, and that the Father sent the son to save the sheep whom he has known from before the foundation of the world.

Some additional thoughts:

1. Atonement means the sin is paid for. Propitiation means wrath removing sacrifice. So if your sins are atoned for you are, by definition, not condemned. This does not apply to everyone, but only the sheep who hear his voice. This does not mean his blood is insufficient to save all, rather that it is applied only to those who believe. Those sheep were always in the mind of God since the creation of the world and in the heart of Christ at the cross.
2. This doctrine only appears to be defeatist or hopeless if you have a high view of man. Meaning only if you think man can bring himself, to some small degree, out of his dead state to life could this be discouraging. If instead the biblical account is true that all of us are fully dead in our trespasses and sins, enemies of God, unable to even begin to understand the things of the Spirit of God, then this doctrine appears glorious. Because it means NO ONE is beyond the reach of the Father to save. No darkness too great, no sin too deep, no addiction too strong, no circumstances too dire – NO! God is able to make alive ANYONE he chooses to.
3. We creatures are neither to know nor question God’s plan on whom he saving. That is God’s alone to know. Instead, we are called to proclaim his glorious light. To some it will be a savor of death leading to more death. For this they are culpable, as we all are, for our sin, despite its inevitability as the Bible constantly attests. BUT for some it will be a fragrance leading to Life! So, friends, Jesus alone is LIFE! Turn to him! Believe Him! And find that in Him all your longings are met. It doesn’t matter where you have been. If you find your heart is longing for him, then it is because his Spirit is at work in you to draw you to himself by his loving and powerful grace.