Ransom For All
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time
” (1 Timothy 2:4-6).
Here is the heart, mind, and sovereign will of our Creator—that all men come unto the knowledge of the truth. Jesus Christ gave Himself a ransom for all—a ransom to be testified in due time. The word “all” means all. It means all, any, every, the whole, whatsoever, and whosoever. There is no twisting this word in order to make it include only the chosen, elect, or ordained. The “redemption” price for “all” has been paid in full! What a great gift. What undeserved mercy and kindness. What amazing grace this is—God offering to all men what we do not deserve; unmerited favor and unearned eternal life. All may come.
And what does this truth do for those of us who have already believed? I cannot speak for you but through the years I’ve known more of His kindness, forgiveness, and grace. My love and appreciation for Christ has grown. My awe and reverence for Christ has increased. Knowing and understanding His grace has changed my life. Am I some type of super-saint? Am I claiming spiritual superiority? God forbid! “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15).
Personally, I believe in Christ and Christ alone for His great gift and provision for eternal salvation. I praise Him for the continued grace that allows me to follow Him. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee
” (Titus 2:11-15).
Read it once more, dear friend. Let these promises be yours. Consider what He says. Bask in its life changing truth. Find rest in its power and strength. Stand on its unmovable foundation. Believe in it with your whole heart and mind. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again in the lifeless law and yoke of bondage.
