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Whoever Believes and Calls
A common question among religious circles is, "Who is salvation for?" Some believe that no one is worthy of salvation, while others believe that everyone is saved by God's grace. Both extremes present challenges from a scriptural perspective.
The Power of Christ's Blood
To suggest that no one can be saved minimizes the power of Christ's blood. Jesus came to save the lost, and He will accomplish His purpose. However, the belief that everyone is saved diminishes the significance of His sacrifice. For God to ignore the rebellious evils committed against the blood of Christ belittles and trivializes the sacrifice. Sacrifice only has value when the sin desists. God's grace is not of value to those who continue to rebel against Him.
The Role of Faith
If some will be saved and others will not, then who is salvation for? Romans 10, drawing from Isaiah and Joel, provides clarity: “whoever believes…” The believer is any person who chooses faith. This call is not limited based on race, gender, or degree of sinful lifestyle. Anyone can choose faith. Without faith, God’s grace will benefit us nothing. But with faith, “whoever” will not be disappointed. Paul second pulls from Joel 2:32 by saying “whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” This is does not close the doors to salvation; this opens the doors up. Joel’s passage defines faith further. Faith is not just the hearing and believing. Whoever “calls” upon the Name of the Lord will be saved. Calling on God's name involves recognizing His character and committing to honor it. It's more than just lip service; it requires adopting His name into our own character (Matthew 7:21). Yes, “calling” is an action that requires attention, diligence, and discipline.
The Transformative Power of the Cross
The cross of Jesus either repels or attracts. For those focused on self-pleasure, the cross is offensive. But for those who recognize their sin and need for salvation, the cross is a beacon of hope. Faith in the cross demands two things:
- Repentance: We must turn away from sin and embrace a life dedicated to God's will.
- Crucifixion: We must die to ourselves, letting go of selfish desires and seeking to serve others.
Faith in the Cross of Jesus will not disappoint. The Cross stands for sacrifice for our sin. How can we look our dying Savior in the face and spit on his wounds by turning to the lusts of this world? The death of our Savior demands our own crucifixion. We must die with Jesus, letting go of our selfish ambitions, and dedicate ourselves (like Jesus did) to the betterment of others through His will. Whoever believes that Jesus died and rose with the power to save and change us will not be disappointed.
The Work of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2, quoting Joel 2:28-32, shows that the Holy Spirit is poured out on all people, regardless of age or social status. By ourselves, both faith and repentance are impossible. Our sins are too egregious, the flesh is too strong. But with the Spirit through faith, God grants whomever wills the power to conform to the gospel message.
Conclusion
Salvation is for "whoever believes and calls on the name of the Lord." This includes you, if you desire it. Embrace the power of the cross, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the transformative nature of faith.
