Are the Sins of All Mankind Forgiven?
Are All of Your Sins Forgiven?
Universal Reconciliation is True, but
Universal Salvation is False.

Are All of Your Sins and the Sins of All Mankind Forgiven? Yes!

We see people in churches being encouraged to have their sins forgiven by many different methods. Some are asked to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Others are asked to walk the aisle and pray for Jesus to forgive them of their sins. Many are told to have their sins forgiven by asking Jesus into their hearts. Most Christian denominations and many other religions believe that the only way to receive God's forgiveness of sins is through a prayerful confession. These churches generally teach that one is saved when his sins are forgiven.

Scripture does not teach that salvation is accomplished by having one's sins forgiven. Most Christian churches teach the false doctrine of effectual forgiveness. They teach that sins are not forgiven until one believes Jesus died for his sins. They falsely believe that having one's sins forgiven equates to being saved. The effectual forgiveness doctrine is not in the Bible. Actually, the Bible teaches just the opposite. While we were enemies of God (meaning unsaved) we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son. It does not require faith to be reconciled to God as many churches falsely teach. Reconciliation does not mean one is saved as these churches teach. It means the enmity between God and mankind as a result of Adam's transgression has been reversed by Jesus' death on the cross. This is clearly shown in 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 2 Corinthians 5:14 - 6:2 and Colossians 1:20 below. Universal reconciliation is a sound Biblical doctrine, but universal salvation is not in the Bible. Universal reconciliation is true, but universal salvation is false.

Theological Seminaries Are Centers for Higher Brainwashing.

Many pastors and Bible scholars teach reconciliation and salvation as if they are one and the same, but they certainly are not the same. The Bible gives definitions that are completely different for each one. Reconciliation reverses the enmity between God and mankind that resulted from Adam's transgression. Reconciliation was a universal act accomplished by Jesus' death on the cross nearly 2000 years ago. Salvation is accomplished by being filled with the Holy Spirit to receive eternal life. Salvation is an act of God upon a specific individual person, one at a time. God saves a person when he confesses faith in the resurrection of Jesus. We are saved by His resurrected life. The difference between reconciliation and salvation can be found in Romans 4:25 and 5:10, 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 2 Corinthians 5:14 - 6:2, Ephesians 2:11-18 and Colossians 1:19-23 below.

The Bible says that on the cross Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the whole world. Jesus' awesome sacrifice on the cross brought reconciliation of the entire world to God. Thus, with one exception, everyone's sins since the crucifixion of Jesus have been forgiven. The only sin which has not been forgiven is the rejection of the leading of the Holy Spirit by unbelief in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection as our Savior. Jesus said that such a person "never has forgiveness." Rejecting Jesus Christ is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. This has been called by some as the "unpardonable sin." The following verses clearly show these doctrines:

Mark 3:28 " Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; 29 "but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation"-- 30 because they said, "He has an unclean spirit."

Matthew 12:31 " Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy [against] the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 "Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the [age] to come.

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

John 6:51 "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world."

John 4:42 Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard [Him] and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."

Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."

1 John 4:14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son [as] Savior of the world.

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

Romans 4:24 It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

Romans 5:6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (resurrection).

1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by man [came] death, by Man also [came] the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know [Him] [thus] no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone [is] in Christ, [he] [is] a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all things [are] of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore [you] on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin [to] [be] sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 6:1 We then, [as] workers together [with] [Him] also plead with [you] not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.

Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) {by...: or, by whose grace} 6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (KJV)

Ephesians 2:11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh--who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands-- 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [that] [is], the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man [from] the two, [thus] making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Colossians 1:19 For it pleased [the] [Father] [that] in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight-- 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Colossians 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. 11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with [Him] through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

1 Timothy 1:15 This [is] a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

1 Timothy 2:3 For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For [there] [is] one God and one Mediator between God and men, [the] Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle--I am speaking the truth in Christ [and] not lying--a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself [His] own special people, zealous for good works.

1 Peter 2:22 'Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth'; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed [Himself] to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.

2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, [and] bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.

Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

People often quote 2 Corinthians 5:20 as an example that the unbeliever is not reconciled to God. This verse cannot be interpreted that way without violating many verses throughout Scripture. The Apostle Paul was dealing with Jewish people who were under the Law trying to be justified to God by the works of the Law. Paul is encouraging these people to accept the reconciliation to God that Jesus had already secured for them through His death on the cross. This verse does not mean the entire world has been reconciled to God. It means that Paul encountered those who would not accept this reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore [you] on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.

"The world" as used in John 1:29; 4:42 and 1 John 4:14 means sinners who are God-hating, Christ-rejecting and Satan-dominated, yet that is the world for which Christ died. In Luke 23:34 Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who had sought His death, beaten Him and nailed Him to the cross. These people were not believers or followers of Jesus. Certainly Jesus' prayer was in the will of the Father and answered as Jesus requested.

Notice 1 John 2:1 does not say that if anyone repents, he has an Advocate or if anyone confesses his sins, he has an Advocate, Jesus Christ. Neither does he say that if anyone goes through a ceremony or baptism to get rid of his sins, he has an Advocate. John says that if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, and we know from other scriptures that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

Many interpret 1 John 2:2 to mean not the whole world but the whole of saved mankind. This interpretation is difficult in light of Romans 5:10 which states that when we were enemies we were reconciled to God. The meaning of enemies is that of a lost person, and reconciled means the forgiveness of sins and reversal of the separation between God and mankind that resulted from Adam's transgression. Yes, the sins of lost people were forgiven when Jesus died upon the cross, but this does not mean that everyone will be saved. Many false teachers invited people to "come to Jesus to get your sins forgiven," and they go on to say that a person becomes saved after having his sins forgiven. Those teachings in not in the Bible.

Christ died for the ungodly and everyone is ungodly; therefore, Christ died for everyone as stated in Romans 5:6. The Bible teaches that Christ died for sinners (1 Timothy 1:15; Romans 5:8). The word "sinners" nowhere means "church" or "the elect," but simply all of lost mankind. Christ Jesus gave Himself a ransom for all (1 Timothy 2:6). The Bible clearly teaches that Christ died for all mankind, and the gospel is clearly offered and equally available to all. Scripture states that God desires all to be saved. These scriptures easily refute the false doctrine of John Calvin that Jesus died only for some and all the rest are predestined to eternal torment. Calvin's theology of Limited Atonement is clearly shown to be false.

The New King James Bible does not contain the words "atonement", "atoned" or "atone" in the New Testament. It simply is not there. The Israelites "atoned" for their sins by the sacrifice of animals. Each person had to offer his own animal as an atonement. Atonement is the appeasement for past sins, not the removal of all sins. Atonement is an Old Testament doctrine not found in the New Testament.

Romans 5:10 clearly states that Jesus died for the sins of everyone. This was accomplished through the death of His Son, Jesus, on the cross. It says, "For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son." When we were enemies is past tense. Enemies means lost, unbelieving and unsaved persons. This means everyone was reconciled to God through the death of Jesus on the cross, but reconciliation is not salvation or eternal life. The second part describes those who are saved. It says, "much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (resurrection)." This means those who are saved believe that Jesus was resurrected bodily. Salvation is eternal life with God by faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the whole world and reconciled all of humanity back to the Father. This reversed the separation that occurred because of Adam's sin. This reconciliation does not mean that all have received salvation. People who have rejected Jesus birth, life, death, and resurrection do not have that sin of rejection forgiven. It is the one unpardonable sin not covered on the cross. Yet, anyone can come to faith at any time prior to his death and receive salvation and the Holy Spirit. His faith has canceled the unpardonable sin.

Ephesians 2:5 says, "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ." Quickened here mean the same as reconciled. It mean that while we were sinners, God forgave our sins by having Jesus Christ die for the sins of the whole world. It does not mean all are saved.

Likewise, Ephesians 2:13 says, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." Notice that the ones far off means all Gentiles were without hope but were "brought near" by Jesus' shed blood. The Gentiles were forced to remain in a separate section in the Temple far off to the side because the promises and covenants given to Israel were not meant for them. The meaning of "brought near" most certainly does not mean final salvation. It means that the way was prepared for the next step in the road to salvation. Romans 4:24 above is another verse stating the same doctrine, which is the complete gospel.

The false teachers in 2 Peter 2:1 are clearly unsaved and have brought upon themselves swift destruction because of their blaspheming the truth and denying the Lord, yet they are said to be denying the "Lord who bought them." The verse indicates that Jesus paid for their sins upon the cross even though they are not saved.

Ephesians 2:15-16 tells us that the Mosaic Law has also been abolished by Christ's death, and both Jew and Gentile have been reconciled to God the same way. Ephesians 2:15-16 "having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [that] [is], the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man [from] the two, [thus] making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity."

In 1 Timothy 2:4 we see that God "desires all men to be saved," and in 1 Timothy 2:6 we see that Jesus "gave Himself a ransom for all." Therefore, we must conclude that the sins of ALL mankind were removed and placed upon Jesus on the cross. Because God desires all men to be saved and Jesus gave Himself a ransom for the sins of all mankind, we must conclude that having one's sins forgiven does not insure salvation. Jesus gave Himself a ransom for all, but all are not saved.

Hebrews 2:9 says that "Jesus tasted death for everyone."

Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant between God and mankind, for by His death He made redemption for the transgression made by Adam under the first covenant, and those who believe in Jesus' resurrection receive the promise of eternal life. The transgression of Adam resulted in separation between God and all mankind. Jesus' death made a total redemption to cancel the separation.

Hebrews 9:15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 

Many Bible scholars may recall verses spoken by John The Baptist, Jesus Himself or others which suggest that one must be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Those verses were true for those who heard them in that day, but they are not true for us today in this Dispensation of Grace, or Church Age. The forgiveness of sins provided to mankind by Jesus' death on the cross occurred at His death and did not apply before His death.

Many pastors quote Acts 2:38a: "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.'"? Peter preached this at the start of the Church Age, post-resurrection. So, why isn't baptism required today for the remission of sins? The Apostle Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles with the gospel of grace, salvation by faith in Jesus' resurrection apart from works of the law, baptism, and other Jewish customs. The other Apostles, including Peter were the Apostles to the Children of Israel who were still under the law, baptism, and customs. This was a transition period. The Jewish church died out for the most part. Now everyone, Jew and Gentile, are under the Gospel that Jesus revealed to Paul. Peter, and the other Apostles to the Jews, did many things that do not apply today. Peter was still in training as evident by God's revelation to him about eating with the Gentiles.

The universal forgiveness of sins does not mean that all mankind has been saved from the torment of an eternal hell as many cults and universalists believe. Having one's sins forgiven does not equal salvation as taught by most Christian denominations. Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the whole world, but that does not equate to universal salvation. The doctrine of universal salvation is false teaching.

Those who teach John Calvin's doctrine of Limited Atonement are teaching an incomplete and inaccurate gospel. They believe that Christ's death on the cross alone provides salvation and therefore applies only to some. The Scripture teaches salvation is by His entire redemptive work, especially faith in His resurrection which gives us eternal life with God in Heaven.

Is Everyone Saved Because Their Sins Have Been Forgiven? No!

Jesus told the Pharisee Nicodemus that he must be "born again," or born of the Spirit in order to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus meant that he must receive the Spirit of God in order to be saved. Jesus did not tell Nicodemus that he had to be baptized. Jesus said he had to be born of water, meaning the water of the womb. He must be human, not an evil spirit or demon. Jesus did not tell Nicodemus that he had to have his sins forgiven.

John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Scripture does not teach that salvation is accomplished by having one's sins forgiven. Most Christian churches teach the false doctrine of effectual forgiveness. They teach that sins are not forgiven until one believes Jesus died for his sins. They falsely believe that having one's sins forgiven equates to being saved. The doctrine of effectual forgiveness is not in the Bible. Actually, the Bible teaches just the opposite. While we were enemies of God (meaning unsaved) we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son. It does not require faith to be reconciled to God as many churches falsely teach. Reconciliation does not mean one is saved as these churches teach. It means the enmity between God and mankind as a result of Adam's transgressions has been reversed. One is saved by faith in the resurrection of Jesus. We are saved by receiving His resurrected life in us and being filled with the Holy Spirit. You must have Christ in you to be saved.

Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (KJV)

Romans 5:10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (resurrection).

Romans 10:9-10 That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in the heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it] [is] the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.

Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth [as] a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

1 Corinthians 15:13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching [is] empty and your faith [is] also empty.

1 Corinthians 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, [and] has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man [came] death, by Man also [came] the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue] [to] believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

Luke 23:42 Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." 43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

In Romans 4:25 we see the differentiation between forgiveness of sin and salvation. Jesus was delivered up and crucified for the forgiveness of our sin, and He was raised from the dead to provide the way of salvation. Jesus Christ's resurrection provide "justification" (meaning salvation in Romans 3:24, 26 and 4:25) for all those who believe in His bodily resurrection. In Christ all shall be made alive because of His resurrection from the dead as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22. Salvation is described as receiving life (1 Corinthians 15:22) when one's name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Revelation 20:15).

Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (KJV)

1 Corinthians 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, [and] has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man [came] death, by Man also [came] the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

Revelation 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

One of the two thieves crucified on his cross next to Jesus Christ was saved by his faith in the soon-to-come resurrection of Christ when he said in Luke 23:42-43, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom. 43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." Nothing was said about the thief's sins or about the forgiveness of his sins. The thief was not baptized. The thief did not invite Jesus into his heart. The thief expressed faith in the soon-to-come resurrection of Jesus to His Kingdom. The thief was saved because of his faith in Jesus' resurrection. This is another clear example that faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the basic requirement for salvation.

We are given a very clear description of salvation in Romans 10:9-10 above. It does not mention having one's sins forgiven, asking Jesus into one's heart or being baptized. Salvation is obtained by believing in one's heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead. The heart is symbolic for having true faith as the basis for salvation and not just empty verbal expression. We must confess our sin in the admission that we need a Savior, but the confession of sins does not fulfill the requirement for salvation. We must confess faith in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved. Likewise, Romans 5:10 says that we are saved by His life. This means that salvation is obtained by faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 above gives a detailed description of the gospel.

Many people believe and teach there is "life in the blood," meaning eternal life comes through the shed blood of Jesus. A phrase with this meaning is not found in Scripture. Romans 5:10 says, " we shall be saved by His life." Scripture does not say we are saved by His blood or by His death. Many pastors give a plea for the unbeliever to "ask Jesus into your heart." Here again this phrase is not the gospel and is not found in the Bible.

Some like to quote Bible verses about salvation that were written prior to Jesus' death and resurrection. People were saved before the cross by believing that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. These verses were applicable at that time for those people but are not applicable to us today in this Dispensation of Grace or Church Age. They are applicable only if one interprets faith in Jesus as including His death, burial and resurrection for His complete justification.

Did Adam's Sin Imposed God's Universal Condemnation Upon All Mankind? Yes!

Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden brought enmity between all mankind and God. The separation became universal for every descendent of Adam and Eve. From Adam to the cross all humanity was at enmity with God. Enmity is a state of deep-seated ill-will, often mutual hatred. There was a separation between mankind and God like a "middle wall of separation" as stated in Ephesians 2:14. Mankind became an enemy of God because of Adam's transgression of his covenant with God, but Jesus broke down the middle wall of separation by taking upon Himself Adam's transgression and the sins of the whole world. Jesus brought peace between mankind and God who were both reconciled by Jesus' death on the cross. The enmity was put to death.

Romans 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift [is] not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift [is] not like [that] [which] [came] through the one who sinned. For the judgment [which] [came] from one [offense] [resulted] in condemnation, but the free gift [which] [came] from many offenses [resulted] in justification. 17 For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore, as through one man's offense [judgment] came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act [the] [free] [gift] [came] to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, [that] [is], the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man [from] the two, [thus] making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

We can now better understand the full meaning of Jesus' last three words on the cross before His death, "It is finished." Jesus was stating that the enmity between God and man was reconciled - finished.

John 19:30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. 

Does God Give Unsaved People Varying Degrees of Punishment According to His Sins? No!

Many Bible teachers and commentators make the claim that God gives unregenerate people varying degrees of punishment according to his sins. The Bible references to support this claim come mainly from the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke. The reference verses in Matthew, Mark and Luke are spoken by Jesus before His crucifixion and resurrection. All of these versus apply to the Dispensation of Law under the Kingdom of God that Jesus presented to Israel during His earthly ministry. However, Israel rejected the Kingdom of God in the crucifixion of the King, Jesus Christ. The doctrines Jesus taught for the Kingdom of God were never instituted for Israel, because the Kingdom of God was never established for them.

Matthew 21:43 "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.

The Apostle Paul received direct revelation for the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the Dispensation of Grace from the resurrected Jesus Christ, and it is under this dispensation which the present-day Church or Body of Christ continues. The Apostle Paul did not list any degrees of punishment for the unregenerate, unbelieving lost person. In fact, he presented the same description of Hell and the same eternal punishment for them all. The uniformity of punishment of the unregenerate person conforms perfectly to the doctrine presented in the Bible and discussed here, that the unregenerate person will suffer in Hell for only one reason, the rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He will not suffer because of his other sins, since Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the whole world upon the cross.

Galatians 1:11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught [it], but [it] [came] through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Acts 28:30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

The Apostle Paul did not differentiate the various sins of people with different levels of punishment in Hell. Paul indicated that Jesus will be revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These unbelieving people will all suffer the same punishment. The punishment is everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 [which] [is] manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since [it] [is] a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to [give] you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

The author of Hebrews announced the severity of the punishment to those who trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace, but he did not give any degrees of punishment based on other sins. Notice that the unbeliever is punished only for his rejection of Jesus. There is no mention of punishment for sins such as murder, stealing, adultery or lying. Hebrews is consistent with the true Biblical doctrine presented here that the sins of everyone have been forgiven by Jesus on the cross except the sin of rejecting Him. Hebrews 10:29.

Hebrews 10:28 Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The Lord will judge His people." 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

The Apostle Peter did not differentiate the various sins of people with different levels of punishment in Hell. The Lord knows how to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment. 2 Peter 2:9.

2 Peter 2:4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast [them] down to hell and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, [one] [of] eight [people], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned [them] to destruction, making [them] an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, [who] [was] oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented [his] righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing [their] lawless deeds)-- 9 [then] the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority.

Scripture teaches that the unbelieving sinner will not be punished in varying degrees according to the severity of his sins after Jesus went to the cross to take upon Himself the sins of the whole world. Now God deals with the unbelieving sinner in a new and different way. The unbeliever will now receive eternal punishment in Hell for his blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, which is the ungodly rejection and denial of Jesus Christ as the Son of God who took upon Himself the sins of the whole world on the cross at Calvary and rose bodily from the grave to give the believer eternal life with Him. The believer's name will be written in the Lamb's (Jesus') Book of Life. The unbeliever on Judgment Day will be thrown into the Lake of Fire (Hades or Hell).

Revelation 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Many Bible teachers and commentators present the argument that people with the greater sin should suffer the greater punishment. This is human logic that is not supported by Scripture. This argument is based on works whereby the person with the greatest works and least sins would be rewarded by God with a lesser punishment in Hell. The doctrine of works to offset sins is strictly contrary to the true Bible doctrine of salvation by grace through faith lest anyone should boast. No one can be justified before God by the works of the law. No unregenerate person can reduce his eternal punishment in Hell by his good works and/or lack of sins.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it] [is] the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Some Bible teachers use 2 Peter 2:19-21 as justification for varying degrees of punishment in Hell. However, a closer look at these verses indicates the two people being compared are both unregenerate (lost unbelievers). One was presented with the gospel but rejected Jesus, and the other was not presented with the truth. It is true that the one who rejected Jesus is in a worse situation because he is much more likely to continue in his rejection. The second person has not been presented the truth, so he has a greater chance in the future to hear and believe. These verses are not talking about degrees of eternal punishment in Hell.

2 Peter 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.

There are no verses in the Bible that list degrees of punishment in Hell according to a person's sins. The only verses that suggest differing degrees of punishment are incidences recorded before Jesus' death on the cross in the Dispensation of Law. These examples cannot be summarily transferred into the present Dispensation of Grace. We must rightly divide the word of truth by placing doctrines in context to the Dispensation in which they apply.

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Matthew 11:23 "And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 "But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.

Matthew 23:13 "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in [yourselves], nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 14 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.

Luke 12:46 "the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for [him], and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint [him] his portion with the unbelievers. 47 "And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare [himself] or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes]. 48 "But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

The Only Escape From Eternal Punishment in Hell is by Faith in the Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ.

We believe that salvation is by grace through faith based upon the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus took upon Himself the sins of all mankind in His death on the cross, and His resurrection from the dead provides salvation for each person who believes. All who confess the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in his heart that God raised Him from the dead are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become the children of God.

Romans 10:9-10 That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

Salvation is by faith in the resurrection of Jesus, not by believing your sins have been forgiven. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:11-22, "And if Christ is not risen, your faith [is] futile; you are still in your sins!" Paul is telling us that Jesus would not have been the Son of God without the resurrection, and His death on the cross would not have been sufficient for the forgiveness of the sins of the whole world. Indeed, the one must believe in the resurrection of Jesus as the Son of God in order to receive eternal salvation. Faith in the resurrection of Jesus is the gospel in this Dispensation of Grace.

1 Corinthians 15:11 Therefore, whether [it] [was] I or they, so we preach and so you believed. 12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching [is] empty and your faith [is] also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if [the] dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith [is] futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, [and] has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man [came] death, by Man also [came] the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

We must also conclude that salvation is only possible by faith in the true Jesus of the Bible. Jesus is fully God and became a man in order to fulfill God's plan of salvation for us. Jesus is God who was manifested in the flesh. Faith in Jesus by some other definition does not result in salvation.

We believe in one God who is a personal and eternal Spirit, perfect and unchangeable in all His attributes. This one God eternally exists in three persons, impossible of division but capable of distinction as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All have precisely the same nature, attributes and perfections and are worthy of precisely the same homage, faith and obedience.

God The Father: We believe in God the Father as Creator of Heaven and Earth, perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, and measureless in power. We marvel and rejoice that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin, its power over our life, and from spiritual death. He also removes the fear of physical death from all who come to Him through faith in the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ upon the Cross (Genesis 1:1; 1:11; 1:24-28; Deuteronomy 4:35; Psalms 5:4-6; 14:1; 23:1-4; 47:2-3; 47:8-9; 96:11-13; 145:18; 147:5; Isaiah 40:28; 43-10-13, 44:6; John 1:1-3, 3:36; 5:18; 6:27; Romans 1:20; 6:1-13; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Colossians 1:15-17; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 1:5, 2:1-2; Revelation 3:20, 19:6).

Jesus Christ: We believe that Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh (John 1:1-3, 14; 1 Timothy 3:16), conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35), born of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:23), led a sinless life, performed miracles, died on the cross and is very God and very Man. We believe that Jesus Christ possessed all of the attributes of God. Jesus could manifest all of God's attributes according to the will of the Father. We believe that His death on the cross was substitutionary, representative, and sufficient to make amends for the guilt of all men. We believe that He was raised from the dead bodily and ascended to the right hand of the Father where He now carries on a ministry as Advocate and Intercessor for the saints (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1-14; 5:17-18; 8:58; 10:30-33; 11:25; 14:6-7; 20:27-29; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:15-16; 2:8-9; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:15-17; 3:16).

Jesus Christ Possesses the Attributes of God.

We believe in the personal, bodily, and pretribulational return of our Lord Jesus Christ for His Church (the Rapture), and that after the Tribulation He will return with His saints to the Earth to establish His Kingdom of righteousness, thus bringing to fruition all the unconditional promises made to the nation Israel (Luke 1:30-35; 1 Timothy 2:6; Romans 3:25-26, 2 Corinthians 5:14; Hebrews 10:5-14; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18; 1 John 2:2; 1 Corinthians 15:1-58; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 2:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:9-10; Revelation 19:1-21; 20:1-15).

The Holy Spirit: We believe in the deity and the personality of the Holy Spirit and that He is said to be eternally "proceeding" from the Father and the Son. We believe that the Holy Spirit was God's agent in the revelation and the inspiration of His Word. We believe that it is the Holy Spirit who performs the work of salvation in the heart of the individual believer, indwells believers, and bestows spiritual gifts upon them (1 Corinthians 2:11; 3:16; 6:19-20;12:1-13; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:30; 5:18; John 15:26; 16:7-8; 16:13-14; Genesis 1:2; 2 Peter 1:21; Acts 5:3-4, 13:2; Hebrews 3:7-9, 9:14; Matthew 28:19; Titus 3:5; Romans 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:22).

The purpose of salvation is that the believer might glorify God in his body through a life of fellowship and service for the Lord.

The consummation of salvation will occur at the Rapture when the believer will be delivered from the presence of sin, at which time he will also be glorified and conformed to the image of Christ.

We believe that because of the eternal purpose of God toward the objects of His love; His freedom to exercise grace toward unworthy mankind on the grounds of the propitiatory blood of Christ; the very nature of the divine gift of eternal life; the present and unending intercession and advocacy of Christ in heaven; the immutability of the unchangeable covenants of God; the regenerating, abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of all who are saved; once salvation has transpired it is eternal and unchangeable. (John 3:3; 3:8; 5:24; 10:28; 13:1; 14:16-17; 17:11; 17:15; Romans 8:29-39; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1-2; 5:3; Jude 24; 2 Timothy 1:12).

Jesus has the keys to Hades (Hell) and Death (eternal torment). He will judge the unbelieving sinner who has rejected Him. Everyone whose name is not written in the Lamb's Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire (Hades or Hell).

Revelation 1:18 "I [am] He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Revelation 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

SUMMARY: Every person will someday stand before the judgment seat of God (Hebrews 9:27). He will stand either condemned or pardoned having believed God's plan of salvation that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised again according to the scriptures, and will confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

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