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For whom did Jesus die? Did He die for all mankind, or just a select, predestined few? The reason I ask this is because there are folks who tell us that God chose the specific number of people He would save. If this is the case, then Jesus’ death was not for all humanity, but just for those He wanted to save. Therefore, what does the Bible say about Christ’s death? For whom did He die?

Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). Jesus said He was going to the cross for many people. In the book of Hebrews, we read that Jesus came to this earth, “…that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone” (Heb. 2:9).

It is obvious from these passages that Jesus did not die for a select, predestined few, but for all mankind. Peter says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit” (I Pet. 3:18).

If Christ only died for a select number, it would make God a respecter of persons. Yet, this cannot be true (Acts 10:34-35; Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:9; Col. 3:23-25; I Pet. 1:17).

    If Christ only died for an elect group of people, why does Jesus want “all” to come to Him (Matt. 11:28-30; Acts 17:30)? If Christ only died for a select number of people, “all” could not come to Him if they wanted to!

    If Christ only died for a limited group, who are they? Am I part of the few or not? Are you? How do we know whether or not Jesus died for us? How sad it will be on the Day of Judgment to find out that we had lived a life here thinking that Jesus died for us, only to find out that we are to be sent to Hell because Jesus did not die for us!

    If Christ only died for a few, why waste our time trying to convert the world when most will not be saved anyway? Aren’t we glad that this is not the case? The truth is that Jesus died for all. He died as that perfect and sinless sacrifice for sins (Heb. 9:13-14). Thus, everyone has the opportunity to be saved, to be a part of His church now (Acts 2:38, 47), and look forward to Heaven when this life is over. Will you seize the opportunity (II Cor. 6:2)?

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program on 1570 AM at 8:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167