Why would I believe if…?　

One of the most commonly heard objections to “the expectation of the Evangel” is: Why should I believe, if God is the Savior of all people, no matter what? Also during the broadcast of last Tuesday, on GreatNewsRadio, this objection was made. It is a typical, religious stumbling block. If God is the Saviour of all of mankind, that is fantastically great and good news for everyone, except for those who believe to have an exclusive right to it. That is the self-righteousness of the Christian religion (cp Rom.9:30-10:3). The “secular” world shrugs its shoulders about the message of the risen Christ. It is folly in their ears. Think of the comments that Paul received at the occasion of his speech at the Areopagus in Athens (Acts 17:32,33). But downright hostility was Paul’s experience, when he brought the message of Good News in an orthodox-religious setting. Why? Because the grace of God, which he announced, is altogether contrary to works (Rom.4:4; 11:6). The Evangel is not an advantageous offer. It is a joyful announcement. NOT: God will be your Savior, if you… BUT: the living God is your Savior! However, Christians, again and again, react in shock to the message that all mankind will be saved: “Why should we make known the Evangel, if God will save everyone, anyway?” How many comments, like this, did I not receive after the above mentioned broadcast?! But what a fallacy, because the Evangel IS, precisely, the message that GOD is the Saviour of all mankind! It tells us that Christ Jesus has paid the price for all (1Tim.2:6) and that this is why all of humanity belongs to Him–is owned by Him (Rom.10:12). The Evangel proclaims that Christ Jesus nullifies death (2Tim.1:10; 1Cor. 15:26). Therefore, it is a blatant lie when pulpits warn of a “never-ending death”. One can celebrate ‘Easter’ as much as one desires, but the warning of a ‘never-ending death” is in stark contrast to the heart of the Evangel. Paul wrote to the Corinthians (1Cor.1:23,24) that the Evangel he preached is to the non-Jews foolishness, and to the orthodox, religious Jews an offense. But for those who are called, it is the power of God and the wisdom of God! ——————————— translation: Peter Feddema

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