Likewise, God’s salvation is available to all, and it’s his desire that everyone receive it. Many in 1st century society mocked the idea of salvation in Christ and his promised return to rule the world, putting a final end to sin, suffering, and death. The apostle Peter encouraged early Christians to stand firm in the face of persecution. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV). God waits to end this world with all its pain so more people can be saved. It’s his desire that every person he created would turn from sin and receive his rescue to life in Christ.
The apostle Paul also affirmed this truth in his letter to Timothy, a young church leader tasked with overseeing numerous congregations in Asia. He urged Timothy to lead the early believers in a lifestyle of prayer, not only for people in general, but also for the governmental leaders of the area, so the believers could “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” He goes on to say, “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men” (1 Timothy 2:5–6).
This universally available salvation, exclusively found in Christ, is seen again in Revelation 5. Here, the apostle John has a vision of the risen Christ in heaven, opening a scroll with predictions of future catastrophes for the end of time. Since Jesus defeated sin and death through his death and resurrection, he was the only one qualified to open the scroll. The elders and heavenly creatures surrounding God's throne sang this song to him: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). Today, take hold of what God has freely offered to all of us.
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