God's Pattern: Universal Call and Selective Judgment
An exploration of instances where salvation is offered universally, followed by the removal of those who reject it.
1. The Flood: A Universal Warning
1.1 Noah's Ark: A Type of Salvation
Verses: Genesis 6:13-22; Genesis 7:1-24
- The ark was a refuge for all who entered, symbolizing God's initial offer of salvation to everyone.
- Those who refused to enter the ark perished in the flood, demonstrating the consequences of rejecting God's provision.
1.2 The Pre-Flood World
Verses: Genesis 6:3; 1 Peter 3:20
- God extended grace to the entire world, giving people 120 years to repent.
- Only Noah and his family heeded the warning, illustrating the limited number who accept God's offer.
2. Abraham: A Blessing to All Nations
2.1 The Abrahamic Covenant: Blessing for All
Verses: Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:8-9; Galatians 3:29
- God's promise to Abraham was a blessing intended for all nations through his seed.
- However, only those who align themselves with Abraham's faith truly inherit the promise.
3. The Gospel: A Universal Invitation
3.1 The Gospel Proclamation
Verses: Colossians 2:9; Luke 24:47
- The man from Galilee, the fullness of the Godhead bodily, came to save the world.
- He commanded that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations.
3.2 The Great Commission
Verses: Acts 2:38; Mark 16:15-16
- The invitation to be baptized in water by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins is for everyone.
- Those who believe and are baptized are saved; those who do not believe are condemned.
4. Judgment: A Final Separation
4.1 The Final Judgment: Separation of Believers and Unbelievers
Verses: Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 20:11-15
- The final judgment will separate those who have accepted God's grace from those who have rejected it.
- This separation highlights the ultimate consequence of choosing to ignore God's offer of salvation.