The word “save” occurs 65 times in the New Testament. The word “saved” occurs 57 times. The word “salvation” is found 45 times in the New Testament. Jesus said that He came to save men’s lives not destroy them (Luke 9:56). His ultimate goal was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He did not come to judge the world, but to save it (John 12:47).
Jesus came to save anybody, but He doesn’t save everybody. More are headed to hell than to heaven (Matthew 7:13-14). While Jesus can save anyone “to the uttermost” (Hebrews 7:25), He loses many to the innermost parts of the world. Jesus does not save everybody and in fact cannot save some people. Who has Jesus not been able to save?
He Can’t Save People Wrapped in the World (Matthew 19:16-22).
Pascal said, “The last thing one knows is what to put first.” “Surprised to see an empty seat at the Super Bowl stadium, a diehard fan remarked about it to a woman sitting nearby. ‘It was my husband's,’ the woman explained, ‘But he died.’ ‘I'm very sorry,’ said the man. ‘Yet I'm really surprised that another relative, or friend, didn't jump at the chance to take the seat reserved for him.’ ‘Beats me,’ she said. ‘They all insisted on going to the funeral.’”[1] The rich young ruler:
Was Young. He had a long life ahead of him, but did he expect Jesus to tell him to keep doing what he was doing? Some young people look forward to their futures that they forget to include Jesus in them. Many teenagers and young adults will be lost because they valued earthly life instead of heavenly life.
Was Rich. We wonder how much was in his bank account. It is near impossible for the rich to enter heaven. Through God they can (Matthew 19:26), but they cannot serve both God and riches (Matthew 6:24).
Was Powerful. Luke tells us that he was a ruler. He may have been a part of one of the religious groups. Giving up his wealth may have led to his power being taken from him too, for the religious rulers had money.
Obeying the words of Jesus may have ruined his plans, would have caused him to be poorer, and changed his societal status. Jesus can only save those with a vertical view (Colossians 3:1-5). He wants a soul (Luke 9:23; 14:26-33). Jesus must take priority (Matthew 6:33).
He Can’t Save People with Religious Pride (Luke 18:14).
“George Gordon Liddy, Watergate conspirator recently released from prison: ‘I have found within myself all I need and all I ever shall need. I am a man of great faith, but my faith is in George Gordon Liddy. I have never failed me.’”[2]
Religious people may be close to the Bible knowledge, but they are far from Bible practice. The Pharisees could not find salvation in Jesus because they:
Rejected Jesus.
Looked down upon others.
Revered their obedience to the Law.
Profited in religion.
Their hand may have been in religion, but their soul wasn’t. People like this think they can save themselves. Jesus cannot save people who think they can save themselves. Jesus saves humble sinners, not prideful religious people.
He Can’t Save People Who Stand by Him, but Not with Him (John 19:11-15).
Pilate had a problem. Release Jesus and anger his “boss” or kill Jesus and go against his conscience. Pilate cared little for Jesus’ true state and therefore valued his position and pride over what was good and moral.
Pilate stood face to face with Jesus yet was not saved. Despite his interactions with the Savior, he washed himself of the salvation he could have had. His fear of the possible Jews’ reporting back to Caesar, was alarming and likely prompted him to send Jesus to be crucified. Jesus can’t save people who stand close to Him, but who do not stand with Him (Matthew 12:30). Earlier, He said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33). A true test of one’s allegiance to God is their stance during adversity. Jesus cannot save those who do not stand with Him.
Jesus came to save anybody who obeys Him and He wants to save everybody. Today, he cannot save those who do not comply with His conditions (Mark 16:16). Will Jesus save you (Hebrews 5:8-9)?
Endnotes
Comentários