Understanding the Salvation Paradox

John 3:18: “Whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

The Baptism of Christ by Leonardo da Vinci, 1472

Life is full of unknowns. Perhaps the most compelling questions, at least spiritually, are: Is there a God? How does He communicate with us? Is there an afterlife of reward and punishment?

Now, if you don’t believe in a God or in an afterlife, you’re life is straightforward, and you can simply move on. As they say, go in peace. (You’ll see why I don’t debate below.)

Some, however, do believe in a God. Isaac Newton, for example, is quoted as saying, “This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.” In fact, Romans 1:20 confirms this when it states, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”

Although there are those who believe that God speaks directly to them, it is generally accepted, at least with respect to everyone else, that God speaks through His word, the Bible. In fact, several verses in the Bible support this. Matthew 4:3, for example, states, “…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Romans 10:17 goes even further to state, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” In other words, saving faith itself only comes from the Bible.

Now, as to an afterlife with reward and punishment, John 3:16, one of the best-known verses, addresses this when it states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” So, through faith, there is eternal life, and without that, you will perish—pretty straightforward stuff.

Now, here’s the paradox: God, without any merit on the part of man, determined who would be saved by His sovereign choice even before the foundation of the world. Mankind, by his free will rejection of Christ, determines who will not be saved. Therefore, the truth of John 3:16 is fulfilled; “…whoever believes in Him [Christ][ has] eternal life.” Conversely, “whoever believes [not] in Him perish[es].” Spiritual reality, at least, is binary.

Here are the truths that proceed out of this paradox:

1. There is no obligation to convince someone that there is a God. In fact, according to Romans 1:20, all of creation is readily available to so convince everyone of God’s existence. Just look up.

2. There is no obligation to convince someone that the Bible is the word of God. According to Romans 10:17, the Bible’s power is saving faith. Look, therefore, to scripture.

3. There is no obligation to convince someone of what merits salvation. Ephesians 1:4-5 proves that the decision has already been made when it states, “…He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he predestined us to be adopted by Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will.” Additionally, this is guaranteed, as Christ states in John 6:37: “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Finally, we simply circle back to Romans 1-:17, which confirms that the Bible has the power of saving faith, while nothing said outside of the word of God has any power whatsoever.

4. There is, however, an obligation to share the truth of the Gospel of Salvation and to offer what one knows to disciple those who accept salvation out of love and in obedience to the command of Matthew 28:18-20, “…All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…”

If there is but a spark of interest in what I’ve said, I suggest reading God’s word and praying for His direction. You may want to start with the Gospel of John or 1st John.

Again, as they say, go in peace.