I recently read an article, written by believers for unbelievers, saying that Jesus loves everyone, even those who hate him. I believe the authors meant well, but their statement was incomplete.
God gives all men "life support" (Matthew 5:45) and offers everyone salvation (John 3:16;1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9). It's accurate to say that God provides for those who hate him and offers them His love.
But the following verses must be added:
- Only believers have eternal life (John 3:16).
- Jesus and His Father love those who obey Him (John 14:23).
- Only those who keep His commands remain in His love (John 15:10).
- The Father loves us because we love and believe in Jesus (John 16:27).
Those who hate Jesus will be eternally punished. If we care about their souls, we will warn them.
When we leave out parts of the Gospel to make it more attractive to our culture, we aren't doing God any favors. He knows better than we do how to speak to the hearts of sinners.
*See also Psalm 11:5; Proverbs 6:16;11:20.
For further insights from R.C. Sproul and John MacArthur check out this 5 minute video HERE.
Bible Study
Revelation 21:8: But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.
Revelation 20:15: Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11: Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
John 3:36: Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
Romans 2:5,8: But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed... But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
Ephesians 5:6: Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
Who receives the promise of Romans 8:28?
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
copyright 2015, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com
All Scripture NIV unless otherwise noted
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