The Universal Redemption: Does the Son of Man Truly Give His Life as a Ransom for All?
When Jesus spoke in Matthew 20:28, he said, 'The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.' This statement often raises questions about the scope of His sacrifice and redemption. This article dives into the nuances, providing clarity and insight into the universal application of Jesus' sacrifice.
Understanding 'Many'
The term 'many' in Matthew 20:28 is derived from the Greek word pollon, meaning 'numerous, a multitude, and a great number.' Some assert that this implies a universal redemption, while others argue it is conditional.
Conditional Salvation
John 5:24 states, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned, but has passed out of death into life.' This passage aligns with the idea that faith and belief in Jesus are necessary for salvation, rather than a universal offer.
Salvation and the Gospel
Consider the Gospel of John 3:16, 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.' Here, God's love is extended to all, but the reception of that love—through faith in Jesus—is not.
1 John 2:2
This further emphasizes that salvation is not universal, but it is available to those who accept it. 1 John 2:2 declares, 'And he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.' This does not mean every single individual has accepted this offer.
1 Timothy 2:3-6
1 Timothy 2:3-6 provides a clear statement: 'For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to the 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, to be testified in its proper time.' This text infers that Jesus' sacrifice applies to all, yet the acceptance and application of this sacrifice are conditional.
Personal Responsibility and Belief
It is crucial to recognize that belief in Jesus is central to this doctrine. Not everyone who hears the message will respond. The very nature of faith implies a personal choice and action. John 16:9 sums it up: 'And I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.' This means those who believe and trust in Jesus will find peace and have eternal life.
The Priority of Faith
Jesus' ransom as a sacrificial offering is for all, but the application and acceptance of it are conditional. Those who fail to believe and follow Jesus as their savior are not exempt from the natural consequences of their actions. 'The soul that sins shall die,' as stated in Ezekiel 18:20, means those who reject Jesus remain under the judgment of their sins.
Personal Examples and Reflection
To illustrate, consider a person who dedicates their life to a noble cause, such as a Buddhist monk or a martial arts master. These individuals would not be scorned, but their true salvation lies in faith in Christ. Every person, regardless of their background, even if they are in a morally upright profession, ultimately needs to come to Christ for salvation. Elevating human achievements or practices over believing in Jesus is sinful.
In conclusion, the Son of Man did in fact give His life as a ransom for many. This does not negate the individual's responsibility to believe in Jesus for salvation. The Christian doctrine emphasizes both the universal provision and the conditional application of this provision.