It may be that you understand the plan of salvation and why you need to obey it, but are hesitating for one reason or another. Perhaps knowing about those who want you to be saved will help encourage you to take that important first step. Dear friend, do you realize just how many want you to be saved?

1) GOD - Yes, of course, God wants you to be saved. You are the focus of his grand scheme of redemption since sin entered this world. It is God who "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). "All men" includes everyone because all have sinned (Rom. 3:23). God gave His only begotten Son so that everyone who believes might have everlasting life (John 3:16). The Creator of all things wants you to be saved! Why do you wait?

2) ANGELS - Did you know the angels want you to be saved? Jesus said, "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10). Why does this angelic joy happen? Because the angels want sinners to be saved, and are jubilant when it happens. The angels understand how wonderful God's plan is, and how important it is for man to obey. They are eager to rejoice over you!

3) CHRISTIANS - Those who are saved want you to join their number. One more person saved is a victory for truth and a defeat for Satan. Paul stated that his "heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved" (Romans 10:1). Paul told King Agrippa that "I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am [a Christian, mwg]..." (Acts 26:29). Christians desire your salvation more than you may realize. They are praying for you - will their prayers be answered?

4) THOSE BEYOND THE GRAVE - Even those we knew on this earth that have died (family, friends, etc.) want us to be saved. Jesus provided such a scene when He spoke of a rich man who died in sin, and lifted his eyes in Hadean torment (Luke 16:22-23). Understanding his dreadful situation, his concern quickly turned to his five living brothers whom he knew were not saved (vv. 27-28). He begged Abraham to send Lazarus to them, but was told that his brothers had all they needed to be saved - God's word. All those beyond the grave want you to be saved, whether they made the right choice or not. You must act to save your own soul, and God's word will show you the way.

Did you realize that so many want you to be saved? Of course, it is still your decision and yours alone. But, obviously, being saved is the right choice. With so many desiring your salvation, what hinders you from making the right decision?

- Lakeland Hills Leader, 5/15/11