How fitting that the Bible ends with an invitation: “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17). God wants everyone to be saved. “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:3-4), but just as no one is forced to sin, no one is forced to be saved. We chose to commit sin. We must choose to be saved.
The Gospel is for everyone. “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned’” (Mark 16:15-16, emphasis mine - HR). However, the invitation is extended to whoever desires. Just who is this whoever? Why do some have a desire to respond while others don’t?
The invitation will appeal to those who realize they are sinners. Not everyone understands this fact. “Sin” is a foreign word to many people today. Some don’t consider themselves to be bad people, so in their eyes, they are not sinners. Yet the Bible declares that all have sinned (Rom. 3:23). One who can’t see the sin in their life will not appreciate the Lord’s invitation for salvation. This is why gospel preaching needs to point out and condemn sin.
The invitation will appeal to those who admit they need a Savior. If we could save ourselves from our sins, then Jesus would not have needed to die on the cross. The invitation offers hope to those who see that we can’t save ourselves. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).
The invitation will appeal to those who will accept salvation on the Lord’s terms. “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Heb. 5:8-9). Salvation is a gift offered freely by God’s grace, but it must be received on His terms. We must hear the word (Rom. 10:17), believe in Jesus (Acts 16:31), repent of our sins (Luke 13:3), confess our faith in Jesus (Rom. 10:9-10), and be baptized for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). As a Christian, we must serve the Lord faithfully (1 John 1:7).
Heaven’s invitation to come to God for salvation through Jesus Christ is extended every time the gospel is preached at Knollwood. However, you don’t have to wait for a church service to be saved. Maybe today is the day you need to step forward in response to your Savior’s call. Do you realize you are a sinner in need of a Savior? Are you willing to accept His salvation on His terms? Then you need to respond in faithful obedience! Please let us know if we can help you with this important decision.