A Ransom for All

Jesus Christ: A Ransom for All

   Of all the events in recorded history, none is more important than the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Two of these events occurred within a three-day period and will be the focus of this letter.

   The hope of the resurrection of the dead lies at the very heart of the Christian faith, but it is also a hope that is talked about the least. We hear much talk about going to heaven when we die, but very little about being resurrected from the dead to life here on earth. The assurance of life after death on earth or in heaven is not based on some evolutionary process, immortality of the soul, reincarnation, or any other human philosophy. It is based on the foundation of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

   1 Cor. 15:13-22 states: "If there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen. And if Christ be not raised, then is our preaching vain and your faith is also vain...then they also which are fallen asleep (dead) in Christ are perished...but now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man (Adam) came death, by man (Christ) came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."

   Yes, all mankind should have a deep and personal interest in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Our eternal destiny rests upon it. Our every hope of a future life is based upon it.

   But one might ask: "What does the resurrection of the dead have to do with the heading of this letter?" 1 Tim. 2:5,6 gives us a starting point in attempting to answer this question. "There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." Please note the last part of this text which explains that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice was for all mankind, and that in due time this will be made known to all people.

   This text declares a great fact which many Christian people generally ignore: The fact that our Lord Jesus’ death was a "ransom" or offsetting "price" for Adam that covers and includes the entire family of Adam - all of mankind! The Scriptures declare that our Lord Jesus, by the grace of God tasted death for every man (Heb. 2:9); they show conclusively that "he is a propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins, and for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:2

   To appreciate these statements and to understand how they can be, and are true, it is necessary to know some things not generally taught in the churches today: namely, that there are two salvations: a heavenly (Rev. 20:6) and an earthly one. Earth’s billions must be resurrected to be blessed by the earthly salvation.

   The birth, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ makes it all possible. Without Christ’s ransom sacrifice, mankind would have been forever lost. Man was in a helpless, hopeless condition: dead by sin, powerless to save himself from eternal death.

   No wonder the angels sang at Jesus’ birth saying: "Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy which shall be unto all people, for unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10,11

   For a further discussion of this very important subject, contact us for your free copy of The Two Salvations and the booklet A Ray of Hope on a Troubled Sea.