Using Extrabiblical Examples to Illustrate Universal Salvation Need
The concept of universal salvation need is rooted in the biblical understanding that all humans are sinners and require redemption. The Psalmist cries out to God for help, acknowledging that "vain is the help of man" [1, 3]. This sentiment is echoed in the New Testament, where Paul argues that both Gentiles and Jews are "equally under sin's power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own" [9].
The biblical narrative illustrates the universal need for salvation through various examples. The story of Adam and Eve's disobedience in Genesis 3 highlights the origin of sin and its consequences for humanity [8]. The Psalmist also notes that "all human beings are born sinners" [6]. This understanding is reinforced by the apostle John's statement that "he that committeth sin is of the devil" [7].
The need for salvation is not limited to a particular group or individual; rather, it is a universal necessity. According to Adam Clarke, the salvation provided by God through Christ Jesus is the only means by which humans can be saved, as "all have sinned, all must either be saved by faith through Christ Jesus, or finally perish" [10]. The author of Hebrews warns that neglecting this salvation will result in severe consequences, emphasizing that it is a "great salvation" that has been "declared to us by the Son of God" [11, 12].
The biblical examples of individuals who have sinned and required redemption serve as illustrations of the universal need for salvation. The Psalmist's plea for help [2] and the apostle Paul's discussion of the universal sinfulness of humanity [9] demonstrate that salvation is not limited to a particular group or individual. Rather, it is a universal necessity that is applicable to all people.
In Christian theology, this understanding of universal salvation need is closely tied to the concept of God's long-suffering and forgiveness. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, God's long-suffering is part of his character and is exercised towards both his people and the wicked [4]. The biblical emphasis on forgiveness and redemption underscores the universal need for salvation, highlighting the importance of faith in Christ Jesus as the means of receiving this salvation [5, 10]. The consequences of neglecting this salvation are dire, as warned by the author of Hebrews [11, 12].
The universal need for salvation is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology, underscoring the importance of the salvation provided by God through Christ Jesus. As John Gill notes, Christ is able to "save them to the uttermost" because of his eternal priesthood [13].
Sources
- Psalms “Da nobis auxilium de tribulatione, quia vana salus hominis. -- Psalms 59:13”
- Psalms “Rise up to help us. Redeem us for your loving kindness’ sake. -- Psalms 44:26”
- Psalms “Da nobis auxilium de tribulatione, quia vana salus hominis. -- Psalms 107:13”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Long-Suffering of God, The — Is part of his character -- Ex 34:6; Nu 14:18; Ps 86:15. Salvation, the object of -- 2Pe 3:15. Through Christ's intercession -- Lu 13:8. Should lead to repentance -- Ro 2:4; 2Pe 3:9. An encouragement to repent -- Joe 2:13. Exhibited in forgiving sins -- Ro 3:25. Exercised toward His people. -- Isa 30:18; Eze 20:17. The wicked. -- Ro 9:22; 1Pe 3:20. Plead in prayer -- Jer 15:15. Limits set to -- Ge 6:3; Jer 44:22. The wicked Abuse. -- Ec 8:11; Mt 24:48,49. Despise. -- Ro 2:4. Punished for despising. -- Ne 9:30; Mt 24:48-51; Ro 2:5. Illustr”
- Acts “There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!” -- Acts 4:12”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 4:24: But for us also - The mention of this circumstance has a much more extensive design than merely to honor Abraham. It is recorded as the model, according to which God will save both Jews and Gentiles: indeed there can be no other way of salvation; as all have sinned, all must either be saved by faith through Christ Jesus, or finally perish. If God, therefore, will our salvation, it must be by faith; and faith contemplates his promise, and his promise comprehends the Son of his love.”
- Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 2:3: How shall we escape - If they who had fewer privileges than we have, to whom God spoke in divers manners by angels and prophets, fell under the displeasure of their Maker, and were often punished with a sore destruction; how shall we escape wrath to the uttermost if we neglect the salvation provided for us, and proclaimed to us by the Son of God? Their offense was high; ours, indescribably higher. The salvation mentioned here is the whole system of Christianity, with all the privileges it confers; properly called a salvation, because, by bringing such an abundance o”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 2:2: How shall we escape,.... The righteous judgment of God, and eternal punishment: if we neglect so great salvation? as the Gospel is, which is called salvation; in opposition to the law, which is the ministration of condemnation; and because it is a declaration of salvation by Christ; and is the means of bringing it near, and of the application of it in conversion, and so is the power of God unto it: and it is a "great" salvation; the Gospel which reveals it is great, for the author of it is Christ; it has been confirmed by miracles, and attended with great success; a”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 7:23: Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost,.... Because he continues ever, and has an unchangeable priesthood. This is to be understood not of temporal salvation, nor of providential favours, but of spiritual and eternal salvation; and includes a deliverance from all evil, here and hereafter, and an enjoyment of all good in this world, and in that to come: Christ was called to this work by his Father; he was promised by him to do it, and was sent by him to effect it, and has accomplished it; and this is the reason of his name Jesus, and was the end of hi”