Whoever Will May Come
The universal invitation of the gospel to all mankind stands despite the inabilities and limitations of fallen human nature. It is very important to uphold it as a biblical principle and to see that it depends on that which is in God as distinct from that which is in man.
- It is proclaimed in: John 3:15,16
Also Rom 10:11-13 Rev 22:17 Matt 11:28 Is 55:1,6,7 John 7:37 - It depends on the divine attribute of patience or long suffering.
- God is "...long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish..." 2 Peter 3:9.
- God has...."no pleasure in the death of the wicked." Ezek 18:32
- God..."desires all men to be saved..." 1 Tim 2:4
- "The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men" Titus 2:11
- "that the world through Him might be saved" John 3:17.
- God so loved the world ... John 3:16.
- The death which Christ accomplished is infinite in its redeeming value and efficacy so that provision is made for the salvation of all mankind. 1 John 2:2 1 Tim 4:10
- The mercy of God is so great that no one can despair of forgiveness. Mic 7:18 Num 14:19 Ps 103:11 Ps 147:11
- God’s way of revealing Himself to us is independent of human intelligence, wisdom or knowledge and is therefore available to all. 1 Cor 1:18-25 Matt 11:25-27
- Jesus promised "Seek and you will find" Matt 7:7 and invited all to come Matt 11:28.
- Acts of the will and choice are involved. Matt 23:37
(Also John 1:12; Deut 30:19; Josh 24:15.)
Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6,7
The "whosoever will" of the gospel and human responsibility are to be upheld as biblical principles.