Ep.1415: Does Our Preaching Really Save Those Who Hear?
Scripturally defining the primary purpose of preaching the gospel
CHAPTERS
Theme Scripture: Matthew 28:19
So, what is the real mission of Christianity? Are we tasked with converting the world? Are we responsible to preach the good news of the gospel wherever we go, to anyone and everyone? Is the eternal destiny of those we come in contact with heavily dependent upon our delivering the message of salvation? All Christians would agree that at his ascension, Jesus commanded us to be part of preaching the gospel throughout the world. Where we differ is in the outcome of this preaching. The bottom-line question: Do we as Christians bear the responsibility of saving sinners from the wrath of God right here and right now in this age, or do we preach for another reason?
Worldwide conversion now?
While Jesus commanded his followers to spread the gospel worldwide (Matthew 28:19–20, Acts 1:6–9), the purpose is not immediate worldwide conversion but rather the calling of disciples from all nations. Preaching plants seeds of truth, but only God causes growth (1 Corinthians 3:6–9).
The key to understanding the apparent contradiction of Jesus dying for all and yet not all following him now is that salvation unfolds in stages. First, a small group of disciples is called to walk the narrow way, living sacrificially as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Their faithfulness benefits the rest of humanity later, during the “day of visitation” and ultimate restoration (Romans 8:19–21, Acts 3:20–21). The rest of humanity will eventually be taught, tested and brought to repentance (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4–6). Preaching today serves to identify disciples and to give glimpses of God’s kingdom, even if most people dismiss or misunderstand it.
Seeds of hope
Ultimately, preaching is about sowing seeds of hope, pointing to God’s plan of universal restoration, peace and harmony. Scriptures like Micah 4:3–4 and Revelation 21:3–4 promise a future without war, pain or death, where God dwells with humanity. Preaching does not save directly but prepares the way for Christ’s mediation and the eventual salvation of all.
Preaching’s purpose: Not immediate conversion but calling disciples and offering hope.
Stages of salvation: First disciples, then the world in God’s kingdom.
Role of disciples: A "royal priesthood" whose faithfulness benefits all humanity.
Future promise: Universal restoration, peace and God having a restored relationship with mankind.
Preaching today plants seeds and reveals hope. Salvation itself is God’s work to be fully realized in His kingdom.
Are you implying that God will restore ALL mankind and no one is going to hell when you say “Preaching does not save directly but prepares the way for Christ’s mediation and the eventual salvation of all.”?
Hi, Barb, thank you for taking the time to ask for clarification on our statement. As we see in the Parable of the Sower, for many, the seed of the gospel message is snatched away by Satan. There are literally billions of humans who, through no fault of their own – either being born in the wrong time, in the wrong country, to the wrong parents or with the wrong mental capacity – have no concept of Jesus, including all those who lived before his name was even known on earth. Is Christianity, and therefore God Himself, a miserable failure, losing the overwhelming majority of His creation? Absolutely not.
The key to this obvious discrepancy is that salvation is in two parts, as evidenced by scripture after scripture such as:
1 Timothy 4:10: “…we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.” (all men + believers)
2 John 2:1-2: “…we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. (“our” sins – believers + those of the whole world)
1 John 2:2: “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (believers + the whole world)
Romans 8:19‐21: (Phillips translation) “The whole creation is on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own. The world of creation cannot yet see reality…yet it has been given hope. And the hope is that in the end the whole of created life will be rescued from the tyranny of change and decay and have its share in the magnificent liberty which can only belong to the children of God.” (the creation – the whole world + the sons of God – the believers)
Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ, but the timing differs by group. For Jesus’ true followers, salvation must be accepted now, under challenging conditions, with the support of the providence of God, the support of Jesus and the guidance of the holy spirit. For the rest of humanity, salvation will be offered in the future—after resurrection, learning God’s plan, rehabilitation, and with full discernment—under fair conditions where Satan is bound and ultimately destroyed, and with the support of the completed church led by Christ.
God’s plan is fair, loving, and reasonable, as Jesus gave himself as a ransom for all, not just the “lucky” few (1 Timothy 2:6). We refer you further to our 5-part series exploring in great detail all scriptures that reference hell. – Christian Questions