From the Series: The Gospel According to the Whole Counsel of God
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
—John 1:14 (NKJV)
When God revealed His plan of salvation, He did not do so through an idea, a philosophy, or a hidden decree. He revealed it in a Person. The eternal Word, who was with God and was God (John 1:1), became flesh and walked among us. In Jesus Christ, the fullness of God’s heart was displayed, and the door of salvation was opened wide to the world.
The apostle John wrote that Jesus is the atoning sacrifice not for our sins only, but also for the whole world (1 John 2:2). The writer of Hebrews declares that Christ tasted death for everyone (Hebrews 2:9). Paul affirms that God reconciled the world to Himself in Christ, not imputing their trespasses against them (2 Corinthians 5:19). Scripture never narrows the reach of the cross. Instead, it magnifies the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice for all who will believe.
An Open Invitation
Throughout His ministry, Jesus invited people from every background to come to Him. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). On the last day of the feast in Jerusalem, He cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37).
His words leave no room for exclusion. The gospel call is not a whisper for the few but a shout for the nations. Whoever comes to Christ by faith will not be cast out (John 6:37).
The Witness of the Early Church
Polycarp of Smyrna, a disciple of the apostle John, wrote to the Philippians, urging them to remain steadfast in Christ. His letter reflects the same open gospel we see in Scripture: a call to faith, repentance, and perseverance. He reminded them that Jesus bore our sins in His own body on the tree and that those who believe in Him shall live forever.
The early Church did not preach a narrow salvation. Under persecution and hardship, they proclaimed a gospel that could reach every slave, soldier, merchant, widow, and child. Their confidence was not in a system but in the Savior who died and rose again for the whole world.
The Word Made Flesh for You
The incarnation of Christ is God’s testimony that He desires to be known. He drew near, clothed Himself in human flesh, and walked among us so that no one could say, “God is too far off, too hidden, too unreachable.” In Jesus, we see the Father’s glory, His compassion, and His truth revealed.
If Christ is the atonement for the whole world, then He is sufficient for you. His invitation is open, His call is clear: Come, believe, and live.
Reflection Questions
- How does the truth that Jesus died for the whole world shape the way you see God’s love for you personally?
- What do Christ’s open invitations (“Come to Me, all…” and “If anyone thirsts…”) reveal about His heart?
- How might the testimony of Polycarp and the early believers encourage you to trust Christ more fully?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming in the flesh to reveal the Father’s heart. Thank You for dying not for a few, but for the world, and for inviting all who are weary to find rest in You. Help me to believe Your words without doubt and to share Your open invitation with others. Strengthen me, as You did the early believers, to stand firm in the truth that You are the Savior of all who will come. Amen.
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