At Easter time many people's thoughts are on the crucifixion of Jesus and his ressurection three days later, and many people take it for granted that that means everyone in the world is going to heaven since he died for all mankind, but that's not actually true.
1 John 2:2: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
It's true that Jesus did die for everyone and that he is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world, but only those who accept His free gift of mercy are saved and have eternal life. Jesus's death, burial, and ressurection made it possible for anyone in the world to be saved, but only the people who put their faith in him as their own personal sin bearer are saved.
In John 3:16 it says "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".
There are many, many, many people in the world today who do not even believe there is a Jesus, let alone trust him as their own personal saviour, so obviously not everyone in the world is going to heaven just because Jesus died for all the sins of the whole world.
I John 5:12: "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." So plainly from this verse it is very clear that some people have Jesus and some people don't. And, notice how it says "He that hath the Son" and not "he that hath religion." Salvation is not through any type or any kind of religion whatsoever. Salvation is in a person. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only saviour. John 14:6 says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life:, no man cometh unto the father but by me."
Many people in America and other countries believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but they have never been born again.
John 3:3 says "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God". You can believe someone is a good doctor without going to him, or you could believe someone is a good lawyer without trusting him to handle your case. That is the same way it is with Jesus; it's not just believing about him, but believing on Him and trusting him to apply the payment made for your sins to your own life.
John 3:3 says "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God". You can believe someone is a good doctor without going to him, or you could believe someone is a good lawyer without trusting him to handle your case. That is the same way it is with Jesus; it's not just believing about him, but believing on Him and trusting him to apply the payment made for your sins to your own life.
If someone offered you a million dollars and you didn't take it, then it wouldn't be yours. Jesus has already done everything that needs to be done and offers you the free gift of salvation. Now it is up to you if you will take it or refuse it.
John 6:35: And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. So the bread of life is available to everyone, but only those who come to Jesus and receive it, will be partakers of this bread of life.
Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
If you would like to come to Jesus today and receive this free gift of salvation which was purchased by his own blood on the cross, you may pray something like this, realizing it is not mere words that save, but your faith in Jesus Christ.
If you would like to come to Jesus today and receive this free gift of salvation which was purchased by his own blood on the cross, you may pray something like this, realizing it is not mere words that save, but your faith in Jesus Christ.
Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I know I deserve to go to Hell. But I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and rose from the grave to pay for my sins. Please save me right now and give me eternal life. I am only trusting you Jesus. Amen