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for sin is death (Rom. 6:23). When we understand this it quickly becomes obvious that mankind is in
need of salvation. What about the fallen angels?

The fallen angels are in need of salvation as well. They have sinned and are destined for destruction. In
the Gospel of Matthew, we are told that the lake of fire was specifically prepared for the devil and his
angels (Matt. 25:41). Interestingly enough it is also used to deal with the humans who reject God’s offer
of deliverance through rejecting Jesus. In Matthew 25:41 He looks at the humans who rejected Jesus
and tells them to depart into the lake of fire. So, humanity and fallen angels are in need of salvation.
What about animals?

Animals and the earth are corrupted by Adams fall. In Genesis 3:14 God curses the serpent, Satan, above
all of the other beasts. A few verses later, in verse 17, God tells Adam the ground is cursed as well. So,
we know that sin has corrupted humanity, some angels, animals, and the earth itself. If the wages of sin
is death then all personal beings are in need of salvation or they will die Physically and then eternally.
This brings us to the second question we must ask. If anyone or thing affected by sin is in need of
salvation, can they all be saved? If so, how? If not, why not? Who does God offer salvation to? Who is
God interested in restoring His relationship with?

Who Is God Interested in Restoring His Relationship With? The bible is clear that man, fallen
angels, animals and the earth itself are corrupt and condemned because of sin. Of this group God only
offers the opportunity for forgiveness and restoration to humanity. The fallen angels fate is already
sealed. While the Bible does say there are animals in heaven it does not say whether they come from
this world or are heavenly animals that did not experience the fall. The earth itself burns and is replaced
by God (2 Peter 3:10-11). If you asked me where dead pets go, I believe they die and are no more. If God
wants them in heaven, they will be there. If not, they are part of a fallen world and will be no more
through natural decay. The Bible doesn’t say specifically. What it does say is who God offers restoration
to. He is only said to offer salvation to mankind. Notice that God offers salvation to mankind in Romans
5. He discusses Adam’s sin, the rest of humanity in relation to it, and then says Christ provides the
method of restoration. That restoration is obtained by faith (John 3:16). Later in this course we will
address the debate over whether all men can be saved by faith or whether God restricts that offer to
what some call “the elect.”

Who or What Cannot Be Saved?

Can humans be saved if they reject Christ? As we have already seen, humans are sinful and
condemned to physical death and then an eternity apart from God. Is there a state in which a human
cannot be saved now? The answer must be carefully stated. The Bible says that if we believe God
forgives us all unrighteousness and credits Jesus’ righteousness to us. That means anyone who can
believe can be saved. So, is there anyone who cannot be saved through faith? Only those who reject
Jesus as their source of salvation. Acts 4:12 says “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other
name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Therefore, the person who rejects
Christ cannot be saved unless they cease rejecting him and accept Him by faith. Jesus said as much as
well in John 14:6 when He said “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one
comes to the Father except through me.” So, while in one sense they could be saved, in another sense
they cannot be saved unless they change their mind about Christ and accept the offer of salvation
through faith in Jesus.

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