Page 117 - Biblical Theology Textbook - masters

referring to angels. That is a distinct issue. Mankind is fallen in sin. Paul says the penalty 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 needs 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?

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 angel’s 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). Let’s take a moment to 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 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 in faith, 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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