When Salvation is a Personal Choice
Have you ever felt a burning desire to see someone you love come to know Jesus? Perhaps a friend or family member seems lost, and you desperately want to share the joy you've found in your faith. But then a nagging thought sets in – what if they do not receive the message? The truth is, as much as it pains us, the Bible tells us the narrow path to salvation won't be crowded [Matthew 7:14]. Let's explore the delicate balance between our love for others and the reality of free will in our Christian walk.
Matthew 7:13-14 - New International Version
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
There was one particular Sunday morning that I was reading John 12:3-8. In this passage, Mary is honoring Jesus with a very expensive perfume. She pours it on his feet and wipes them with her hair, filling the house with a pleasant scent. One of the disciples, Judas, criticizes this act, claiming the money from the perfume could have been given to the poor. However, Jesus defends Mary, explaining that her act foreshadows his coming death and burial. He also points out that the poor will always be present, but his time on earth is limited. Jesus, knowing Judas' heart, knew his true motive: a desire to steal the money for himself.
As I read this story there were 2 big things that stood out to me: 1) Jesus knew that Judas was stealing and would soon betray him (literally in the next chapter), but did not call him out on any of it. And 2) Jesus also knew that Judas’ behavior would be his downfall, because as we know, Judas would later take his own life. Then, the question hit me. Why did Jesus not confront Judas and prevent his actions? Did it not pain Him?
The answer: Free Will
Even within the close circle of disciples, Jesus demonstrated free will. Judas, a man who walked alongside Jesus and received his teachings firsthand, ultimately chose a path leading away from salvation. This painful reality highlights a core truth: while Jesus offers the gift of salvation, it remains a choice each individual must make. Though we might yearn for someone's spirit, God doesn't force our hand. This understanding, while challenging, allows us to focus on sharing the message of Christ's love with compassion and respect, trusting that the ultimate decision rests with the one hearing the message.
If you come across someone who rejects salvation here are some things you can do while still respecting their decision:
Continue to love them. Show them Christ's love through your actions and interactions. This doesn't mean being pushy, but living a life that reflects your faith.
Pray for them. Entrust their journey to God. Pray for their heart to soften and for them to encounter God's love in unexpected ways.
Plant seeds. You never know when a seed you plant today might take root tomorrow. Share your faith story or answer questions they may have in a genuine and open way.
Ultimately, there is a quote that a friend of mine says often: The Lord is a gentleman that will never violate your ability to make your own decisions. Let us pray:
Father God,
We come before you giving you thanks for the new mercies and grace that you give us every morning. We praise you and honor you for the gift of salvation that you bestowed upon us when you sent your son to give His life for ours. We repent from ever infringing on anyone’s free will and ask that you bring to remembrance that salvation is a choice that each one of us must make. We trust your plan even if it does not unfold during our timetable. We ask that you guide us so that we live kingdom lives that are pleasing to you and are a reflection of your nature to those who do not know you. We lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ who do not recognize you, and we ask that you soften their hearts to the things that are of you. Build our wisdom, discernment, and understanding of your word, so that we may grow closer to the calling and purpose you have established for us. Equip us and bolden us to share our faith with others. And if there are seeds of faith that have been planted, Lord we ask that you nurture that seed and that the revelation of the truth of that Word comes through. In your mighty name we pray giving you all the glory,
Amen.