Everyone bound
Day 569, Tuesday, Mar. 3
Romans 11:25-36
There is a minority belief among Christians that, in the end, all people will be saved. The large number of scriptures that refer to judgment make the idea of universal salvation unlikely, but today we read one of the passages that supporters of that view would lift up as evidence.
Verses 28-31 suggests permanent election for Israel: “as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”
Verse 32 suggests that God’s mercy is as universal as the grip of sin is: “For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.”
The orthodox response to that, at least in the Wesleyan tradition, is that God offers salvation freely to everyone without exception, but allows us through our free will to reject that salvation. God has mercy on all, as verse 32 said, but not all will accept that mercy.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Tuesday meditation

Psalms 89:9-18
You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them. You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies. The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it. You created the north and the south; Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name. Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.

Prayer focus
Thank you for opening your salvation to all. Let us live so that we draw others to also accept it.