Did Christ Save or Make Men Savable?

I am sure that you’ve heard the expression, “Kill two birds with one stone.” Recently I was asked a question that I believe this expression applies well to. The question was: “Did Christ actually save anyone by His death on the cross, or did He just make men savable?” The answer to this question is quite simple: He did BOTH.

You see, before Christ came in the flesh, many men were worshippers of the only true and living God. Yet, they were all in need of a savior, for even the most faithful of Israel were sinners; and they did not live to see what Christ would accomplish at the cross. What hope, then, did they have? Hebrews 11:13 tells us “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them...”

Christ’s eventual sacrifice would save those faithful ones who died prior to His death, burial, and resurrection (11:39-40). All who have lived after the cross (including you and I) have been called upon to obey the gospel of Christ that we may be saved (Rom. 1:16; Jas. 1:21). Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved...” (Jn. 10:9). As this verse proves, you are not saved simply because Jesus died because of our sins. His death opened the way from death to life (He is the open door), but you have to cross the threshold and enter through the door yourself. He doesn’t do that for you.

Thus, friends, by His death He saved many; and He also made many savable. Are you saved?

Aaron Veyon