(We recently received a comment and a series of questions from one of our subscribers relating to this remark made on the interpretation of 1 Tim. 2:4: “If ‘all’ refers to every single person, everyone without exception, then to say that God ‘wills’ or ‘wishes’ all to be saved, given that God is sovereign, would result in universal salvation.”   His remarks are to be found below and are reprinted here because he no doubt speaks for a great number of thinking Christians who find discomfort with the idea that their choices are not definitive in salvation.)

Why must this be necessarily so?

Can we not allow that God can have a hierarchy of wishes and He be willing to forgo the satisfaction of one wish for another?  Would that be to anthropomorphize God?  Does that necessarily constitute an erosion of His sovereignty?

Jesus desired that the cup pass from Him … but He subjugated that desire to the Father’s will.

Surely God desires that we not sin – at all, any more – as that would be best for us …

I am conflicted somewhat – I recognize God’s action in my life, His mercy in giving me the understanding and faith I have.  I recognize His omniscience.  He MUST know it all before it happens with me, to me, in me and about me, but I don’t think that means that all MY choosing is “fantasy” either …

When it comes to justice and fairness – God is the only one who knows it – is intimately acquainted, thoroughly familiar with it – so if I try to assess something in my own terms it is easy for me to go astray, but there is something that doesn’t sound right about NO choice on my part, unless salvation really is universal.

(My responses to his questions will appear in the next two devotionals)