The Many Meanings of “All” in Scripture

The author begins with a common frustration: in conversations about universal salvation and inclusionism, much effort is lost because people use the word “all” differently. The post argues that Scripture uses “all” in several ways depending on context, and that readers need to notice which sense a passage intends before drawing conclusions.

To illustrate, the author points to passages where “all” does not mean every individual without exception. Jesus warns the twelve that they will be hated by all, and the Jewish crowd accuses Paul of preaching to all men everywhere. The post also highlights Simeon’s words about salvation prepared for all peoples, and 1 Timothy 4:10, where God is called Savior of all people, especially those who believe. The author reads that last verse as saying that Jesus saves all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles, rather than saying that everyone is saved.

The post further notes that Abraham is called the father of all, yet he is not literally the father of all humanity, but rather the father of all who believe. Similarly, the author takes the phrase “all will be made alive” in 1 Corinthians 15 as applying only to those who belong to Christ. Passages such as John 12:32 are described as showing that Jesus draws all, though not all respond, and that Jesus invites everyone while some prefer darkness.

The author concludes by considering Romans 5, where the parallel between Adam and Christ is set out, and explains that Christ’s righteous act undid Adam’s transgression. The overall aim of the post is to encourage careful reading of the word “all” so that discussions about salvation can be clearer and less contentious.

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