The God of All Nations

One of the most recognized verses in the Bible is John 3:16. It has been called the “Golden Text” of the Bible. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” That encompasses all. It speaks of a God who is universal in nature. Paul spoke of this nature of God as he talked to the Greeks in Acts 17:24-28.

God is the God of all nations because He made the world. “In the beginning, God created…” He has created and He sustains all things.

David expresses it thusly in Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.” And in Psalm 86:9 he says, “All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And they shall glorify Your name.”

God has called all nations to Him. Psalm 145:18 says, “The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.”

God has provided for salvation of all nations. In Genesis 22:18 God promises Abraham, “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Paul repeats this in Galatians 3:8. And in Ephesians 2:13, Paul writes, “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

This promised salvation was realized in Jesus (Galatians 4:4-7). He came to earth when God’s timing was right.

Jesus proclaimed salvation to ALL people in ALL nations. In Matthew 11:28 He says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” He said in Matthew 28:18, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations…” and in Mark 16;16, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Peter proclaims in Acts 10:34, 35, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.”

Notice this says the man who “fears Him and does what is right” is welcome. That says that, although this salvation is for all people of all nations, ALL are accountable. Hebrews 5:8, 9 says Jesus is the “source of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him.”

God is the God of all nations. His love for all is universal. It knows no national boundaries. It is blind to the color of skin. It speaks all languages. It calls for a response from all peoples. Our purpose as the church and individual Christians is to share this love of God with all nations by presenting the gospel of Christ to all.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony