Topical Bible: The Heathen: Salvation Provided For

◄ The Heathen: Salvation Provided For ►

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The term "heathen" traditionally refers to those who are not part of the Judeo-Christian faith, often synonymous with Gentiles or pagans. In the biblical context, the question of salvation for the heathen has been a subject of theological exploration, particularly concerning God's plan for those outside the covenant community of Israel.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament provides glimpses of God's concern for the nations beyond Israel. In Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you, and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This covenantal promise indicates an early intention for the blessing of salvation to extend beyond the Jewish people.

The Psalms and the Prophets also echo this theme. Psalm 67:2-3 declares, "that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You." Similarly, Isaiah 49:6 states, "I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth." These passages suggest a divine plan for the inclusion of the heathen in God's redemptive purposes.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God's plan for the salvation of the heathen through Jesus Christ. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This directive underscores the universal scope of the gospel message.

The Apostle Paul, known as the Apostle to the Gentiles, articulates this mission in Romans 1:16 , "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." Paul's ministry exemplifies the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, as seen in Ephesians 2:14 , "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility."

Theological Implications

Theologically, the provision of salvation for the heathen is rooted in the doctrine of God's universal love and justice. 1 Timothy 2:4 affirms that God "wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." This desire is manifested in the sacrificial work of Christ, who, according to 1 John 2:2 , "is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."

The Book of Acts records the pivotal moment when Peter, guided by a vision, acknowledges God's impartiality in Acts 10:34-35 , "Truly I understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right." This revelation marks a significant shift in the early church's understanding of God's inclusive plan for salvation.

Practical Application

The provision of salvation for the heathen calls for an active response from the Christian community. The mandate to evangelize and disciple all nations remains a central mission of the church. Romans 10:14-15 challenges believers, "How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent?"

In summary, the biblical narrative consistently reveals God's intention to extend salvation to the heathen, fulfilling His promise to bless all nations through the seed of Abraham. This divine plan, realized in Christ, calls for the church's active participation in proclaiming the gospel to every corner of the earth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 28:28
Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 15:9-12
And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Way of Salvation
... But this much is certain; no heathen, however moral"whether in the days of their ...
thing it will be for you if you should lose the salvation provided by Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the way of salvation.htm

Here Gregory Interweaves the Narrative of his Former Life. His ...
... His Birth of Heathen Parents is Stated ... I was brought over first to the word of salvation
and truth ... marked in the matter of my years, and which provided that all ...
/.../argument v here gregory interweaves the.htm

Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen.
... of the Scriptures as though a Bible were never printed, and as far from salvation,
I was ... The heathen are not lost because a Saviour is not provided for them. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iii guilt of neglecting.htm

The Blood of the Testament
... eternal roll, and provided for our salvation, provided for it ... He shall come to complete
the salvation of those ... unto God as compared with the heathen, but far ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 58 1912/the blood of the testament.htm

Letter cii. (AD 409. )
... Do not the heathen themselves affirm that the ... with sorrow; and notwithstanding, the
salvation of the ... interpretation of the prophetic symbol, provided that He ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cii a d 409.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... As a covenant people, the heathen were given to Him for ... shall not tarry: and I will
place salvation in Zion ... every dispensation of Divine Grace, was provided for ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

The Epistles of Paul.
... Christ's person and the fulness of the salvation which his ... of the redemption which
he has provided for men. ... renowned for the temple of the heathen goddess Diana ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxx the epistles of.htm

The Foundation of the Church.
... of Greek education, found their poor less well provided than the ... and when these rejected
the offer of Salvation, they turned to the heathen, by whom in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxi the foundation of.htm

Certain General Principles of Parabolic Interpretation These ...
... to the end for which the typical example is being provided. ... but because they envied
the nation salvation; being plainly ... its rays even upon the heathen; but the ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter ix certain general principles of.htm

Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable
... hunger Himself; but, once and again, provided food for ... than it was in the days of
heathen and Popish ... by proposing only one way of Salvation, without admitting ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxiii opposition to messiah.htm