Did Jesus die for every nation or just for the Israelites?

Answer 1

The scripture is quite clear in stating that Jesus died for everyone on the planet and not just the Israelites.This is the essence of the Christian Gospel, that it is 'for all' and not any one select group.

John 3:14-18 (King James Version)14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

One's relationship and standing before God have nothing whatsoever to do with race but to do with believing or not believing.

In the verses below the death of Christ is seen as applying to the Gentiles universally, firstly in Romans and then in 1 Corinthians, both being specific examples of Gentile believers being addressed:

Romans 5:8 (King James Version)8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.2 Corinthians 5:14-17 (King James Version)14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

His 'great commission' was also directed towards every nation, which would hardly apply if the salvation offered was not applicable to every nation.

Matthew 28:18-20 (King James Version)18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Numerous references, including the history of the early church as recorded in Acts, amply demonstrate that the Gospel message of the Good News of salvation through Jesus' blood is applicable and intended for all, both Jews and non-Jews.

In John 8:12 Jesus states not 'I am the light for the Jews' but:

John 8:12 (King James Version)12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

The salvation for all obviously is for 'every nation under heaven' including both Jews and non-Jews.

Even the Old Testament has a number of passages which indicate that salvation was for all people and not the Jews only.

Isaiah 42:1-10 (King James Version)1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

2He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.

3A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

4He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

5Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

6I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

7To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

9Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

10Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.