(1 Timothy 2:3,4, _Diaglott_) The salvation
here mentioned is effected by the great ransom-price which constitutes
the price of deliverance. Then all must come to a knowledge of this fact
and either accept it or reject it, just as one who is offered a gift
must either receive or reject. Hence the Apostle writes: "Therefore as
by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even
so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto
justification of life". (Romans 5:18) "The wages of sin is death; but
the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."--Romans
6:23.
[576]As further proof that all must have an opportunity, St. John wrote:
"He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also
for the sins of the whole world". (1 John 2:2) The word "our" as used in
this text means the class to which St. John belonged, namely, the
church, the Christ; whereas _the world_ includes all the race of
mankind. The statement, then, is that the ransom was provided for all.
Furthermore, when Jesus was born, it was announced by the angel of
heaven: "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be
to _all_ people". (Luke 2:10) Furthermore, God's promise to Abraham was
that in him and his seed _all_ the families and nations of the earth
should be blessed. (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:8) Hence all must have an
opportunity for such blessing.
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