Why All Souls?

The Bible repeatedly declares that God is the creator of all. He is the potter, we are the clay. All that exists has its life and existence from him. Every human is made in the image of God as body and soul. This alone affirms that all souls (i.e., people) matter. Everyone possess dignity, value, and worth. As Jesus commands, we must proclaim salvation to all souls, from the least to the greatest. All people were made to know God, glorifying and enjoying him. At All Souls, we believe all people matter to God regardless of background, ethnicity, or social status.

Our heart for Crawfordsville - and the rural Midwest - is rooted in the truth that all souls matter to God. In many ways, and for a variety of reasons, the rural Midwest is overlooked by many mission agencies church planting networks. Whether it’s because of the misinformed view that most people are Christians already in rural Midwest places, or because of the greater emphasis on Urban ministry needs, rural places have been overlooked. Our desire is to spark a movement of planting strong churches in small places in the rural Midwest. All souls matter to God.

It’s important to clarify that although all souls matter to God, all souls do not possess the same relationship and status with God. Some souls have received the grace, love, and eternal favor of God the Father through Jesus Christ. There is no condemnation for them. Others are under God’s wrath and curse because of their sin and rebellion.

Many people in the Midwest believe that they will go to heaven because they are a good person, unlike some others they know. The Bible describes a different reality. All souls (people) face the same problem. None of us glorify and enjoy God in all that we do. In fact, no one is able, according to the Bible. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” (Rom. 3:23). Quoting from the Old Testament’s view of humanity, Paul says, “None are righteous, no, not one. No one understands; no one seeks for God… no one does good, not even one,” (Rom. 3:10-12). The Bible’s verdict over humanity is that, in Adam, all have died. Like Adam, we seek independence from God rather than living in dependence on his Word. In Adam, we have received what God warned: “death” (Gen. 2:17). We not only physically die, Adam also brought spiritual death to humanity.

That is why all souls need Jesus. He came as the second Adam to represent humanity. He fulfilled all righteousness for us by living a perfect life in obedience to God’s law. In order to save us from the wrath that our sins deserve, Jesus was crucified in our place. He received the death we deserved. However, on the cross, more happened than physical death. Jesus experienced the eternal and infinite wrath of God for the sins of his people. The Father poured out his wrath on Jesus as our substitute on the cross - “It is finished”. God’s wrath has been satisfied with Christ’s sacrifice. Therefore, for those who are in Christ, there is no condemnation. For this reason, Jesus is the only redeemer - he’s the only way you can have peace with God.

None are exempt. All souls need Jesus.

Have you come to Jesus? No, I don’t mean years ago. Now. Today. What’s keeping you from receiving and resting on him alone as he’s offered in the gospel?

The Bible is full of promises from God to you. They’re all about Jesus and what he has accomplished on your behalf. Will you receive and rest on him by faith? That’s what it means “to come to him.” For all who come to him, these things will be true of you according to God’s own Word…

1) If you come to Jesus, He will never cast you away. Jesus himself said, “Whoever comes to me, I will never cast out,” (Jn. 6:37). No matter what you’ve done or failed to do, when you come to Jesus, he will receive you. His heart overflows with grace and mercy. Rest on this promise, and come.

2) If you come to Jesus, you will have been drawn by the Father. Jesus said, “All that the Father gives me will come to me,” (Jn. 6:37). God’s grace is so wonderful that he’s the one who calls us to Christ and draws us. He changes our hearts to make us aware of our need for Jesus. When we come to Christ, it’s only because the Father has drawn us to him. You didn’t choose Christ; the Father chose you. He’s the one who draws you to Christ by giving you (1) an awareness of your need, (2) the realization that Jesus is your only hope, and (3) the gift of faith to receive and rest on him alone for salvation.

3) If you come to Jesus, He will keep you secure through it all. He said, “This is the will of Him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day,” (Jn. 6:39). Our relationship with God through the salvation in Christ is not dependent on us. It’s dependent on Christ. You may not be strong, but he is.

Will you come to him?