Developing A Biblical World View

Read the announcement of the birth of Jesus by the angels in Luke 2:10-14. Note the phrases "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" (verse 10) and "on earth, peace, good will toward men" (verse 14). "All people" means all the people of the world. This announcement of the birth of Jesus reveals He came for all people of the world.

If there were no other statements anywhere in the New Testament to prove the Gospel was intended for all men of the earth, this announcement would be sufficient.

THE DEDICATION OF JESUS

When Jesus was taken to the temple for dedication to God, as was the Jewish custom, Simeon recognized Him as the promised Savior of the world. Read this incident in Luke 2:25-32. Simeon declared Jesus had come to reconcile God and man. He said:

"Thy salvation. . . prepared before the face of all people. . . a light to lighten the Gentiles" [heathen] (Luke 2:31-32).

Another New Testament prophecy concerning the mission of Jesus to the world was later given by Caiaphas, the High Priest of the Jewish faith. He said:

. . . it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

And this spake he not of himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation.

And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. (John 11:50-52)

JOHN THE BAPTIST

John the Baptist was a man chosen by God to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus. Read about his birth and God's plan for His life in Luke 1.

When John introduced Jesus to the people, he said "all flesh shall see the salvation of God." Jesus came to bring salvation for all mankind (Luke 3:3-6).

John also referred to Jesus as the "Lamb of God sent to take away the sin of the world":

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him and said, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)