Biblical Answers to Today’s Most Important Questions
By Joe Soares
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 KJV
One of the hardest questions many people ask is this:
Can God truly love someone who rejects Him?
At first, the question may seem simple. Many Christians quickly answer, “Yes, God loves everyone.” But when the question is pressed deeper, some begin to struggle.
If God knows a person will reject Him, does He still love that person?
If someone refuses the Gospel, was the invitation ever truly offered to them?
If Christ died only for certain people, can we honestly say to every sinner, “God loves you, Christ died for you, and you may come to Him today”?
These are not small questions. They affect how we understand the Gospel, evangelism, prayer, and the heart of God toward sinners.
God Loved Us While We Were Still Sinners
The Bible does not say God waited for us to become lovable before He loved us.
Romans 5:8 says:
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 KJV
That phrase matters: while we were yet sinners.
God’s love was not shown after man cleaned himself up. It was not shown after man became worthy. It was demonstrated while man was still guilty, lost, rebellious, and helpless.
This does not mean every person will be saved. Scripture is clear that salvation is received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. But it does mean God’s love toward sinners is real, not imaginary.
Jesus Wept Over Those Who Rejected Him
One of the clearest pictures of Christ’s heart is found as He looked over Jerusalem.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together… and ye would not!
Matthew 23:37 KJV
Jesus was not speaking to people who welcomed Him. He was speaking of a city marked by rejection, rebellion, and unbelief.
Yet His words are full of grief.
“How often would I have gathered thy children together… and ye would not.”
That is not the language of indifference. That is not the language of a Savior with no concern for the lost. That is the language of genuine compassion toward those who refused Him.
God’s Invitation Is Sincere
The Gospel invitation is not a trick. It is not an empty announcement given to people for whom no provision has been made.
Jesus said:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 KJV
The last chapter of the Bible says:
And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17 KJV
The word whosoever has comforted countless sinners because it opens the door wide. No sinner who comes to Christ will ever be turned away.
Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
John 6:37 KJV
Love Does Not Remove Responsibility
Some people assume that if God loves someone, that person must automatically be saved. But Scripture does not teach universal salvation.
God’s love does not erase man’s responsibility.
God may genuinely love. Christ may sincerely invite. The Gospel may be truly offered. Yet a sinner may still refuse.
Jesus said:
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
John 5:40 KJV
The problem was not that Christ was unwilling to receive them. The problem was that they were unwilling to come.
Why This Matters
If God can love only those who will finally be saved, then the Gospel invitation becomes difficult to understand.
But if God’s love toward sinners is real, then we can preach the Gospel freely, honestly, and urgently.
We can look any person in the eye and say:
God loves sinners. Christ died for sinners. You may come to Him today.
That is not emotional exaggeration. That is the message of Scripture.
A Final Word
Yes, God can love someone who rejects Him.
That truth does not make rejection harmless. It makes rejection more serious.
To reject Christ is not to reject a distant God who never cared. It is to reject the Savior who calls sinners to come, who wept over the lost, and who gave Himself as a ransom for all.
The invitation is real.
The responsibility is real.
And the Savior is willing to receive every sinner who comes to Him in repentance and faith.
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He Died for All
A Biblical Examination of Christ’s Atonement and the Gospel Invitation
Examine the biblical evidence for Christ’s atonement and the sincere invitation of the Gospel in this complete book by Joe Soares.
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Forever You Are Master
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A worship song centered on the lordship, faithfulness, and unchanging authority of Jesus Christ.
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About the Author
Joe Soares is a Bible teacher, worship songwriter, and author whose ministry is devoted to pointing people to the authority of God’s Word. Through books, music, and Bible teaching, he seeks to encourage believers to examine every doctrine carefully in the light of Scripture and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ faithfully.