And 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
So many times I have heard the statement “no one left behind.” It has often been used in relation to military and combat. It’s the idea that no soldier is left behind in battle. Whether they live through the battle or come home by another means, they are all brought home.
As much as it is a comment relating to worldly combat, it should be a statement that we consider in regards to spiritual lives as well. We start off this verse in 1 John where we are told that he, or Jesus, is the propitiation for our sins. In other words, the blood that Jesus shed was the perfect sacrifice to appease for our sins so that we might be redeemed.
The interesting part is that the verse continues with a specific mention of “for the sins of the whole world.” This statement presents a doctrinal challenge for a lot of people. The writer does not say that this was for the sins of the Jews alone. It is not for the sins of a specific segment of religious society. He specifically says the whole world.
That is not just a select few people. It means that He willingly became the sacrifice and made the way of atonement for sin for the entire world. No matter their skin color, eye color, hair color, or any other personal traits, He died for them. It does not matter what type of car they drive, house they live in, where they live, or how much money they have, Jesus Christ died for them.
Jesus Christ made a way for all who will accept and believe in Him to be redeemed from sin. He gave the greatest example of no one left behind. The best part is that it only takes faith. It is so easy that a child can believe, yet so all-encompassing that it surpasses human understanding. The only way for someone to be left behind is through their own decision to not accept Christ as Savior. Today, be thankful for the amazing gift where no one must be left behind.