At first blush the words ‘exclusive’ and ‘inclusive’ would seem to be mutually exclusive since their meanings are the opposite of each other. However, in the context of God’s salvation, both words apply together. The Christian message is exclusive, because Jesus is the only name given for our salvation, and inclusive, because everyone in this world can call upon his name.


The apostle Paul provides the exclusive yet simple way for any person to be saved as he states in Romans 10:9, “That if thou should confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” It is important to not only believe in our heart, but to actually say we have done so. Jesus is easily accessible to all of us. Paul emphasizes that, as far as salvation is concerned, there is no difference between Jew and Greek’ (v.12a). For Jews it is not simply to be a member of the race of Israel (any more than it is enough today to be born in a Christian country). 


In Romans 11 Paul grapples with the apparent reality that most Jews have not accepted Jesus when he raises the question in v.1, “Hath God cast away his people? God forbid.” He speaks about their stumbling (v.11) and experiencing a hardening (v.25). He further describes them as olive branches that have been broken off (v.17). How does all this fit with God’s promises made to his people in the Old Testament?

  1. This hardening was partial. There has always been a remnant, chosen by grace.
  2. The hardening was fruitful since it brought salvation to the Gentiles. “Through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.” (v.11).
  3. The hardening was temporary. Paul explains in v.23, “And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: For God is able to graff them in again.”


As Christians we should be thankful for the privilege to bring the good news to unbelievers, both Jews and Gentiles alike. Although somewhat a mystery to us humans, God’s plan of salvation is exclusive because it rests solely on the name of Jesus and at the same time inclusive because it is available to all who call upon his name.