Is God Inclusive?

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

In the last few decades our culture has made several dangerous shifts in direction. One of the most dangerous shifts has been a move from an emphasis on thinking to an emphasis on feeling. We have shifted from absolutes to relativism.

Many do not want to speak or even admit the Truth for fear that it may hurt people’s feelings. Inclusivity has not only become a buzzword in our society—it is now a virtue that is preached. In fact, vast numbers of preachers today have abandoned the Truth of the Scripture in favor of inclusivity.

And yet the Bible declares that while the invitation God has issued is an inclusive invitation, God is an exclusive God. The invitation is for everyone in every nation and every tribe.

But the reward is for those who have accepted the invitation; the reward for obeying the Word of God is very exclusive. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus gives us a picture of what it will be like on the Day of Judgment when He returns.

In this passage, Jesus talks about the separation of the sheep and the goats—true believers and those who might look like believers but do not live like believers. 

How do you know if you are a sheep or a goat? First, you must confess faith in Jesus as the one and only risen Messiah (see Romans 10:9). Second, in 1 John 2:3-6, John says that those who know Christ obey His commands. The apostle adds that those who love God’s people—their brothers and sisters in Christ—are living in the light of God’s Truth (v. 10).

Sheep and goats look very similar. If you are driving in the countryside and you see them, they look alike from a distance, but in Truth, they are very different creatures. Scripture tells us that on the last day, Christ will separate true believers (sheep) from unbelievers (goats) based upon whether they followed His example—whether they understood their need for a Savior and allowed this humility to transform them into gentle and sacrificially loving people.

We must all examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. Will you do so today?

Prayer: Father, I confess faith in Jesus Christ as the way, the Truth, and the life. Empower me by Your Spirit to demonstrate my love for You through my obedience to Your will, and grant me love for my brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:32).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Need Good News?, Part 7: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

 

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
View All


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