There is a debate raging in segments of the Christian community as to how inclusive is God's love as it affects the eternal welfare of all people. It seems that a God of love must surely, ultimately welcome every human, no matter how evil or rebellious she or he may have been.
Early in the book of Revelation we read the warm invitation of Christ: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." (3:20) The invitation is given to the church of Laodicea with whom Christ is not pleased. It may be read as an invitation to spiritual cold believers and also to unbelievers who are spiritually "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked". It is very clear that is an inclusive invitation to "anyone" who will "open the door".As the book closes, we read another general invitation: "Whoever is thirsty, let him come: and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." (22:17) The call is clear: it is to people of every nation, ethnic group, socio-economic group. All are included. There are no outsiders. Everyone, anyone who is spiritually thirsty is invited to come and receive the free gift of the water of life.
Yet sadly the Scriptures tell us in this same passage and elsewhere, that while the invitation is all inclusive, the invitation must be accepted or it is of no effect. Those who choose to ignore God, to go their own way, will be tragically excluded from the Holy City were Christ shines in all His glory. (21:27) God's pure righteousness - His Light - will not allow any sin/darkness in His Holy Presence.
This is why all of us need to be washed clean (22:14; 7:14) in the blood of the Lamb. We need the forgiveness found only through faith in Jesus Christ and his death for us. Only those cleansed from their sin "may go through the gates into the city."
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