Podcast Summary: Grace in Focus

Episode: Has Christ Forgiven Unbelievers?
Date: November 12, 2025
Hosts: Bob Wilkin and Sam Moore

Main Theme

This episode addresses a foundational question in Free Grace Theology: "Has Christ forgiven unbelievers due to His work on the cross?" The discussion, sparked by a listener's question, explores the extent and implications of the atonement—especially relating to justification, forgiveness, ongoing judgment, and distinctions between believers and unbelievers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Initial Listener Question: Has Christ Forgiven Unbelievers?

• Timestamp: 01:08
• Bob introduces a listener question: Did Christ’s death result in the forgiveness of nonbelievers, or is forgiveness only for those who believe?

Scriptural Response:

• Bob Wilkin (01:28):
  • Cites Acts 10: Whoever believes in Christ receives forgiveness.
    • Quote: “So in order to receive the forgiveness of sins, you must believe in Jesus. So the answer to his question is no.”
  • The atonement provides a “potential” for forgiveness, but actual forgiveness is conditioned on faith.

2. Extent of the Atonement: Unlimited or Limited?

• Timestamp: 02:33
• Bob explains Calvinism’s “limited atonement” vs. the Free Grace view of “unlimited atonement.”

  • Calvinists: Christ died only for the elect.

  • Non-Calvinists: Christ’s death covers the sin barrier for all—making everyone “savable.”

  • Quote:

    • “Unlimited atonement means Christ’s shed blood on the cross removes the sin barrier for every single person.” (03:01)
    • References John 1:29 and 1 John 2:2 as proof that Jesus is the atonement for the whole world, though benefits vary for believer and unbeliever.

  • Unbelievers are not forgiven, but are “savable”; only through faith do other benefits activate.

    • Quote:
      • “Until we believe, we don’t get the other benefits from the atonement, we just get that one benefit that we’ve been made savable, right?” (04:27)

3. Potential vs. Actual Forgiveness and Benefits

• Timestamp: 04:36
• Sam clarifies by asking if forgiveness is “potential” for the whole world.
  • Bob responds:
    • Only at the moment of faith are people actually forgiven, born of God, and indwelt by the Spirit.
    • Quote:
      • “None of those things are true of the unbeliever. The unbeliever is just savable. He potentially could be indwelt permanently by the Spirit. He potentially has all these benefits...” (05:05)
    • Distinction: More benefits (ongoing forgiveness, cleansing) are only for believers in fellowship (referenced 1 John 1:7, 1:9).

4. Question on God’s Judgment: Old Testament vs. New Testament

• Timestamp: 06:18
• Sam raises Joseph’s observation: Does the atonement affect how God judges nations/people? OT seems harsher; post-cross seems less direct.

  • For example, is the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD God's judgment or just natural consequence?

  • Bob’s response:

    • Jesus’ words (Matt 23:37–39) show Jerusalem’s scattering was divine judgment for unbelief.
      • Quote:
        • “Because Israel was not willing, he scattered them rather than gathered them.” (08:16)
    • Eschatology: prophetic ultimate regathering of Israel at the end of the church age.
    • God’s principle from Genesis 12 (“I will bless those who bless you…”) still applies; anti-Semitic people/groups face judgment (e.g., Germany after WW2, other dictators).

5. Distinguishing Natural Consequences vs. Divine Judgment

• Timestamp: 10:38

• Sam asks how to tell the difference for individuals—e.g., legal consequences for murder vs. divine judgment.

  • Bob’s nuanced answer:
    • It's often both—a natural consequence and God’s broader design.
    • Quote:
      • “God says he’s given us our government authorities as his representatives, as his avengers.” (11:23)
    • Rejects the notion of a “harsher” OT God: end-times prophecies predict catastrophic global judgment (billions will die during the tribulation).
      • Quote:
        • “Some people say the God of the Old Testament is different from the God of the New Testament. That’s comical. Wait to see what happens at the end of the tribulation…” (11:40)

6. Practical Takeaways and Encouragement

• Timestamp: 12:44
• Sam summarizes: These distinctions clarify the differences between potential and actual forgiveness and judgment.
• Bob reiterates: Despite sobering topics, the message keeps “grace in focus.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “In order to receive forgiveness of sins, you must believe in Jesus. So, the answer is no [unbelievers are not forgiven].”
  — Bob Wilkin, 01:28

• “Unlimited atonement means Christ’s shed blood on the cross removes the sin barrier for every single person.”
  — Bob Wilkin, 03:01

• “Until we believe, we don’t get the other benefits from the atonement, we just get that one benefit that we’ve been made savable, right?”
  — Bob Wilkin, 04:27

• “None of those things are true of the unbeliever. The unbeliever is just savable. He potentially…has all these benefits, the forgiveness of sins, etc.”
  — Bob Wilkin, 05:05

• “Because Israel was not willing, he scattered them rather than gathered them...”
  — Bob Wilkin, 08:16

• “Some people say the God of the Old Testament is different from the God of the New Testament. That’s comical. Wait to see what happens at the end of the tribulation…Billions are going to die.”
  — Bob Wilkin, 11:40

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 01:08 — Listener question: Has Christ forgiven unbelievers?
• 02:33 — Limited vs. unlimited atonement and biblical basis
• 04:36 — Potential vs. actual forgiveness; when benefits of the cross are received
• 06:18 — Does atonement change how God judges (OT vs. NT)? Judgment of Israel
• 08:16 — Divine judgment and Israel’s historical scattering/gathering
• 10:38 — Natural consequences vs. God’s judgment in individuals’ lives
• 11:40 — God’s judgment in the end times; unity of God’s character
• 12:44 — Summary, encouragement to keep grace in focus

Conclusion

This episode clarifies that:

• Forgiveness of sins is only granted to those who believe in Christ; the atonement makes all “savable” but does not apply its benefits without faith.
• God’s judgment—personal and national—continues in both testaments and is not canceled by the cross.
• The character of God is consistent across scripture; the atonement offers salvation but does not negate God’s justice or the reality of consequences for sin.
• Ongoing forgiveness and spiritual benefits are conditional upon faith, and for believers, also upon walking in fellowship.

Listeners are encouraged to “keep grace in focus,” remembering both God’s mercy in the atonement and the continuing reality of divine justice.