who believe, whether they be Jews or Gentiles, not extensively to every individual human being. Elsewhere Paul clearly implies that unless people repent, their sins are and shall be counted against them (cf. Rom. 1:18–32; 2:5–11; Eph. 5:3–6; Col. 3:5–6). Nevertheless, it is vital to stress that the death of Christ is sufficient to atone for the sins of the whole world (cf. 1 John 2:2) and make reconciliation possible for everyone, but this becomes effective only in those who respond positively to