Are Believers or Unbelievers Saved?

The answer to this question depends on whether you follow the mainstream evangelical church (MEC) or the Bible.

The MEC teaches that a person is saved only if they believe the gospel, repent of their sins, and accept Jesus as their Saviour (or some similar process). 
In other words, salvation follows personal belief - a person is not saved until they become a believer and act upon that belief.
Accordingly, salvation is exclusively for believers.

The first Bible verse I encountered that created doubt for me about the MEC position was written by Paul to his apprentice Timothy.

This is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 
[1 Timothy 4 : 10  NIV]

True, believers are special because they understand and appreciate God's truth and live in peace and positive hope about their future. 
Nevertheless, the Bible says that salvation is clearly for all people, believers and unbelievers.

Equally, when writing to believers in the Roman province of Asia, John tells them (speaking of Jesus Christ, the Righteous One):

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]

The MEC agrees that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, but then claims this sacrifice is just the starting point, saying that salvation is now only possible or available for all. 
To complete the salvation process, a person needs to become a believer thus taking advantage of salvation's availability.

Again, Jesus didn't wait for people to become believers to save them, he died for sinners, unbelievers.

When we were unable to help ourselves [still helpless/weak], at the right [or appointed] time, Christ died for us sinners [the ungodly/wicked].
[Romans 5 : 6 EXB]

Clearly, Jesus saved unbelievers, not believers as is usually thought and taught.
Indeed, Jesus Christ never saved (died for) a believer.
Believers came into existence only after Jesus had completed His salvation mission and they became aware of it.

So there is hope for everyone as we all start out as unbelievers.
Isn't that interesting? 
The only qualification needed for a person to be saved is to be an unbeliever. 

Subsequently, at some point of God's choosing, each person will be "called", given faith to believe the good news about what Jesus accomplished for mankind on the cross ...

For just as all people die because of their union with Adam, in the same way all will be raised to life because of their union with Christ. 
But each one will be raised in proper order: Christ, first of all; then, at the time of his coming, those who belong to him. 
[1 Corinthians 15 : 22, 23  GNT]

and be indwelt by the Holy Spirit ...

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
[Romans 8 : 11 NLT]

and be equipped to become an active participant in God's kingdom.

For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him.
[Philippians 2 : 13  ISV]

Believers, who have already been called, given faith and responsibilities in the kingdom, live in peace and in appreciation of their future hope.
For unbelievers, their time must come, for Jesus has promised ...

"When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to me.”
[John 12 : 32 GNT]

Blessings, Barry
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