Expert: Dean Gade - 11/11/2010

Question
Why does the NT use the word "might" in many places when
referring to salvation or prophetic messages, such as "..and
that all through Him might be saved" John3:17,Gal.3:22,etc. It
gives the impression that these promises are not guaranteed.

Answer
Al,

Actually, there is no word,"might" in any of those passages.  Some of the translations added the word word "might" to the Greek word soedzoe (=saved) because it is in the dative case and thus it can have that meaning.  Others, instead, add "may" or "should" to saved.

The reason that "might" was considered correct is that though Jesus took on Himself the wrath of God for sins committed by all people, it seems that most reject Him as their savior and therefore God's wrath still remains on them.

John 3:35-36
35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."
NIV

1 Thess 1:9-10
They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead — Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath .
NIV

1 Thess 5:8-11
9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
NIV

The promise of salvation IS guaranteed to those who live by faith in God's promise.