This is a great question. First, how we are saved? 1 Timothy 2:3-5, “…God our Savior…desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge (“epignosis” – understanding) of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” Thus, all are ransomed (out of death) through Christ Jesus.
God shared His plan of salvation for all with His friend Abraham (James 2:23). God promised Abraham that his offspring would be of two classes. They would be plentiful “as the stars of heaven and as the sands of the seashore.” Furthermore, God said His blessing would come to “all the families of the earth” (Genesis 22:17-18).
Jesus was the Savior descended through Abraham’s lineage. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV). Jesus came to earth as a man to die for the whole world, so that all might live. This is the beautiful plan of the ages.
The order of salvation is specific. First, God is offering a heavenly calling of salvation to those willing to suffer for the sake of righteousness. In our present life, these receive forgiveness through Jesus, deny themselves, obey only God’s will, and are begotten with the holy spirit. They are called (among other titles) the “bride” of Christ. These are the “stars of heaven” from the promise to Abraham.
Then Jesus will resurrect all the rest of mankind. These are the “sands of the seashore.” John 5:28 states, “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear his (Jesus’) voice and shall come forth…” That will be a grand day!
Christ and his bride (his faithful followers resurrected in heaven) will reign in righteousness over resurrected mankind to offer full salvation to every single person who is willing to accept it (Revelation 5:10; 20:6; 22:17).
Ephesians 1:7-10 (Weymouth) “…this is in harmony with God’s merciful purpose for the government of the world when the times are ripe for it–the purpose which He has cherished in His own mind of restoring the whole creation to find its one Head in Christ; yes, things in heaven and things on earth…”
Yes, the times are almost ripe for Christ to establish his kingdom on earth. Isaiah 2:3-4 (NKJV) “…in the latter days…the mountain (kingdom) of the LORD’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains (kingdoms)…And all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.’ ”