Has every human being who has ever lived already been pardoned through the cross?
Yes, every human being who has ever lived has already been pardoned by virtue of the work of the cross. That pardon is accomplished, but it is not received universally because individuals must appropriate it by faith; unbelief, not a lack of provision, keeps them from receiving it.
Les explains pardon in connection with the work of the cross. He maintains that every human being who has ever lived has already been pardoned by virtue of that work, and that their pardon is accomplished. The only reason they do not receive it is that they will not appropriate it by faith. He illustrates this with Israel at Kadesh Barnea, where God's controversy was not the golden-calf incident but their unbelief—they could not take Him at His word. Likewise, millions before the great white throne may be good people, but their sin is unbelief: they could not believe what God said concerning the work of the cross. Les acknowledges it is hard from the human element to comprehend that the Creator God took on flesh, was crucified, and by death, suffering, and resurrection can pass salvation out to the whole human race.