What is universalism ?

civic

Well-known member
Universalism is the belief that everyone will be saved. There are many people today who hold to universal salvation and believe that all people eventually end up in heaven. Perhaps it is the thought of men and women living a life of eternal torment in hell that causes some to reject the teaching of Scripture on this issue. For some it is an over-emphasis on the love and compassion of God—and the neglect of the righteousness and justice of God—that leads them to believe God will have mercy on every living soul. But the Scriptures do teach that some people will spend eternity in hell.

First of all, the Bible is clear that unredeemed men will dwell forever in hell. Jesus’ own words confirm that the time spent in heaven for the redeemed will last as long as that of the unredeemed in hell. Matthew 25:46 says, “Then they [the unsaved] will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” According to this verse, the punishment of the unsaved is just as eternal as the life of the righteous. Some believe that those in hell will eventually cease to exist, but the Lord Himself confirms that it will last forever. Matthew 25:41 and Mark 9:44 describe hell as “eternal fire” and “unquenchable fire.”

How does one avoid this unquenchable fire? Many people believe that all roads—all religions and beliefs—lead to heaven, or they consider that God is so full of love and mercy that He will allow all people into heaven. God is certainly full of love and mercy; it was these qualities that led Him to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to die on the cross for us. Jesus Christ is the exclusive door that leads to an eternity in heaven. Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” If we choose to reject God’s Son, we do not meet the requirements for salvation (John 3:16, 18, 36).

With verses such as these, it becomes clear that universalism and universal salvation are unbiblical beliefs. Universalism directly contradicts what Scripture teaches. While many people accuse Christians of being intolerant and “exclusive,” it is important to remember that these are the words of Christ Himself. Christians did not develop these ideas on their own; Christians are simply stating what the Lord has already said. People choose to reject the message because they do not want to face up to their sin and admit that they need the Lord to save them. To say that those who reject God’s provision of salvation through His Son will be saved is to belittle the holiness and justice of God and negate the need of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.got?

hope this helps !!!
 
There are verses in the bible that state God will save everyone.

Since it has been translated through a number of languages over the centuries through various cultures, it is obvious bias has obscured what was originally said.

Since James instructs us to judge with mercy so we will be judged with mercy .. I opt to judge God with mercy since all judgment has been entrusted to the son who even forgave those who crucified him.
 
Universalism is the belief that everyone will be saved. There are many people today who hold to universal salvation and believe that all people eventually end up in heaven. Perhaps it is the thought of men and women living a life of eternal torment in hell that causes some to reject the teaching of Scripture on this issue. For some it is an over-emphasis on the love and compassion of God—and the neglect of the righteousness and justice of God—that leads them to believe God will have mercy on every living soul. But the Scriptures do teach that some people will spend eternity in hell.

First of all, the Bible is clear that unredeemed men will dwell forever in hell. Jesus’ own words confirm that the time spent in heaven for the redeemed will last as long as that of the unredeemed in hell. Matthew 25:46 says, “Then they [the unsaved] will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” According to this verse, the punishment of the unsaved is just as eternal as the life of the righteous. Some believe that those in hell will eventually cease to exist, but the Lord Himself confirms that it will last forever. Matthew 25:41 and Mark 9:44 describe hell as “eternal fire” and “unquenchable fire.”

How does one avoid this unquenchable fire? Many people believe that all roads—all religions and beliefs—lead to heaven, or they consider that God is so full of love and mercy that He will allow all people into heaven. God is certainly full of love and mercy; it was these qualities that led Him to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to die on the cross for us. Jesus Christ is the exclusive door that leads to an eternity in heaven. Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” If we choose to reject God’s Son, we do not meet the requirements for salvation (John 3:16, 18, 36).

With verses such as these, it becomes clear that universalism and universal salvation are unbiblical beliefs. Universalism directly contradicts what Scripture teaches. While many people accuse Christians of being intolerant and “exclusive,” it is important to remember that these are the words of Christ Himself. Christians did not develop these ideas on their own; Christians are simply stating what the Lord has already said. People choose to reject the message because they do not want to face up to their sin and admit that they need the Lord to save them. To say that those who reject God’s provision of salvation through His Son will be saved is to belittle the holiness and justice of God and negate the need of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.got?

hope this helps !!!
There is another Universalism that is in church's today and I mean almost all. Its called Christian Universalism. How many times have you heard someone say "I can't believe a Loving God would send people to Hell". I have a Sunday school teacher that said he left another Baptist church because it was too Calvinistic in their beliefs. I said "but most Calvinist statements are in the bible". He said yes he knows that. Then out of his mouth came those words," I can't believe a Loving God could send someone to Hell". Christian Universalists believe you must be born again to go to Heaven, but without saying it, the unsaved go to purgatory. Meaning people will accept Christ later and eventually get into Heaven. Next time you hear that statement tell them that's Universalism.
 
Universalism is the belief that everyone will be saved. There are many people today who hold to universal salvation and believe that all people eventually end up in heaven. Perhaps it is the thought of men and women living a life of eternal torment in hell that causes some to reject the teaching of Scripture on this issue. For some it is an over-emphasis on the love and compassion of God—and the neglect of the righteousness and justice of God—that leads them to believe God will have mercy on every living soul. But the Scriptures do teach that some people will spend eternity in hell.
As a universalist, I believe you have to reject a lot of scripture to not see universal salvation in scripture, such as:
1 John 2:2 - He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 Timothy 4:10 - For to this end [a]we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe
.
It would be nearly impossible to overemphasize God's love, since "God is love." It's not just a trait, it's who He is. Whereas scripture never says, "God is wrath."

First of all, the Bible is clear that unredeemed men will dwell forever in hell. Jesus’ own words confirm that the time spent in heaven for the redeemed will last as long as that of the unredeemed in hell. Matthew 25:46 says, “Then they [the unsaved] will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” According to this verse, the punishment of the unsaved is just as eternal as the life of the righteous. Some believe that those in hell will eventually cease to exist, but the Lord Himself confirms that it will last forever. Matthew 25:41 and Mark 9:44 describe hell as “eternal fire” and “unquenchable fire.”
"Eternal" is a bad translation. The Greek term is "Aeonios" which means "relating to an age." By no means does that always mean "eternal."

How does one avoid this unquenchable fire? Many people believe that all roads—all religions and beliefs—lead to heaven, or they consider that God is so full of love and mercy that He will allow all people into heaven. God is certainly full of love and mercy; it was these qualities that led Him to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to die on the cross for us. Jesus Christ is the exclusive door that leads to an eternity in heaven. Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” If we choose to reject God’s Son, we do not meet the requirements for salvation (John 3:16, 18, 36).
Secular universalists believe in all-roads-lead-to-heaven. However, Christian Universalists believe in the exclusive doorway of Jesus Christ. Since not everyone dies as a believer, it requires that death not be the end of opportunity at salvation. And as it happens, no scripture states that death ends our chance at God's mercy. So the verses you cite are no issue to a Christian Universalist.

With verses such as these, it becomes clear that universalism and universal salvation are unbiblical beliefs. Universalism directly contradicts what Scripture teaches. While many people accuse Christians of being intolerant and “exclusive,” it is important to remember that these are the words of Christ Himself. Christians did not develop these ideas on their own; Christians are simply stating what the Lord has already said. People choose to reject the message because they do not want to face up to their sin and admit that they need the Lord to save them. To say that those who reject God’s provision of salvation through His Son will be saved is to belittle the holiness and justice of God and negate the need of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.got?

hope this helps !!!
See verses I cited above. Only by presuming Eternal Torment a priori can you dismiss the scriptural teaching that "all shall be saved (1 Tim. 4:10)." Universalists do believe in hell. They just don't believe that it's eternal, since scripture nowhere states that it is.

Of the few verses that even mention hell's duration, they always uses the term "aeonios" which as I explained above does not necessarily mean "eternal."
 
1 John 2:2 - He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Yes, that is defining Christ's Sacrifice as John 3:16

However, its an offer of "the GIFT of Salvation"""... that a person has to BELIEVE....to receive.

This is why Jesus said to you....>"ALL that BELIEVE in me, I give unto you eternal life, and you shall never go to Hell, (perish).

This is why Jesus said to you "if you do not believe i am Messiah, you will die in your SINS".

This is why Mark teaches...."but those that BELIEVE NOT are damned"

Read John 3:36, as this again denies universal Salvation, completely, utterly, and forever.
 
Read John 3:36, as this again denies universal Salvation, completely, utterly, and forever.

"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36.

This verse (nor any verse) says that the state of unbelievers is irreversible. Yes, those who don't turn toward Jesus will endure wrath, but only until they do turn. As I mentioned above scripture nowhere states that God's desire to save ends at death.
 
Hello AaronH,
You said "Eternal" is a bad translation. The Greek term is "Aeonios" which means "relating to an age." By no means does that always mean "eternal."

Heaven is eternal by the same definition "Aeonios". So if Hell is not eternal, than neither is Heaven, by your reasoning.
 
"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36.

This verse (nor any verse) says that the state of unbelievers is irreversible.

Edit by admin
The verse does not say that... .It says that God's wrath abides on all unbeliever who have never been born again.

See, everyone is an unbeliever, until they believe.

There is no such thing as "God chose some to not believe, or God does not allow some to choose Christ".

The CROSS is the universal offer of God's forgiveness to the World.. To everyone.

John 3:16
 
Do not deceive yourself with Universalism. Jesus never taught it. Most Universalists only believe this because they did not receive the Holy Spirit. You deceive yourself thinking that Hell is only temporary.

Galatians 6:7-8 - Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
 
Hello AaronH,
You said "Eternal" is a bad translation. The Greek term is "Aeonios" which means "relating to an age." By no means does that always mean "eternal."

Heaven is eternal by the same definition "Aeonios". So if Hell is not eternal, than neither is Heaven, by your reasoning.

We have other evidence of heaven's eternality outside of the verse I'm assuming you're referring to (Matthew 25:46). Such as "Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light" (2 Timothy 1:10)."

Whereas there are no corroborating verses of hell's eternality outside of verses that describe it as aeonios. If you do have such verses I'd be glad to be shown them.
 
Edit by admin
The verse does not say that... .It says that God's wrath abides on all unbeliever who have never been born again.

See, everyone is an unbeliever, until they believe.

There is no such thing as "God chose some to not believe, or God does not allow some to choose Christ".

The CROSS is the universal offer of God's forgiveness to the World.. To everyone.

John 3:16

Amen to everything you said. Universalists (of the Christian sort, not the pagan notion "all roads lead to heaven") agree that salvation is through Christ only. But they believe that all will eventually turn toward Christ, and that death is not so powerful a thing that God gives no opportunity for salvation afterwards.
 
We have other evidence of heaven's eternality outside of the verse I'm assuming you're referring to (Matthew 25:46). Such as "Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light" (2 Timothy 1:10)."

Whereas there are no corroborating verses of hell's eternality outside of verses that describe it as aeonios. If you do have such verses I'd be glad to be shown them.
I firmly believe that there is an eternal/forever Heaven and an eternal/forever hell. There is no in-between . God calls everyone to salvation in Christ. People have a natural resistance to God. Yet, God loves everyone and still people reject God. God doesn't not send anyone to hell, they themselves choose hell. God sent Jesus to die on the Cross to conquer death only for those that believe on Jesus. What else could God do? If you are a Christian, focus on Heaven. Don't worry about anyone else.

Colossians 3:1-5 - If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
 
Hello AaronH,
You said "Eternal" is a bad translation. The Greek term is "Aeonios" which means "relating to an age." By no means does that always mean "eternal."

Heaven is eternal by the same definition "Aeonios". So if Hell is not eternal, than neither is Heaven, by your reasoning.
ditto- eternal life and death have the same meaning- they never end. both the lake of fire and heaven are eternal and so are the rewards and punishments.
 
I firmly believe that there is an eternal/forever Heaven and an eternal/forever hell. There is no in-between . God calls everyone to salvation in Christ. People have a natural resistance to God. Yet, God loves everyone and still people reject God. God doesn't not send anyone to hell, they themselves choose hell. God sent Jesus to die on the Cross to conquer death only for those that believe on Jesus. What else could God do? If you are a Christian, focus on Heaven. Don't worry about anyone else.

Colossians 3:1-5 - If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

I agree with what you underlined and "amen" to the verse you quoted!

However, I still haven't come across any verse that corroborates hell's eternity.
 
When the Old Testament agrees with 3 statements by Jesus, you'd better believe it. But why focus on Hell, focus on Heaven.

Isaiah 66:24 - And they shall go forth and look Upon the corpses of the men Who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, and their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”

Mark 9:43 - If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched.

Mark 9:44
- where ‘Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.

Mark 9:46 - where Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.

Mark 9:48 - where ‘Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.
 
When the Old Testament agrees with 3 statements by Jesus, you'd better believe it. But why focus on Hell, focus on Heaven.

Isaiah 66:24 - And they shall go forth and look Upon the corpses of the men Who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, and their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”
This is describing destruction, likely an earthly nation. Might not be referring to afterlife at all, which wouldn’t be unusual since the OT says almost nothing about the afterlife.

Mark 9:43 - If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched.

The term translated “hell” is the Greek term “Gehenna” which literally means the Valley of Hinom which is outside Jerusalem. He‘s likely prophesying about AD 70 when the Roman’s threw tens of thousands of bodies into that valley and burned them.

Mark 9:44 - where ‘Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.

Do you believe worms are immortal? Here again, likely referring to 70 AD. Unquenchable doesn’t mean it will never ever go out. It means it will blaze until it consumes everything. Man can’t quench it before it does so.

Mark 9:46 - where Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.

Mark 9:48 - where ‘Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.

See above. These passages might not be referring to hell at all. But even if they do we needn’t read it as though hell lasts for infinity.
 
Universalism is the belief that everyone will be saved. There are many people today who hold to universal salvation and believe that all people eventually end up in heaven.
Perhaps it is the thought of men and women living a life of eternal torment in hell that causes some to reject the teaching of Scripture on this issue. For some it is an over-emphasis on the love and compassion of God—and the neglect of the righteousness and justice of God—that leads them to believe God will have mercy on every living soul. But the Scriptures do teach that some people will spend eternity in hell.

First of all, the Bible is clear that unredeemed men will dwell forever in hell. Jesus’ own words confirm that the time spent in heaven for the redeemed will last as long as that of the unredeemed in hell. Matthew 25:46 says, “Then they [the unsaved] will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” According to this verse, the punishment of the unsaved is just as eternal as the life of the righteous. Some believe that those in hell will eventually cease to exist, but the Lord Himself confirms that it will last forever. Matthew 25:41 and Mark 9:44 describe hell as “eternal fire” and “unquenchable fire.”

How does one avoid this unquenchable fire? Many people believe that all roads—all religions and beliefs—lead to heaven, or they consider that God is so full of love and mercy that He will allow all people into heaven. God is certainly full of love and mercy; it was these qualities that led Him to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to die on the cross for us. Jesus Christ is the exclusive door that leads to an eternity in heaven. Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” If we choose to reject God’s Son, we do not meet the requirements for salvation (John 3:16, 18, 36).

With verses such as these, it becomes clear that universalism and universal salvation are unbiblical beliefs. Universalism directly contradicts what Scripture teaches. While many people accuse Christians of being intolerant and “exclusive,” it is important to remember that these are the words of Christ Himself. Christians did not develop these ideas on their own; Christians are simply stating what the Lord has already said. People choose to reject the message because they do not want to face up to their sin and admit that they need the Lord to save them. To say that those who reject God’s provision of salvation through His Son will be saved is to belittle the holiness and justice of God and negate the need of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.got?

hope this helps !!!

But it seems prudent to point out the reason why "many" people hold to this doctrine. Is it not because "Many" who come in Christ's Name, promote this doctrine?

Are there not religions of this world, who promote this doctrine as an incentive to support their particular religious sect or businesses as they compete with other religions for contributing members?

It would be just as truthful to point out that according to Scriptures, "Eternal Life" AKA, "Immortality" is a gift from God that humans do not have, otherwise they wouldn't need to Seek for it, or accept the Gift.

And yet, there are "many" who come in Christ's Name who preach that God created men "Immortal" and they promote the popular religious philosophy that "You shall surely not die".

There are "many" religious philosophies and religious "Traditions of men" that we should beware of, as Paul teaches. These are good discussions to have, in my view.
 
There are verses in the bible that state God will save everyone.

Since it has been translated through a number of languages over the centuries through various cultures, it is obvious bias has obscured what was originally said.

Since James instructs us to judge with mercy so we will be judged with mercy .. I opt to judge God with mercy since all judgment has been entrusted to the son who even forgave those who crucified him.
I notice that YOU DIDN'T POST ANY OF THEM.
 
I notice that YOU DIDN'T POST ANY OF THEM.
That tends to be an exercise in futility. However, if you're interested, feel free to read the bible while considering the idea valid.

Here is a good verse to begin.

They have built the high places of Baal to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I did not command or mention, nor did it enter my mind. (Jeremiah 19:5)

The idea of burning humans in fire was not something that came to mind for God. And it is not something He wants, so it was not commanded.

If God was intent on incinerating all of the sinners, he would have asked us to imitate him and do so likewise.

The common interpretation of the lake of fire nowadays seems to been in line with the teachings of Baal.
 
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