Universalism
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In Christian theology universalism is the heretical belief that ultimately all people will be saved (reconciled to God) through the atonement of Jesus, regardless of what they believe – and regardless of whether or not they accept Jesus Christ.
Universalism states that sooner or later all people will be saved. This position holds that the concepts of hell and punishment are inconsistent with a loving God.
The older form of universalism, originating in the second century, taught that salvation would come after a temporary period of punishment. The newer form of universalism declares that all men are now saved, though all do not realize it. Therefore the job of the preacher and the missionary is to tell people they are already saved. Certain passages – John 12:32, Philippians 2:11, and 1 Timothy 2:4 – are typically twisted out of context in support of universalism.
Such passages, interpreted properly, do not support universalism:
- John 12:32 says that Christ’s work on the cross makes possible the salvation of both Jews and Gentiles. Notice, however, that the Lord – in the same passage – warned of judgment of those who reject Christ (v. 48).
- Philippians 2:10-11 assures us that someday all people will acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, but not necessarily as Savior. (Even those in hell will have to acknowledge Christ’s Lordship.)
- First Timothy 2:4 expresses God’s desire that all be saved, but does not promise that all will be. This divine desire is only realized in those who exercise faith in Christ.
The Scriptures consistently categorize people into one of two classes (saved/unsaved, also called believers/unbelievers), and portray the final destiny of every person as being one of two realities (heaven or hell).
[...more...]- Is Universalism Biblical? by Ron Rhodes
The opposite of universalism is known as as Christian Particularism.
Varieties of Universalism
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• This page was first posted: Dec. 20, 2005
• This page was last updated: Jan. 2, 2007
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