Now I want to talk about universal salvation and then give a warning to all of us. Universal salvation is a dangerous belief because it can lead people to postpone salvation until the afterlife, only when they get to the afterlife they will find that it’s too late. Universalism comes in several different forms. There is Unitarian Universalism which is really just a belief that all will be saved combined with a rejection of the trinity. There is the Unitarian Universalist Association which is an organized cult based on unitarian universalism. Again, heretical because of their denial of the trinity. There is pluralistic universalism which teaches that all go to Heaven regardless of what they believe. This is heretical because of their denial of Jesus Christ as the only way to Heaven. There is one more form that I’d like to address before I give my warning. Conservative Trinitarian Universalism. They affirm the trinity, believe that salvation is only found through faith in Jesus Christ. The only problem is they believe all will eventually come to the saving grace of Jesus. Since many die each day without Jesus, conservative trinitarian universalists are forced to believe in afterlife repentance. They don’t believe a person goes to Heaven without Jesus, they just believe that evangelism extends beyond the grave throughout the ages until everyone comes to know Jesus.

Now for my warning, and it may surprise you. Do NOT divide from conservative trinitarian universalists! No I do not believe in universal salvation, and yes I believe their belief in universal salvation is dangerous. However, salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. In fact, I will go as far as to say that we MUST maintain that a person can be saved while still believing in conservative trinitarian universalism. Here is why, if you say that belief in universal salvation will negate a person’s salvation, then I believe you’re on dangerous ground theologically. Why? Because basically what you are saying is “faith in Christ is not enough, you also have to believe in eternal torment.” Therefore, you would be rejecting the essential doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. You have added the affirmation of a doctrine to faith in Christ. That is heretical. Also apologeticsindex claims that universalism is “heretical” yet they fail to explain which essential doctrine of Christianity is being denied, since heretical doctrines are only those that contradict essential doctrines. Apologeticsindex would do better to say “universalism is the heterodox….” Heterodox doctrines are false doctrines of significant error but not so much to make those affirming it nonchristians. I’ve studied universal salvation and have read the arguments in support of it, which do not hold up biblically. But I have found true believers who maintain the doctrine. Unfortunately L. Ray Smith is not one of them due to his denial of the trinity. But anyway, whatever true believing christians maintain as far as the fate of unbelievers, discuss it, disagree, affirm, but do not divide over this issue. That is heresy.

What you propose is that the number 2-1/2 does not exist because your ruler only shows whole numbers.

Besides, have you ever heard of the incarnation? Do you believe it? If you don’t you essential reject the doctrine that teaches the Word (God) became flesh. (John 1:1,14) Sure, the word itself is not in the Bible, but as with the Trinity, the concept clearly is.

The word atheism is not in the Bible either, and yet the Bible describes it (Ps. 14:1).

When you claim to follow God the Father and Jesus Christ his son, and claim you trust the Bible — and yet foolishly reject what God himself has revealed in his Word about himself, it’s not Jesus you are following. Rather, you are leaning on your own understanding — and on the foolishness preached by people like L. Ray Smith.

Get rid of your pride, and knock yourself and your teachers of the pedestal. Then study to show yourself approved. The article I linked to above is a good place to start. It’s a Scripture outline, so you’ll work with the book you claim to trust.

By learning who God really is — the way He has revealed himself — you do yourself and others a huge favor.

“TRINITY” is NOT God’s Word. THAT IS the only PROOF needed. Jesus Christ; God’s Word is the ONLY Truth, the ONLY Way to the Father, and He is the Life of men!

Louise, get your mind off of L. Ray Smith and into the Word of God. This Biblical outline study of the doctrine of the Trinity is well-documented.

Thank you and God bless

Please do not hold my incorrect grammer or missspelling against me.
Thank You.. George

Rev. George Pryor

Not accepting the biblical doctrine of the Trinity is a sign that you are unregenerated, and thus likely not saved at all:

“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” – 1 Cor. 2:14

The diety of Christ is a central, essential teaching of Scripture: http://www.apologeticsindex.org/159-chart-of-essential-doctrines-of-christianity

Sure you could quote scripture, but I am not surprised you don’t do so. You are only looking for an argument, but are not committed enough to build your case. Instead you again whine (”you won’t believe”).

As it says at the Apologetics Index entry on the Trinity, “A person who claims the doctrine of the Trinity is false because the word “Trinity” is not found in Scripture is as foolish as someone who claims 3½ inches, or, say, 5¼ centimeters do not exist because his ruler only shows whole numbers. The doctrine of the Trinity is presented in Scripture clearly enough for spiritual people to recognize, and solidly enough for unspiritual people to stumble over.”
http://www.apologeticsindex.org/t10.html

Your teacher, L. Ray Smith, is a heretic, and so are you. This is what the Bible calls those who reject sound doctrine.