Is universalism biblical?

[Johann]

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.

Is universalism / universal salvation biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Is universalism / universal salvation biblical? If Jesus died for the sins of the entire world, does that mean that everyone in the world is saved?

www.gotquestions.org

Looks like universalism has taken this Forum by storm.

J.

 

[Wynona]

A great post. I hope you get some of these questions discussed.

 

[Johann]

A great post. I hope you get some of these questions discussed.

Thank you dear sister.

Shalom to you and precious family.

Johann.

 

[St. SteVen]

With verses such as these, it becomes clear that universalism and universal salvation are unbiblical beliefs.

Universalism directly contradicts what Scripture teaches.

This reminds me of the IS REFORMED BELIEF BIBLICAL topic. (sigh)

Not sure why you folks can't understand that if a belief is supported with scripture it is biblical.
Is that so hard to understand?

Just because you don't agree with a biblically supported belief doesn't make it unbiblical.

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[Johann]

This reminds me of the IS REFORMED BELIEF BIBLICAL topic. (sigh)

Not sure why you folks can't understand that if a belief is supported with scripture it is biblical.
Is that so hard to understand?

Just because you don't agree with a biblically supported belief doesn't make it unbiblical.

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Universalism-

Rejection by Major Denominations
Most major Christian denominations, including Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and the majority of Protestant traditions, explicitly reject Universalism. For instance:

Roman Catholicism teaches the existence of eternal hell and emphasizes the need for repentance, though the church leaves open the mystery of individual salvation, trusting in God’s mercy.

Eastern Orthodoxy also holds to the belief in a final judgment with the possibility of eternal separation from God, though it has a different approach to the concept of hell and divine justice compared to Western Christianity.

Protestant denominations, particularly Evangelicals, emphasize the necessity of personal faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and the reality of eternal punishment for those who reject Him.

6. Minority Acceptance in Liberal Theology
While Universalism is largely rejected by traditional and orthodox churches, some liberal Christian movements or progressive theologians have embraced forms of Universalism. These groups often emphasize God’s love and mercy and may reinterpret or downplay biblical passages about eternal punishment. However, these views are not representative of mainstream Christianity and are often met with significant resistance within the broader Christian community.


The doctrine of Universalism is rejected by most churches because it contradicts traditional interpretations of Scripture regarding judgment, salvation, and the nature of hell. The majority of Christian traditions uphold a belief in eternal consequences for those who reject God, while Universalism is seen as diminishing the seriousness of sin and the need for personal faith in Christ for salvation.

You have to ask yourself the question WHY universalism is rejected by most churches @St. SteVen



Origen’s Views on Universalism
Origen’s belief in the apokatastasis panton (the restoration of all things) was one of the more controversial aspects of his theology. He taught that:

All of creation, including the devil and his angels, would eventually be restored to communion with God.
Punishment in the afterlife, such as hell, was corrective and purifying rather than eternal or retributive. Origen saw God’s punishments as intended to lead the soul to repentance and ultimately to restoration with God.
In the end, God’s love would prevail, and all rational creatures would be brought back to harmony with Him, since God’s will is for all to be saved (citing verses like 1 Timothy 2:4, "God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth").

Origen’s concept of universal reconciliation was linked to his understanding of free will and the preexistence of souls. He believed that all souls would eventually, through their free will, return to God after a process of purgation. However, it’s important to note that Origen’s universalism was complex and not identical to modern universalism; his views were influenced by Platonic philosophy and allegorical interpretations of Scripture.

Reaction to Origen's Teachings
Origen’s ideas, including his belief in universal reconciliation, became highly controversial. Though he was one of the most prominent and influential theologians of his time, some of his teachings were later condemned by Church authorities. In the 6th century, the Fifth Ecumenical Council (the Second Council of Constantinople, 553 AD) is believed to have condemned some of Origen’s ideas, including his teachings on the preexistence of souls and the eventual salvation of all beings, though scholars debate the specifics of this condemnation.

Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215 AD)
Before Origen, Clement of Alexandria, Origen’s teacher, also expressed certain ideas that can be seen as proto-universalist. Clement held a very optimistic view of God’s salvation, emphasizing that God’s love extends to all people and that even punishment is intended for correction. However, Clement did not develop a full-fledged doctrine of universal salvation in the way Origen did, though he laid some theological groundwork for it.

Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335–395 AD)
Another early church father associated with universalist ideas was Gregory of Nyssa, who lived after Origen. Gregory, one of the Cappadocian Fathers, also spoke of the eventual restoration of all things to God. Gregory believed that God's love and power were so overwhelming that even those in hell would eventually be redeemed. However, his views were not as systematically developed as Origen’s, and Gregory’s reputation in the church was not tarnished in the way Origen’s was.


Sharing information that you already know.

J.

 

[Ritajanice]

I wish you well as you journey with the Lord ,Johann , that you also get answers to your questions , just look to him and only him Brother and he will make straight your path...

Stay in his peace, be aware of he, who wants to rob you of Gods peace, ...stay focused on the Lord.

We’re all on our own journey with the Lord, forever learning...God Bless.

 

[MA2444]

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.

I would have to say no because if they think like this, it doesnt make sense. It's too scary so ignore it and then it's not real? Hmm. Like if I wanted to go play on the freeway but heard about the danger of being hit by a high speed automobile....say, that's ok, I'll close my eyes!

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.

Well people usually come to the realization at some point that they do need a Savior. And it is from there that one grows into love as a consequence of it. When I pressed in I came to realize that God isnt this big angry vengeful God that people think, He's very compassionate and merciful. And I admit I did wonder about that at some point. Doesnt scripture say something about, I have lost none that you gave to me, something like that. SO maybe eventually everyone would be saved? But then that would make God a liar because Jesus talked about hell quite a bit, so there's that. I decided, I dont know and will be told at some point and learn the truth! That sounds safe, lol.

Ad then I wondered, if many are in hell, what would happen if all of God's children who get saved and go to heaven, would come together in prayer and supplication at the same time to God to have mercy and release them, would He?

Which is prolly another dumb question, lol. Because God is still a righteous and just God and so would not be able to I think. So universalism is almost definitely, not true. The wrod says they burn, they burn.

 

[St. SteVen]

Looks like universalism has taken this Forum by storm.

Here's my story.

We had a family situation. My sister-in-law informed my mother-in-law
that she couldn't believe in a God that would put people in hell.
Mom was pretty upset. She was afraid of losing a child to unbelief.
The church had taught her that those who succumb to unbelief will be lost for all eternity.
Mom was devastated. Understandably.

The family had been raised evangelical, as had I. Which left me with nothing to offer but the standard apologetics about hell.
This left me with a hollow feeling inside. My "biblical" defense did nothing to help the situation. Mom was still sobbing.
There was really nothing we could say to my sister-in-law to help the situation. I thought she was at least half right.

The hell doctrine bothered me too. Although the church was backing away from the hellfire and brimstone message...
It was still there. Now softened to "Eternal separation from God." (whatever that means)

I did some research to see if I could bolster my hell belief enough to hang onto it. Again, the empty rhetoric prevailed.
What was hell and why did God create it that way the church described it? Such pointless and sadistic horror.
What kind of a...? (sigh)

Then a forum friend whose biblical knowledge I trusted said that he didn't believe in a forever burning hell. Say what?
I responded by saying, "Tell me more." He directed me to a forum topic where Universalism was being discussed.
So, I did some research in that direction. My eyes were opened to something I had never seen before when I read this verse.
I had seen the verse before but never noticed the words, "not only for ours". Say what? That's where it began.

1 John 2:2 NIV
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

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[St. SteVen]

Eastern Orthodoxy also holds to the belief in a final judgment with the possibility of eternal separation from God, though it has a different approach to the concept of hell and divine justice compared to Western Christianity.

Universalism came from the eastern Greek-speaking church.

"The Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge" by Schaff-Herzog, 1908, volume 12, page 96 German theologian- Philip Schaff, Editor: "In the first five or six centuries of Christianity there were six theological schools, of which four (Alexandria, Antioch, Caesarea, and Edessa, or Nisibis) were Universalist, one (Ephesus) accepted conditional immortality; one (Carthage or Rome) taught endless punishment of the wicked. Other theological schools are mentioned as founded by Universalists, but their actual doctrine on this subject is not known."

Apokatastasis in the Bible​

Apokatastasis in the early church​

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[St. SteVen]

The doctrine of Universalism is rejected by most churches because it contradicts traditional interpretations of Scripture regarding judgment, salvation, and the nature of hell. The majority of Christian traditions uphold a belief in eternal consequences for those who reject God, while Universalism is seen as diminishing the seriousness of sin and the need for personal faith in Christ for salvation.

"Universalism... contradicts traditional interpretations of Scripture regarding judgment, salvation, and the nature of hell."
As it should.

"Christian traditions uphold a belief in eternal consequences for those who reject God..."
This binary position begs many questions which dismantle this simplistic claim.

You have to ask yourself the question WHY universalism is rejected by most churches @St. SteVen

If majority belief points to the truth, where does that leave us?
Broad is the way that leads to destruction... Does that make it right?

Did Jesus support the status quo of religion in his day? (nope)
I seem to be in good company.

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[St. SteVen]

My eyes were opened to something I had never seen before when I read this verse.
I had seen the verse before but never noticed the words, "not only for ours". Say what? That's where it began.

1 John 2:2 NIV
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Was the work of the atonement a complete work, or an incomplete work?

This scripture says the atonement was NOT only for our sins, but for the sins of the whole world.

Paid in full.

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[St. SteVen]

Protestant denominations, particularly Evangelicals, emphasize the necessity of personal faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and the reality of eternal punishment for those who reject Him.

This in itself is both illogical and unbiblical.

Illogical because it does not account for those who have never heard of Christ. (countless billions)
And unbiblical because it doesn't account for other provisions in scripture.
See Romans 5:18-19, Matthew 25:34-36 and Romans 2:14-16

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[GTW27]

Jesus made a promise that when He was raised up He would send The Comforter, The Holy Spirit to those that believed. And He also said that The Holy Spirit would bring into rememberence all that He said. To me personally The Lord has kept that promise. All of Jesus's words are right here with me in The Holy Spirit that will never leave me nor forsake me. Jesus talked about hell and the consequences of sin. He said nothing unclean would enter in. So if nothing unclean enters in, how is one made clean. By The Blood of The Lamb. Jesus said, Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into Him and sup(eat) with him and he with Me. For those that do not know, this is the entry of The Holy Spirit which is The Father and The Son(Jesus) in the form(Person) of The Holy Spirit. Jesus plainly told us what The Holy Spirit, that He would send to us, would do, once He was lifted up. He did not say I will bring into rememberace only the words that universalist believe and leave out all the rest. He said I will bring into rememberance all that I have spoken. To those that believe in universal salvation I say repent and cry out to The Lord. He will hear your voice as He is never far from anyone.

 

[St. SteVen]

He said nothing unclean would enter in.

Chapter and verse please.

Satan talked to God in the heavenly council in the book of Job.

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[GTW27]

Chapter and verse please.

Satan talked to God in the heavenly council in the book of Job.

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Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit The Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the immoral, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit The Kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed,(By The Blood of The Lamb) you were sanctified, you were justified in The Name of The Lord Jesus Christ and in The Spirit of our God. Do you think you were born clean St Steven. I was not and neither was anyone else. But The Lord made a way, when there was no way." I am The Way The Truth and The Life."

 

[St. SteVen]

GTW27 said:
He said nothing unclean would enter in.

St. SteVen said:
Chapter and verse please.
Satan talked to God in the heavenly council in the book of Job.

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit The Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the immoral, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit The Kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed,(By The Blood of The Lamb) you were sanctified, you were justified in The Name of The Lord Jesus Christ and in The Spirit of our God. Do you think you were born clean St Steven. I was not and neither was anyone else. But The Lord made a way, when there was no way." I am The Way The Truth and The Life."

Fail.
He "said" nothing of the sort.
He did say: "And such were some of you."

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[Skovand]

I think it’s quite biblical. But for those who are convinced that eternal conscious torment is the answer usually first needs to be walked through the symbolism often best first understood as conditional immortality. Then once that paradigm shift has occurred they are equipped to step the symbolism back a level and see universalism. A good podcast is “Rethinking Hell” hosted by Chris Date and the book “The Fire that Consumes” by Edward Fudge.

 

[St. SteVen]

I think it’s quite biblical. But for those who are convinced that eternal conscious torment is the answer usually first needs to be walked through the symbolism often best first understood as conditional immortality. Then once that paradigm shift has occurred they are equipped to step the symbolism back a level and see universalism. A good podcast is “Rethinking Hell” hosted by Chris Date and the book “The Fire that Consumes” by Edward Fudge.

Welcome to the forum.

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[talons]

1 John 2:2 NIV
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Yes , but those must drink of the water of life or they will remain outside the gates of The New Jerusalem .

17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Here is what the bible says about those that do not take of the water of Life . No entrance to the City .

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

 

[St. SteVen]

Yes , but those must drink of the water of life or they will remain outside the gates of The New Jerusalem .

17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Here is what the bible says about those that do not take of the water of Life . No entrance to the City .

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Thanks.
All three views of the final judgement are biblical and contradictory.

1 Timothy 4:10 NIV
That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,
who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

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