Where did Christian Universalism come from? - New or old?

[St. SteVen]

Christian Universalism/Apokatastasis has roots in the early church in the east.
It was a leading theology in the east (Greek-speaking church) and was supported by many of
the Patristic Church Fathers, as I understand it.

"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."

The main Patristic supporters of the apokatastasis theory, such as Bardaisan, Clement, Origin, Didymus, St. Anthony, St. Pamphilus Martyr, Methodius, St. Macrina, St. Gregory of Nyssa (and probably the two other Cappadocians), St. Evagrius Ponticus, Diodore of Tarsus, Theodore of Mopsuestia, St. John of Jerusalem, Rufinus, St. Jerome and St. Augustine (at least initially) … Cassian, St. Issac of Nineveh, St. John of Dalyatha, Ps. Dionysius the Areopagite, probably St. Maximus the Confessor, up to John the Scot Eriugena, and many others, grounded their Christian doctrine of apokatastasis first of all in the Bible.
— Ramelli, Christian Doctrine, 11.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Is this news to you? What's your view?
Interesting that Christian Universalism is marginalized today.

There are three biblical views of the final judgment:
1) Damnationism
2) Annihilationism
3) Christian Universalism (UR)

All three views are in conflict with each other.
A forever burning hell is in conflict with complete annihilation.
And both are in conflict with ultimate restoration. (UR)

In my view Christian Universalism is the best match for the character of God.
A loving God doesn't toss his kids in a furnace and then blame it on them. IMHO

[

 

[Behold]

Christian Universalism/Apokatastasis has roots in the early church in the east.

The Apostle Paul defines "Universalism" that is promoted on "christian" forums... under the false guise of "christian", as : Galatians 1:8

Paul uses the word "cursed" regarding people who teach false gospels, such as "universalism".

Universalism, denies that you have to be "born again on earth" before you die, to Go To Heaven.
And these deceivers who teach "Universalism".... conveniently try to "get rid of Hell" also......(who would have guessed that one)....

Now, The Cross of Christ, is where God and sinners, may become "one".......after God has forgiven all their sin, and given them the "new birth in Christ"

The demonic doctrine of "Universalism" denies that this has to happen at all, and claims that in the future, everyone goes to Heaven.

A lot of people were led to Hell this very day they died..., by deceivers who convinced them that "everyone will be saved"...eventually.
(Universalism).

 

[Wick Stick]

There are three biblical views of the final judgment:
1) Damnationism
2) Annihilationism
3) Christian Universalism (UR)

All three views are in conflict with each other.
A forever burning hell is in conflict with complete annihilation.
And both are in conflict with ultimate restoration. (UR)

[

That accurately describes modern thinking.

I think if we are trying to go back to 1st-2nd century Christianity, their view of hell is rather different from the modern one. The ancient idea of hades is not that of a forever-burning-pit-of-torture.

New Testament hades is more of an in-between place. People go there when they die and pass-on-through to some other place - it could be elysium, or tartarus, or outer darkness, or even being re-born into the world.

The Greeks conceptualized Hades not just as a place, but as a major god, one who imprisoned people in the afterlife and prevented them from moving on. The New Testament envisions Jesus as descending to Hades and setting the captives free (leading captivity captive), which seems to dovetail into that idea pretty well.

 

[St. SteVen]

The Apostle Paul defines "Universalism" that is promoted on "christian" forums... under the false guise of "christian", as : Galatians 1:8

Wrong. Here is what the Apostle had to say about UR.

1 Timothy 2:5-6 NIV
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,
6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

Romans 11:32, 36
32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Titus 2:11 ESV
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

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.

1 Corinthians 15:22
For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

Romans 5:15-16
But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man,
how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!
16 Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin:
The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification.

Romans 5:18-19 NIV
Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people,
so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners,
so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Colossians 1:19-20
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

1 Timothy 2:1-6
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

Romans 3:24 NIV
and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 9:16 NIV
It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.

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[MatthewG]

Christian Universalism, also known as Universal Reconciliation, is the belief that all human beings will ultimately be reconciled to God and experience salvation. It stands in contrast to the more traditional Christian view that only those who accept Jesus Christ as their savior will be saved.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Core Belief:
  Universalists believe that God's love and mercy are so expansive that they will ultimately encompass all of humanity, leading to universal salvation.
  
  
• Rejection of Eternal Hell:
  Many universalists reject the idea of an eternal hell, sometimes suggesting a period of purgation or cleansing after death, while others believe that hell is either temporary or ultimately depopulated as all are reconciled to God.
  
  
• • Mechanism of Salvation:
    Universalists may differ on the specific mechanism of salvation, with some believing it is achieved through Christ's sacrifice for all, while others may emphasize God's persistent love and pursuit of all souls, or a combination of both.
    
  • Not a Denomination:
    Christian Universalism is not a denomination itself, but rather a theological perspective that can be found within various Christian traditions.
    
  • Modern Unitarian Universalism:
    Unitarian Universalism emerged in part from the Universalist Church and, while not holding official doctrine, often includes universalist beliefs and practices among its members, particularly the belief in universal reconciliation.
    
  • Scriptural Interpretation:
    Universalists often point to certain biblical passages that they believe support their view, such as Colossians 1:19-20 (reconciliation of all things) and 1 Timothy 2:4 (God desires all to be saved), while acknowledging that these passages are interpreted differently by non-universalists.

 

[MatthewG]

Christian Universalism, the belief that all human beings will eventually be reconciled with God, has its roots in early Christian thought and has reappeared throughout history, but as a formalized movement, it originated in the United States in the 18th century. While earlier figures like Origen of Alexandria in the 3rd century speculated about universal reconciliation, the first organized Universalist church was established in Massachusetts in 1780, marking the beginning of the modern Universalist movement in America, according to Britannica.com.

 

[Behold]

1 Corinthians 15:22
For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

Notice carefully the verse says..

"IN Christ" all will be made, alive.

So, you have to be "in Chrsit"......for that to happen.

How do you get "In Christ".

A.) Jesus said......"you must be born again"......Spiritually.

This can only happen, on Earth, , as you can't be born again in Hell., and Universalsim has everyone in heaven, even if you are not born again on earth.
So, that's a Satanic Lie, as it denies Faith, and The Cross.

You should not be allowed to teach this on a "chrisitan" forum, @St. SteVen .

overflow to the many!

Yes, God's Grace is to the "many" but not to the All.

Why?

Its because you have to give God your faith in Christ to become one of the "Many" who did.

If you die never having given God your faith, then you die, "in your sins" as a "Christ rejector" 'unforgiven".... and you meet God as your Eternal Judge.

John 3:36

Romans 5:18-19 NIV

so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Your verse again teaches that "many" will be made righteous....not "ALL" as lying Universalism Falsely teaches.

How to you become one of the "many'?

You must give God your faith in Christ and your "Faith is counted by God as (Christ's) Righteouenss".

You can't cant give it to Him after you die, as you'll SEE the evidence of Hell, as you'll be in it...and that is not Faith.

Christitan Faith is believing in what you can't see...... and if you die and are in Hell, then you'll know that "its all true".. because you are the evidence, yourself, being in Hell......and so, that denies faith.......as you will SEE IT......for yourself.
No Faith requried., no Salvation offered in Hell.

 

[St. SteVen]

St. SteVen said:
overflow to the many!

Yes, God's Grace is to the "many" but not to the All.

Not so. Because "the many" = all.

How many died by the trespass of the one man? (all) The many = all
To how many will the grace of Jesus Christ overflow? (all) The many = all

Romans 5:15
But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man,
how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!

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[St. SteVen]

St. SteVen said:
Romans 5:18-19 NIV
so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Your verse again teaches that "many" will be made righteous....not "ALL" as lying Universalism Falsely teaches.

How to you become one of the "many'?

Wrong again. The many = all

Romans 5:18-19 NIV
Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people,
so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners,
so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

[

 

[Behold]

how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!

"many is not all".
Its "many".

Notice this verse....."all have sinned, there is none righteous, no not one".

See that?
There is your "ALL".........and some of them, will become Christians......"Many".

So, you are a person who does not believe that you have to be born again, on this earth, to go to heaven @St.
SteVen .

"Universalism" that is a doctrine of devils... does not teach, that you have to be born again, before you die... and That is your false gospel., and its Satanic, and it will lead people to Hell who believe you, and die "in their sins" (unforgiven) as Jesus explains..

 

[Behold]

Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people,

John teaches....
"""""Whoever BELIEVES in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, = but the wrath of God remains on him.""

"the wrath of God remains on them".........forever., and that is why they go to Hell after they die. @St. SteVen

So, did you want to keep trying to deceive the Forum members by continuing to tell them that everyone goes to heaven, even those who are "under God's Wrath" = because they are not become a CHRISTIAN... they are not born again...they are not FORGIVEN. ??

Really?

See, "Universalism" is literally teaching that unforgiven sinners, "who are under God's Wrath".. = who are not born again on this earth, will ALL go to heaven.A and That is an incredibly Satanic Gospel that DENIES The Cross and Blasphemes the Holy Spirit.

So, Did you want to keep teaching that on a Public forum @St. SteVen ??

Seems so.

 

[St. SteVen]

"Universalism" is literally teaching that unforgiven sinners, "who are under God's Wrath".. = who are not born again on this earth, will ALL go to heaven.A and That is an incredibly Satanic Gospel that DENIES The Cross and Blasphemes the Holy Spirit.

As usual, you are demonstrating your ignorance about Universalism.

[

 

[Hillsage]

John teaches....
"""""Whoever BELIEVES in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, = but the wrath of God remains on him.""

EPH 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Unless you are PERFECT and sin not. Then YOU are a son of disobedience when you sin. If Jesus says "do not sin" and you do sin, then you just said NO LORD!!! and that is an oxymoron. of moronic proportions......backed by scripture.

EPH 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not YE therefore partakers with them.

Read it and WEEP....like we do....WITH JOY.

"Whoever BELIEVES"

"BELIEVES"....you say; Well believe the bible then;

PHI 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the GLORY of God the Father.

ROM 14:11* for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give PRAISE to God."

"the wrath of God remains on them".........forever., and that is why they go to Hell after they die. @St. SteVen

You do twist the scriptures to your liking my friend. That verse says nothing about "forever"....but it does make your half truth into a whole lie.

So, did you want to keep trying to deceive the Forum members by continuing to tell them that everyone goes to heaven, even those who are "under God's Wrath" = because they are not become a CHRISTIAN... they are not born again...they are not FORGIVEN. ??

So far you are the proven deceiver. You better hope to HELL God's passion/wrath stays on them. That's what it take to burn the hell out of lying tongues.

JAM 3:6* And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

FYI James 3:1 kind of proves we're talking about CHRISTIAN'S TONGUES who think themselves to be TEACHERS. But I"m going to just say this judgment falls on WHO again?

Really?

See, "Universalism" is literally teaching that unforgiven sinners, "who are under God's Wrath".. = who are not born again on this earth, will ALL go to heaven.A and That is an incredibly Satanic Gospel that DENIES The Cross and Blasphemes the Holy Spirit.

So, Did you want to keep teaching that on a Public forum @St. SteVen ??

Seems so.

NO,my friend ,UR is saying that Jesus died for the forgiveness of SINS of the WHOLE DAMNED WORLD. Price paid eternally. Now you just need to deal with the TEMPORAL consequence of sins like you and I still commit.

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

I've never told anyone that I led to the Lord; that if they'd just accept Jesus as their savior then JESUS would get back up on that cross....die again and then add 'their name' to the forgiven list. But maybe I preach a different gospel than you.

 

[quietthinker]

"many is not all".
Its "many".

Notice this verse....."all have sinned, there is none righteous, no not one".

See that?
There is your "ALL".........and some of them, will become Christians......"Many".

So, you are a person who does not believe that you have to be born again, on this earth, to go to heaven @St.
SteVen .

"Universalism" that is a doctrine of devils... does not teach, that you have to be born again, before you die... and That is your false gospel., and its Satanic, and it will lead people to Hell who believe you, and die "in their sins" (unforgiven) as Jesus explains..

Behold, if you would take pause in your judgement, there might just be room to hear what the scriptures are saying.

 

[St. SteVen]

So, you are a person who does not believe that you have to be born again, on this earth, to go to heaven @St.
SteVen .

Being born again before the Age of Restoration (Judgement) is only for the Elect.
God chooses who will be in that number.

Acts 3:21 NIV
Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything,
as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

[

 

[Taken]

Where did Christian Universalism come from? - New or old?

I would say comes from OLD…misunderstandings and teachings of men
AND…
Tweaked by NEW…
misunderstandings and teachings of men.


Acts 3:
[21] Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

restoration / payback

A collection of historical to modern mens opinions and philosophical views that Gods Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness supersedes mans FREEWILL Choices and Rejection of the Lord God Almighty…
And THUS “ultimately” Perpetuates the Notion…View…THAT..All shall be Saved.

I Trust Gods Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness…
AND That God IS JUST… according to WHOM Gods Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness …JUSTLY Applies.

All of Humanity to receive Salvation?
No.

Glory to God,
Taken

 

[St. SteVen]

All of Humanity to receive Salvation?
No.

What does it say about God if his plan for humankind was to destroy the vast majority?

Seems he could have come up with a better plan.

A whole universe subject to a half-baked plan? (flop) ???

[

 

[Taken]

What does it say about God if his plan for humankind was to destroy the vast majority?

Seems he could have come up with a better plan.

A whole universe subject to a half-baked plan? (flop) ???

I don’t see a half-baked plan, rather a plan with Genuine results.

What it says About God, IS He Created and Made manKIND to have THEIR OWN FREEWILL to CHOOSE their own desire… and
eternal consequences per THEIR CHOICE.

God Created and Made manKIND for Gods Pleasure for God to Love ManKIND… and manKIND to Have the OPTION to Love God…or Not.

If you had the Power to Force everyone to Love you… is Forced Love a genuine Love?

I say no.

 

[Behold]

As usual, you are demonstrating your ignorance about Universalism.

Universalism teaches that you can DIE= an unforgiven sinner, a Christ rejector, and never born again, and still go to Heaven., and will.
So, you can keep trying to hide this, by posting verses you cant understand or explain... and lots of them.... but its not going to be hidden, as Universalism is a Cross Denying Satanic Gospel. @St. SteVen

 

[Behold]

You do twist the scriptures to your liking my friend. That verse says nothing about "forever"...

The verse says the """wrath of God REMAINS""", on them.

Look that word up.. @Hillsage

"remains"......means continuaing.....steadfast, and without relief.