INTRODUCTION
We’ve been looking at the importance of Theology … given that it informs beliefs, which shape values and attitudes, which shape decisions and actions.
We spent some time looking at the two theologies which have had the greatest impact on Christendom and Christian belief since the Dark Ages: Calvinism and Arminianism. However, more recently, we’ve been looking at a third theology — Christian Universalism (NOT to be confused with general Universalism). As we’ve seen, they are different because while both believe that all people will ultimately be saved, Christian Universalists believe that will only happen because all people will eventually come to agree that Jesus Christ is THE Way (the only Saviour) whereas general Universalists believe faith does not matter.
Universalist Bible Passages
- Reconciliation of All Things: Scripture speaks of a time when God is “all in all” (1 Cor 15:28) and all things are gathered together in Christ (Eph 1:10).
- Nature of Judgment: Supporters often interpret references to “hell” (Gehenna) or “eternal” (aionios) punishment as restorative or corrective rather than never-ending, arguing that mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13).
- God’s Will vs. Human Will: The belief hinges on God’s desire for all to be saved being empowered by His sovereignty, overcoming human resistance ultimately. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Last session, I noted that I begin my study of this topic with the sincere belief that God wants to save all people … and I base that belief not just on my understanding of the NATURE of God, but, also, on my understanding of the WORD of God.
In this session, I want to look at some of the main verses that support the concept of Christian Universalism … and I want to begin with two passages that speak to God’s desire/will to save all humanity …
- 1 Timothy 2:3–4: “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth”.
- 2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Something I noted about those two passages is that they are from letters by two different apostles. One is from Peter; the other is from Paul. Both wrote at different times … and to different audiences … but both seemed to share the same universal hope.
That’s how it seems to me … so I found myself wondering what the apostles believed about the universal hope.