Tom Logan's Arguments Against the List:

 

 

Colossians 1:15
15 who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation;
(ASV)

That this verse should be considered a proof text for universalism is really
quite amazing for the verse

says absolutely nothing at all concerning the salvation of all

What it does express by means of a genitive construction is a relationship
between Christ and the world

This relationship is expressed by the term firstborn (prototokos -greek)

In this context it is a term of pre-eminency and tells of Christ's supremacy
and heirship

FIRST-BEGOTTEN, FIRSTBORN

prototokos ^4416^, "firstborn" (from protos, "first," and tikto, "to
beget"), is used of Christ as born of the Virgin Mary, <Luke 2:7>; further,
in His relationship to the Father, expressing His priority to, and
preeminence over, creation, not in the sense of being the "first" to be
born. It is used occasionally of superiority of position in the OT, see
<Exod. 4:22; Deut. 21:16,17>, the prohibition being against the evil of
assigning the privileged position of the "firstborn" to one born
subsequently to the "first" child.
(from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words)
(Copyright (C) 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

A similar thought is expressed in God's promise to David

Ps 89:27
27 Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
(KJV)

 

John 8:29
29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I
do always those things that please him.
(KJV)

This verse expresses the Father's union with Christ

He is with Him and does not abandon Him

The reason is given in the second half of the verse

Christ always does what pleases the Father

This verse presents no argument for universal salvation

 

1 Timothy 2:6
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
(KJV)

This verse expresses the scope of the atonement

i.e. those for whom the benefits of Christ's death are available

The atonement here is clearly uiniversal

That is it is for all

Christ's death has a provisionary benefit that may be apprehended by any and
all

This benefit if it is to be salvatory must be received

John 1:12
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name:
(KJV)

This reception is by faith

John 3:16-18
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that
the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.
(KJV)

Apart from faith none benefit as John shows

If the universalist wishes to use this verse in support of universalism he
must show that all come to biblical faith

As it stands this verse supports universal atonement not universalism

 

 

1 John 2:2
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also
for the sins of the whole world.
(KJV)

Christ is the propitiation

2434 hilasmos (hil-as-mos');

atonement, i.e. (concretely) an expiator:

KJV-- propitiation.
Strongs

Literally Christ is the atonement or the atoning sacrifice for the sins of
the whole world

I Jn 2:2
2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also
for the sins of the whole world.
(NIV)

As with other verses

Heb 2:9 1Tim 2:6 4:10 Tit 2:11 2Pet 2:1 1Jn 4:14

a universal atonement is affirmed

That is Christ died for all. There is not one son of man for whom Christ did
not die

But atonement is not to be confounded with the benefits of the atonement
i.e. the removal of sin, the impartation of new life and salvation

The Atonement is a provisory measure grounded in the shed blood of Christ by
which God may remove the sins of those who fulfil the conditions inherent in
God's plan of salvation

John 3:16-18
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that
the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.
(KJV)

Everywhere the bible proclaims that it is faith in Christ that secures the
benefits of the atonement

and that without faith there is no benefit received

 

Hebrews 7:25
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto
God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
(KJV)

 

Universalists who appeal to this verse often ignore context of the verse

and quote only "He is able also to save to the uttermost"

ignoring the fact that this promise is for

those that come to God by means of Christ

There is absolutely no support for universal salvation in this verse

 

Hebrews 1:2 He is heir of all things

 

Heb 1:2
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed
heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
(KJV)

Yes Christ is the appointed heir of all things

He is the poseessor and lord over all things and all things are his

This would include the wicked as well as the righteous

 

Prov 16:4
4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the
day of evil.
(KJV)

 

1 Corinthians 15:22

The universalists quote of 1 Cor. 15:22, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive," is the be taken as meaning that all are saved eventually. And if the passage is detached from the context, it undoubtedly would lend support to this view. But as part of the general argument pursued by the Apostle Paul, the passage most clearly means no more than that, as all united to Adam by physical ties suffer death, so all united to Christ by spiritual ties shall be made alive, a line of thought common to the Apostle Paul.

It is the prepositions that show us such.

From Figures of Speech Used in the Bible:

"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." But all will not die (see verse 51). Those who are 'alive and remain" to the coming of the Lord will not die at all, but be changed. Therefore it means--that, as, in Adam, all who are in him die, so in Christ also, all who are in Him shall be made alive. The "all" in the first clause clearly does not include the all who shall be "alive and remain," and cannot therefore include the "all" in the second clause (Bullinger, Figures of Speech Used in the Bible, Baker, thirteenth printing, p. 637).

Added by Eric Landstrom

 

Uiniversalists cite

1 Cor 15:22
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
(KJV)

and assume all (pas-greek) here means all that have ever lived.

Such an assumption is unwarrented and does not fit the context which deals
only with believers

1 Cor 15:12-24
12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among
you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is
also vain.
15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified
of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised
not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most
miserable.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them
that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the
dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

First let us note to whom this passage is addressed.

Of a certainty no one will deny it is addressed to the believers in Corinth

So that when Paul speaks of the pronouns you and we he is speaking of
believers

From the start we see verses 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19 all refer to believers
i.e. those in Christ

verses 13,16,20,21 just mention the resurrection of the dead without
specifying who is included

The fact emerges that not once are the wicked, the unrighteous, those who
die outside of Christ mentioned.

They do not at all appear in the context of this passage

The Pas (all) of verse 22 therefore is defined for us by scripture as those
who appear in verses 12,14,15,17,18,19

namely believers. It is descriptive of those mentioned in the previous
verses and not all inclusive of every man, woman and child ever born

In Adam they all died; in Christ they all (the believers-those in Christ)
will be made alive

this is borne out by the rest of the passage in which Paul further defines
the "all" for us with

23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they
that are Christ's at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God,
even the Father; when he shall have put down
all rule and all authority and power.
(KJV)

All here is every man who participates in the being made alive

It includes Christ and those who are his at his coming. Other than Christ
this passage. The only ones made alive are those who are his at his coming .
Unbelievers are not mentioned; they do not at all appear in the context

Thus all and every man here are those in Christ not all men inclusively

verse 24

24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God,
even the Father; when he shall have put down
all rule and all authority and power.
(KJV)

merely tells us the end arises after that. There is no statement of
resurrection in it.

Were there a third group to be made alive this certainly would be the time
to mention it

but all that appears is a statement of the end

We are not told the unbelievers are made alive

The next two verses make it clear that physical death is the last enemy to
be defeated

1 Cor 15:25-26
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
(KJV)

that enemy physical death is defeated at the resurrection of the believers

1 Cor 15:50-55
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom
of God; neither doth corruption inherit
incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be
changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the
trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised
incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put
on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal
shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that
is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
(KJV)

thus death is defeated, the all in Christ will have been made alive at
Christ's coming

Worse for the universalist position rather than reconciliation & salvation
for unbelievers the passage shows

1 Cor 15:24-26
24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father
after he has destroyed all dominion, authority
and power.
25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
(NIV)

the destruction and subjection of all of God's enemies.

Enemies of God are not quicked or made alive

2227 zoopoieo-

1) to produce alive, to begat or to bear living young
2) to cause to live, to make alive, to give life
a) by spiritual power to arouse and invigorate
b) to restore to life
c) to give increase of life: thus, of physical life
d) used of the spirit, quickening as respects the spirit, endued with new
and greater powers of life
3) metaphorically, used of seeds quickened into life, that is, germinating,
springing up, growing

that is reserved for those in whom the Spirit dwelleth

Rom 8:11
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you,
he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies
by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
(KJV)

Rather unbelievers face the resurrection of damnation

John 5:28-29
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in
the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of
life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
(KJV)

thus beleivers are made alive and unbelievers are raised to damnation.
and universal salvation is precluded

 

 

John 12:47
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I
came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
(KJV)

This is a statement of Christ's purpose. It cannot however be assumed that
Christ's purpose is the only factor to be

considered in the salvation of the world. One cannot dismissed a verse from
its context

John 12:44-48
44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but
on him that sent me.
45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should
not abide in darkness.
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I
came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth
him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
(KJV)

where we see in verse 48

Men do reject Christ and are judged

This judgment stands opposed to the salvation which Christ puposes

The parrallel between this passage and

 

John 3:16-18
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that
the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.
(KJV)

is striking

Universalism in typical fashion has simply lifted a verse and divorced it
from its context

In context there is no support for universal salvation in this passage

Matthew 1:21
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for
he shall save his people from their sins.
(KJV)

This verse affirms that Christ will save his people from their sins

First we will note there is no mention at all that all men without exception
shall be his people

Nor can we assume that all Israelites without exception are his people

Rom 9:25-27
25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my
people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them,
Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living
God.
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children
of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
(KJV)

Rather scripture shows his people shall consist of both Gentiles and Jews
though not all

Universalism employs the rather unfortunate hermenuetic of interpreting
scripture apart from its context

both near and far

 

John 3:35
35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
(KJV)

This is another verse which is made to suffer the deficiencies of the
universalist's

hermenuetics

The universalist simply grabs the phrase "all things" and goes from there

However in context

 

John 3:28-36
28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that
I am sent before him.
29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the
bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the
bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is
earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth
his testimony.
33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is
true.
34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not
the Spirit by measure unto him.
35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth
not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
(KJV)

We first see that it is John the baptist speaking of Christ

and the fact that God has given (past tense) all things into the hand of
Christ

and second that it does not at all refer to universal salvation

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that
believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on
him.

and rather rejects that idea

Lamentations 3:31
31 For the Lord will not cast off for ever:
(KJV)

Rather than being an unconditional promise to all men the context shows

Lam 3:24-31
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh
him.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation
of the LORD.
27 It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
28 He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.
29 He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.
30 He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with
reproach.
31 For the Lord will not cast off for ever:
(KJV)

 

The passage concerns itself with those who have been disciplined by the Lord

having being humbled and fillled with reproach yet still hope in the Lord
and

seek his face.

This is another excellent example of how the universlist simply ignores
context

and fails to correlate his interpretations with the inspired record of
scripture.

Concerning those who forsake the Lord

1 Chr 28:9
9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him
with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all
hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek
him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee
off for ever.
(KJV)

We see they are cast off forever

The hermenuetic of the universalist destroys the perpiscuity of the
scriptures

and renders it a rather contradictory compost

 

John 4:42

Universalists quote

John 4:42
42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for
we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the
Saviour of the world.
(KJV)

and related verses

John 1:29
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb
of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
(KJV)

I Jn 4:14
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world.
(KJV)

Where Christ is said to be the savior of the world and the one who takes
away the sins of the world

The universalists presumption is that world means all people without
exception

While convenient for the universalist this is hardly convincing

For example the universalist Thayer gives as a meaning for Kosmos (world)

2889 kosmos-

1) an apt and harmonious arrangement or constitution, order, government
2) ornament, decoration, adornment, that is, the arrangement of the stars,
`the heavenly hosts', as the ornament of the heavens. 1 Pet. 3:3
3) the world, the universe
4) the circle of the earth, the earth
5) the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human race
6) the ungodly multitude; the whole mass of men alienated from God, and
therefore hostile to the cause of Christ
7) world affairs, the aggregate of things earthly
the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments riches, advantages, pleasures,
etc., which although hollow and frail and fleeting, stir desire, seduce from
God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ
8) any aggregate or general collection of particulars of any sort
a) the Gentiles as contrasted to the Jews (Rom. 11:12 etc)
a) used of believers only, John 1:29; 3:16; 3:17; 6:33; 12:47 1 Cor. 4:9; 2
Cor. 5:19

Apart from its natural meaning of the physical world it notes by means of
metynomy

mankind, the multitudes of the ungodly, believers, Gentiles as contrasted to
jews or any

aggregate or general collection

To assume a meaning of all men without exception in each and every context
yields nonsense

One need go no further than

I Jn 5:19
19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
(KJV)

or

Rev 12:9
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and
Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and
his angels were cast out with him.
(KJV)

or

John 1:10
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew
him not.
(KJV)

to realise

such an assumption is unwarrented

according to its general range of meaning a far more biblically consistent
meaning for

John 4:42, John 1:29, 1Jn 4:14

is the general collection of men or mankind in a collective sense i.e. men
all over the world

John 17:2
2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal
life to as many as thou hast given him.
(KJV)

A simple glance at the context of this verse should suffice to show it
offers no support for a belief in the salvation of all

John 17:1-6
1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,
Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify
thee:
2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal
life to as many as thou hast given him.
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and
Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou
gavest me to do.
5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory
which I had with thee before the world was.
6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the
world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy
word.
(KJV)

In context it is those taken out of the world i.e. taken out from the
general mass of mankind

This is not the mass of mankind itself but a group which is taken from the
mass of mankind

They were God's and they were given unto Christ

 

Luke 2:10
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(KJV)

The support offered universalism by this verse is more apparent than real

A quick examination of the word translated people here

2992 laos-

1) a people, people group, tribe, nation, all those who are of the same
stock and language
2) used of a great part of the population gathered together anywhere
Thayer

shows it is a people group: tribe, nation, great part of the populace of
Israel

rather than all men without exception which are refered to

and even within that context it need not refer to all without exception in a
particular people group

 

Ephesians 4:10

Universalists quote

 

Eph 4:10
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all
heavens, that he might fill all things.)
(KJV)

Let us note there is not the slightest hint in the passage that this refers
to universal salvation

The idea is simply that Christ has assended high above the heavens to fill
all things - i.e. to pervade the universe

with his presense

The Father himself has stated

Jer 23:24
24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the
LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.
(KJV)

That He fills heaven and Earth

Should we take this to mean the Father indwells all on earth including the
wicked

Obviously that is not a biblical concept

Why then should Christs filling be understood in a different manner

Further it is Christs ascension into the heavens at the end of his first
earthly coming which is the occasion of his filling all things

and not some future time beyond all ages when all might be saved as the
universalist would hope

John 12:32

 

Universalists appeal to

 

John 12:32
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
(KJV)

 

and the phrase all men (pantas - greek; all -english)

Panta is used in a number of ways in the scripture

1 All - denoting each and every one without exception

Typical of this usage is

Rom 14:10-12
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your
brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God;
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."
12 So each of us shall give account of himself to God.
(RSV)

all (pantes) shall stand before God and give an account of himself

2 All - every single component of a particular group

Acts 19:1-7
1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having
passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain
disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And
they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy
Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said,
Unto John's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance,
saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come
after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them;
and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
7 And all the men were about twelve.
(KJV)

Here in verse seven we see all (pantes) the disciples at Ephesus that Paul
had found

3 All - every manner or kind

 

Rom 1:28-29
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave
them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness,
covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit,
malignity; whisperers,
(KJV)

Here we see that those who do not like to retain God in their knowledge are
filled with all manner or kind of unrighteousness

4 All - denoting all without distinction

Rom 3:9
9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before
proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
(KJV)

Here "all" refers to people all people groups i.e. Jews as well as Gentiles

Universalists assume that "all" in John 12:32 refers to all men who have
ever existed without exception

However there is neither contextual clue or biblical precedence for such an
interpretation

 

Job 23:13
13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth,
even that he doeth.
(KJV)

The context here is the suffering of Job and how they fit into God's plan

In that regard excellent are the comments of Albert Barnes

Job 23:13

[But he is in one mind] He is unchangeable. He has formed his plans, and no
one can divert him from them. Of the truth of this sentiment there can be no
dispute. The only difficulty in the case is to see why Job adverted to it
here, and how it bears on the train of thought which he was pursuing. The
idea seems to be, that God was now accomplishing his eternal purposes in
respect to him; that he had formed a plan far back in eternal ages, and that
that plan must be executed; that he was a Sovereign, and that however
mysterious his plans might be, it was vain to contend with them, and that
man ought to submit to their execution with patience and resignation. Job
expected yet that God would come forth and vindicate him; but at present all
that he could do was to submit. He did not pretend to understand the reason
of the divine dispensations; he felt that he had no power to resist God. The
language here is that of a man who is perplexed in regard to the divine
dealings, but who feels that they are all in accordance with the
unchangeable purpose of God (Barnes' Notes).

There is not the slightest clue that universal salvation is refered to in
this passage

The universalist take a phrase here and a phrase there to arrive at an
unbiblical conclusion

God does what He desires:

1) God desires the salvation of all men.
2) God desires that the choice to follow and love him be free.
3) If the choice is not free then this is against God's desires.
4) Since the choice is free, it would be illogical for all to accept unless they are coerced.
5) Thus some will not follow or love him, they will abuse the freedom God gave them to pursue their own way.
6) Thus God created hell, a place for people to do just that (section added by Eric Landstrom).

Isaiah 46:10
10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things
that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my
pleasure:
(KJV)

Context reveals that what God has determined to do He will do

Isa 46:8-11
8 Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye
transgressors.
9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I
am God, and there is none like me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things
that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my
pleasure:
11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel
from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I
have purposed it, I will also do it.
(KJV)

Note particurly verse 11. God is speaking

I have purposed it, I will also do it.

If the universalist wants to claim this verse as support for the idea of universal salvation let him also produce a verse which states God has determined to save all.

 

Lamentations 3:22
22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his
compassions fail not.
(KJV)

The universalist arbitrarily applies this to all men. Context however shows

It is one who is under the discipline of the Lord who is referred to

Lam 3:15-22
15 He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood.
16 He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones, he hath covered me with
ashes.
17 And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity.
18 And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:
19 Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
20 My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his
compassions fail not.
(KJV)

This one bears his reproach and continues to hope in the Lord and waits on
Him

Lam 3:22-30
22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his
compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh
him.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation
of the LORD.
27 It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
28 He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.
29 He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.
30 He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with
reproach.
(KJV)

Psalms 135:6

The universalist quotes

Psalms 135:6 God does what pleases Him

Lets view the passage in its context in the KJV

Ps 135:6-12
6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the
seas, and all deep places.
7 He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh
lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.
8 Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.
9 Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh,
and upon all his servants.
10 Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;
11 Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms
of Canaan:
12 And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.
(KJV)

In context there is not the slightest mention of universal salvation

There is on the otherhand mention of what God did for the nation of Israel
and his work in nature

In universalism one sees verse after verse stripped from its context and
applied to a thought (universal salvation)

not intended in the the original passage

This is a poor and most improper hermenuetic

 

1 Timothy 2:4

The universalist makes much of

1 Tim 2:4
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the
truth.
(KJV)

and its expression of the will of God

Lets examine the word translated "will have"

 

2309 thelo (thel'-o);

or ethelo (eth-el'-o); in certain tenses theleo (thel-eh'-o); and etheleo
(eth-el-eh'-o); which are otherwise obsolete; apparently strengthened from
the alternate form of 138; to determine (as an active option from subjective
impulse; whereas 1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in
objective considerations), i.e. choose or prefer (literally or
figuratively); by implication, to wish, i.e. be inclined to (sometimes
adverbially, gladly); impersonally for the future tense, to be about to; by
Hebraism, to delight in:

KJV-- desire, be disposed (forward), intend, list, love, mean, please, have
rather, (be) will (have, -ling, -ling [-ly]).
Strongs enhanced lexicon

2309 thelo or ethelo in certain tenses;

theleo and etheleo which are otherwise obsolete --1)
to will, to have in mind, to intend
a) to be resolved or determined, to purpose
b) to desire, to wish
c) to love,
to like to do a thing, to be fond of doing
d) to take delight in, to have pleasure
Thayers lexicon

 

From these lexical sources we see the word has a range of meanings from

wish, desire, to take pleasure in a thing, to determine

The universalist settles on a meaning to determine

but where is the support for such a meaning

Where do we read God has actually determined to save all men ?

Everywhere we do read God has determined to save those who believe and damn
those

who do not

Mark 16:16
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth
not shall be damned.
(KJV)

John 3:16-18
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that
the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.
(KJV)

John 3:36
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth
not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
(KJV)

Universalists just ignore the biblical record in this regard

Accurately expressing the thought of the verse the New american standard
renders it

1 Tim 2:4
4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(NAS)

And others

1 Tim 2:4
4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(RSV)

1 Tim 2:4
4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(NKJ)

1 Tim 2:4
4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(NAU)

God does truly desire that all will come to the knowledge of the truth and
be saved

He will however save those who believe and condemn those who do not
according to the inspired word

Added by Eric Landstrom, from Hell on Trial, p.152-53:

"God who DESIRES all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

Yes, God desires that all men would be saved. Where do you get the idea that this verse says that men [i]will[/i] be saved?

Similarly, God also desires that nobody sin, yet men sin.

If you hold that this verse is saying all men will be saved you are pouring in your own meaning and not the meaning of the text.

"Other texts in this category include 1 Tim. 4:10 and 2 Peter 3:9. As all other biblical passages, 1 Tim 2:4 must be interpreted in its literary and historical contexts. Paul has just urged that prayers be made for everyone­for kings and all those in authority in order that believers might enjoy peaceful and quiet lives (vv. 1-2). It is important to realize that in Paul's day, the Roman emperor and local officials frequently oppossed the church. The notorious Nero, who reigned from 54 to 68 A.D., was on the thrown when Paul penned these words. Paul, therefore, in verse 4 motivates his readers to pray even for ungodly rulers, because the offer of salvation is made to all types of men."

"In 1 tim. 2:4 Paul doesn't teach that all will be saved in the end but that it is God's will for the gospel to reach everybody. Moreover, to press this verse into the service of universalism is to do injustice to the unity of 1 Timothy because the wider context reveals a doctrine of final judgment quite irreconcilable with universalism: compare 1 Tim 1:6-11; 4:1-2; 5:24; 6:9-10. First Timothy 5:24 bears this out: "Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after." The contention that 1 Timothy 2:4 and similar passages prove universalism is unwarranted."

 

Ephesians 1:11

Universalist quote

Eph 1:11
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated
according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of
his own will:
(KJV)

Here universalists appeal to the will of God

But in the bible we have a clear expression of God's will

and what he will do

Mark 16:16
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth
not shall be damned.
(KJV)

John 3:16-18
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that
the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.
(KJV)

John 3:36
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth
not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
(KJV)

and in context this verse refers to the inheritance which God has
predestinated for the saints, not any notion of universal salvation

 

Daniel 4:35
35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth
according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of
the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
(KJV)

Ok none can stay God's hand or prevent Him from doing what he will do

How though does this promote the idea of universal salvation when God has
expressed what his hand will do

 

Rev 20:11-21:8
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face
the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were
opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead
were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according
to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell
delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man
according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second
death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the
lake of fire.

CHAPTER 21

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first
earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of
God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more
pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And
he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water
of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he
shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second
death.
(KJV)

which is to send to the lake of life the fearful, the unbelieving , the
abominable, murderers , whoremongers, idoliters

The lake of fire stands in opposition to salvation

One is either saved and dwells with God on the new earth or one is sent to
the lake of fire

 

Proverbs 16:9
9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
(KJV)

We must asks ourselves is it the intext of this verse to expound upon the
idea

of universal salvation

It is the great failing of universalism to understand verses in their
context

It survives only by ignoring context

 

Prov 16:1-18
1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is
from the LORD.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the
spirits.
3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the
day of evil.
5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though
hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men
depart from evil.
7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at
peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not
in judgment.
11 A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are
his work.
12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is
established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh
right.
14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify
it.
15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a
cloud of the latter rain.
16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding
rather to be chosen than silver!
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his
way preserveth his soul.
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
(KJV)

From verse 18 we see the prideful are slated for destruction and the haughty
for a fall

These are not terms of salvation nor do they support the idea that God leads
all to salvation

 

 

Proverbs 19:21

Some universalists appeal to

Prov 19:21
21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the
LORD, that shall stand.
(KJV)

to support their belief in universal salvation

but where does this verse even mention universal salvation

The New Internation Version translates this

Prov 19:21
21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that
prevails.
(NIV)

but where in the bible do we read that God has purposed to save all

rather once again God has purposed to save those who believe

Mark 16:16
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth
not shall be damned.
(KJV)

John 3:16-18
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that
the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.
(KJV)

John 3:36
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth
not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
(KJV)

Psalm 33:15

Some iniversalist quote

Ps 33:15
15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
(KJV)

for support in a belief in universal salvation

But there is nothing here which even remotely speaks of universal salvation

rather the phrase "he considereth all their works" points toward a judgment

The idea here is that God who has made the human heart is able to discern it

Similar in concept is

Ps 94:9
9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall
he not see?
(KJV)

As God who created the eye is capable of seeing and created the ear and can
hear

so He who created the heart is also able to discern it

 

Deuteronomy 32:39

Deut 32:39
39 See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I
make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out
of my hand.
(KJV)

Here we see God's kills and he makes alive. Yes it is true God does these
things. But where do we see that God saves all

A quick glance at context shows

Deut 32:40-43
40 For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.
41 If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I
will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.
42 I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour
flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the
beginning of revenges upon the enemy.
43 Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of
his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be
merciful unto his land, and to his people.
(KJV)

God will render vengeance to his adversaries not salvation

 

Psalm 90:3

Ps 90:3
3 Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.
(KJV)

 

Lets view this verse in the new internation version

 

Ps 90:3
3 You turn men back to dust, saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men."
(NIV)

and the New American Standard

Ps 90:3
3 You turn man back into dust and say, "Return, O children of men."
(NAS)

Here the idea is of God turning man back to the dust from which he came

Eccl 3:20
20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
(KJV)

Psalm 72:18

Universalist quote

Ps 72:18
18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous
things.
(KJV)

The meaning here is that it is God alone who is able to do wonders

The New International Version makes the meaning of the passage quite clear

 

Ps 72:18
18 Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous
deeds.
(NIV)

similar are other versions

 

Ps 72:18
18 Praise the LORD, the God of Israel! He alone does these wonderful things.
(TEV)

Ps 72:18
18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders.
(NAS)

etc

Once again we see there is nothing in support of universal salvation in the
quoted passage

1 Timothy 4:10

Universalist quite frequently quote

1 Timothy 4:9-11 God is the Savior of all, especially [not exclusively] of
them that believe in support for their belief in universal salvation

The passage as quoted above has been modified by the phrase "not exclusively"

It is not part of the text

The king James Version reads

1 Tim 4:10
10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the
living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
(KJV)

O.k. God is the savior of all men. We agree with that.

The real question here is what does it mean

The universalist assumes that it means God will save all men

We believe it indicates that God offers salvation to all men

In the verse mankind is divided in those that belief and by implication
those who do not believe.

Now all agree that God saves all those that believe

1 Cor 1:21
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it
pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
(KJV)

On the other hand no where in the bible do we see that God saves the
unbeliever

In no sense does scripture support the idea that God has already saved the
unbeliever

This is what the present tense "estin" (english -is) would require if this
verse was to support uiniversalism

Now to be sure there are some in the universalist camp who do so argue God
has already saved all

however scripture is clear

John 3:18
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.
(KJV)

Mark 16:16
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth
not shall be damned.
(KJV)

Heb 12:25
25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who
refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn
away from him that speaketh from heaven:
(KJV)

unbelievers stand under God's condemnation not His salvation

So the only sense in which God can said to be the savior of all is that He
offers salvation to all and should an

unbeliever remain not in unbelief God will save him also

Understanding 1 Timothy 2:4
by Tom Logan

1 Tim 2:4
4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (NAS)

Does God's desire for the salvation of all mean all are saved?  It would help if we first define salvation:

4982  sozo-

to save, to keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction
a) one (from injury or peril)
1) to save a suffering one (from perishing), that is, one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health
1) to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue
b) to save in the technical, Biblical sense; negatively:
1) to deliver from the penalties of the Messianic judgment
2) to save from the evils which obstruct the reception of the Messianic deliverance

One aspect of the the term's save, salvation;  is to provide temporal relief or preservation from danger. The salvation we are concerned with however is final or eschatological salvation.

2. save or preserve from eternal death, fr. judgment, and fr. all that might lead to such death, e.g. sin, also in a positive sense
bring Messianic salvation, bring to salvation (LXX; Herm. Wr. 13, 19 swv/zein='endow w. everlasting life'.-Of passing over
into a state of salvation and a higher life: Cebes 3, 2; 4, 3; 14, 1).  Bauer, Walter, Gingrich, F. Wilbur, and Danker, Frederick W., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature.

This salvation provides forgiveness of sin, escape from punishment and aionios life.

Postively being saved is equivalent to entering or inheriting the kingdom:

Mark 10:23-26
23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?  (KJV)

Matt 25:31-34
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:  (KJV)

Matt 13:39-43
39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.  (KJV)

the reception of eternal life:

John 3:15-16
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  (KJV)

John 5:24
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.  (KJV)

I Jn 5:11-12
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.  (KJV)

Negatively it is
...escape from the condemnation due sin:

John 5:24
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
(KJV)

Rom 8:1
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  (KJV)

John 3:17-18
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  (KJV)

...escape from eternal punishment

Matt 25:46
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.  (KJV)

...escape from the lake of fire

Rev 20:11-15
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.  (KJV)

...freedom from perishing...

John 3:15-16
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)

Do all receive this salvation?   Let us examine the elements of salvation.

The wicked we see...

...Do not inherit or enter the kingdom:

1 Cor 6:9-10
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
(KJV)

Gal 5:21
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
(KJV)

...do not inherit eternal life...

John 3:36
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.  (KJV)

I Jn 5:12
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.  (KJV)

Do not escape condemnation:

Jude 1:4
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.  (KJV)

...Do not escape eternal punishment

Matt 25:46
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.  (KJV)

II Th 1:6-9
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (KJV)

...Do not escape the lake of fire

Rev 20:15
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (KJV)

Rev 21:8
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (KJV)

...Do perish

1 Cor 1:18
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

2 Cor 2:15
15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these
things?

II Th 2:10
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they
might be saved.

It seem's every positive benefit extended to those who are saved is not given the unbelieving and every escape from negative consequences granted the saved is not shared by the unbelieving.

Quite clearly, all are not saved.

Salvation in the bible is defined many ways but it is never defined as a escape or resurrection from within the lake of fire.

So what does:

1 Tim 2:4
4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  (NAS)

...really tell us of God's will for man?

1 Tim 2:4
 hós pántas anthroópous thélei sootheénai kaí eis epígnoosin aleetheías eltheín
 (Copyright (c)1966, 1968, 1975, 1983 by the United Bible Societies)

Here the greek translated desires is 'thelei'---it is a third person singular present active indicative verb.
It indicates God's desire that all men be saved:

2309 thelo { thel'-o}  or ethelo { eth-el'-o}  in certain tenses theleo { thel-eh'-o}  and etheleo { eth-el-eh'-o}  which are otherwise obsolete

apparently strengthened from the alternate form of 138; TDNT - 3:44,318; v

AV - will/would 159, will/would have 16, desire 13, desirous 3, list 3, to will 2, misc 4; 210

GK - 2527 { thelo }

1) to will, have in mind, intend
1a) to be resolved or determined, to purpose

1b) to desire, to wish

1c) to love

1c1) to like to do a thing, be fond of doing

1d) to take delight in, have pleasure

Enhanced Strong's Lexicon, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.

The universalist makes the error of assumming God's will is monothetic i.e.has but a single aspect

God does desire all be saved but he has determined to save those who believe and from the scriptures
shown above the unbeliever does not experience salvation

1Timothy 2:4 does not teach universal salvation.

 

 

Isaiah 25:6-7

Universalists also quote

Isa 25:6-7
6 And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast
of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow,
of wines on the lees well refined.
7 And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over
all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.
(KJV)

once again however context is ignored

 

Isa 25:6-12
6 And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast
of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow,
of wines on the lees well refined.
7 And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over
all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.
8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears
from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off
all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for
him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will
be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
10 For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be
trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill.
11 And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that
swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their
pride together with the spoils of their hands.
12 And the fortress of the high fort of thy walls shall he bring down, lay
low, and bring to the ground, even to the dust.
(KJV)

where the enemies of Israel are brought down to the ground even the dust

this is not universal salvation

 

Psalms 145:8,9, 14, 16

Universalist quote

Ps 145:9-14
9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
10 All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.

and

14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed
down.
(KJV)

Ps 145:16
16 Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
(KJV)

However they omit from the context this verse

Ps 145:20
20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he
destroy.
(KJV)

Universalism servives by constant appeal to such out of context citations
but a system which must appeal to such only demonstrates its own weakness

Romans 11:32


Rom 11:32
32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy
upon all.
(KJV)

Universalist read the word "all" and assume

1 that all here refers to all men that have ever lived without exception

However a perusal of context shows that it is people groups that are refered
to

 

Rom 11:1-32
1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an
Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the
scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel,
saying,
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the
election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but
rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to
provoke them to jealousy.
12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing
of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the
Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and
might save some of them.
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,
lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is
happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
(KJV)

here "all" is Jews and gentiles

God will have mercy on both Gentiles and Jews

2 Showing mercy means universal salvation

However to read universal salvation in light of

 

Rom 11:20-22
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by
faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare
not thee.
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell,
severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness:
otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
(KJV)

is a most strange and defective exegesis

 

Psalms 138:4

Submission (universalists think submission means salvation):
Psalms 138:4 All kings will praise God

 

Ps 138:4
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the
words of thy mouth.
(KJV)

There is no reference to universal salvation at all in this verse

Let the universalist show how all the kings of the earth praising God
translates into

all men that have ever lived will be saved

Certainly it is not true at present that all the kings of the earth now
praise God.

When the earth has become the Lords then it will be true that all the kings
will praise him

but this says nothing at all about about all other kings who have ever lived
yet alone all other men who have ever lived

Albert Barnes in his commentary notes

 

Psalms 138:4

[All the kings of the earth shall praise thee ...] That is, kings, princes,
and rulers shall learn the words of promise; shall be made acquainted with
the words which thou hast graciously spoken, and with their fulfillment, and
shall be led to praise thee. This refers to a time, of which frequent
prophetic mention is made in the Scriptures, when kings and rulers shall be
converted to the true religion, and when they shall act an important part,
by their example and influence, in maintaining and diffusing it. Compare
<Ps. 68:31-32; Isa. 49:23>.
(from Barnes' Notes)

 

Psalm 86:9

Ps 86:9
9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O
Lord; and shall glorify thy name.
(KJV)

Once again there is no mention of universal salvation in a verse cited by
universalists as proof of their belief

Yes there will be a future age when the earth will be full of the knowledge
of the Lord and the nations of the

of the earth will praise and worship God.

This says nothing at all however about all men who have ever lived or who
will compromise these nations

Passages such as the above have their fullfilment in either the millenial
period or the new earth

Even during the the time of the new earth in which we see that the rule and
reign of God is established over all the earth

We still see

Rev 21:1-8
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first
earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of
God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more
pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And
he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water
of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he
shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second
death.
(KJV)

 

Psalm 66:3

Ps 66:3
3 Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of
thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.
(KJV)

Universal submission is not universal salvation

Yes the bible teaches universal submission

1 Cor 15:24-27
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God,
even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and
power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things
are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all
things under him.
(KJV)

however that this is not salvation is shown by the fact that even demons
submit to Christ

Mark 5:2-19
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the
tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not
with chains:
4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the
chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces:
neither could any man tame him.
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs,
crying, and cutting himself with stones.
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus,
thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me
not.
8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is
Legion: for we are many.
10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the
country.
11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine
feeding.
12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we
may enter into them.
13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out,
and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place
into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
(KJV)

Mark also notes

Mark 1:27
27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves,
saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority
commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
(KJV)

 

Isaiah 25:8

Isa 25:8
8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears
from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off
all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
(KJV)

The context of this verse was considered previously and we saw that
universalist had ignored context .

10 For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be
trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill.
11 And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that
swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their
pride together with the spoils of their hands.
12 And the fortress of the high fort of thy walls shall he bring down, lay
low, and bring to the ground, even to the dust.
(KJV)

which showed universal salvation was not in view

Presently we will consider only

He will swallow up death in victory

Certainly this a truth which the New Testament affirms

1 Cor 15:54
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal
shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that
is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
(KJV)

However context shows this speaks of the resurrection of believers at
Christ's advent

1 Cor 15:23
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they
that are Christ's at his coming.
(KJV)

certainly all men without exception; the righteous as well as the
unrighteous; will be raised

However all not be raised according to the same principle. John shows

John 5:28-29
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in
the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of
life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
(KJV)

The righteous will be raised unto eternal life i.e. the resurrection of life
and the wicked to a resurrection of damnation

i.e. eternal punishment and everlasting condemnation

Matthew 5:44

Matthew 5:44 Love your enemies {Lk.6:27,35}

O.k. God tells us to love our enemies.

Does this mean all judgment is precluded. ? Nowhere does the bible ever

hint at such an idea.

Rather we see passages such as

 

II Th 1:6-9
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them
that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey
not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of
the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
(KJV)

 

Rom 2:5-9
5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself
wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of
God;
6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour
and immortality, eternal life:
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey
unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the
Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
(KJV)

 

Heb 10:26-30
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the
truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation,
which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three
witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who
hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the
covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done
despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will
recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
(KJV)

God does judge and his judgments are everlasting

 

1 Corinthians 13:8

Universalist quote

1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails

It seems they assume God's love never fails to win men over

However they have completely ignored the context of the passage

 

1 Cor 13:1-13
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a
noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all
knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not
love, I am nothing.
3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have
not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful;
5 it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not
irritable or resentful;
6 it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.
7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all
things.
8 Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues,
they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
9 For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect;
10 but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I
reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in
part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood.
13 So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is
love.
(RSV)

which compares the virtue of love against spiritual gifts

These gifts will pass away , they will vanish and fail but love will not
fail

That is it will not pass away

This passage tells us love is a virtue that will never end

It says nothing at all about it never failing to accomplish its purpose

 

1 John 4:8,16

1 John 4:8,16 God is love

Yes God is love yet we have seen God does judge and his judgments

are eternal and fearsome

 

Matt 25:41-46
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye
cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave
me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not:
sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an
hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did
not minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye
did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous
into life eternal.
(KJV)

Rev 21:8
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second
death.
(KJV)

 

Psalm 65:2

Ps 65:2

2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.
(ASV)

Universalists read this verse and come to the conclusion that this refers to

all men that have ever lived coming to God

However where is the the evidence of such a claim

There is is evidence however of a future time when God

shall reign and live with men and men will come to him

Isa 66:18
18 For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will
gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.
(KJV)

The book of Revelations pictures it here

 

Rev 21:1-4
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first
earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of
God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more
pain: for the former things are passed away.
(KJV)

yet there remains for the wicked

 

Rev 21:8
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second
death.
(KJV)

 

Rev 21:27
27 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.
(KJV)

 

John 13:3

Universalists cite

John 13:3
3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and
that he was come from God, and went to God;
(KJV)

But this verse says nothing at all about universal salvation

It does state that all things had been (past tense) given into his hands

No one not even universalist would claim all had been saved at that point

So it is obvious having been given into the hands of Christ is not an
evidence of salvation

 

Isaiah 2:2

Isaiah 2:2 All nations shall flow to the Lord's house

Isa 2:2
2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the
LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be
exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
(KJV)

That this refers to nations in the lasts days and not to all individuals who
have ever lived

is rather obvious

This is in line with many predictions of which the following verse is
typical

Dan 2:44
44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom,
which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other
people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it
shall stand for ever.
(KJV)

Yes a day is coming when the earth will be filled with true religion and
universal homage to the God of the bible

yet no where do we read this future perfect kingdom of God will include all
men who have ever lived

Such an idea never appears in the bible and it is contradictory to scripture

Gal 5:19-21
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery,
fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife,
seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I
tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do
such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
(KJV)

1 Cor 6:9-10
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be
not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor
effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God.
(KJV)

and as seen previously

Rev 21:2-8
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of
God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more
pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And
he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water
of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he
shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second
death.
(KJV)

Rev 21:27
27 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.
(KJV)

 

Genesis 18:18

Genesis 18:18 All families of earth will be blessed

Gen 18:18
18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and
all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
(KJV)

Though the verse ends in a question mark that all the nations (families) of
the earth shall be blessed in Abraham is a biblical concept

Gen 12:3
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:
and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
(KJV)

Yes all the nations will be blessed in him

yet we do not read all individuals will be blessed in Abraham and saved

That idea just does not appear in scripture and universalists have just
assumed their argument

 

1 John 4:14

1 John 4:14 Jesus is the Savior of the world

Universalists appeal to this verse is not quite logical

For the only sense in which Jesus is (present tense) the savior of the world
(assuming world here means every individual ever

in the world) is one of potential. That is Christ offers and provides
salvation for all who live which is apprehended

by person faith in Him

That unbelievers are not saved is the clear testimony of scripture

Mark 16:16
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth
not shall be damned.
(KJV)

John 3:16-18
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that
the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.
(KJV)

John 3:36
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth
not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
(KJV)

So it is clear that the only sense in which Christ is the savior of the
above is that should such a one remain not in unbelief

Christ stands ever ready to save him

 

2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17 Those "in" Christ are a new creation

2 Cor 5:17
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are
passed away; behold, all things are become new.
(KJV)

Why any would cite this verse as a proof text for universal salvation is a
mystery

Certainly those in Christ are new creations but where does this verse or any
other verse in the bible

state all will be in Christ

Once again universalists have begged the question and assumed what they hope
to prove

 

Acts 3:21

Universalists cite

Acts 3:21 Restoration of all

Acts 3:21
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.
(KJV)

However this merely highlights how universalists in their attempt to find
support for their view

simply ignore context.

The verse in context speaks of the restoration at Christ's return

Scripture however does not support universal salvation at Christ return

Matt 25:31-33, 41-46
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with
him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them
one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye
cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave
me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not:
sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an
hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did
not minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye
did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous
into life eternal.
(KJV)

 

John 5:25, 28

John 5:25 All dead who hear will live
John 5:28 All in the grave will hear and come forth

That anyone would cite these two verses as a proof text for universalism is
most incredible

For in context they prove the very opposite

John 5:25-29
25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the
dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to
have life in himself;
27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the
Son of man.
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in
the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of
life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
(KJV)

John speaks of those who heard Christ voice and lived. That is those
spiritually dead who in that hour which Christ ministered

heard his message and believed and received life as verse 24 shows

John 5:24
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on
him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
(KJV)

Yet a time is coming when all the physically dead shall hear his voice and
come forth

but all do not come forth to life for verse 29 shows some come forth to the
resurrection of life yet others to a resurrection of damnation.

 

Revelation 21:4-5

Revelation 21:4-5 No more tears, all things made new

Mark this another proof text in which the truth of a verse is ignored in
hope of supporting a falsehood

One need go no further than verse eight to expose the dishonesty of any who
make such an appeal

 

Rev 21:4-8
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more
pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And
he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water
of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he
shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second
death.
(KJV)

where we read the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and
murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars,
shall have their part in the lake of fire.

 

Luke 15:1-7

Luke 15:1-7 He seeks sinners till He finds them

 

Luke 15:1-7
1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth
sinners, and eateth with them.
3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not
leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is
lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours,
saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that
repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no
repentance.
(KJV)

The universalist who appeals to this verse is guilty of a sleight of hand
here. The text does not state Christ seeks sinners until he finds and saves
them

It does that demonstrate by means of a parable that Christ and the heavenly
hosts like the man who finds his lost sheep along

with his friends does rejoice at the return of the lost

The idea that Christ seeks the lost until they are saved is no where any
part of the text

The same theme appears in verses 8, 9, 10 in the parable of the woman and
the lost coin

and as well the parable of the prodical son in verses 11-32

in which the son's being found is a result of the sons coming to his senses
not the fathers seeking

Luke 15:17-24
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my
father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have
sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired
servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way
off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck,
and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in
thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put
it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be
merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.
And they began to be merry.
(KJV)

this shows that the point here is the joy at the return of the lost not in
the establishment of a theology that God seeks the lost sinner until he is
saved

while it is nevertheless true that God does seek the lost we nowhere have
any support that the lost are sought after until they are saved

 

Titus 2:11

Universalists cite

Titus 2:11 Grace has appeared to all

The verse in the KJV appears below

Titus 2:11
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
(KJV)

This verse speaks of God's grace appearing to all. It does not speak of all
men being saved

Adam Clarke in his commentary notes

Titus 2:11

[The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men]
Epephanee (grk 2014) gar (grk 1063) hee (grk 3588) charis (grk 5485) tou
(grk 3588) Theou (grk 2316) hee (grk 3588) sooteerios (grk 4992) pasin
(grk 3956) anthroopois (grk 444). Literally translated, the words stand
thus: "For the grace of God, that which saves, hath shone forth upon all
men." Or, as it is expressed in the margin of our King James Version: "The
grace of God, that bringeth salvation to all men, hath appeared." Since
God's grace signifies God's favour, any benefit received from him may be
termed God's grace. In this place, and in <Col. 1:6>, the Gospel, which
points out God's infinite mercy to the world, is termed the grace of God;
for it is not only a favour of infinite worth in itself, but it announces
that greatest gift of God to man, the incarnation and atoning sacrifice of
Jesus Christ. Now it cannot be said, except in a very refined and spiritual
sense, that this Gospel had then appeared to all men; but it may be well
said that it bringeth salvation to all men; this is its design; and it was
to taste death for every man that its author came into the world.
(from Adam Clarke Commentary)

Certainly the gospel is for all men

Mark 16:15
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to
every creature.
(KJV)

and the bible supports a belief in a universal atonement

Heb 2:9
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the
suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of
God should taste death for every man.
(KJV)

While the atonement is universal the benefit of the atonement (salvation) is
appropriated only by those who receive Christ in this probationary age.

 

Ephesians 1:10

Universalists cite

Ephesians 1:10 All to be "in Christ" at the fullness of the eras

However the citiation is a distortion of what the verse does actually say

Eph 1:10
10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather
together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are
on earth-- in Him.
(NKJ)

or as the New American Standard has it

Eph 1:10
10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of the times,
{that is} the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and
things upon the earth. In Him
(NAS)

A key term here is "the fulness of the times"

It refers to the entire gospel dispensation which will continue until the
time of the universal judgment and the new earth when God's master plan for
the earth will see its fulfillment

Ephesians 1:9 PP4

[In], [eis (grk 1519): rather unto]-- i. e., `which He purposed in
Himself' <Eph. 1:9>, with a view to the dispensation of (i. e., the
administration belonging to) the fullness of the times [kairon (grk 2540),
`fit times; ' the moment which fills up or completes the appointed
`seasons']. More comprehensive than "the fullness of the time" <Gal. 4:4>.
The whole Gospel times (plural) are meant, with the benefits to the Church
dispensed in them severally. Compare "the ages to come" <Eph. 2:7>. `The
ends of the ages' (Greek <1 Cor. 10:11>); "the times [kairoi (grk 2540),
`seasons'] of the Gentiles" <Luke 21:24>; "the seasons which the Father hath
put in His own power" <Acts 1:7>; "the times of restitution of all things,
which God hath spoken by the prophets since the world began" <Acts 3:21>.
The coming of Jesus at the first advent, "in the fullness of time," was one
of these "times." The descent of the Holy Spirit, when "Pentecost was fully
come" <Acts 2:1>, was another. The testimony given by the apostles to Him
"in due time" [`in its own seasons: ' kairois (grk 2540) idiois (grk
2398)] <1 Tim. 2:6> was another. The conversion of the Jews, "when the times
of the Gentiles are fulfilled," the second coming of Christ, the
"restitution of all things," the millennial kingdom, the new heaven and
earth, shall be severally instances of "the dispensation of the fullness of
times"-- i. e., "the dispensation of" the Gospel events and benefits
belonging to their respective "times," when severally completed. God the
Father, according to His own good pleasure, is the Dispenser both of the
Gospel benefits and of their several fitting times <Acts 1:7>.
(from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary)

 

Ephesians 1:10

[In the dispensation of the fulness of times] Eis (grk 1519) oikonomian
(grk 3622) tou (grk 3588) pleeroomatos (grk 4138) toon (grk 3588) kairoon
(grk 2540). The word oikonomia (grk 3622), which is the same as our word
economy, signifies, as Dr. Macknight has well observed, "the plan which the
master of a family, or his steward, has established for the management of
the family;" it signifies, also, a plan for the management of any sort of
business: and here it means the dispensation of the Gospel, that plan by
which God has provided salvation for a lost world; and according to which he
intends to gather all believers, both Jews and Gentiles, into one church
under Jesus Christ, their head and governor.
(from Adam Clarke Commentary)

Parallel in its earthly aspect is:

Eph 2:14-22
14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both {groups into} one, and broke
down the barrier of the dividing wall,
15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, {which is} the Law of commandments
{contained} in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one
new man, {thus} establishing peace,
16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it
having put to death the enmity.
17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to
those who were near;
18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow
citizens with the saints, and are of God's household,
20 having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Christ Jesus Himself being the corner {stone}
21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy
temple in the Lord;
22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the
Spirit.
(NAS)

and the idea is that all believers Jews or gentiles i.e. those in Christ
upon the earth and all in heaven are being gather together in one church
under the headship of Christ

a second key term is anakephalaiomai

It means to bring to a kefalee (a head)

All who have a relationship with Christ shall brought together in unity under Christ's headship

 

 

Hebrews 8:11-12

Universalists cite

Hebrews 8:11-12 All will know God

However they have misrepresented the verse and the passage as well

 

Heb 8:10-12
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after
those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write
them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a
people:
11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his
brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the
greatest.
12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their
iniquities will I remember no more.
(KJV)

The passage deals with the house of Israel alone in a future time when the
Jew people will enter into the new covenant

Many believe it refers to a future ingathering of the Jewish people on a
previously unprecedented scale

Rom 11:25-27
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,
lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is
happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out
of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
(KJV)

The passage however says nothing at all about all peoples at all times
knowing God in a personal saving manner

 

1 Corinthians 4:5

Universalist cite

1 Corinthians 4:5 All will have praise of God

This however is just another case of the universalists ignoring context

 

1 Cor 4:1-5

1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of
the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by
any human court. I do not even judge myself.
4 I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted.
It is the Lord who judges me.
5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord
comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will
disclose the purposes of the heart. Then every man will receive his
commendation from God.
(RSV)

Context reveals that it is christian workers here which are under discussion

Further this transpires at the advent of Christ when according to scripture

 

II Th 1:7-10
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey
not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of
the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in
all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that
day.
(KJV)

the wicked face everlasting distruction

Matthew 11:20-24

Matthew 11:20-24 Men would have repented seeing miracles

Again universalists have misrepresented a bible passage

Matt 11:20-24
20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were
done, because they repented not:
21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty
works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would
have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the
day of judgment, than for you.
23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down
to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been
done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom
in the day of judgment, than for thee.
(KJV)

It is quite clear that Christ upbraided Chorazin and Bethsaida and
Capernaum because they had not repented at Christ's working of miracles

Morever it is also clear that the destiny of Sodom, Tyre, and Sidon though
more tolerable than the destiny of theses others will not be pleasant

How any can cite this as a proof text for universal salvation is a great
mystery

 

Romans 11:26

Universalists cite

Romans 11:26 All Israel shall be saved

 

Rom 11:26
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out
of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
(KJV)

but let the universalist explain how this verse speaks of universal
salvation of all Israelites throughout history in light of

the fact that not even all physical descendant of Israel are of Israel

 

Rom 9:6-8
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all
Israel, which are of Israel:
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but,
In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the
children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
(KJV)

and that the word of God promises only a remnant of Israel will be saved

Rom 9:27-29
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children
of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a
short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed,
we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
(KJV)

and that God threathens not to spare the unbelieving

Rom 11:13-21
13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the
Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and
might save some of them.
15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what
shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be
holy, so are the branches.
17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive
tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and
fatness of the olive tree;
18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the
root, but the root thee.
19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed
in.
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by
faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare
not thee.
(KJV)

lastly in a passage speaking of life and destruction we see

 

Matt 7:13-14
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the
way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto
life, and few there be that find it.
(KJV)

few find the way that leads to life and many enter into destruction.

Interesting are the following verses

Matt 7:15-23
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or
figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree
bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree
bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into
the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in
thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many
wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye
that work iniquity.
(KJV)

Which shows all do not enter into the kingdom of God

By claiming all enter universalists make themselves false prophets

 

Romans 11:36

Romans 11:36 All out of God, through Him, and into Him

Rom 11:36
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory
for ever. Amen.
(KJV)

 

This marks God as the original eternal source of all things.

Rev 4:11
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou
hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
(KJV)

He not only created but he preserves all thing

Heb 1:2-3
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed
heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his
person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by
himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
(KJV)

finally all things are his

Prov 16:4
4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the
day of evil.
(KJV)

nowhere in any of this is universal salvation affirmed. The verse above even
includes the wicked for a day of disaster (evil)

Barne's in his notes to verse 36 states

The design of this verse is to show that no creature has any claim on God.
Jews and Gentiles must alike receive salvation on the ground of his mercy.
So far from having a claim on God, the apostle here affirms that all things
have come from him, and therefore all must be derived to us. Nothing has
been produced by chance, or haphazard; nothing by created skill or might.
All has been formed by God; and therefore he has a right to dispose of all.
(from Barnes' Notes)

 

Romans 11:15

Universalists cite

Rom 11:15
15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what
shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
(KJV)

but the citiation cannot prove what the universalists hope

Here we see two groups "them" (the jews in part) and the world (non jews or
gentiles)

The gentiles are to receive reconciliation the jews (in part) are cast away

cast away stands opposed to reconciliation thus universal salvation is
precluded

Further reconciliation here is not salvation but the opportunity for
salvation

Thus salvation has come to i.e. been offered to the gentiles

Rom 11:11
11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but
rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to
provoke them to jealousy.
(KJV)

Scripture is clear all are not now presently saved

 

Revelation 5:13

Universalist cite

Rev 5:13
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the
earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying,
Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon
the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
(KJV)

However where in the bible do we read one is saved because one has praised
God

Let the universalist produce the verse and let him demonstrate the error of
the following verses

Mark 16:16
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth
not shall be damned.
(KJV)

John 3:16-18
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that
the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.
(KJV)

John 3:36
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth
not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
(KJV)

1 Cor 6:9-10
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be
not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor
effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God.
(KJV)

let him also labor to show that the demons are already saved

Mark 3:11
11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried,
saying, Thou art the Son of God.
(KJV)

Matt 8:29
29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus,
thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
(KJV)

Mark 1:23-27
23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he
cried out,
24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of
Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy
One of God.
25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he
came out of him.
27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves,
saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority
commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
(KJV)

as they have honored and obeyed Christ

when he has failed to support this then let him drop his unbiblical
assertions

 

1 Corinthians 12:3

Universalists cite

1 Corinthians 12:3 Cannot confess except by the Holy Spirit

But how does an affirmation of the necessity of the working of the Holy
Spirit before one can acknowledge

Christ as lord argue for universal salvation. It does not speak to the
issue in the least.

This is just another plain example that universalism is a biblically
bankrupt movement

which survives only because its adherents are willing to believe what is not
in the bible

and disbelieve what is written there

II Th 2:10
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;
because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
(KJV)

Matt 25:41-46
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye
cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave
me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not:
sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an
hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did
not minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye
did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous
into life eternal.
(KJV)

II Th 1:6-10
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them
that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey
not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of
the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in
all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that
day.
(KJV)

 

 

Philippians 2:9-11

Universalists cite

Phil 2:9-11
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is
above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and
things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father.
(KJV)

The bible supports the submission of all beings unto Christ

All will bow before him; all eventually will confess his lordship

1 Cor 15:24-26
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God,
even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and
power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
(KJV)

Yes on the day of Christ all shall bow before him

But how does this support universal salvation

Again the demons bow before Christ and they recognize that He is lord over
them

Mark 3:11
11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried,
saying, Thou art the Son of God.
(KJV)

Matt 8:29-32
29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus,
thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go
away into the herd of swine.
32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into
the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a
steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
(KJV)

Mark 1:23-27
23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he
cried out,
24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of
Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy
One of God.
25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he
came out of him.
27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves,
saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority
commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
(KJV)

Submission is not necessarily an indication of salvation

Those who willingly submit to God in this life are saved

those who refuse to submit will be forced to submit at the judgment

Rom 14:9-12
9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be
Lord both of the dead and living.
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy
brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
(KJV)

but will not be saved

Matt 10:15
15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom
and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
(KJV)

Matt 12:36-37
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall
give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be
condemned.
(KJV)

Rom 2:5-16
5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself
wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of
God;
6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour
and immortality, eternal life:
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey
unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the
Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew
first, and also to the Gentile:
11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and
as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the
law shall be justified.
14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things
contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience
also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else
excusing one another;)
16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ
according to my gospel.
(KJV)

further that universal salvation was far from Pauls mind when he penned
these words is shown by

Phil 2:15-16
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke,
in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights
in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ,
that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
(KJV)

the fact Paul spoke of the possibility that his work among the Phillipians
might be shown to be in vain in the day of Christ

 

1 Corinthians 15:26

1 Cor 15:26
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
(KJV)

How does the abolishment of death support a belief in universal salvation

According to the bible all shall be raised

John 5:28-29
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in
the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of
life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
(KJV)

but all do not receive the resurrection of life. Rather some receive the
resurrection of damnation

it is pictured here

Rev 20:10-15
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and
brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented
day and night for ever and ever.
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face
the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were
opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead
were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according
to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell
delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man
according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second
death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the
lake of fire.
(KJV)

In context 1Cor 15:26 is fulfilled here

1 Cor 15:50-54
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom
of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be
changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the
trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we
shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put
on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal
shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that
is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
(KJV)

when believers receive the resurrection of life

as seen above at this time the wicked receive the resurrection of damnation
and the lake of fire not universal salvation

 

 

Isaiah 19:14-25

Isaiah 19:14-25 Egypt and Assyria will be restored

Isa 19:14-25
14 The LORD has mingled within her a spirit of confusion; and they have made
Egypt stagger in all her doings as a drunken man staggers in his vomit.
15 And there will be nothing for Egypt which head or tail, palm branch or
reed, may do.
16 In that day the Egyptians will be like women, and tremble with fear
before the hand which the LORD of hosts shakes over them.
17 And the land of Judah will become a terror to the Egyptians; every one to
whom it is mentioned will fear because of the purpose which the LORD of
hosts has purposed against them.
18 In that day there will be five cities in the land of Egypt which speak
the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of hosts. One of
these will be called the City of the Sun.
19 In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land
of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border.
20 It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of
Egypt; when they cry to the LORD because of oppressors he will send them a
savior, and will defend and deliver them.
21 And the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians; and the Egyptians
will know the LORD in that day and worship with sacrifice and burnt
offering, and they will make vows to the LORD and perform them.
22 And the LORD will smite Egypt, smiting and healing, and they will return
to the LORD, and he will heed their supplications and heal them.
23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the
Assyrian will come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the
Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians.
24 In that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing
in the midst of the earth,
25 whom the LORD of hosts has blessed, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people,
and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my heritage."
(RSV)

How does the mention of a future day when Egypt and Assyria shall know and
worship the Lord provide support

for a belief that all peoples from all lands across all time shall be saved

That is a non sequiter and no support for universal salvation is provided by
this passage

 

 

James 5:11

Universalist cite

James 5:11 End of the Lord is full of mercy

but this is just another mis-citiation

In context

James 5:8-11
8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is
at hand.
9 Do not grumble, brethren, against one another, that you may not be judged;
behold, the Judge is standing at the doors.
10 As an example of suffering and patience, brethren, take the prophets who
spoke in the name of the Lord.
11 Behold, we call those happy who were steadfast. You have heard of the
steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the
Lord is compassionate and merciful.
(RSV)

 

The passage is an exhortation to the brethren to maintain their patience and
endurance in light of the coming of the lord

They are to keep in remembrance the prophets of the lord and the
steadfastness of Job

It is those who endure we call happy or blessed

nothing here about universal salvation

 

 

1 Corinthians 3:15

1 Corinthians 3:15 All saved, so as by fire

1 Cor 3:15
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself
shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
(KJV)

in context it is believers i.e. christian workers who are refered to

1 Cor 3:4-16
4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye
not carnal?
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed,
even as the Lord gave to every man?
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth;
but God that giveth the increase.
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall
receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are
God's building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise
masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But
let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus
Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones,
wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it,
because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's
work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a
reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself
shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you?
(KJV)

nothing is said about all being saved by fire

This is an unbiblical and purgatorial theology the universalists have
adopted

The christian worker will have his works tried. He will gain or lose rewards
but he himself will be saved

even though it be as one who had lost all his earthly possession in a fire
he himself will remain untouched

 

Mark 9:49

Mark 9:49 Everyone shall be salted with fire

Mark 9:49
49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be
salted with salt.
(KJV)

The universalists are somewhat illogical here

Should their purgatorial theology which posits that the lake of fire is
restoritive and healing

and their insistance that all is all and everyone is everyone i.e. literal
all that have ever lived be taken seriously

this verse would be positing that the lake of fire is a necessary step to
salvation

which all must undergo

thus the basic assumptions of the universalist taken to their logical ends
yield nonsense

 

Jeremiah 32:35

Universalists cite

Jeremiah 32:35 Never entered His mind to burn people in fire

Jer 32:35
35 And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the
son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through (the
fire) unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind,
that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.
(ASV)

In context it is a religious practice involving human sacrifice and the
worship of Molech a false god which was prohibited

nothing in this passage speaks to

Rev 20:10-15
10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and
sulphur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be
tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who sat upon it; from his
presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.
12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and
books were opened. Also another book was opened, which is the book of life.
And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, by what they had
done.
13 And the sea gave up the dead in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead in
them, and all were judged by what they had done.
14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the
second death, the lake of fire;
15 and if any one's name was not found written in the book of life, he was
thrown into the lake of fire.
(RSV)

 

Isaiah 45:21-24

Universalists cite

Isaiah 45:21-24 To Him men shall come & swear

Isa 45:21-24
21 "Declare and set forth {your case;} indeed, let them consult together.
Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it
not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides me, a righteous God and a
Savior; there is none except me.
22 "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and
there is no other.
23 "I have sworn by myself, the word has gone forth from My mouth in
righteousness and will not turn back, that to me every knee will bow, every
tongue will swear {allegiance.}
24 "They will say of me, "Only in the LORD are righteousness and strength.'
Men will come to Him, and all who were angry at Him will be put to shame.
(NAU)

Yes men do come to him and swear

That is biblical truth

It is also a biblical truth that

all who were angry at Him will be put to shame.

 

The hebrewist Delitzsch notes

Isaiah 45:24-25

This bending of the knee, this confession as an oath of homage, will be no
forced one. V. 24. "Only in Jehovah, do men say of me, is fulness of
righteousness and strength; they come to Him, and all that were incensed
against Him are put to shame." The parenthetical insertion of ['aamar (heb
559) liy (heb 8705)] ([lª], with reference to, as in <Isa 41:7; 44:26,28>)
is the same as in <Ps. 119:57>. ['akª (heb 389)] has a restrictive sense
here, which springs out of the affirmative (cf., <Ps. 39:7; 73:1>), just as,
in the case of raq, the affirmative grows out of the primary restrictive
sense. The "righteousness" is abounding (superabundant) righteousness (<Rom.
5:15> ff.). [`oz (heb 5797)] is the strength of sanctification, and of the
conquest of the world. The subject to [yaabow' (heb 935)] (which is not to
be changed, according to the Masora, into the more natural [yaabo'uw (heb
935)], as it is by the LXX, Syr., and Vulg.) is, whoever has seen what man
has in Jehovah, and made confession of this; such a man does not rest till
he has altogether come over to Jehovah, whereas all His enemies are put to
shame. They separate themselves irretrievably from the men who serve Him,
the restoration of whom is His direct will, and the goal of the history of
salvation. V. 25. "In Jehovah all the seed of Israel shall become righteous,
and shall glory." Ruetschi has very properly observed on this verse, that
the reference is to the Israel of God out of all the human race, i. e., the
church of the believers in Israel expanded by the addition of the heathen;
which church is now righteous, i. e., reconciled and renewed by Jehovah, and
glories in Him, because by grace it is what it is.
(from Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament)

that the enemies of the man who comes to God will be put to shame

notice verse 17

Isa 45:17
17 Israel has been saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; you will
not be put to shame or humiliated To all eternity.
(NAU)

where being out to shame stands opposed to salvation

Universalists have cited as a proof for universal salvation a verse which
actually

teaches the reverse

 

Luke 12:45-48

Universalists wishing to argue for a corrective judgment cite

Luke 12:45-48 Punishment limited to few or many stripes

In context

 

Luke 12:45-48
45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink,
and to be drunken;
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him,
and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will
appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself,
neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be
beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be
much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the
more.
(KJV)

Universalists have ignored a number of facts

First it is servants of the lord that are refered to here

No where does this text mention enemies of God receiving stripes

Uinversalists have ignored this

Second universalist ignore the mention of

46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him,
and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will
appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

And the third category of servants who is cut asunder and is appointed a
portion with the unbeliever

Evil doers shall be cutoff from the ords presence

Ps 37:9
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they
shall inherit the earth.
(KJV)

II Th 1:6-9
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them
that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey
not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of
the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
(KJV)

Finally no where is the final judgment declared to be corrective

 

Rom 2:5-6
5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself
wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of
God;
6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
(KJV)

rather we see vengeance and wrath according to righteous judgment

 

John 1:29

see notes at jn 4:42

 

 

1 John 4:14

See notes at Jn 4:42

 

 

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Universalist quote

2 Cor 5:14-15
14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if
one died for all, then were all dead:
15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live
unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
(KJV)

but they have confused the scope of the atonement which is universal and
universalism in which all receive the benefits of the atonement

Scripture is clear Christ did die for all

Heb 2:9
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the
suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of
God should taste death for every man.
(KJV)

it is equally clear participation in the benefits of atonement is
conditional upon faith

John 3:16-18
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that
the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.
(KJV)

Mark 16:16
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth
not shall be damned.
(KJV)

Scripture also shows

II Th 2:10
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;
because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
(KJV)

that all do not come into saving faith and perish

thus universalism is precluded

 

 

Isaiah 45:21-24

Universalists cite

Isaiah 45:21-24 To Him men shall come & swear

Isa 45:21-24
21 "Declare and set forth {your case;} indeed, let them consult together.
Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it
not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides me, a righteous God and a
Savior; there is none except me.
22 "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and
there is no other.
23 "I have sworn by myself, the word has gone forth from My mouth in
righteousness and will not turn back, that to me every knee will bow, every
tongue will swear {allegiance.}
24 "They will say of me, "Only in the LORD are righteousness and strength.'
Men will come to Him, and all who were angry at Him will be put to shame.
(NAU)

Yes men do come to him and swear

That is biblical truth

It is also a biblical truth that

all who were angry at Him will be put to shame.

 

The hebrewist Delitzsch notes

Isaiah 45:24-25

This bending of the knee, this confession as an oath of homage, will be no
forced one. V. 24. "Only in Jehovah, do men say of me, is fulness of
righteousness and strength; they come to Him, and all that were incensed
against Him are put to shame." The parenthetical insertion of ['aamar (heb
559) liy (heb 8705)] ([lª], with reference to, as in <Isa 41:7; 44:26,28>)
is the same as in <Ps. 119:57>. ['akª (heb 389)] has a restrictive sense
here, which springs out of the affirmative (cf., <Ps. 39:7; 73:1>), just as,
in the case of raq, the affirmative grows out of the primary restrictive
sense. The "righteousness" is abounding (superabundant) righteousness (<Rom.
5:15> ff.). [`oz (heb 5797)] is the strength of sanctification, and of the
conquest of the world. The subject to [yaabow' (heb 935)] (which is not to
be changed, according to the Masora, into the more natural [yaabo'uw (heb
935)], as it is by the LXX, Syr., and Vulg.) is, whoever has seen what man
has in Jehovah, and made confession of this; such a man does not rest till
he has altogether come over to Jehovah, whereas all His enemies are put to
shame. They separate themselves irretrievably from the men who serve Him,
the restoration of whom is His direct will, and the goal of the history of
salvation. V. 25. "In Jehovah all the seed of Israel shall become righteous,
and shall glory." Ruetschi has very properly observed on this verse, that
the reference is to the Israel of God out of all the human race, i. e., the
church of the believers in Israel expanded by the addition of the heathen;
which church is now righteous, i. e., reconciled and renewed by Jehovah, and
glories in Him, because by grace it is what it is.
(from Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament)

that the enemies of the man who comes to God will be put to shame

notice verse 17

Isa 45:17
17 Israel has been saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; you will
not be put to shame or humiliated To all eternity.
(NAU)

where being out to shame stands opposed to salvation

Universalists have cited as a proof for universal salvation a verse which
actually teaches the reverse

 

Psalm 145:10

Ps 145:10
10 All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.
(KJV)

Let us first note universal salvation is not mentioned in this passage

Universalists have in knee jerk fashion fastened on the phrase all thy works
and applied

it to salvation which the passage in question does not

In fact to the contrary context reveals

Ps 145:20
20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he
destroy.
(KJV)

The wicked are destroyed not saved

II Th 1:6-9
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them
that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey
not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of
the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
(KJV)

there is no support for universalism in this passage and in context it
opposes universalism

 

Isaiah 45:25

Universalists cite

Isa 45:25
25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
(KJV)

but how does a passage which speaks of the seed of Israel speak to universal
salvation

All are not of the seed of Israel. In fact all Israel is not Israel

Rom 9:6
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all
Israel, which are of Israel:
(KJV)

and a Jew is one who is so inwardly

Rom 2:29
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the
heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but
of God.
(KJV)

 

and the bible does say

Rom 9:27
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children
of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
(KJV)

there will be but a remnant saved. This is the final remnant which shall all
be saved spoken of here and in Rom. 11:26>.

 

Rom 11:26
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out
of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
(KJV)

when Jacob shall return to the Lord

 

Ephesians 2:7

Universalists cite

Ephesians 2:7 His grace shown in the ages to come

but have ignored context

Eph 2:1-7
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh
in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of
our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by
nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
(by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly
places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace
in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
(KJV)

which reveals it is believers who are spoken of

note verses 5-7

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
(by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly
places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace
in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

 

believers in the ages to come will be the recipients of God's grace which is
in Christ Jesus

 

 

1 Corinthians 15:28

Universalists cite

1 Cor 15:28
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also
himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be
all in all.
(KJV)

and assume that the phrase all in all includes universal salvation

However context shows it is universal submission which is referred to

1 Cor 15:24-27
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God,
even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and
power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things
are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all
things under him.
(KJV)

this universal submission includes the putting down all rule and all
authority and power which is opposed to God

It also includes the placing of all enemies under his feet

and their destuction up to the time death the last enemy is destroyed

Rather than being saved enemies are destroyed

Let the universalist if he wishes to maitain his abberrent theology
demonstrate that destruction is a term of salvation

either that or give up his unbiblical theology

 

 

Psalms 22:25-29

Universalists cite

Psalms 22:25-29 All will turn to the Lord and all families will worship
before Him

Ps 22:25-29
25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows
before them that fear him.
26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek
him: your heart shall live for ever.
27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all
the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
28 For the kingdom is the LORD's: and he is the governor among the nations.
29 All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go
down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.
(KJV)

The key verse is

 

Psalms 22:27

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the
kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

and the key term is "all the ends of the earth"

Universalists have assumed this means all that have ever lived throughout
all time

However it is doubtfull it even means all who do live at the same time

[All ... shall remember, and turn unto the Lord.] He passes to the
conversion of all the Gentile nations, consequent on the conversion of all
Israel. They shall then "remember" Him whom they have so long forgotten by
apostasy, and shall turn to Him. The first step to repentance is that the
sinner should recall to memory and ponder upon, his heavenly Father's love,
and his own wicked folly. So the prodigal in <Luke 15:17> (cf. <Ps. 119:59;
Ezek. 16:61-63>). `The salvation of the Lord is so great, that it awakens
the whole, pagan world out of its stupid insensibility' (Hengstenberg). It
is not merely the deliverance vouchsafed to the holy sufferer, but also the
salvation vouchsafed to the world through Him, which shall rouse the nations
to "remember" God <Zech. 12:10>. The word "remember" does not imply
knowledge of Messiah before, but their being brought by the Spirit's
testifying of Christ to their hearts, to return to that God from whom their
forefathers apostatized.
[All kindreds]-- referring to the original promise to Abraham <Gen. 12:3;
28:14>.
(from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary)

 

Psalms 22:27

[All the ends of the world] All parts of the earth; all nations. The earth
is frequently represented in the Scriptures as having limits or boundaries;
as spread out; as having corners, etc. Compare <Isa. 11:12; Jer. 9:26;
25:23; 49:32; Rev. 7:1>. This language is in accordance with the prevailing
modes of thinking, in the same way as we say, "the sun rises;" "the sun
sets," etc.
(from Barnes' Notes)

since the phrase clearly does not mean all who ever lived throughout all
time no support for universalism is offered

 

Ezekiel 16:55

Universalists quote

Ezekiel 16:55 Sodom will be restored

Ezek 16:55
55 When thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former
estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate,
then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate.
(KJV)

At some future time Sodom and her daughters along with Jerusalem will be
restored

but how does the promise of a restored Sodom translate to a statement that
all peoples throughout all time

will be saved

The issue simply is not addresssed

Again we have a instance where the universalist has read his thology into a
passage

 

 

 

Romans 5:18-19

Universalists cite

Rom 5:18-19
18 Then as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man's
act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men.
19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man's
obedience many will be made righteous.
(RSV)

This passage in all likelyhood the best that the universalists have to
offer. The problem is you cannot build a bible doctrine

based on a single passage especially seeing that the universalist
interpretation contradicts a number of clear passages which

show that all do not come into salvation and life but perish

For example

II Th 2:10
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;
because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
(KJV)

Phil 3:18-19
18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even
weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in
their shame, who mind earthly things.)
(KJV)

Matt 25:41-46
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye
cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave
me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not:
sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an
hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did
not minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye
did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous
into life eternal.
(KJV)

II Th 1:6-9
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them
that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey
not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of
the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
(KJV)

1 Cor 1:18
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but
unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
(KJV)

2 Cor 2:15-16
15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and
in them that perish:
16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the
savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
(KJV)

2 Pet 2:10-12
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness,
and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not
afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing
accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak
evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in
their own corruption;
(KJV)

Matt 7:13-14
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the
way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto
life, and few there be that find it.
(KJV)

Rom 9:27
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children
of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
(KJV)

That being said let us discover an interpretation which is more consistent
with Paul and the rest of the bible

Key in this regard is the phrase "all men" (pas + anthropos-greek) and its
interpretation. Universalist naturally understand this

to refer to all men without exception. We submit that in keeping with a key
theme of Paul it is not all men without exception *

but all men without ethnic distinction. In other words Christ's
righteousness affect both Jew and Gentile.

His work work is as necessary and sufficient for one as it is for the other

For example

 

Rom 3:21-30
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from law,
although the law and the prophets bear witness to it,
22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who
believe. For there is no distinction;
23 since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which
is in Christ Jesus,
25 whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by
faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine
forbearance he had passed over former sins;
26 it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that
he justifies him who has faith in Jesus.
27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On
the principle of works? No, but on the principle of faith.
28 For we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law.
29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes,
of Gentiles also,
30 since God is one; and he will justify the circumcised on the ground of
their faith and the uncircumcised through their faith.
(RSV)

Here all is all who believe wether Jew or Gentile

Rom 10:11-13
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same
Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(KJV)

again there is no difference the gospel is for the Jew as it is for the
Greek

Rom 11:25-32
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,
lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is
happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out
of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as
touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained
mercy through their unbelief:
31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they
also may obtain mercy.
32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy
upon all.
(KJV)

God has concluded all; that is Jew and Gentile in unbelief that He might
have mercy on both Jew and Gentile i.e. all other verses in Romans supporting a generalized interpretation for pas

Rom 1:16
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God
unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to
the Greek.
(KJV)

Rom 2:9
9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the
Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
(KJV)

Rom 4:16
16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the
promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law,
but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us
all,
(KJV)

Paul's overall theme in Romans that Jews and non-Jews are in exactly the
same situation is thus well supported by this argument. Paul is further
counteracting, however, a Jewish argument or attitude which we have already
seen him critiquing in Romans 2, namely, the attitude that having the Law
provides some sort of immunity to sin or redemption from sin. This is the
source of his assertion here and below that having the Law makes sin
greater, not lesser. "God's purpose for the law was not to distinguish
Jewish righteous from gentile sinners, but to make Israel more conscious of
its solidarity in sin with the rest of Adam's offspring" (Dunn 1988, 286).
A radical Jew Paul and the politics of identity - Daniel Boyarin

So regarding

18 Then as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man's
act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men.

Paul is telling us as Adam's sin has brought condemnation to both Jews and
Gentiles the righteousness of Christ will lead to aquital for both Jews and
Gentiles.

It is people groups here we are dealing with and not all men without
exception

All manner of men i.e. the gentile as well as the jew have been affected by
the sin of Adam. All manner of men - the jew as well as the gentile will be
affected by the righteousness of Christ

Added gramatical support comes from the plural use of pas and anthropos.
While the singular tends to refer to all men without exception the plural often bears a generalizing sense

i.e. all manner of men or all men without ethnic distinction

 

Lexical support for a generalized or collective use is clear

3956 pas-

1) individually:
each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything
2) collectively:
some of all types
Thayer

In particular one may speak of a summative, implicative and distributive signification of pas" as the term embraces either a totality or sum as an independent entity (summative), an inclusion of all individual parts or representatives of a concept (implicative), or extension to relatively independent particulars (distributive). If the reference is to the attainment of the supreme height or breadth of a concept, we have an elative (or amplificative) significance.
Kittel, Gerhard; Friedrich, Gerhard, The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company) 2000, c1964.

1. PAS radically means "all." Used without the article it means "every," every kind or variety.
Vine, W. E., Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words,

58.28 pas: a totality of kinds or sorts - 'every kind of, all sorts of
Louw, Johannes P. and Nida, Eugene A., Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains,

b. including everything belonging, in kind, to the class designated by the
noun every kind of, all sorts of, Bauer, Walter, Gingrich, F. Wilbur, and Danker, Frederick W., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature,

*For support for this view see Robert Peterson Hell on trial 154, Wright, Towards a biblical view of universalism 56, Universal sin and salvation Journel evangelical theological society

 

Revelation 15:4

universalist cite

Revelation 15:4 All nations worship when judgments are seen

but have failed to consider context and what is being refered to.

Albert Barnes in his notes puts the passage in perspective

 

Revelation 15:4 PP3

[For all nations shall come and worship before thee] That is, as the result
of these punishments inflicted on this dread anti-Christian power, they
shalt come and worship thee. Everywhere in the New Testament the destruction
of that power is connected with the promise of the speedy conversion of the
world.

Revelation 15:4 PP3

[For thy judgements are made manifest] To wit, on the beast. That
formidable power is overthrown, and the grand hindrance to the universal
spread of the true religion is now taken away. Compare the notes on <Isa.
26:9>.
(from Barnes' Notes)

The antichristian power he notes is the beast who along with the false
prophet is sent to the lake of fire. His Army is killed
by the sword from his who sits on the horse and the birds consume their
flesh

Rev 19:17-21
17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called
to all the birds that fly in midheaven, "Come, gather for the great supper
of God,
18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty
men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both
free and slave, both small and great."
19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered
to make war against him who sits upon the horse and against his army.
20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its
presence had worked the signs by which he deceived those who had received
the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were
thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulphur.
21 And the rest were slain by the sword of him who sits upon the horse, the
sword that issues from his mouth; and all the birds were gorged with their
flesh.
(RSV)

still remaining is the final revolt

Rev 20:7-10
7 And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be loosed from his
prison
8 and will come out to deceive the nations which are at the four corners of
the earth, that is, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number
is like the sand of the sea.
9 And they marched up over the broad earth and surrounded the camp of the
saints and the beloved city; but fire came down from heaven and consumed
them,
10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and
sulphur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be
tormented day and night for ever and ever.
(RSV)

and universal judgment

Rev 20:11-15
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who sat upon it; from his
presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.
12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and
books were opened. Also another book was opened, which is the book of life.
And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, by what they had
done.
13 And the sea gave up the dead in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead in
them, and all were judged by what they had done.
14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the
second death, the lake of fire;
15 and if any one's name was not found written in the book of life, he was
thrown into the lake of fire.
(RSV)

in which the wicked are sent to the lake of fire

Revelation 15:4 cannot be said to be the ocassion of universal salvation

 

 

Colossians 1:16, 20

Universalists cite

Colossians 1:16,20 All to be reconciled unto God

Col 1:16-20
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in
earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or
principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the
firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to
reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in
earth, or things in heaven.
(KJV)

Christ created all things and his redemptive work is the means by which all
things may be reconciled

This reconciliation is of a cosmic dimension.

All creation was aliened from God and the harmony of the universe was
disrupted

thus the whole of creation is in need of a restoration to universal harmony
and to God

Naturally mankind figures in this reconciliation and Paul addresses it in
the following verses

Col 1:21-23

21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked
works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and
unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away
from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to
every

Christ is the agent of this reconciliation

and the atonement is the means by which reconciliation proceeds

by means of his blood Christ made peace

Having made peace is an aorist participle and a past tense circumstance

Christ (past tense) effectuated peace. It is not that Christ will (future
tense make peace)

It is that he has made peace and his atonement was the method of this
effectuated peace

His having made peace is cotemporaneous with the infinitive of purpose "to
reconcile"

Colossians 1:20

[Having made peace] [eireenopoieesas (grk 1517)]. Only here in the New
Testament. Having "concluded" peace; see the note at <John 3:21>. The
participle is parallel with "to reconcile," and marks peace-making and
reconciliation as contemporaneous. The kindred [eireenopoios] (grk 1518)
"peacemaker," only in <Matt. 5:9>. The phrase "making peace," in which the
two factors of this verb appear separately, occurs only <Eph. 2:15>
(from Vincent's Word Studies of the New Testament)

thus an aspect to reconciliation was accomplished on the cross

There had stood two barriers to man's reconcilation to God

1 Man's sin

2 Man's alienation from God

Christ by his death made atonement for all mankind

thus the barrier of sin which had prevented man from coming to God was set
aside

This is an objective fact

Remaining is man's alienation from God

This last barrier is removed when man receives the gospel and expresses
faith in Christ

Expresed as a command we see

2 Cor 5:20
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by
us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
(KJV)

man is commanded to be reconciled to God

Christ by his death accomplished one aspect of reconciliation

Man is commanded to fulfill the next aspect of reconciliation

Man is throughly reconciled and presented holy and unblameable before God

Col 1:23
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away
from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to
every

only if (conditional conjunction) he continues in faith and not moved away
from the hope of the gospel

IF -EI greek condition of the first class

if one is to be presented holy and unblameable before God one must continue
in the faith

if one continues in the faith and is not moved away from the hope of the
gospel then one is presented unblameable before God

if the result of the apodasis be fulfilled one must fullfil the condition of
the protasis

This speaks of the subjective aspect of reconciliation

Man may or may not continue in the faith

He may or may not believe at all

Unfortunately for the universalist

all do not believe

II Th 2:10
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;
because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
(KJV)

thus all are not

reconciled in the body of Christ's flesh through death, to be presented holy
and unblameable and unreproveable in God's sight:

 

universalists cite

Colossians 1:16,20 All to be reconciled unto God

Col 1:16-20
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in
earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or
principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the
firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to
reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in
earth, or things in heaven.
(KJV)

Universalist have stopped short in their citation. Should we continue we
find

Col 1:21-23
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked
works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and
unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away
from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to
every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
(KJV)

Men; even those said to be reconciled are presented holy, unblameable and
unreprovable only

"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away
from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard"

if they are to continue in the gospel being not moved away from the hope of
the gospel

This leads us to understand reconciliation has more than a single facet

It has both an objective and subjective aspect

As always God takes the first step he secured reconciliation through the
death of Christ. This is an objective fact. This reconciliation has been
accomplished. It is a past fact. The world has been reconciled to God in a
manner by the death of Christ

That is Christ has made atonement for them having made peace by the blood of
the cross

Atonement being a provisory measure which through faith in Christ secures
for man the blessings of salvation

Rom 5:10
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of
his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

It is to be noticed that it is while we were enemies and not friends we were
reconciled by the death of Christ. Accomplished fact

2 Cor 5:18-19
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus
Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of
reconciliation.

Christ on the cross was reconciling the world unto God

Eph 2:16
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross,
having slain the enmity thereby:

Christ having slain the the enmity and having made peace effected one aspect
of reconciliation

2 The subject of the reconciliation is God (2 Cor. 5:18 f.). This is the
theological novelty in comparison with non-Christian religious thought,
which knows the deity only as the object of the reconciling work of man. At
the same time it is consistent with the OT message of God as the merciful
and gracious one, who reveals steadfast love and faithfulness as belonging
to his very being (Exod. 34:6 f.; cf. Ps. 103:8 [102:8] ff.), and who
promises forgiveness and restoration of the covenant as his sovereign work
(Isa. 43:25; 54:7 ff.; Jer. 31:31 ff.). The katallage created by God is thus
a completed act which precedes all human action. For if while we were
enemies we were reconciled [katellagemen] to God by the death of his Son,
much more now that we are reconciled [katallagentes], shall we be saved by
his life (Rom. 5:10). Man was thus an enemy before the reconciliation took
place. A fortiori the resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee of salvation.
Human action, including even repentance and confession of sins, is not a
work of man to bring about and initiate reconciliation, to which God reacts.
Rather is it the reaction of man, and as such necessary and demanded. That
this is the state of affairs is confirmed further by Pauls characteristic
order of indicative followed by imperative, which starts out from the act of
God as the matter of primary importance, the good news which must be
proclaimed as already complete. It is the ground of the believers joy in
God: Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have now received our reconciliation [ten katallagen (Rom.
5:11).
3 The reconciliation has been effected by the work of Christ. As we have
already seen, Rom. 5:10 f. speak of its connection with his death and with
his resurrection. As the effect of this work, reconciliation is an
expression of the new situation which this work has brought about, and which
Paul usually indicates in terms like dikaioo, justify, dikaiosyne,
righteousness, which are judicial terms (Righteousness). The fact that
katallasso and katallage can be used in parallel with these terms (cf. Rom.
5:9 with 5:10; and 2 Cor. 5:19 with Rom. 4:3 ff.) indicates the central
place that they have in the preaching and theology of Paul. The katallage is
the expression of the transformation of the relationship (of enmity) between
God and man, which has been brought about by the new Adam (Rom. 5:12 ff.),
Jesus Christ.
New international dictionary of new testament theology

By no means however does this teach universal salvation

Rather it does teach the accomplishment of one aspect of reconciliation

Christ (past tense) effectuated peace. It is not that Christ will (future
tense make peace)

It is that he has made peace and his shed blood was the cause of this
effectuated peace

His having made peace we see is contemporaneous with the infinitive of
purpose "to reconcile"

Colossians 1:20

[Having made peace] [eireenopoieesas (grk 1517)]. Only here in the New
Testament. Having "concluded" peace; see the note at <John 3:21>. The
participle is parallel with "to reconcile," and marks peace-making and
reconciliation as contemporaneous. The kindred [eireenopoios] (grk 1518)
"peacemaker," only in <Matt. 5:9>. The phrase "making peace," in which the
two factors of this verb appear separately, occurs only <Eph. 2:15>
(from Vincent's Word Studies of the New Testament)

thus one aspect of reconciliation has been effected

Yet remaining is the conditional, subjective aspect of reconcilation. It is
clearly expressed in verses 22, 23

22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and
unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away
from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to
every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
(KJV)

Understand there had stood two barriers to man's reconciliation to God

1 Man's sin

2 Man's alienation from God

Christ by his death made atonement for all mankind

setting aside the barrier of sin which had prevented man from coming to God

This is an objective accomplished fact

Remaining is man's alienation from God

This last barrier is removed when man receives the gospel and expresses
faith in Christ

Expressed as a command we see

2 Cor 5:20
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by
us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
(KJV)

though Christ has made peace through his cross man is commanded to be
reconciled to God

Christ by his death accomplished one aspect of reconciliation

Man is commanded to fulfill the next aspect of reconciliation

Man is throughly reconciled and presented holy and unblameable before God

Col 1:23
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away
from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to
every

only if (conditional conjunction) he continues in faith and not moved away
from the hope of the gospel

IF -EI Greek condition of the first class

if one is to be presented holy and unblameable before God one must continue
in the faith

if one continues in the faith and is not moved away from the hope of the
gospel then one is presented unblameable before God

if the result of the apodasis be fulfilled one must fulfill the condition of
the protasis

This speaks of the subjective aspect of reconciliation

Man may or may not continue in the faith

He may or may not believe at all

Unfortunately for the universalist

all do not believe

II Th 2:10
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;
because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
(KJV)

thus all are not reconciled in the body of Christ's flesh through death, to
be presented holy and unblameable and unreproveable in God's sight:


Romans 8:19-21

Universalists cite

Rom 8:19-21
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation
of the sons of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason
of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of
corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
(KJV)

or as it appears in other translations

Rom 8:19-21
19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons
of God;
20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by
the will of him who subjected it in hope;
21 because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay
and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God.
(RSV)

 

Rom 8:19-21
19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing
of the sons of God.
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of
Him who subjected it, in hope
21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to
corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
(NAU)

Paul personalizes the creation

The creation with eager longing looks for the manifestation of the son of
God

That is the resurrection of the righteous who at the resurrection will be
revealed as sons of God

I Jn 3:2
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we
shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for
we shall see him as he is.
(KJV)

at that time those who are of a truth sons of God will be transfomed unto
the likeness of Christ and revealed in glory

Until that time they groan waiting for the resurrection of their bodies

Rom 8:23
23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the
Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for {our}
adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.
(NAU)

when that happens the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to
decay

21 because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay
and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God.

For when man fell the creation fell with it

Gen 5:29
29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us
concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the
LORD hath cursed.
(KJV)

Isa 24:5
5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have
transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting
covenant.
(KJV)

when man is glorified the creation will be set free

Nothing is said about the wicked inheriting the kingdom of God

Nothing is said about the wicked receiving eternal life

Nothing is said here about the salvation of all

 

The following is a complete list of universalist proof verses:

Subdivisions:

Jesus:

Colossians 1:15 Jesus is the firstborn of all creation
John 8:29  He always does what pleases His Father
1 Timothy 2:6 Christ a Ransom for all {the testimony in its own eras},
John 4:42 Jesus is the Savior of the world
John 1:29 Lamb takes away sin of the world
1 John 2:2 Atoning sacrifice for sins of whole world
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 Jesus died for all
John 12:32 Will draw all to Himself
John 12:47  Jesus came to save all
1 John 4:14  Jesus is the Savior of the world
Hebrews 7:25  Jesus is able to save to the uttermost
Hebrews 1:2  He is heir of all things
Luke 2:10  Jesus will be joy to all people
Matthew 1:21 Shall save His people {Israel, 2:6}from their sins
Ephesians 4:10  Jesus will fill all things
John 3:35  All has been given into His hand
John 17:2  Jesus will give eternal life to all whom His Father gives to Him


God's will:

Job 23:13 Does what His soul desires
Isaiah 46:10 Does all His desire
Isaiah 46:10  God will do all His pleasure
Lamentations 3:31,32 God will not cast off forever
Psalms 135:6  God does what pleases Him
1 Timothy 2:4 God desires all to be saved
Ephesians 1:11  God works all after the counsel of His will
Lamentations 3:22 His compassions fail not
Daniel 4:35  God's will done in heaven and earth
Proverbs 16:9  Man devises, God directs his steps
Proverbs 19:21  Man devises, but God's counsel stands

God's work:

Psalms 33:15  God fashions all hearts
Deuteronomy 32:39  God kills and makes alive
Psalms 90:3  God turns man to destruction then says "return"
Psalms 72:18  God only does wondrous things
Psalms 145:9-10  He is good to all and merciful to all His work
Psalms 145:14  God raises all who fall
1 Timothy 4:9-11 God is the Savior of all, especially [not exclusively] of them that believe
Isaiah 25:6  Lord makes feast for all people
Isaiah 25:7  Will destroy veil that is spread over all nations
Psalms 145:16  God satisfied the desire of the living
Romans 11:32 God locks all in stubbornness to have mercy on all


Submission (universalists think submission means salvation):


Psalms 138:4  All kings will praise God
Psalms 86:9  All nations will worship God
Psalms 65:2-4  All flesh will come to God
Psalms 66:3-4  Enemies will submit to God
Isaiah 25:8  He will swallow up death in victory
Romans 8:19-21 All creation to be freed into Christ's liberty

Love:

Matthew 5:44 Love your enemies {Lk.6:27,35}
1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails
1 John 4:8,16 God is love

Reconciliation:

John 13:3  The Father gave Him all things
Isaiah 2:2  All nations shall flow to the Lord's house
Genesis 18:18  All families of earth will be blessed
1 John 4:14 Jesus is the Savior of the world
2 Corinthians 5:17 Those "in" Christ are a new creation
1 Corinthians 15:28 God to be all in all
Acts 3:21 Restoration of all
Luke 15:1-7 He seeks sinners till He finds them
Psalms 22:25-29  All will turn to the Lord and all families will worship before Him
Romans 11:15  Reconciliation of the world
Isaiah 19:14-25  Egypt and Assyria will be restored
Ezekiel 16:55  Sodom will be restored
Revelation 5:13  All creation seen praising God
Revelation 21:4-5  No more tears, all things made new
John 5:25  All dead who hear will live
John 5:28  All in the grave will hear and come forth
Romans 5:18-19 By Adam all condemned, by Christ all to be justified
1 Corinthians 15:22 In Adam all die, "in Christ" all shall be made alive
Ephesians 1:10 All to be "in Christ" at the fullness of the eras
1 Corinthians 15:26 Last enemy, death, will be abolished
Philippians 2:10 Every tongue to confess Jesus is Lord
1 Corinthians 12:3 Cannot confess except by the Holy Spirit
Philippians 2:11 Shall confess to the "glory" of God the "Father"
Philippians 2:9 Confess "in" the name of "Jesus" {speaks of Saviour, Mt.1:21}
Colossians 1:16, 20 All to be reconciled unto God
Romans 11:26 All Israel shall be saved
Hebrews 8:11-12  All will know God
Isaiah 45:25 In the Lord all Israel shall be justified
Ephesians 2:7  His grace shown in the ages to come
Titus 2:11  Grace has appeared to all
1 Corinthians 4:5  All will have praise of God
James 5:11  End of the Lord is full of mercy
Matthew 11:20-24 Men would have repented seeing miracles
Romans 5:15-21  In Adam all condemned, in Christ all live
Psalms 145:10  All God's will praise Him
Romans 11:36 All out of God, through Him, and into Him

Judgment:

Revelation 15:4  All nations worship when judgments are seen
Isaiah 45:21-24 To Him men shall come & swear
Luke 12:45 Punishment limited to few or many stripes

The Lake of fire:

Jeremiah 32:35  Never entered His mind to burn people in fire
Luke 12:45-48 Punishment limited to few or many stripes
1 Corinthians 3:15  All saved, so as by fire
Mark 9:49  Everyone shall be salted with fire