Articles and Bible Questions

Leland from Virginia asked: How serious of a heresy is Christian Universalism?

Well, Leland, It's a huge problem. I’ll begin by stating that it's an oxymoron to put the terms “Christian” and “Universalism” together. One is heresy and one is the truth.

Here are some references to consider:

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12: ESV)

That's the gospel. That's the message that we share with our friends, neighbors, and world. 

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1 ESV)

How can I know that I’m not condemned today?  Is it because I'm a good person? Or because I'm sincere in what I believe? Will God give me credit for following a false god, because at least I'm trying?

No. Romans 8:1 says:

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1 ESV)

Universalism is a heresy that's been around for centuries and will continue to spread. Why? Because the message of Universalism is that everybody makes it to heaven. The problem is that God’s Word, while teaching that heaven is real, also teaches that hell is real. Both are realities. Universalism is a dangerous heresy because it leads millions to hell while giving them the false hope of heaven. 

Salvation is something we need to be precise about, and follow God’s Word exactly. If you get it wrong, you go to hell. If you get it right, you go to heaven.

Thanks for your question, Leland,

Stephen

Go Deeper: Understanding Universalism - An Evangelical Christian Perspective

What is Universalism?

Universalism is the belief that all human beings will ultimately be saved and reconciled to God, regardless of their faith or actions during their lifetime. This doctrine asserts that God's love and mercy extend to all people, leading to universal salvation. Universalists often argue that eternal punishment is inconsistent with a loving and just God, and they believe that everyone will eventually experience redemption and eternal life with God.

What Makes Universalism So Popular Today?

Universalism has gained popularity in contemporary culture for several reasons:

1. Cultural Relativism: In a society that increasingly embraces pluralism and relativism, the idea that all paths lead to the same destination is appealing. Universalism aligns with the modern ethos of inclusivity and acceptance, making it attractive to those who value these principles.

2. Emphasis on God's Love: Universalism's focus on God's all-encompassing love resonates with many people who struggle with the concept of a loving God allowing eternal punishment. This perspective simplifies the complex nature of God's justice and mercy, making it more palatable to a broad audience.

3. Rejection of Traditional Doctrines: Many find traditional doctrines of hell and eternal punishment difficult to reconcile with their understanding of a benevolent deity. Universalism provides an alternative that avoids the discomfort associated with these teachings.

4. Emotional Comfort: The idea that everyone will eventually be saved offers emotional comfort to those grieving over the fate of loved ones who did not profess faith in Christ.

What Bible Texts Disprove Universalism?

Several Bible passages contradict the doctrine of universalism, emphasizing the reality of eternal separation from God for those who reject Him:

1. Matthew 25:46 (ESV): "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." This verse clearly distinguishes between the eternal destinies of the righteous and the wicked.

2. John 3:36 (ESV): "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." Jesus emphasizes that eternal life is conditional upon belief in Him.

3. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 (ESV): "They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might." This passage underscores the permanence of separation from God for those who do not know Him.

4. Revelation 20:15 (ESV): "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." The final judgment clearly involves eternal consequences for those not in the book of life.

Is God's Love Inconsistent with the Concept of Hell Being Populated for Eternity by Rebellious Creatures?

The coexistence of God's love and the doctrine of eternal punishment is a complex and often misunderstood theological issue. Here are some points to consider:

1. God's Justice: God's nature is not only loving but also just. His justice requires that sin and rebellion are dealt with appropriately. Hell is a manifestation of God's justice, where unrepentant sinners face the consequences of their actions (Romans 2:5-8).

2. Human Free Will: God respects human free will. He offers salvation to everyone, but He does not force it upon anyone. Those who reject God's offer of salvation choose separation from Him (John 3:18-19).

3. The Severity of Sin: The Bible teaches that sin is serious and has severe consequences. The holiness of God cannot coexist with sin, and thus, unrepentant sinners cannot enter His presence (Habakkuk 1:13; Isaiah 59:2).

4. God's Love Demonstrated through Christ: God's love is most profoundly demonstrated in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He offers salvation to all, but it must be accepted through faith in Jesus (Romans 5:8; John 14:6). The existence of hell does not negate God's love but rather affirms the seriousness of rejecting such a great salvation (Hebrews 2:3).

Additional Questions:

How Does Universalism Misinterpret Scripture?

Universalism often involves a selective reading of Scripture, focusing on passages that speak of God's love and the reconciliation of all things (e.g., Colossians 1:20) while ignoring or reinterpreting passages about judgment and eternal punishment. This approach undermines the holistic teaching of the Bible, which holds both God's love and justice in balance.

What Are the Historical Roots of Universalism?

Universalism is not a new concept. It has roots in early Christian history, with some early church fathers, such as Origen, speculating about the eventual reconciliation of all souls. However, these views were later deemed heretical by mainstream Christian theology. The resurgence of universalism in modern times often draws from these early speculative theologies while ignoring the broader consensus of historical Christian doctrine.

How Should Christians Respond to the Appeal of Universalism?

Christians should respond to the appeal of universalism with compassion and clarity, emphasizing the full counsel of Scripture. It's essential to lovingly explain the gravity of sin, the necessity of repentance, and the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Christians should also live out the reality of God's love and justice in their own lives, providing a living testimony to the truth of the gospel.

Conclusion

Universalism, despite its appeal, contradicts the clear teachings of the Bible. It simplifies complex theological truths and offers a comforting but ultimately misleading message. The evangelical Christian perspective holds that God's love and justice are not mutually exclusive but are both essential aspects of His character. By understanding and embracing the full message of Scripture, believers can faithfully navigate these challenging theological waters and uphold the truth of the gospel.