"Let me ask a question. Will God save all those for whom He sent his Son to die?"

Blessings,

Bob (California)

Bob,

Do you believe that God is obligated to save everyone because of Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross (universal Reconciliation or "Christian" Universalism)?

The Scriptures teach that He has given us a way out of the sin that would forever block us from being able to enter His presence and that by sending Jesus. However, He allows us free will choice to accept His gift of eternal life. If you are leaning towards the idea that because Jesus went to the Cross then salvation is universal for all, then please allow me to give you some observations.

Nothing short of throwing out the Greek text completely can do away with the fact that Jesus warned more about Hell than He extolled Heaven.

There is very obviously a large group of people who perish. Matthew 7:13-15 make that clear.

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: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

It is interesting that in verse 15 here Jesus warns of false teachers as if to say "look out, people are going to try and tell you something different about this."

So does Revelation 21:7-8 which states:

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 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.

That doesn't sound like everyone is saved does it? Obviously not.

There are dozens of passages to corroborate this too. Here are just a couple.

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

Clearly, some perish.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Without faith, no one can be saved.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. I Peter 3:9

Note it doesn't say that all WILL be saved from perishing. Why would anyone need to repent if they are already saved through Inclusion/Universal Salvation?

And here's the Universalists favorite verse to quote...

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

Here, “whole” means that salvation is available to everyone…Does this also mean that all will receive it? No.

The very capstone passage in the entire Bible indicates the belief (that is abiding trust) is mandatory for Salvation.

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. John 3:16

Bob, understand that I surely am not lobbying for people to go to hell. I have dedicated my life to apologetics and discernment but also to evangelism. I want people to saved more than anything else but the fact is that the majority will choose to reject God's offer and free gift and follow their own devices.

If everyone is saved then why send missionaries? Why preach the gospel in dangerous places? Universalism is one of the most heinous errors Satan has introduced into the Church. Our loving God is also a just God and He's not a dictator making us into robots. he allows us choice. In fact, the longer I live and the more I study, I don't marvel how a loving God could ever allow one of His creatures to perish out of their rebellion, I marvel that a righteous and just God would send His Son to pay the terrible price Jesus paid at the Cross that any of us could be made right in His sight.

I hope these observations help.

God bless you as you seek after the King of Kings and His wonderful gift.

Eric

Visit Eric Barger and Take A Stand! Ministries at:
www.ericbarger.com - Now in our 26th year of "TAKING A STAND!"

We are now scheduling seminars and conferences for 2009-10. For information on bringing Eric Barger to your city see www.ericbarger.com/scheduling.htm !!!

- For more pages on Universalism Click Here

- Check out "Universalism: Is Everyone Already Saved?" (includes a video clip from the DVD)