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Universalism

B-A-C

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Christian universalism is a school of Christian theology focused around the doctrine of universal reconciliation – the view that all human beings will ultimately be saved and restored to a right relationship with God. "Christian universalism" and "the belief or hope in the universal reconciliation through Christ" can be understood as synonyms.<a href="Christian universalism - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>1<span>]</span></a> Opponents of this school hold that eternal damnation is the ultimate fate of some or most people

Basically this is the belief that everyone will ultimately be saved.
There seems to be a lot of disagreement on the timing of these between the churches that adhere to this doctrine.

The Universalist doctrine does not believe in annihilation. Everyone lives forever. However, they believe everyone is ultimately saved
and no one stays in hell/lake of fire.

Some believe the wicked will go hell for a "short" stay.... this seems to vary church by church. Maybe for a few minutes, maybe a few weeks, maybe a year or two at the longest.
Others believe no one will ever go to hell or the Lake of Fire... ever, at all.
Yet others believe some will go the lake of Fire for possibly a "very long time", this is hard to pin down on the internet, but it seems it could be as
long as tens of thousands of years. But again, ultimately, once penance is paid they will be saved.

Bible verses used to support this are...

  1. 1 Timothy 2:3-4: "This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
  2. 1 John 2:2: "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."
  3. Philippians 2:10-11: "So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
  4. Romans 5:18: "Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men."
  5. Colossians 1:19-20: "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
 
When the term "everyone" is used in Universalism, it literally means "everyone".

It doesn't matter if you believe in Jesus or God. Universalists believe that Satanists, Atheists, Child molesters,
Sex-traffickers, etc.... "everyone" will be saved.

Even if you never accept Jesus as your personal Savior.
Even if you never believe one word of the Bible.

The main two denominations that accept this are the Universalist Church of America
and the Unitarian Universalist church.
 
When the term "everyone" is used in Universalism, it literally means "everyone".

It doesn't matter if you believe in Jesus or God. Universalists believe that Satanists, Atheists, Child molesters,
Sex-traffickers, etc.... "everyone" will be saved.

Even if you never accept Jesus as your personal Savior.
Even if you never believe one word of the Bible.

The main two denominations that accept this are the Universalist Church of America
and the Unitarian Universalist church.

As I have said before. It is a bit cheesy to state this of universalists.

A universalist believes that after you receive punishment for your sins, you will be rehabilitated and welcomed into heaven.

Please, rationally, explain to me what exactly is wrong with this belief? Without using scripture.

-----------------------------------

I know it is an unscriptural belief, but it is a perfectly forgivable and rational belief.

It is only not true, as God is able to judge depths of intents of our heart and mind Jer 17:9-12. As such He knows that some will never be able to desire true repentance and casts these people into an eternal home / hell.
 
Well then, it's only my opinion.

We defend scripture best when we are able to rationalize it. If we do not apply our mind to what we are teaching when quoting scripture, we could leave the reader with the wrong view of God.

In this case for example, God would be the first supporter of universalism if it were a possibility! That should be obvious and logical.

God will do anything to get us into heaven. I can certainly understand many believing in universalism.
 
We defend scripture best when we are able to rationalize it. If we do not apply our mind to what we are teaching when quoting scripture, we could leave the reader with the wrong view of God.

I think we should take scripture at face value. The less we add or take away the better.
The more we stay true to pure scripture, the closer to the truth we are. The more we colorize it and
put spin on it, the further from the truth we are.

I believe every false doctrine, every false teaching is because someone adds or removes something from scripture.

If the Bible says people will be tortured forever, it doesn't matter how we apply logic or reason.
It doesn't matter if we agree with it or not. The Bible says is how it is... period, end of discussion.

The word "torture" isn't in my Bible, however the word torment is.. several times.


Isa 50:11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire, Who encircle yourselves with firebrands, Walk in the light of your fire And among the brands you have set ablaze. This you will have from My hand: You will lie down in torment.
Matt 8:29 And they cried out, saying, "What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?"
Mark 5:7 and shouting with a loud voice, he *said, "What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!"
Luke 8:28 Seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before Him, and said in a loud voice, "What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me."
Luke 16:23 "In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and *saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom.
Luke 16:28 for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
2Cor 12:7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!
Rev 9:5 And they were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment for five months; and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man.
Rev 14:11 "And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
Rev 18:7 "To the degree that she glorified herself and lived sensuously, to the same degree give her torment and mourning; for she says in her heart, 'I SIT as A QUEEN AND I AM NOT A WIDOW, and will never see mourning.'
Rev 18:10 standing at a distance because of the fear of her torment, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come.'
Rev 18:15 "The merchants of these things, who became rich from her, will stand at a distance because of the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning,

The Bible says the devil, some angels and some people will face torment... forever and ever.
It doesn't matter if I like it, it doesn't matter if I agree with it. It doesn't matter if it defies my definition of love and logic.
The Bible says it will happen. End of discussion. ( at least on that topic ). :)
 
I think we should take scripture at face value. The less we add or take away the better.
The more we stay true to pure scripture, the closer to the truth we are. The more we colorize it and
put spin on it, the further from the truth we are.

I believe every false doctrine, every false teaching is because someone adds or removes something from scripture.

I don't think you are following my point.

We do not add or take away anything from scripture, that is what a rational mind would agree with as scripture clearly says the word is God breathed 2 Tim 3:16-17. Every word and verse has value and His anointing.

However, you have just provided a case study for the necessity of rational thought. Many who teach from scripture come across as though they have a real mental disability.

Example: Scripture says God is good Psalm 136:1, love 1 John 4:8, righteous in all His ways Psalm 145:17, light with no darkness 1 John 1:5, just Job 34:12.

You then post scriptures mentioning torment and fire and leave the reader to assume all the wicked will suffer torture akin to a brazen bull for all eternity.

It is as though the scriptures mentioning who God is have FLOWN away and out of your mind when you now read contentious scripture.

A Christian has ONE job, be a proper ambassador for Jesus 2 Cor 5:20.

As such, we need to first know God properly, before we isolate and quote contentious scripture to be read 'as is'.

--------------------------------

Practical example: Let's say BAC wanted to date my sister. Now, I know BAC very well. I know BAC helps with the pigsty at the orphanage. I know that BAC is fat because he gives all his good food to the kids and suffers from malnutrition and filling up on filler foods like bread and porridge. I know that BAC has a very good job selling stuff on the internet, makes really good money, but he never has any money because he literally gives 95% of it to the needy.

Now, I go to my really pretty and single sister. And say the following:

BAC is fat, never has any money, always smells like a pig and never has any spare time to give someone.

These are true statements. But not something a rational person would type. Not something a good person would type. This IS A GROSS MISREPRESENTATION of BAC. One would think my brain is broken or I am a very evil person.

---------------------------------------

LIKEWISE, this is the case when we MISREPRESENT God with contentious cherry-picked scripture and read it 'as is'.

You NEED to read EVERY contentious verse in light of who God is! Why does a GOOD God, place people in fire? Surely there must be more to it.

This is where God NEEDS us to properly represent Him to the lost that HE LOVES AND DIED for!!!!

We FAIL SO HARD at our ONE job when we don't!

All who teach Calvinism, annihilationism, torturous hell have a lot of explaining to do to God one day!!!
 
If the Bible says people will be tortured forever,

It doesn't say that. When you say 'torture' today, we think of something like the brazen bull. The better wording to use would be a 'type of torment'.

it doesn't matter how we apply logic or reason.

It does, it is our ONE job! 2 Cor 5:20.

It doesn't matter if we agree with it or not. The Bible says is how it is... period, end of discussion.

Jesus describes exactly what one can expect in fire in Luke 16:19-31 (only passage in scripture that explains suffering in fire), always mention that with your cherry picking of scriptures mentioning 'fire and torment'.

The word "torture" isn't in my Bible, however the word torment is.. several times.

Isa 50:11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire, Who encircle yourselves with firebrands, Walk in the light of your fire And among the brands you have set ablaze. This you will have from My hand: You will lie down in torment.
Matt 8:29 And they cried out, saying, "What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?"
Mark 5:7 and shouting with a loud voice, he *said, "What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!"
Luke 8:28 Seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before Him, and said in a loud voice, "What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me."
Luke 16:23 "In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and *saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom.
Luke 16:28 for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
2Cor 12:7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!
Rev 9:5 And they were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment for five months; and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man.
Rev 14:11 "And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
Rev 18:7 "To the degree that she glorified herself and lived sensuously, to the same degree give her torment and mourning; for she says in her heart, 'I SIT as A QUEEN AND I AM NOT A WIDOW, and will never see mourning.'
Rev 18:10 standing at a distance because of the fear of her torment, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come.'
Rev 18:15 "The merchants of these things, who became rich from her, will stand at a distance because of the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning,

The Bible says the devil, some angels and some people will face torment... forever and ever.
It doesn't matter if I like it, it doesn't matter if I agree with it. It doesn't matter if it defies my definition of love and logic.

Contentious scripture that needs to be read in light of who God is as explained in post # 7 and the OP here What to expect in hell.

The Bible says it will happen. End of discussion. ( at least on that topic ). :)

There are so many more scriptures that need to be included in the selection you have made.

Rom 2:6 for example says punished according to deeds. Luke 13:28 states that due to separation, people weep and gnash their teeth. Luke 16:19-31 Jesus explains that one on fire only asks for a finger drop of water on their tongue. Rev 20:4-6 says we will reign with Jesus, surely, we will oversee those suffering too? Not unreasonable expectation. The devil is punished before a host of angels, surely good angels would disagree with something torturous like a brazen bull. surely BAC would disagree too? Moses and Abraham interrogated God on His actions with Sodom and the golden calf, why can't we on hell? Of course we can and I will bet USD 100 million that we will all agree with God on what He does to the wicked for all eternity. Even if the wicked person in question is someone we knew and loved. Like a child. This should be a 'duh' fact for a Christian who knows how good and merciful God is.

You need to understand that implying God tortures the wicked in hell for all eternity places Him a top a list of the most evil beings to ever live. Is that really how you feel we should represent God to the lost? When prophets who knew Him better than you or I defined Him as good Psalm 136:1, love 1 John 4:8, righteous in all His ways Psalm 145:17, light with no darkness 1 John 1:5, just Job 34:12.
 
A universalist believes that after you receive punishment for your sins, you will be rehabilitated and welcomed into heaven.

Some do, others simply believe everyone goes to heaven, no rehab necessary. I work with a lady who is a Unitarian Universalist.
She believes no one will go to hell, ever.. under any circumstances. Not even Satan.

But it doesn't matter what she believes. This is basically a purgatory belief, a second chance after death.
But this isn't in the Bible anywhere, in fact the Bible says the opposite.

Heb 9:27 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,

John 5:28 "Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice,
John 5:29 and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.

Once you die..It's game over. No second chances. Your fate is sealed for eternity.

Rev 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.
Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds.
Rev 20:14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
Rev 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

There is no... after this... there is no after rehab. This is the end of the story for them.
 
I believe every false doctrine, every false teaching is because someone adds or removes something from scripture.

If the Bible says people will be tortured forever, it doesn't matter how we apply logic or reason.
It doesn't matter if we agree with it or not. The Bible says is how it is... period, end of discussion.

The word "torture" isn't in my Bible, however the word torment is.. several times.
Then you'd better learn the language my friend, or else read your horrible translations with an adequate Greek lexicon at hand.

Because the word eternal isn't in the Bible, just in biased translations. And the only place where eternal torment is preached is in the book of Revelation, and it means torture. But NO good thing has ever come from that book (@Christ4Ever).

basanos G931 LINK
A. touchstone, on which pure gold leaves a yellow streak

basanizō G928 LINK
A. rub upon the touch-stone (βάσανος), hence, put to the test, prove; investigate scientifically

kolasis G2851 LINK (Only in Mat 25:46; 1 John 4:18)
A. checking the growth of trees, esp. almond-trees, Thphr.CP3.18.2 (pl.).
2. chastisement, correction

In other words, to be cut off or pruned (cf. Johh 15:2)
Mat 25:46 - be cut off permanently.

basanismos G929 LINK (Only in Revelation)
A. torture:
(@KingJ)

Rhema
 
the only place where eternal torment is preached is in the book of Revelation,

Matt 25:46 "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Jude 1:7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these angels indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.

2Thes 1:9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

Mark 9:43 "If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crippled, than, having your two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire,
Mark 9:44 [where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.]
Mark 9:45 "If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame, than, having your two feet, to be cast into hell,
Mark 9:46 [where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.]
Mark 9:47 "If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into hell,
Mark 9:48 where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.

Sorry about the Caps, I didn't put this in uppercase, it's already uppercase in my Bible.
But none of the verses are in Revelation.
 
It doesn't say that. When you say 'torture' today, we think of something like the brazen bull.
Well only you do. Others might just think of hell as understood in the late 1400's

Hieronymus_Bosch_-_The_Garden_of_Earthly_Delights_-_Hell.jpg

-Hieronymous Bosch (hell).
Gotta luv him including the bagpipe and hurdy-gurdy. :laughing:

The better wording to use would be a 'type of torment'.
No. No it wouldn't. YOU don't have the right to change the definitions of words according to your limited opinions.

It does, it is our ONE job! 2 Cor 5:20.
Paul was talking about himself and Timothy, not you. (And calling yourself an ambassador is like perfect narcissism.)

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.​
(2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV)

"We" does not include "you" since the "you" are distinguished from the "us," even in the phrase "we pray you..."

with something torturous like a brazen bull.
It really sounds like you have an obsession with this. You're the only person I've met in 65 years who talks like this.

You need to understand that implying God tortures the wicked in hell for all eternity places Him a top a list of the most evil beings to ever live.
Then you'd better dump the book of Revelation like thousands of other Christians throughout history.

basanismos G929 (Only in Revelation)
Liddell Scott LINK - A. torture:​
(And not that I like Strong's or Mounce)​
Mounce LINK - torture
Strong's LINK - torture

Again, though, this is a word only used in the book of Revelation which we do not consider canon.

... we will all agree with God on what He does to the wicked for all eternity.
Yep, when they are cut off, go poof, and no longer exist.

You need to understand that implying God tortures the wicked in hell for all eternity places Him a top a list of the most evil beings to ever live.
It's the same word as torment, KJ. But I agree with you, no matter which word (torment or torture) that you use.

Rhema
 
Matt 25:46 "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
Bad translations give bad theology. One would have thought you'd understand this by now. You have been lied to by your translators.

Besides, I've already address this. Are you so eager to pounce before you actually read what I post?

...κολασιν αιωνιον...​

kolasis G2851 LINK to the Liddell Scott Lexicon (Only in Mat 25:46; 1 John 4:18)
A. checking the growth of trees, esp. almond-trees, Thphr.CP3.18.2 (pl.).​
2. chastisement, correction

In other words, to be cut off or pruned (cf. Johh 15:2)

aiōnios G166 LINK to the Liddell Scott Lexicon
A.lasting for an age
2. holding an office or title for life

In other words, permanent.

Mat 25:46 - be cut off permanently.

πυρος αιωνιου - of permanent fire. To this day, those cities no longer exist but their ashes. The fire of God was permanent.

2Thes 1:9
olethros - A. - ruin, destruction, death,
tinō - A. I - pay a price
οιτινες
(WHO) δικην τισουσιν (SHALL PAY A JUDGEMENT) ολεθρον αιωνιον (PERMANENT DEATH)

But note δικην, ολεθρον, and αιωνιον are all in the accusative case, so we have "Permanent (as an adjective) Death-Judgment." They pay a permanent death-judgement.

Young wasn't quite sure how to handle the fact that "good Greek" would likely use a genitive case here, so he just threw up his hands and added dashes:

who shall suffer justice—destruction age-during—from the face of the Lord, and from the glory of his strength,​
(2 Thessalonians 1:9 YLT)

And it should be noted that back then, "suffer" meant "undergo."

It also should be noted that the verb τισουσιν is written in the active voice, but the KJV translates it as passive ("shall be punished").

Knowing that tinō means to pay, the people spoken of PAY (they pay) a price of permanent destruction. NO ONE should be pleased that an Active verb is translated into the Passive voice.

Sorry about the Caps, I didn't put this in uppercase, it's already uppercase in my Bible.
Not a problem. (Truly.)


So what's the WORM of them, B-A-C ??

And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.​
(Isaiah 66:24 KJV)

All you've shown me is that there is some "Worm" that according to your translators does not supposedly "die" (G5053 τελευτάω teleutaō)

LINK to the Liddell Scott Lexicon for G5053
A. bring to pass, accomplish
2. finish,​

All I'm seeing is a vision of dead people so vast in number that the maggots cannot finish (teleutaō) eating them.

But I'm very curious as to what you think "the worm of them" means.

But none of the verses are in Revelation.
And none of the verses you quoted spoke of eternal torture.

Rhema
 
Well only you do. Others might just think of hell as understood in the late 1400's

Hieronymus_Bosch_-_The_Garden_of_Earthly_Delights_-_Hell.jpg

-Hieronymous Bosch (hell).
Gotta luv him including the bagpipe and hurdy-gurdy. :laughing:

Huh? You 'correct' me with a disturbing picture that portrays torture supporting my statement. Please read my OP here to see where I am coming from - Discussion on Torture.

No. No it wouldn't. YOU don't have the right to change the definitions of words according to your limited opinions.

If you cannot discern the difference between having to sit through a session of listening to an annoying teacher over someone pulling your fingernails off, your brain is no longer working.

---------------------------

The rest of your post does not deserve a reply, you are honestly not in a sane state of mind for a serious discussion.
 
Some do, others simply believe everyone goes to heaven, no rehab necessary.

Well, that would be extreme idiocy. Every scripture mentioning God is 'just' would be meaningless.

I work with a lady who is a Unitarian Universalist. She believes no one will go to hell, ever.. under any circumstances. Not even Satan.

Ask her how God remains just if no sinners are punished for their sin. :oops:

But it doesn't matter what she believes. This is basically a purgatory belief, a second chance after death.

I have to interject. Purgatory is only for those who have hope of rehabilitation and it will include punishment for sin.

But this isn't in the Bible anywhere, in fact the Bible says the opposite.

I agree with this and all the scripture you quoted. You only need to note that eternal punishment is not eternal torture akin to placing someone in a brazen bull.
 
Then you'd better dump the book of Revelation like thousands of other Christians throughout history.

basanismos G929 (Only in Revelation)
Liddell Scott LINK - A. torture:​
(And not that I like Strong's or Mounce)​
Mounce LINK - torture
Strong's LINK - torture

Again, though, this is a word only used in the book of Revelation which we do not consider canon.

I address Revelations here - Discussion on Torture

Plagues is a last-ditch attempt by God to get the wicked to repent. Eternal separation is a much sadder and harsher reality over enduring a plague.

It is true that a plague can be torturous. This is why as a Christian it is VERY important to identify the reason for a plague and correctly represent God on it. If we look at Egypt, they increased in severity. If the people would have repented, He would have stopped. It is the same in Revelations. Many of the scriptures mentioning the plagues end with ''they repented not''. This points to the reason for the plague.

Now, to imply that God will place people in an eternal hell with plagues is a braindead misrepresentation of God. Hell will be full of people sold out to a love of what is evil. Those with no desire for repentance. It would be pointless, evil and sadistic to place plagues on them.
 
No. No it wouldn't. YOU don't have the right to change the definitions of words according to your limited opinions.

No change in definition, only removing assumptions about its meaning in scripture.

Scripture says torment = Luke 13:28 and Luke 16:19-31. Not brazen bull, Dante's inferno or the picture you pasted.

------------------------------

If your daughter says she is sick, she could be sick and tired of plain bread or she could have the Ebola virus. Very important to discern what the sickness is, don't you think?

Now your line to me is like me saying to you, Sick = Ebola virus, ''YOU don't have the right to change the definitions of words according to your limited opinions''. :oops:

Please try and understand why I find discussion with you painful....
 
-Hieronymous Bosch (hell).
Gotta luv him including the bagpipe and hurdy-gurdy. :laughing:
I've admired his panels for many a year. Much of what he portrayed, had individuals of the days in which he lived, be they politicians, government officials, popes etc. I would say he didn't think highly of many a folk.

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><
 
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