Preserving Sound Doctrine

Today, there is ample reason to be concerned about the potential deception associated with the theological concept of Universalism, which pertains to the study of Soteriology (The Doctrine of Salvation). For those less familiar with Universalism, this concept suggests that because God loves all mankind, it naturally follows that anyone and everyone who has ever lived will be saved regardless of the presence or absence of personal faith. Perhaps you are wondering why Universalism should be considered a cause of doctrinal deception and a possible source of theological confusion. It is labeled as deception because it countermands the true Gospel message found in the Holy Scriptures. The true Gospel has been clearly presented by the combined testimony of Old Testament Prophets, Jesus Christ himself, and several New Testament Apostles. Surprisingly, to Universalists, there is a need to create their own “gospel” story. The Apostle Paul decried this notion warning, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ, and are turning to a different gospel, which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” Galatians 1:6–7 NIV

Proponents of the theological constructs of Universalism purport that no one will be eternally separated from God. Salvation, they plead, is not dependent upon one’s faith response or lack of it. But is that truly what the Scriptures teach concerning God’s plan of salvation? If it is not, then it becomes a false depiction and a blatant deception of the true Gospel message. Instead, it becomes a godspell rather than the Gospel message given to the early church. It is important that we not come under the spell of those who would seek to provide a cheap imitation of the real Gospel which must be complete with its blend of Good News (God’s plan of redemption, reconciliation and restoration) and the Bad News (mankind’s rebellion, separation and condemnation before a Holy, just God).

The conundrum of mankind’s ostensive rebellion, consistent sinfulness, and at times out-right disdain towards a Holy God, apparently plays no part in the Universalist’s rose-colored view of salvation. It is a huge misconception to think that because God is compassionate and all-loving, he will automatically absolve mankind of all guilt, shame and blame regardless of any reciprocation on man’s part. However, any Scriptural support for such views is woefully lacking, thus making them also doctrinally dangerous. One might ask, “Why?” It’s because the tenets of Universalism are typically based on a number of selected, and often isolated, Bible verses taken out of context and then used to support a tenuous theological stance. It is also dangerous because it denigrates the saving work of Jesus Christ by relegating his primary role to only being man’s Creator instead of also being his Savior, rescuer, and redeemer.

In Colossians, the Apostle Paul explains that each of Jesus’s soteriological roles are essential components of the gospel mess. He adjures his readers with sobering words of caution and admonishment. “You have already heard the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world…you heard it and truly understood God’s grace…Continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed….” Colossians 1:6, 23 (see also verses 9-22).

The tempting, yet deceptive, notion of Universalism is that it suggests every person will eventually be saved and deemed as morally acceptable before God simply on the basis of being his unique creation. If this were true then, for all practical purposes, there is little need for a Savior to come into this world. And yet, the Bible clearly teaches that Christ did come “to save the world” (John 3:17) and, in doing so, has “rescued us from the domain of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption” (Colossians 1:13-14). If no one will ever be eternally separated from God, then there would be no need or reason to respond to God’s salvation call or for any such thing as personal repentance (Acts 2:36-39). To the Universalist, the idea of eternal separation from God is seen to be only a figment of one’s imagination. Predictably, there is no motivation to discuss the existence of Hell or the prospect of eternal damnation (John 3:18).

It is quite understandable why proponents of Universalism believe as they do. The convenient idea that “EVERYONE BORN is EVERYONE SAVED,” is attractive indeed! Who wouldn’t want to believe the kindly notion that all people, including one’s family members, friends and neighbors will be pardoned from any eternal consequence. Certainly, such a perspective of God’s unconditional love and undeserved grace would win the day. After all, most people only want to have their “ears tickled” (2 Timothy 4:2-4) rather than be told about their true spiritual condition apart from Christ. How ingratiating is the thought that God is all about love and acceptance rather than righteous judgment and just condemnation. But, is that what the Bible actually teaches?

Regardless of Universalism’s appeal, the Gospel truth must remain just that, the TRUTH. There is no place for the deception and misconceptions perpetuated by supposedly well-intentioned Universalist-oriented pastors and teachers. God’s salvation plan, with his established conditions and parameters, is not up for popular vote; nor is it a matter of one’s personal opinion, societal preference or majority rule. Satan must smile when he sees his hellish lies being propagated and spread about indiscriminately. Why? Because he knows it leads to complacency in praying for the lost and sharing the Gospel with those who desperately need to hear it. In an effort to refute the deceptive tenets of Universalism, joint teachings from both the Old Testament and New Testament will be amply explored.

The Old Testament Prophet’s Teachings on Salvation

The Prophet Isaiah spoke about God’s salvation as being offered to all men. However, the stipulation of belief in God’s anointed Messiah, was established as a definite prerequisite for anyone who would come to Him for salvation. Isaiah wrote, “You are my witnesses, declares the LORD…so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am the LORD, and apart from me there is no Savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed” (43:10-12). Isaiah continues his proclamation, “There is no God apart from me, a righteous God and savior…Turn to me and be saved” (45:22). “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save. Nor his ear to dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God” (59:1-2).

The Prophet Jeremiah wrote, “Wash the evil from your heart and be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts…Your own conduct and actions have brought this upon you. This is your punishment” (4:14, 18). The minor Prophet Joel obliged, “And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (2:32).

King David in the Psalms often spoke about God’s gracious salvation. He stated:

“Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace. But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him” (Psalm 85:9).

“Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees”  (119:155).

Each of these prophets were in agreement that God’s salvation is available only to those who seek the Lord in faith. As much as we might want to believe that God is so loving and merciful that he has automatically extended the gift of salvation to all, regardless of one’s spiritual deportment, the idea is simply not supported by the breadth of Scripture but is only hopeful thinking of fallen man.

Jesus Christ’s Teachings on Salvation

In Mark 10:45, Jesus shared these predictive words to his disciples, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Note that Jesus said many, not all. Jesus told his disciples these sobering words: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Why would Jesus make such a declarative statement if it were not true? Surprisingly, Universalists suggest that there is no literal hell, even though it is mentioned 54 times in the Bible (KJV). Therefore, they believe there is then no real danger of anyone being separated from God. However, hell is the sad reality for those whose names are not written in “the Book of Life” (Rev 20:11-15).

Jesus spoke with frankness and urgency to Nicodemus by declaring, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him, may have eternal life…whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:14, 18).

The requirement of belief noted in the passage above was underscored several times. Jesus also said, on the last day of a prestigious religious Jewish festival, the following words to the large crowd attending: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. By this, he meant the Spirit whom those who believed in him were later to receive” (John 7:37-39).

Bible Scholar Millard J. Erickson takes issue with the notion of a universal conversion and pardon for all mankind. He argues, “We have seen that the Word of God, whether read or preached, is God’s means of presenting to us the salvation found in Christ; faith is our means of accepting that salvation…The theory of universal explicit opportunity holds that everyone will have the opportunity to hear the gospel…Those who do not actually hear it during their lifetime will have an opportunity in the future…When this belief is coupled with the idea that everyone given such an opportunity will of course accept it, the inevitable conclusion is universal salvation. This view is difficult to reconcile with Jesus’ teachings about the afterlife.” Luke 16:19-31

The Apostle’s Teachings on Salvation

Jesus made it quite clear in his teachings that only those who believed in him would receive the Spirit of God. The Apostles readily agreed with Jesus’s declaration. Romans 8:9-11 explains that if one does not have the Spirit of God, “he does not belong to Christ.” Accordingly, it is only the one who has Christ’s Spirit who also has eternal life. 1 John 5:11-12

The Apostle John’s teachings on salvation can be found in both his Gospel and in his letters to the churches. One can readily observe that the combined testimonies of John’s writings compliment the aforementioned teachings of Christ. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24). From the very onset of his Gospel, John wrote this revealing message, “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet, to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:10-12). The Apostle John also dictated these words from his beloved Christ, “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life” (John 5:39–40). In John’s first letter to the “fellowship” of believers, he wrote, “The one who does what is right, is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil…This is how we know who are the children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child” (see 1 John 3:1-10). John does not mince words or try to sugar-coat the Gospel truth with nice sounding, but false, platitudes.

In seriously contemplating the Apostle John’s writings in the passages above, one can logically conclude that he emphatically believed and taught that ALL men and women, boys and girls, must believe and receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior as a mandate and prelude to becoming a child of God. All must express a faith in Christ and acknowledge their just separation from a Holy God. Then, and only then, can there be the assurance of his forgiveness (1 John 1:8-10) and the reception of his gift of eternal life (1 John 5:11-13). This life eternal was secured only through belief in Christ’s substitutionary death. Yes, salvation is offered to all, but it is only realized by those who choose to come to him in saving faith. Revelation 22:17

How is it then that those who profess and allegiance to the false concept of Universalism can so blatantly assume that anyone and everyone will be saved and that no one will ever be eternally separated from God? This reasoning appears to be based on a false premise of God’s loving character as well as a faulty approach of using (actually misusing) a limited number of verses to try to support its postulations. Often these select verses are snatched out of its natural context in a lagging attempt to undergird one’s predisposed views. Some would argue that John 3:16 (“God so loved the world that he gave his only son”) attests to the view that Christ’s sacrifice was effectual for ALL and for ALL time. Certainly, this widely known verse does describe the wonderful truth of God’s sacrificial love. However, most Universalists conveniently ignore the second half of the verse which explains and delineates, “that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” Once again, the truth and requirement of believing faith is reiterated.

The Apostle Peter rightly purported that belief in Christ is a requirement for salvation. Peter pressed this truth further by saying, “As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by men…you also, like living stones, are…acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: ‘See, I lay…a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.’ Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe…they stumble because they do not obey the message.” 1 Peter 2:4-8

The Apostle Peter was quick to point out that any who have not put their faith in Christ are subject to God’s judgment. “For it is time for judgment to begin…If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner” (1 Peter 4:17-18). Peter also elaborates on the importance of a transformed life being an essential element in exhibiting authentic faith. He states, “make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation” (2 Peter 3:2,14-15). It is quite apparent that the Apostle Peter, like the Apostle John, made it extremely clear in his writings that one’s salvation is dependent upon faith in Jesus Christ and is distinguished by a transformed life.

These two Apostles were not alone in their beliefs. The Apostle Paul echoes and emphasizes the same truths that salvation can come only through faith in Jesus Christ. In his very first letter to the Galatians, the Apostle’s teaching casts doubt on and contradicts the theological pretenses and demurs the very underpinnings of Universalism. The Apostle Paul surmised, “Scripture has locked everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before the coming of faith…the law was our guardian until Christ came so that we might be justified by faith…So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” Galatians 3:22-26

Universalists are badly mistaken in thinking that there has not been, nor will there ever be even one person who will experience eternal separation from God, regardless of one’s faith or lack of it. Wm. Paul Young, a professed Universalist suggests in his book, Lies We believe about God, that each person needs only to change his or her mindset in order to foster a “correct” understanding of God’s prearranged eternal “togetherness.” This, seemingly, innocuous statement is far afield from the vast number of passages in Scripture which refute Paul Young’s beliefs. The lie Young would have us believe about God, is that a loving God is not capable of sending anyone to hell due to their disbelief in him; instead, he will eventually conjure them to belief in this life or in the life to come.

The Apostle Paul was emphatic about the necessity of saving faith in his letter to the Colossians. He declared, “Once you were “alienated from God and were enemies in your own minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free for accusation – if you continue in your faith, established in the firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.” (Col. 1:21-23). Note the condition of if is present and relevant.

The Gospel truth, aptly laid out by the Apostle Paul in Colossians should be considered preeminent. Otherwise, Christ’s gracious act of redemption on the cross, becomes both unnecessary and, sadly, inconsequential. Again, Paul sternly warned his readers about turning to a “gospel” that was not really a gospel at all (Gal. 1:6-9). Regrettably, not only is Paul Young and other Universalists willing to stand on such a shaky “biblical” grounding, by adhering to such precarious theological constructs, but they are also asking others to follow suit.

Every serious teacher of God’s word must recognize and adhere to the Apostle Paul’s admonishment, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). No one is offered the privilege of picking and choosing which Scriptures to believe and emphasize. Nor should anyone have the audacity to think they have the right and the wherewithal to set aside and ignore passages in Scripture which do not coincide with their personal beliefs. The Apostle Paul retorted, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). In the preceding verse 15, Paul elaborated, “The Holy Scriptures…are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” The Apostle Peter was most concerted in writing these convicting words, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by a prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20).  

Any individual desiring an accurate interpretation of Scripture will understand that the principle of context via cross-referencing is paramount. One should avoid making doctrinal assumptions, especially those of major import, while relying only on a smattering of verses, often taken out of context. Instead, as Apostle Paul implored, one should refer to the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Unfortunately, there are those who have chosen to incorporate such questionable tactics as a means of selling their dubious ideologies. In doing so, they have done a grave disservice to both seekers and believers who may not be as  familiar with the collective teachings of the Bible.

Universalists will sometimes use select passages from the Apostle Paul’s teachings in order to build their repertoire of “proofs” in an attempt to build credibility for their theological predilections. Below are random Pauline passages often used by Universalists to buoy their position:

“We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:1

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11

“This is good and pleases God our Savior who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Most Bible scholars would gladly agree with the truth that Jesus Christ is the Savior of all and that his salvation has appeared to all men. However, there is a significant difference between God’s salvation being intended for all mankind and it being received and believed by all. The Apostle Paul reminded Titus of the critical difference between the extension of, and the acquisition of, God’s gracious salvation offer as noted below:

“To the pure, all things are pure, but those who are corrupted, and do not believe, nothing is pure…both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him” (1:15-16)

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (2:11-12).

“Jesus Christ gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (2:13-14).

While Christ’s death was intended to be universal in its offer to all, it will be effectual only for those who take that personal and intentional step of saving faith. The author of the Book of Hebrews, which was written to warn new believers of being spiritually misled, underscored the the significance and truthfulness of the above statement. “God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God. For only we who believe can enter his rest. As for the others, God said, ‘In my anger I took an oath: They will never enter my place of rest,’even though this rest has been ready since he made the world.” Hebrews 4:1-3 NLT

The combined teaching of Scripture demonstrates that saving faith requires a clear understanding of the true Gospel message. Such an understanding must include the acknowledgment of one’s personal sin and the need for Christ’s forgiveness in order to attain a right standing before a Holy and just God. As desirable as Universalism’s tainted theology may be to some, it’s not supported by the teachings of the Gospel writers, the Apostles, the Old Testament Prophets. Most importantly, it does not secure the endorsement from the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Consequently, there is no reason to capitulate to the whims and opinions of society or liberal-minded clergy. Rather, we can confidently hold firm to the beliefs of our Forefathers that God is loving and holy, merciful and just; He is both our gentle Shepherd and righteous judge. We must not be tempted to settle for anything less!’