1) “If everyone is going to be saved eventually, what urgency is there in proclaiming the gospel?”
How much hell do you want others to go through? The love of Christ compels us. That is the urgency. People must be brought to repentance so they can experience the full redemption and deliverance which Christ died to give them. People will never be saved until they ARE saved. Does it not matter to you if your loved ones or neighbors live out their earthly lifetimes without the joy—and deliverance—that comes from knowing Jesus? What kind of environment do you desire in this world for your children? What about your grandchildren?
2) “This may be the truth. Even so, the restoration of all things could be dangerous teaching for unstable people who would interpret it as license to sin.”
People looking for excuses to sin will always find them under any belief-system. Regarding the salvation of all mankind, Paul said, “These things prescribe and teach” (1 Tim. 4:9-11). Understanding God’s true character and plan for His creation lays a healthy foundation for authentic righteousness that comes from whole-hearted trust and love toward the Lord. The greatest commandment of all is that we love Him with all our being. How can we totally trust and love our Creator, and at the same time be totally convinced that His commitment to us is conditional?
3) “This teaching cancels out any necessity for Calvary. What would be the point of Christ dying on the cross if God plans to save everyone anyway?”
That’s like asking, “What’s the point of having a hospital that has discovered the cure for all diseases?” Just because Calvary will prove itself to be 100% successful does not render Christ’s sacrifice unnecessary. If a rescue team saved all the passengers on a sinking ship, would that prove their mission to be futile? The unscriptural dogma that only some will be saved undermines the atonement. It renders our Lord’s work as mostly a failure. Some (Calv-Arminians?) believe that most people will be saved. This renders Christ’s atonement almost successful!
4) “This teaching will cause division in the church. Besides, I believe we can rest in God’s love because once we’re saved, we’re always saved.”
No doubt in many quarters it will cause a stir. Jesus said that He had not come to bring peace, but a sword. Sometimes a wholesome division must occur so hearts already divided will be exposed—for the purpose of healing, resulting in true unity later on.
Once saved, always saved. Hmmm . . . that is, if you truly are among the “elect” few chosen for salvation, according to your doctrinal foundation. But how do you KNOW (based on Scripture) you have acknowledged Christ as Lord with ALL of your heart? The Bible tells us that only a fool trusts in his own heart—that it is desperately wicked—who but God can know it? When you’re in the throes of some desperate weakness, how does God’s covenant with Abraham anchor your soul? Can you honestly love and admire God wholeheartedly while also believing He may have brought many of your loved ones and neighbors into being for the purpose of eternal torment? If “yes” is your answer, my prayer is that the Lord will give you a conscience when He does save you.
5) “This means that both saint and sinner will get the same reward!”
First of all, salvation is a gift, not an achievement we accomplish and are “rewarded” for (Eph. 2:1-10). However, all of God’s judgments are rooted in His love (Ps. 62:12). So—for their own good—all people will be called into account for their deeds (ourselves included) and rewarded accordingly! Even so, it will not be a happy experience for any who have lived in calculated rebellion against the Lord (Romans 2:6-11, 1 Cor. 3:13-15).
However . . . you haven’t always been a saint, have you? Did you volunteer to live for Christ, or did God’s Spirit lead you to repentance? Do you actually want other people to suffer endless torment because the Holy Spirit overcame your stubbornness and led you to Christ before He did the same thing for them? Perhaps you need to read about the “elder brother” in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Also review the story of the hired workers in the vineyard (Matt. 20:1-16). Remember, if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8).
6) In Luke 13:23-30, Jesus was asked if only a few would be saved. He said to strive to enter into the narrow gate, for many would try and not be able.
Christ came, not to the gentiles (the world population in general), but to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 15:24). These were already God’s chosen covenant people—all of whom will finally be saved, according to Paul (Rom. 11:26). Bear in mind that these covenant people are the ones Christ is talking to on this occasion.
So, the Lord is not here contradicting promises He has made elsewhere by saying that only a few will ever be saved. Otherwise John 12:32 would have quoted Him as saying, “If I be lifted up, I will draw only a few people to Myself.” Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 15:22 would say, “In Adam all die; in Christ only a few will be made alive.” So Luke 13:23-30 is not about whether Christ will eventually reap the full harvest of human souls He paid for with His own blood—that is, how many will finally be saved (Gen. 22:17-19, Rom. 4:13, also note carefully Rom. 11:15-16,32,36).
Here He is talking about being saved during this dispensation to occupy a rulership role in His love-kingdom—to act as co-laborers, co-restorers with Him in His world-harvest field (John 4:34-38). Only those who enter the narrow gate of self-denial, allowing Christ to perfect them in love and holiness can qualify to minister to the world in this era as well as the Kingdom Millennial Age to come. These will shine as lights set on a hill (Matt. 5:14; Ps. 48). They will serve as kings and priests—a holy nation, a royal priesthood—to reflect God’s character to the world (1 Pet. 2:9-12). Many are called to this high privilege, but few respond. Such as refuse will find themselves in a place of outer darkness—not “forever,” but for a season (Matt. 25:14-30). This describes exactly what happened to many Jews when Jerusalem was crushed under Rome’s armies in 70 AD—which Christ prophesied in Matthew 24 and 25.
Nothing is mentioned about eternity in this passage and others which are similar to it. Read the best-seller The Final Quest, by Rick Joyner. Also contact Arthur Eedle (see Suggested Reading List) for his excellent articles: “Jesus—Firstborn of Every Creature” and “Millennial Kings and Priests.” This Luke 13 passage has to do with attaining to a “better resurrection,” being made qualified to “rule over cities” in the Millennial age (Heb. 11:35, Phil. 3:10-11, also compare Luke 19:12-27 and Ps. 78:34). The current theology that insists that only the priesthood people (the church) will ever be saved leaves the church with no one to “reign over” in the Millennium! Again, the church is not the only born of God’s new creation in Christ. It is the first born, co-redeemer, “called out” company. But “called out” for what? Review Colossians 1:18 and also study Acts 15:15-17 and Amos 9:11-12.
7) Does this mean that satan and all the fallen angels will be restored eventually?
In the original language of Scripture, Hebrews 2:16 says, “God is not now laying hold of angels.” So if He is not laying hold of them now, why should we? The present focus is on mankind. However, Colossians 1:15-20 does say all the invisible realm was made for Christ and is being reconciled through His cross. It would harmonize with God’s character for our Good Shepherd—eventually at some future age—to lead His rebellious angels to repentance (Rom. 8:19-23, Heb. 13:8). But apart from true heart-repentance, there can be NO salvation for anyone! I would caution against any kind of intercession on our part for fallen angels now. At present, we’re in the midst of rescuing Adam’s sons and daughters. We’re plundering satan’s prison-house, freeing all who have been “taken captive by him to do his will” (Luke 11:21-22, 2 Tim. 2:26).
Human wills, therefore, must first be made free (by the church’s intercession and ministry) so they can respond to and receive Christ’s light. Also, satan and his minions must first be judged and punished for their atrocities before we can sensibly think in terms of their eventual rehabilitation. See Andrew Jukes’ Restitution of All Things mentioned in the reading list for more exposition of Scripture on this subject. His long-time bestseller, The Names of God, is still available in most bookstores. It’s an excellent study of God’s character. (Keep your Kleenex box handy! This book so tenderly reveals the heart of our wonderful Lord as shown in Scripture you’ll probably cry a lot!)
8) “I still believe in endless hell, but I also believe God’s love is unconditional and totally committed. What’s wrong with just loving and trusting God and leaving all mysteries in His good hands?”
That is a good attitude to adopt. That is, if you’re absolutely certain you can prove that endless torment is an essential yet mysterious doctrine taught in Scripture. And it’s a worthy attitude if you’re sincerely convinced that God’s prophetic word, as well as His will, purpose, and desire to redeem His whole creation will be thwarted forever.
We all must be prepared to give a reason for the hope that lies within us, according to Paul. How do you explain your hope to people who ask, “Why would a loving God create people whom He already knows are doomed for endless agony?” How do you assure them of God’s unconditional love—and total commitment—from a Scriptural basis?
9) “If this total restoration doctrine is true, why have I never heard of it before? The only people I’ve ever known to deny the doctrine of endless hell are unorthodox cultists who also deny Christ’s deity, etc.”
People asked the same question about justification by faith in Christ alone five centuries ago when Martin Luther and others began proclaiming it. Many dedicated Christians throughout the centuries have believed in this full gospel of restoration. In fact, history indicates that most of the church understood the Good News in this way for the first three to four hundred years, AD. The oldest statement of orthodox faith known to Christianity was formulated in the 300’s at the Roman government’s request. Now get this—the Apostle’s creed, as it came to be called later (which appears in two slightly different versions) makes no mention of an endless hell! One version mentions Christ’s descent into Hades where He preached to Noah’s generation. However, that passage in 1 Peter tends to disprove—not support—the notion of endless punishment!
Interesting, how the fourth century Christians’ ideas about “orthodoxy” differ from those of much of today’s church, isn’t it? For good historical documentation, order Christ Triumphant, the book mentioned at the top of the reading list. (It’s available from Concordant Publishing for $7.00, plus $1.50 postage and handling.)
10) “This doctrine of universal reconciliation sounds to me like a teaching someone made up in order to advertise a ‘God’ who is soft on sin and more acceptable to the world.”
On the contrary, any “God” who will permit sin such as cursing, blasphemy, and bitterness to endure eternally would be soft on sin. For only such a compromising deity would invent an endless hell of ceaseless cursing and blasphemy to co-exist with his holy nature forever.
But thank you for being honest. As long as you’re absolutely certain that your own version of “God” is solidly based on the original language of Scripture—and all that is prophesied in Scripture—then believe what your heart dictates to be true. Would you please write us a testimony explaining how your meditations on the Lord’s judgments (as you understand them) have increased your love for Him? How have they inspired your heart toward deeper worship? The psalmist David also sang of God’s judgments. Do you have any songs to share that would increase our faith? Please share them if you do. I say this with all respect and sincerity.
11) “I still have problems with thinking that people like Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin will one day be in Heaven.”
I understand! Yet I am also confident our Good and Just Father knows how to see that such men get what’s coming to them—to the satisfaction of us all—without taking forever to do so. I shudder to think of being in their shoes! However, if endless hell actually were taught in Scripture, do you know who would be hardest for me to understand going to Heaven? Adam and Eve! I can’t imagine a greater miscarriage of justice than for our first parents to be saved despite the damages they caused all the rest of us. People like Adolf Hitler would never have been born had it not been for Adam and Eve’s rebellion.
12) “I still don’t understand how God can save everyone and yet every person have a free will.”
Well, you believed people had “free wills” before, didn’t you? What’s wrong with God showing the same kindness and patience toward others He has shown toward you until they make a good choice? I don’t understand how God can be “one” and also “three,” but the Bible teaches it, so I believe it. However, Scripture does not require that I must believe that God is love/hate or that God is committed/uncommitted. Big difference!
13) “Why do we not hear more people proclaiming this message today?”
Next time you go to church, have a good look at the classic songs of the faith in your hymnal. Also, if your church uses an overhead projector, note carefully the words of many choruses now being published by today’s younger generation. “Ancient of Days” is good for starters. Also, don’t forget to review all the verses to well-known Christmas carols, as well as Handel’s “Messiah.” If our “free will” is the bottomline factor determining our destiny, why aren’t there any songs about it? Truth liberates the heart to worship, doesn’t it?
According to Eugene Peterson, the entire book of Revelation is a hymn of worship, sung by many of the early church (see The Message translation by Eugene Peterson). Obviously, much of today’s church cannot sing all of it because they don’t understand God’s judgments as the first century Christians did. Review Psalm 96, bearing in mind that the only Scriptures available to the earliest Christians came from the Old Testament. And remember that the New Testament finds its roots in Moses and the prophets.
14) “I believe God is SOVEREIGN. This means God is all-powerful and holy, and He can do anything He wants to do!”
So do I. God is Sovereign Holy Love. And 1 Corinthians 13 tells us exactly what He wants to do, and does do—and will always do.
Sovereign Holy Love can only act in harmony with His nature. Thus He cannot perpetuate error, pain and evil. Nor can He “allow” them to exist forever. For Omnipotent, Omnipresent Love Himself always succeeds and never fails. Therefore, Calvary MUST succeed for all the world—for any exception would mean an eternal victory for satan.
And to be utterly honest, I’m convinced that most Christians, in their deepest hearts, believe the same thing. Otherwise, instead of opposing (easy and convenient) abortions, we would all be mounting a campaign for the immediate sterilization of the human race. That is, if we truly believed that most infants born in this world are destined as adults for endless torment. For no human parent with a heart would dream of conceiving a child—knowing—that hopeless damnation was its probable (or even possible) destiny.
Is God any less merciful than we are? Is He only as powerful as we are? Think about it.
“Love is very patient and kind,
never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud,
never haughty or selfish or rude.
Love does not demand its own way.
It is not irritable or touchy.
It does not hold grudges
and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.
It is never glad about injustice,
but rejoices whenever truth wins out. . .
There are three things that remain
—faith, hope, and love—
and the greatest of these is love”
— (1 Cor. 13:4-6,13, The Living Bible).
“Every tongue shall take an oath,
He shall say,
‘Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength!ʼ”
— (Isa. 45:23b-24, NKJV).
“Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him . . .
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and all dominions shall serve and obey Him”
— (Daniel 7:14,27b, NKJV).
“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth
and under the earth and on the sea,
and all that is in them, singing:
‘To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!ʼ”
— (Rev. 5:13, NIV1984).