No hope?

[wasco55]

This verse from Paul has often been used as an argument against UR.
1 Thessalonians 4:13
But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them that fall asleep; that ye sorrow not, even as the rest, who have no hope.

If we read what is written, it's not hard to understand what Paul is saying.
He does not say that those that are dead without knowing Christ are without hope.
He is saying that those mourning their dead without knowing Christ, they don't see any hope.
They don't see any hope, because the god of this world has blinded their eyes. Therefore they can't see and can't understand the power of resurrection.

But do we believe that their blindnes can change Gods plan of salvation for all?

[lomarah]

Exactly.  :cloud9:

Thank God for hope! (I don't know how people get by without it!)

[ded2daworld]

Back in the day, people believed that Christs return was any minute. There were even cults that taught those in Christ would never die - in THIS life. So people back then were sad when believers died. Believers were dying just as the pagan had died. Paul reminds them that we have the hope of the resurection while pagans have no hope - an incredibly sad way to live one's life.
"Without hope, without God."  This is why we should witness. Not so people will escape eternal torment, but that they might escape the torment of this current life (this present darkness) when living without God and without hope.

[jabcat]

Good comments/insights here.  Thanks.   :thumbsup: