v.16. May I say, you may get away with Christ, but not the law or the prison cells. And yet this is exactly what universalists accuse God of… He is like a life saver, pushing us into the swimming pool just so He can pull us out again. Choose. Now the Rome itself was out to get them. 1) John 9:39 “for judgment I came into the world…’ Don’t you think Jesus could have essentially been saying that His mission in coming to earth was to RECEIVE judgement – namely the judgement due the human race? The universalist view negates any faith response from a believer and rejects any form of responsibility. The Lord also said to pluck an eye out if makes you stumble. The Bible tells us that God is love. When God gave us the freedom to choose, He knew that some would choose to reject Him and that death and eternal separation would be the result. We have been reconciled. ( Log Out / As I preach on eternal salvation, someone confronted me with Revelation 3 “Jesus promised to SPEW the Christians out of His mouth” because they don’t please Him. God forbid” (verse 11). Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. But i know nobody believes that. “Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.” -Romans 5:18. This has nothing to do with one’s love or hatred for the sun – it’s just a natural reaction to the brightness of the sun. Lou, the parable doesn’t make any distinction about gentiles or Jews. There are also numerous verses that clearly show that repentance and a confession of faith are required to receive what was accomplished in the cross. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. Imagine again telling Christians that Christ died for our sins , past, present and future and if one steals, rapes, or even commits adultery he is safe because Christ already died for his sins. Nobody is disregarding the root word. they have their sufferings now, and not with the wicked in the I find nothing in life or the Bible that supports this and much evidence to support the contrary notion that we go astray or are led astray. So it is the same now. That’s the good news of the cross. 4 Now those “friends” think it is strange that you no longer join them in all the wild and wasteful things they do. her; all his people's times are in his hand, as of comfort, so of 1 He exhorteth them to cease from sin by the example of Christ, and the consideration of the general end that now approacheth: 12 and comforteth them against persecution. It refers to a rich man and a beggar, that’ it. You also need to do some pretty good gymnastics with certain scriptures to make them “fit” with this view.” like the belief in eternal damnation is far from the truth. I have friends who died rejecting His overtures and I wish that somehow they would yet qualify. 1 Peter 4:17, ESV: "For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, … thanks to you and thanks to Christians everywhere who count me their brother. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 1:9-12 KJV [9] Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. of course. So your theory of “You had to have sat for years and years under this teaching to begin interpreting scripture this way. “if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed” 2:14] has ceased from sin, 2 # Rom. Thank you for the opportunity to share what I think. That one verse is clear as day don’t know what else I can write. The Hyper-Grace Gospel You may be interested in my recent “Conversations about hell” and “What happens to babies who die?”. I contest that the “goats” are man’s Adamic nature. Truth is your books are not here. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God By the house of God is either meant the temple at Jerusalem, which is often so called, because it was built for God, and where were the symbol of his presence, and his worship; and now the time was come, or at hand, that God would begin at his … Why are you so concerned about them what about Moses , what about Elijah, what about Enoch. Btw, i am so grateful for your help. Time is short. the Jewish people, as a whole, rejected it. But things since escalated. ( when did we not ). Finally, a universalist by definition is one believes that all will be saved. Christ universal victory is freely available to all, but they have to accept and embrace it. So the argument that God will force salvation onto everybody does not hold water – if God’s grace will override mankind’s rebellion in the spiritual dimension, why doesn’t He step in right now and put an end to all the suffering in the natural realm as well? this is a bit confusing. 1 Since therefore # ch. But God’s gifts are greater, right? He wants to go into all of the world to announce the Good News! It was more in-depth about what I was saying; I don’t know why it didn’t come up. At first glance thought the judge was Cornel in a wig. Was Jesus serious about plucking eyes? I propose that God never stops loving any of us (believer or unbeliever), even after death. How in the name of all that is sensible are we supposed to get joyful over a divine whipping? You can find an article on that scripture in the Archives>Scripture Index. You are teaching a gospel of believing in Jesus and afterwards doing whatever you want. [10] Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: [11] Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, … Your comment about plucking an eye is an example of hyperbole. The apostle Paul makes very clear in numerous verses that not all will receive what is available to them. Here on earth if someone forces their love on you without your consent, it is considered to be rape. If not, what else is there? If they truly believed what they say then they would care less that someone preached salvation or anything else for that matter. You will no doubt disagree, but the evidence of scripture is squarely in the “tormented day and night forever” camp (Rev 20:10-15). If the universalism view were the truth, then only those who hold a Greek degree would be able to grasp it. Peter said “Christ died for sins once for all” (1 Pet 3:18). Part of our original sin was to put a measure on God, and freedom from this is to accept his limitless goodness. And lo and behold it felt like a veil was ripped and I could see clearly. Hi Dr. Paul, thanks for the direction. which is frequently called the house of God, because it is of his However, good genes means everyone has good genes. But Christ came through the womb and saved us all. Sorry that comment above was super long; my bad. “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”. Either Jesus is Lord or He isn’t. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? Genuine beliebers and also those who profess to believe but are not… they are like Pharisees, wolves in sheeps clothes, tares, etc. If an earthly father knows how to give good gifts to his children how much more your Father in Heaven? Sadly, some won’t. God is an ever consuming fire. 4. It has nothing to do with Satan or Adam doing a greater work than Christ. Similarly, you cannot claim that Christ saved you while preaching “pagan doctrines” about hell. Isaiah (and Paul in Philippians 2) are not speaking to the issue of universalism one way or another. ( Log Out / Rom 8:38-39 says that nothing, not even death, will be able to separate us from the love of God. That Adamic nature has many names, imho: self, carnal man, earthy, vessel of dishonor, goat, chaff, etc. “If it is with difficulty the righteous are saved….” I don’t understand how or why we believers (the righteous) are saved with difficulty. However, I can’t quite work out what this judgement looks like, if it is not the re-trying of sin which has already been paid for. a time, and even as it were for a moment, for a little while; and They will refer to patterns of judgment in the Old Testament but make no mention of the cross. I’m mindful and Apostle will have a greater reward in Heaven than let’s say a guy who lived a wicked life and never embraced what Christ did but that same wicked man will one day no longer be wicked and will live. If someone gives you a gift for your birthday, you have to receive it to make it your own – or like the universalist, you can leave the person standing knocking at the door with the gift in his hand without actually taking it from him, but think he will someday hunt you down and force you to take it . We are exhorted to preach the message of reconciliation. It’s free! Hi Lou, (not that I doubt that as truth for a second). I believe why it says many were affected in the fall is to be taken in the same sense as ,” many will be affected because of Jesus”. Not saying that is the case in your life, but the Word is very clear about a need for surrender on our part. Also God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, NOW be ye reconciled to Him. Yes. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. Interpret 1 Peter 4:17 through the lens of works and you will end up with a condemning message. Because people need to believe it. No worries. In the words of Spurgeon, “if he has loved you once he will love you forever.”. and which are fatherly chastisements, and different from God's 1 Peter 4:17. So what is Peter talking about when he says it’s time for judgment to begin with the house of God? I like this site, because we are asked to share what “we think”, rather than what god is saying. their nation, city, and temple; and in the world to come Because of Nero Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith in Christ. But you then argue that we have no choice now – all will be saved. Some people seem to take perverse delight in threatening others with the sword of God’s judgment. family of God: and by judgment is meant, not punishment for sin, The other word Peter uses to describe our sufferings is "trial" (NIV, KJV) or "ordeal" (NRSV). trouble and distress; for as it was necessary the Gospel should Also in my studies of what,” all knowing’ means it never means God knew every move every man would ever make before he made it. I don’t believe in it anymore!” One day the word Hell kept popping up into my mind over and over. represented as saying to him F15. That’s why God wants us to tell everyone so they can call Him Father and live that “abundant life” Christ promised. Change ). See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. end in wrath and severe punishment on them: and whereas it is Blessed be the Go… I’m pretty sure I love my bible and I believe the scriptures you quoted are misunderstood by you and many other universalist. Jesus didn’t share your uncertainty about hell. It was confusing though, in the context of talking about suffering as a believer. 5 But they will have to face God to explain what they have done. God has no favorites. them, but they disbelieved the doctrines of it, and submitted not Look at how Peter describes this judgment: v.12: “the fiery suffering among you that is coming to try you” (, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. What News is that? Of the two possible errors, the one you risk is infinitely riskier. When Jesus returns in glory he will not judge anyone. thanks for the clarity. The action or inaction is irrelevant.It is the reason we do that indicates the presence of a RELATIONSHIP with God which supplies the power to act as sheep do. Finally, if the punishment that brought us peace was placed on Christ (Is 53:5), how can God now punish us? Hi Dr. Paul, I thank Jesus for blessing you with His wisdom which by the same spirit you impart to me as I read your writings. Peter wrote during a time of great persecution. Since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind: The commitment God calls us to have is nothing greater than the commitmen… It comes from a revelation of the Father’s love as expressed in the Son’s perfect work on the cross. Why would we need to be in our mortal bodies in order for God to pursue us or for us to respond to His love, to Christ? It’s not in His nature. I can’t embrace this doctrine aand still be faithful to scripture. He means if a person should decide he doesn’t want to live without God the way he’s seen his parents live then that person will be forgiven and not held in some bondage because his father put him there. I choose to believe that what Jesus did was a perfect work that cannot be added to or improved upon. It’s the grave or Sheol if you will also a place of uncertainty. Some won’t and the end for them will be horrific. If you are a sheep it is a day to look forward to with confidence. Impossible! Contrary to popular mythology, knowing all sin has been paid for does not encourage people to go and see how deeply into sin they can jump. Romans 5:18 only means that it is available for all people, not that all people will receive what’s available. No, because your sins were covered and paid for by the blood of Christ. (1 Pet 4:12-19). Reading the article and many reports I take it all this is what people think, what people think is not necessarily what god is saying. The root word does not take away or detract from the fact that the Bible teaches there is a place of eternal separation from God. Proverbs 14:12 NIV “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”, paul is teaching the gospel of grace… that offers salvation to all people and teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, so that we will live sober, righteous and godly lives in the here and now (titus 2:11-12) Neither seem likely. I argued with this topic a few weeks ago. The good news of God’s grace will not be heard unless those who preach it are bold. You may also be interested to learn that I am writing a grace-based book on Jesus’ letters to the Revelation Churches. Gospel, as it makes it the more valuable in itself, so it is to The key to understanding 1 Peter 4:17 is the word judgment. “The Greek word translated Hell is Hades, coming from ‘a(i)des’. Straighten up and fly right. 5:24; Col. 3:3, 5 whoever has suffered in the flesh # [2 Pet. Roger Hahn. 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood: May grace and peace be yours in abundance. v.13: “you participate in the sufferings of Christ” What is this judgement and why did Jesus not say the sheep put their faith in me where the goats don’t & think they are good enough by themselves? The concern is not that Christians could lose their salvation, but that they might be driven underground in fear (3:6,14). That’s quite an oversight! Salem Media Group. Been reading the comments. Some have trouble choosing life as they believe they were and allways alive, they are only saved, and they then debate what they were saved from.They have life but don’t really believe it, like Martha . This is about God being true to Himself. That parable is also just one of many many verses referring to Hell (regardless of root words) and the concept of an eternal separation from God for those who persisted in their unbelief. But the only trouble is where I live. But I strongly disagree with those who say we are born fist-waving, hell-bound rebels. But I could not dismiss the many great times me and God had in His Word. 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, American Standard Version. Whosoever wants to drink of jesus ( the many) , will be saved but whosoever wants to follow in Adams steps ( the many) he can do that too. In other words, do you believe we are condemned for Adam’s sins or our own? I don’t want a confusing lap of realities. If you’re on the platform waiting for the 12-noon train but you can’t make up your mind whether you want to get on it or not, by 12:01 you will have chosen. Specious means spurious and your logic is demonstrably so. Adam did not rule and therefore lost his authority – bottom line. With all of the Law, Prophets and even the raising of the dead they still didn’t believe. I had no choice about where I was born, but I can’t blame my ancestors if I’m unhappy here yet don’t choose to leave. It is quite possible that there are aspects of life that we may put too much value on and other parts we do not want to accept. A Living Hope For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. Hi Lewis, the point is that it does say just that in the passage you refer to it depends what lense you look through, for me this is one of the great grace messages Jesus gave. design believers in Christ, those that are of the household and ?” How can one who is saved and redeemed still be accursed if he preaches ‘any other gospel’ which I supposed is that he preaches law and be accursed? and profess his name: what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of Must have been quite a shock to most everyone there except the Lord of course. HI Paul love your article, my question might be abit way off your topic here but would love to hear what you understanding in this Gal 1:8&9 that Paul preached “but even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” And then he repeated again on verse 9 about preaching any other gospel that they will be accursed. Thanks for your thoughts as always. God doesn’t send anyone to hell; we send ourselves. I choose to believe that God condemned ALL sin – including yours, mine, and Ananias and Sapphira’s – in the flesh (ie: in Jesus), just as the Bible declares (Rom 8:3). God is addressing this as a comforting message to the saints at all times. If He’s the Savior, listen to Him. which is often so called, because it was built for God, and where This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Yet even now God offers every one of us a choice. Above each Greek word there is a transliteration which helps people to pronounce the word, and linked to each transliterated word there is a page which gives a list of other places where the same word is used in the bible, together with translations from NAS, KJV, and the Interlinear Bible. Most of my post didn ’ t believe in the rush of the garden Abraham called the rich and... ( believer or unbeliever ), you are commenting using your Facebook account the key understanding! 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