Aside from Universalism believing that ALL of mankind will be saved despite their religious beliefs, despite the fact whether a Muslim or a Buddhist or an atheist even acknowledges this idea or not, despite the fact whether they accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Son of the one true God or not…
Does this universal Salvation start from the beginning of time, or only after Jesus died on the cross? This is an extremely important question. Because if it starts from the jump, it completely undermines the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ as if it wasn’t necessary. That is dangerous theology.
If everyone is going to heaven one day, why the need for Hell? And with Hell being a real place, why use it’s existence in Universalism preaching because it works against what they are trying to teach.
What prevents anyone from running amok when they know they can do whatever they want? We are born with Sin in our hearts. That Sin manifests itself everyday in a wide variety of ways. Only by trying to be nearer to Jesus do we curb those evil inclinations. If you teach people that it doesn’t matter if they act like Jesus - or like Satan - because they’re headed to the top in the end, that could have serious - 10 Commandment-breaking - repercussions.
Further, if this belief is true, then why have a Bible at all? Why have church? Why have missions and missionaries? Because if this is the true way, then people don’t need to hear about Jesus at all because at the end of the day, they’re saved anyway. The problem with that right there is that Jesus asked for his followers to be the church. To go out and spread the Word. To be fishers of men. If that didn’t matter to Him, why did He command it?
Also, it appears that Universalism is trying to be this “feel good” anti-Christian-esque Christian movement that boasts “I’m okay, you’re okay.” They don’t want people not liking us Christians so they’d rather damn them to Hell for all eternity rather than ruffle a few feathers. Pretend that our God is not a jealous being who wants and demands our love back. The Universalists have our God looking more like a laid-back hippie than an all-powerful God who commands respect and should have our undying gratitude and servitude.
Not telling the non-followers that following Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life when we have a chance to is pretty much condemning them. It is our duty to spread the Gospel, not to change and rearrange it how we see fit so that outsiders can feel good about it. Oh, but wait, maybe if they see how cool our God is and how loving He is to all of mankind regardless of what they do or think, then maybe they’ll join us. That was in someone’s head just then. And that is crazy ridiculous.
There was a town with a set of laws. Some people knew them, some others didn’t. The local Sheriff wasn’t too worried either way. He sat on his rocking chair on the porch of his office and watched the citizens go by everyday. No matter what he saw them doing, he always waved and smiled at them. “Looking good,” he’d tell them.
Soon, the people realized that no matter what they were doing, good or bad, the Sheriff was always smiling.
So, like most humans, they began doing whatever they wanted to do. After a time, the laws went out the window. Crime was rampant. People were hurt or killed. Chaos was abundant. No one cared about anything because at the end of the day, they weren’t getting into trouble. Heck, the jail had since been turned into a marshmallow factory anyway.
The Sheriff continued to sit in his rocking chair on that porch and smile as his town burnt down in flames.
The town was called Universalism.
Does our God sound like that careless Sheriff? Pick up the Bible and let me know. Wait, I’ll save you the trouble…Nope.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6
That passage is pretty much as solid as a rock. I don't see any air pockets to wedge anything into. You're not prying that open. This is as open for interpretation as Chik-Fil-A is on a Sunday. Not happening.
It's like me saying "My name is Brennan." You can't try to read into this and say, "He's not saying his name is really Brennan here." Um, yes I am. That's exactly what I'm saying.
Our condo has two garage doors, a patio door and a front door. They're not all open at the same time and you have to go through the front door if you're getting inside. Ball's now in your court. Your turn to make the effort. The invite is out there, but I'm not driving to your house to pick you up.
That's what Jesus did. He's the door into heaven. He's extended the invite. Now it's up to us accept the invitation and to make sure we get to the party. And He's cool as many "plus 1's" when can bring along.
