Nobody goes to "Hell" forever, in the end, ALL are with God!

10,422 Views | 187 Replies | Last: 1 yr ago by thegoodolag15
Aggrad08
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AG
ramblin_ag02 said:

I specifically responded that at every moment we are all the sum total of our experiences and choices, in other words "our journey". Our present condition, which is the ultimate expression of our journey, is all that matters from eternal standpoint.
...... According to my timescale, my journey, my story, and my life are an insignficant blip except for the eternal impact.
This is all exactly my point. For Christianity the first sentence is to state our journey matters only insofar as our current condition relates to our eternal judgment. This is a peculiarity, it's utterly divorced even from the judaism it sprang forth from.

Christianity is all about the eternal stakes, and when fully embraced is one of the worst religions to follow "if you are wrong". I would argue though that far and away most christians, even quite devout ones don't fully embrace the meaninglessness of their journey in relations to the eternal timescale. Which makes it a perfectly good religion to embrace in a practical sense for most people. They have found a version of Christianity that puts adequate focus and meaning on the journey.
Bighunter43
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AG
dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

This topic is way over my head, yet the answer seems all too simplistic.

Consider these two verses:
1.). John 3:36 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, whoever rejects the Son shall not see life, for God's wrath REMAINS on them!"

2.). 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 "Those that do not know God, and those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus, they will be punished with EVERLASTING destruction and SHUT OUT from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might!

Both of those sure sound eternal to me!!

I think this article sums up how I interpret this:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/universalism-will-everyone-finally-be-saved/


And may I ask "Who conducts the eternal (that is a long time) torment you describe?

Is it God who revealed himself as Jesus?

Is it Satan who God defeats at the end?

Have you ever really thought about eternal torment administered by a loving God?


First of all, thank you for the respectful dialogue.
All excellent questions for deeper thought! Of course, I have no answer. Although we serve a LOVING God....we also serve a "just" God!! That same "loving" God also destroyed all humans except Noah and family during the flood...wiped out cities of Sodham and Gomorrah ....HE helped his chosen people the Israelites lay waste to various tribes. He also says in no uncertain terms that if you do not accept Christ as your savior....you will be sent to eternal death!
In essence, I serve a loving God who blesses me daily even though I am severely unworthy!! And yet while I know He loves me unconditionally, I also have a healthy fear of Him as well....as .Psalms 33:8 says "let all the earth fear the Lord!"


Let me ask you....who created Hell, this place of eternal torment? Yes...that same "loving" but also "just" God!!
So where was hell in the OT? Why did the Jews, God's chosen people, have no concept of it?

And in the verses you chose, God's wrath is not a place.

And destruction means cease to exist.

If you are going to support ECT hell the best verse is Matthew 25:46 because of the word eternal used for the fate of the sheep and the goats. Some debate on the choice of the Greek word, kolasis, which usually means pruning or a rehabilitative punishment, like a father for a child. Timoria is is the Greek word usually used for retributive punishment.

And there are a lot of Bible verses that support universal reconciliation. Most of which have been posted in this thread.

My two favorite are from Paul.

1 Corinthians 15:22
For as in Adam all died, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

Romans 5:18
Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.

Here is a link to many more

https://www.mercyonall.org/universalism-in-scripture

And I am not trying to change your mind. I am just stating my position based on Scripture. There is definitely Scripture that supports annihilationism and to a lesser extent, the Western theology of ECT hell.

And sure we are to fear God. But to me, that means respect and obey him. Much like a good father. And there will be consequences for sin and disobedience.

Think of the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son. That is how a loving father acts.

And have you ever sat down and thought about eternal punishment? Like forever without end? That does not sound just to me and certainly does not fit the image of Jesus which was God Incarnate revealed to us.



First, I believe that the Bible is 100% the infallible word of God! As such, God has said repeatedly that the ONLY way to the Father in Heaven is through the Son, Jesus Christ! The ONLY way!!
So, the Universalist view you are advocating goes totally against the Bible and God's Holy Word. Because, if there is a time where God calls ALL souls to Heaven, then that completely contradicts His Word. Your basically saying , "hey, there will be ANOTHER WAY one day.....God will just rescue you at some point and time and "allow" you in. Regardless if you were an unbeliever, Hindu, Muslim, etc.....you're good. Your argument is that an evil person who might have molested and murdered innocent children, or even Adolf Hitler, who had millions killed and tortured....that God will one day just say: "hey buddy, I think you've finally been through enough torment, so just come on up and join us in all the blessings of Heaven!" I'm sorry, I can't fathom that, nor find it Biblical! Matthew 25:41 says that lost souls will be cast into the eternal fire! Eternal is defined as "forever!" In conclusion, the doctrine you are advocating can be summed up by saying "you do not need to accept Jesus as your Savior during this life....as you will be allowed in Heaven one day anyway!" That seems unbiblical to me.
I agree Jesus is the only way.

What if He decides to save everyone as many Scriptures support? Scripture clearly states God desires all men to be saved, correct?

So the question becomes is man's free will strong enough to thwart the desires of Almighty God?

You are saying God does not get what he desires.


Those are valid points....although I do not concur. Of course God desires, meaning wants, all to accept the free gift of eternal life through his Son. However, he gave us the free will to choose, and a consequence for those who refuse Him, which is eternity in Hell.

Does not God desire that we all follow His ways and be more Christlike, and unfortunately the vast majority don't?

Earlier you mentioned how I could conceive that a loving God would make people spend eternity in Hell? Let me refer to the Bible for the answer (and to the answer about God's desires): Isaiah 55: 8-9 " For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, declares the Lord. As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts!" In other words.....God has his ways and it is not in our capacity to understand his ways!
So people of their own free will choose eternal torment?


When you are presented with the Gospel, don't you have two choices? You can either accept Christ and gain eternal life....or decline, and you will spend eternity in Hell. So, if I choose not to accept Christ, I have chosen the alternative by default. Let's say I get an invitation in the mail to a party.... I can either choose to go to the party or stay home. So if I choose not to go to the party.....in essence didn't I also choose to stay home?
dermdoc
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AG
Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

This topic is way over my head, yet the answer seems all too simplistic.

Consider these two verses:
1.). John 3:36 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, whoever rejects the Son shall not see life, for God's wrath REMAINS on them!"

2.). 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 "Those that do not know God, and those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus, they will be punished with EVERLASTING destruction and SHUT OUT from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might!

Both of those sure sound eternal to me!!

I think this article sums up how I interpret this:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/universalism-will-everyone-finally-be-saved/


And may I ask "Who conducts the eternal (that is a long time) torment you describe?

Is it God who revealed himself as Jesus?

Is it Satan who God defeats at the end?

Have you ever really thought about eternal torment administered by a loving God?


First of all, thank you for the respectful dialogue.
All excellent questions for deeper thought! Of course, I have no answer. Although we serve a LOVING God....we also serve a "just" God!! That same "loving" God also destroyed all humans except Noah and family during the flood...wiped out cities of Sodham and Gomorrah ....HE helped his chosen people the Israelites lay waste to various tribes. He also says in no uncertain terms that if you do not accept Christ as your savior....you will be sent to eternal death!
In essence, I serve a loving God who blesses me daily even though I am severely unworthy!! And yet while I know He loves me unconditionally, I also have a healthy fear of Him as well....as .Psalms 33:8 says "let all the earth fear the Lord!"


Let me ask you....who created Hell, this place of eternal torment? Yes...that same "loving" but also "just" God!!
So where was hell in the OT? Why did the Jews, God's chosen people, have no concept of it?

And in the verses you chose, God's wrath is not a place.

And destruction means cease to exist.

If you are going to support ECT hell the best verse is Matthew 25:46 because of the word eternal used for the fate of the sheep and the goats. Some debate on the choice of the Greek word, kolasis, which usually means pruning or a rehabilitative punishment, like a father for a child. Timoria is is the Greek word usually used for retributive punishment.

And there are a lot of Bible verses that support universal reconciliation. Most of which have been posted in this thread.

My two favorite are from Paul.

1 Corinthians 15:22
For as in Adam all died, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

Romans 5:18
Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.

Here is a link to many more

https://www.mercyonall.org/universalism-in-scripture

And I am not trying to change your mind. I am just stating my position based on Scripture. There is definitely Scripture that supports annihilationism and to a lesser extent, the Western theology of ECT hell.

And sure we are to fear God. But to me, that means respect and obey him. Much like a good father. And there will be consequences for sin and disobedience.

Think of the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son. That is how a loving father acts.

And have you ever sat down and thought about eternal punishment? Like forever without end? That does not sound just to me and certainly does not fit the image of Jesus which was God Incarnate revealed to us.



First, I believe that the Bible is 100% the infallible word of God! As such, God has said repeatedly that the ONLY way to the Father in Heaven is through the Son, Jesus Christ! The ONLY way!!
So, the Universalist view you are advocating goes totally against the Bible and God's Holy Word. Because, if there is a time where God calls ALL souls to Heaven, then that completely contradicts His Word. Your basically saying , "hey, there will be ANOTHER WAY one day.....God will just rescue you at some point and time and "allow" you in. Regardless if you were an unbeliever, Hindu, Muslim, etc.....you're good. Your argument is that an evil person who might have molested and murdered innocent children, or even Adolf Hitler, who had millions killed and tortured....that God will one day just say: "hey buddy, I think you've finally been through enough torment, so just come on up and join us in all the blessings of Heaven!" I'm sorry, I can't fathom that, nor find it Biblical! Matthew 25:41 says that lost souls will be cast into the eternal fire! Eternal is defined as "forever!" In conclusion, the doctrine you are advocating can be summed up by saying "you do not need to accept Jesus as your Savior during this life....as you will be allowed in Heaven one day anyway!" That seems unbiblical to me.
I agree Jesus is the only way.

What if He decides to save everyone as many Scriptures support? Scripture clearly states God desires all men to be saved, correct?

So the question becomes is man's free will strong enough to thwart the desires of Almighty God?

You are saying God does not get what he desires.


Those are valid points....although I do not concur. Of course God desires, meaning wants, all to accept the free gift of eternal life through his Son. However, he gave us the free will to choose, and a consequence for those who refuse Him, which is eternity in Hell.

Does not God desire that we all follow His ways and be more Christlike, and unfortunately the vast majority don't?

Earlier you mentioned how I could conceive that a loving God would make people spend eternity in Hell? Let me refer to the Bible for the answer (and to the answer about God's desires): Isaiah 55: 8-9 " For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, declares the Lord. As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts!" In other words.....God has his ways and it is not in our capacity to understand his ways!
So people of their own free will choose eternal torment?


When you are presented with the Gospel, don't you have two choices? You can either accept Christ and gain eternal life....or decline, and you will spend eternity in Hell. So, if I choose not to accept Christ, I have chosen the alternative by default. Let's say I get an invitation in the mail to a party.... I can either choose to go to the party or stay home. So if I choose not to go to the party.....in essence didn't I also choose to stay home?


What if you never heard the Gospel?

Say a infant child in India who dies?
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
AgLiving06
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dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

This topic is way over my head, yet the answer seems all too simplistic.

Consider these two verses:
1.). John 3:36 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, whoever rejects the Son shall not see life, for God's wrath REMAINS on them!"

2.). 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 "Those that do not know God, and those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus, they will be punished with EVERLASTING destruction and SHUT OUT from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might!

Both of those sure sound eternal to me!!

I think this article sums up how I interpret this:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/universalism-will-everyone-finally-be-saved/


And may I ask "Who conducts the eternal (that is a long time) torment you describe?

Is it God who revealed himself as Jesus?

Is it Satan who God defeats at the end?

Have you ever really thought about eternal torment administered by a loving God?


First of all, thank you for the respectful dialogue.
All excellent questions for deeper thought! Of course, I have no answer. Although we serve a LOVING God....we also serve a "just" God!! That same "loving" God also destroyed all humans except Noah and family during the flood...wiped out cities of Sodham and Gomorrah ....HE helped his chosen people the Israelites lay waste to various tribes. He also says in no uncertain terms that if you do not accept Christ as your savior....you will be sent to eternal death!
In essence, I serve a loving God who blesses me daily even though I am severely unworthy!! And yet while I know He loves me unconditionally, I also have a healthy fear of Him as well....as .Psalms 33:8 says "let all the earth fear the Lord!"


Let me ask you....who created Hell, this place of eternal torment? Yes...that same "loving" but also "just" God!!
So where was hell in the OT? Why did the Jews, God's chosen people, have no concept of it?

And in the verses you chose, God's wrath is not a place.

And destruction means cease to exist.

If you are going to support ECT hell the best verse is Matthew 25:46 because of the word eternal used for the fate of the sheep and the goats. Some debate on the choice of the Greek word, kolasis, which usually means pruning or a rehabilitative punishment, like a father for a child. Timoria is is the Greek word usually used for retributive punishment.

And there are a lot of Bible verses that support universal reconciliation. Most of which have been posted in this thread.

My two favorite are from Paul.

1 Corinthians 15:22
For as in Adam all died, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

Romans 5:18
Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.

Here is a link to many more

https://www.mercyonall.org/universalism-in-scripture

And I am not trying to change your mind. I am just stating my position based on Scripture. There is definitely Scripture that supports annihilationism and to a lesser extent, the Western theology of ECT hell.

And sure we are to fear God. But to me, that means respect and obey him. Much like a good father. And there will be consequences for sin and disobedience.

Think of the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son. That is how a loving father acts.

And have you ever sat down and thought about eternal punishment? Like forever without end? That does not sound just to me and certainly does not fit the image of Jesus which was God Incarnate revealed to us.



First, I believe that the Bible is 100% the infallible word of God! As such, God has said repeatedly that the ONLY way to the Father in Heaven is through the Son, Jesus Christ! The ONLY way!!
So, the Universalist view you are advocating goes totally against the Bible and God's Holy Word. Because, if there is a time where God calls ALL souls to Heaven, then that completely contradicts His Word. Your basically saying , "hey, there will be ANOTHER WAY one day.....God will just rescue you at some point and time and "allow" you in. Regardless if you were an unbeliever, Hindu, Muslim, etc.....you're good. Your argument is that an evil person who might have molested and murdered innocent children, or even Adolf Hitler, who had millions killed and tortured....that God will one day just say: "hey buddy, I think you've finally been through enough torment, so just come on up and join us in all the blessings of Heaven!" I'm sorry, I can't fathom that, nor find it Biblical! Matthew 25:41 says that lost souls will be cast into the eternal fire! Eternal is defined as "forever!" In conclusion, the doctrine you are advocating can be summed up by saying "you do not need to accept Jesus as your Savior during this life....as you will be allowed in Heaven one day anyway!" That seems unbiblical to me.
I agree Jesus is the only way.

What if He decides to save everyone as many Scriptures support? Scripture clearly states God desires all men to be saved, correct?

So the question becomes is man's free will strong enough to thwart the desires of Almighty God?

You are saying God does not get what he desires.


Those are valid points....although I do not concur. Of course God desires, meaning wants, all to accept the free gift of eternal life through his Son. However, he gave us the free will to choose, and a consequence for those who refuse Him, which is eternity in Hell.

Does not God desire that we all follow His ways and be more Christlike, and unfortunately the vast majority don't?

Earlier you mentioned how I could conceive that a loving God would make people spend eternity in Hell? Let me refer to the Bible for the answer (and to the answer about God's desires): Isaiah 55: 8-9 " For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, declares the Lord. As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts!" In other words.....God has his ways and it is not in our capacity to understand his ways!
So people of their own free will choose eternal torment?


When you are presented with the Gospel, don't you have two choices? You can either accept Christ and gain eternal life....or decline, and you will spend eternity in Hell. So, if I choose not to accept Christ, I have chosen the alternative by default. Let's say I get an invitation in the mail to a party.... I can either choose to go to the party or stay home. So if I choose not to go to the party.....in essence didn't I also choose to stay home?


What if you never heard the Gospel?

Say a infant child in India who dies?

This I think gets to the heart of your belief system.

You're a doctor who takes care of kids and so you have probably dealt with more than most of us ever will when it comes to them and so you are searching for justification that they will be ok and that you haven't failed them. It's honorable and noble and we should all aspire to that.

But it's led you down a path of excluding Scripture you don't like, and that "should" be problematic if you were thinking about it rationally.

But Scripture does offer some hope. Remember, Jesus tells us to have faith of a child. That he wanted all children to come to him.

So we hope, we pray, and we live out his final command to spread the Word. But we also cannot give false hope. That may end up being even more damaging than anything else.
PabloSerna
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AG
"So people of their own free will choose eternal torment?"

+++

Doesn't add up huh?

Enter the dogma of Purgatory which states, "1030 All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven."

dermdoc
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AG
AgLiving06 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

This topic is way over my head, yet the answer seems all too simplistic.

Consider these two verses:
1.). John 3:36 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, whoever rejects the Son shall not see life, for God's wrath REMAINS on them!"

2.). 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 "Those that do not know God, and those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus, they will be punished with EVERLASTING destruction and SHUT OUT from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might!

Both of those sure sound eternal to me!!

I think this article sums up how I interpret this:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/universalism-will-everyone-finally-be-saved/


And may I ask "Who conducts the eternal (that is a long time) torment you describe?

Is it God who revealed himself as Jesus?

Is it Satan who God defeats at the end?

Have you ever really thought about eternal torment administered by a loving God?


First of all, thank you for the respectful dialogue.
All excellent questions for deeper thought! Of course, I have no answer. Although we serve a LOVING God....we also serve a "just" God!! That same "loving" God also destroyed all humans except Noah and family during the flood...wiped out cities of Sodham and Gomorrah ....HE helped his chosen people the Israelites lay waste to various tribes. He also says in no uncertain terms that if you do not accept Christ as your savior....you will be sent to eternal death!
In essence, I serve a loving God who blesses me daily even though I am severely unworthy!! And yet while I know He loves me unconditionally, I also have a healthy fear of Him as well....as .Psalms 33:8 says "let all the earth fear the Lord!"


Let me ask you....who created Hell, this place of eternal torment? Yes...that same "loving" but also "just" God!!
So where was hell in the OT? Why did the Jews, God's chosen people, have no concept of it?

And in the verses you chose, God's wrath is not a place.

And destruction means cease to exist.

If you are going to support ECT hell the best verse is Matthew 25:46 because of the word eternal used for the fate of the sheep and the goats. Some debate on the choice of the Greek word, kolasis, which usually means pruning or a rehabilitative punishment, like a father for a child. Timoria is is the Greek word usually used for retributive punishment.

And there are a lot of Bible verses that support universal reconciliation. Most of which have been posted in this thread.

My two favorite are from Paul.

1 Corinthians 15:22
For as in Adam all died, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

Romans 5:18
Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.

Here is a link to many more

https://www.mercyonall.org/universalism-in-scripture

And I am not trying to change your mind. I am just stating my position based on Scripture. There is definitely Scripture that supports annihilationism and to a lesser extent, the Western theology of ECT hell.

And sure we are to fear God. But to me, that means respect and obey him. Much like a good father. And there will be consequences for sin and disobedience.

Think of the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son. That is how a loving father acts.

And have you ever sat down and thought about eternal punishment? Like forever without end? That does not sound just to me and certainly does not fit the image of Jesus which was God Incarnate revealed to us.



First, I believe that the Bible is 100% the infallible word of God! As such, God has said repeatedly that the ONLY way to the Father in Heaven is through the Son, Jesus Christ! The ONLY way!!
So, the Universalist view you are advocating goes totally against the Bible and God's Holy Word. Because, if there is a time where God calls ALL souls to Heaven, then that completely contradicts His Word. Your basically saying , "hey, there will be ANOTHER WAY one day.....God will just rescue you at some point and time and "allow" you in. Regardless if you were an unbeliever, Hindu, Muslim, etc.....you're good. Your argument is that an evil person who might have molested and murdered innocent children, or even Adolf Hitler, who had millions killed and tortured....that God will one day just say: "hey buddy, I think you've finally been through enough torment, so just come on up and join us in all the blessings of Heaven!" I'm sorry, I can't fathom that, nor find it Biblical! Matthew 25:41 says that lost souls will be cast into the eternal fire! Eternal is defined as "forever!" In conclusion, the doctrine you are advocating can be summed up by saying "you do not need to accept Jesus as your Savior during this life....as you will be allowed in Heaven one day anyway!" That seems unbiblical to me.
I agree Jesus is the only way.

What if He decides to save everyone as many Scriptures support? Scripture clearly states God desires all men to be saved, correct?

So the question becomes is man's free will strong enough to thwart the desires of Almighty God?

You are saying God does not get what he desires.


Those are valid points....although I do not concur. Of course God desires, meaning wants, all to accept the free gift of eternal life through his Son. However, he gave us the free will to choose, and a consequence for those who refuse Him, which is eternity in Hell.

Does not God desire that we all follow His ways and be more Christlike, and unfortunately the vast majority don't?

Earlier you mentioned how I could conceive that a loving God would make people spend eternity in Hell? Let me refer to the Bible for the answer (and to the answer about God's desires): Isaiah 55: 8-9 " For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, declares the Lord. As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts!" In other words.....God has his ways and it is not in our capacity to understand his ways!
So people of their own free will choose eternal torment?


When you are presented with the Gospel, don't you have two choices? You can either accept Christ and gain eternal life....or decline, and you will spend eternity in Hell. So, if I choose not to accept Christ, I have chosen the alternative by default. Let's say I get an invitation in the mail to a party.... I can either choose to go to the party or stay home. So if I choose not to go to the party.....in essence didn't I also choose to stay home?


What if you never heard the Gospel?

Say a infant child in India who dies?

This I think gets to the heart of your belief system.

You're a doctor who takes care of kids and so you have probably dealt with more than most of us ever will when it comes to them and so you are searching for justification that they will be ok and that you haven't failed them. It's honorable and noble and we should all aspire to that.

But it's led you down a path of excluding Scripture you don't like, and that "should" be problematic if you were thinking about it rationally.

But Scripture does offer some hope. Remember, Jesus tells us to have faith of a child. That he wanted all children to come to him.

So we hope, we pray, and we live out his final command to spread the Word. But we also cannot give false hope. That may end up being even more damaging than anything else.

I do not think it is false hope. And I have never excluded Scripture I do not like.

We just read the same Scripture and disagree. Has happened for thousands of years. I do not think I am irrational.

Shalom.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
Bighunter43
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AG
dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

This topic is way over my head, yet the answer seems all too simplistic.

Consider these two verses:
1.). John 3:36 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, whoever rejects the Son shall not see life, for God's wrath REMAINS on them!"

2.). 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 "Those that do not know God, and those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus, they will be punished with EVERLASTING destruction and SHUT OUT from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might!

Both of those sure sound eternal to me!!

I think this article sums up how I interpret this:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/universalism-will-everyone-finally-be-saved/


And may I ask "Who conducts the eternal (that is a long time) torment you describe?

Is it God who revealed himself as Jesus?

Is it Satan who God defeats at the end?

Have you ever really thought about eternal torment administered by a loving God?


First of all, thank you for the respectful dialogue.
All excellent questions for deeper thought! Of course, I have no answer. Although we serve a LOVING God....we also serve a "just" God!! That same "loving" God also destroyed all humans except Noah and family during the flood...wiped out cities of Sodham and Gomorrah ....HE helped his chosen people the Israelites lay waste to various tribes. He also says in no uncertain terms that if you do not accept Christ as your savior....you will be sent to eternal death!
In essence, I serve a loving God who blesses me daily even though I am severely unworthy!! And yet while I know He loves me unconditionally, I also have a healthy fear of Him as well....as .Psalms 33:8 says "let all the earth fear the Lord!"


Let me ask you....who created Hell, this place of eternal torment? Yes...that same "loving" but also "just" God!!
So where was hell in the OT? Why did the Jews, God's chosen people, have no concept of it?

And in the verses you chose, God's wrath is not a place.

And destruction means cease to exist.

If you are going to support ECT hell the best verse is Matthew 25:46 because of the word eternal used for the fate of the sheep and the goats. Some debate on the choice of the Greek word, kolasis, which usually means pruning or a rehabilitative punishment, like a father for a child. Timoria is is the Greek word usually used for retributive punishment.

And there are a lot of Bible verses that support universal reconciliation. Most of which have been posted in this thread.

My two favorite are from Paul.

1 Corinthians 15:22
For as in Adam all died, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

Romans 5:18
Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.

Here is a link to many more

https://www.mercyonall.org/universalism-in-scripture

And I am not trying to change your mind. I am just stating my position based on Scripture. There is definitely Scripture that supports annihilationism and to a lesser extent, the Western theology of ECT hell.

And sure we are to fear God. But to me, that means respect and obey him. Much like a good father. And there will be consequences for sin and disobedience.

Think of the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son. That is how a loving father acts.

And have you ever sat down and thought about eternal punishment? Like forever without end? That does not sound just to me and certainly does not fit the image of Jesus which was God Incarnate revealed to us.



First, I believe that the Bible is 100% the infallible word of God! As such, God has said repeatedly that the ONLY way to the Father in Heaven is through the Son, Jesus Christ! The ONLY way!!
So, the Universalist view you are advocating goes totally against the Bible and God's Holy Word. Because, if there is a time where God calls ALL souls to Heaven, then that completely contradicts His Word. Your basically saying , "hey, there will be ANOTHER WAY one day.....God will just rescue you at some point and time and "allow" you in. Regardless if you were an unbeliever, Hindu, Muslim, etc.....you're good. Your argument is that an evil person who might have molested and murdered innocent children, or even Adolf Hitler, who had millions killed and tortured....that God will one day just say: "hey buddy, I think you've finally been through enough torment, so just come on up and join us in all the blessings of Heaven!" I'm sorry, I can't fathom that, nor find it Biblical! Matthew 25:41 says that lost souls will be cast into the eternal fire! Eternal is defined as "forever!" In conclusion, the doctrine you are advocating can be summed up by saying "you do not need to accept Jesus as your Savior during this life....as you will be allowed in Heaven one day anyway!" That seems unbiblical to me.
I agree Jesus is the only way.

What if He decides to save everyone as many Scriptures support? Scripture clearly states God desires all men to be saved, correct?

So the question becomes is man's free will strong enough to thwart the desires of Almighty God?

You are saying God does not get what he desires.


Those are valid points....although I do not concur. Of course God desires, meaning wants, all to accept the free gift of eternal life through his Son. However, he gave us the free will to choose, and a consequence for those who refuse Him, which is eternity in Hell.

Does not God desire that we all follow His ways and be more Christlike, and unfortunately the vast majority don't?

Earlier you mentioned how I could conceive that a loving God would make people spend eternity in Hell? Let me refer to the Bible for the answer (and to the answer about God's desires): Isaiah 55: 8-9 " For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, declares the Lord. As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts!" In other words.....God has his ways and it is not in our capacity to understand his ways!
So people of their own free will choose eternal torment?


When you are presented with the Gospel, don't you have two choices? You can either accept Christ and gain eternal life....or decline, and you will spend eternity in Hell. So, if I choose not to accept Christ, I have chosen the alternative by default. Let's say I get an invitation in the mail to a party.... I can either choose to go to the party or stay home. So if I choose not to go to the party.....in essence didn't I also choose to stay home?


What if you never heard the Gospel?

Say a infant child in India who dies?


God knows when someone is to be held "accountable".....when a person has had the opportunity to make the decision, and "chose" not to accept Christ. He knows when rejection has taken place. (Yes, I know the Bible doesn't cut to the chase on Age of Accountability)... Honestly, I believe this concept of Christian Universalism is a faulty doctrine (I know Rob Bell has promoted it in his book, Love Wins, and it is NOT Biblical). Hell is very real.....and it's eternal!! You have one life....so live accordingly and choose Christ!
dermdoc
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AG
I have chosen Christ. Glad you have also. Christ gives us the most abundant life possible.

That is not what this discussion is about.

Just curious, have you read "Love Wins"?
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Bighunter43
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dermdoc said:

I have chosen Christ. Glad you have also. Christ gives us the most abundant life possible.

That is not what this discussion is about.

Just curious, have you read "Love Wins"?


No I have not....and I will not. However, I was in a class where the "theories" were discussed and was warned it was not Biblical. I believe (and so do many others) that the entire concept of Christian Universalism is just another ploy by Satan! Keep the faith!!
dermdoc
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Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

I have chosen Christ. Glad you have also. Christ gives us the most abundant life possible.

That is not what this discussion is about.

Just curious, have you read "Love Wins"?


No I have not....and I will not. However, I was in a class where the "theories" were discussed and was warned it was not Biblical. I believe (and so do many others) that the entire concept of Christian Universalism is just another ploy by Satan! Keep the faith!!
Actually Bell uses Scripture

1 Timothy 2 3-4
This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone come to repentance.

1 John 4 God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in Him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement, because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love.

Basically Bell discusses Scriptures, which are definitely Biblical, and makes no absolute declarations.

He just muses on if God is love and desires all men to be saved, straight from the Bible, then maybe love (God) wins over man's free will and all are ultimately reconciled.

Saying it is "un Biblical" is just not true.

Those are Scripture directly from the Bible.
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AgLiving06
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Respectfully, most or all heretics quoted Scripture.

So simply saying "I'm using Scripture" doesn't mean much unless it's within proper context.

Sure 1 Timothy 2:3-4 says what you say it says, but as is always the case, there's more.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 "4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared..."



So Paul has made 2 clear statements.

1. Jesus wants all people to be saved.
2. Some will depart from the saving faith and follow deceitful spirits and demons.

In your theology, you only want to affirm the first statement, but not the second. The challenge I have is that, unless you proof text out of context, I'm not sure there's any scripture that stands alone that God saves all unconditionally.

34blast
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You are finding scriptures out of context to back your beliefs. I clearly pointed out from scriptures that hell and punishment is eternal, see previous post. There is no other way to interpret them especially Daniel 12:2.

The Bible is the perfect inspired infallible word of God or it isn't. If it is that, then the Bible does not contradict itself . You must study and treat the scriptures in a holistic manner.
dermdoc
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AgLiving06 said:

Respectfully, most or all heretics quoted Scripture.

So simply saying "I'm using Scripture" doesn't mean much unless it's within proper context.

Sure 1 Timothy 2:3-4 says what you say it says, but as is always the case, there's more.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 "4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared..."



So Paul has made 2 clear statements.

1. Jesus wants all people to be saved.
2. Some will depart from the saving faith and follow deceitful spirits and demons.

In your theology, you only want to affirm the first statement, but not the second. The challenge I have is that, unless you proof text out of context, I'm not sure there's any scripture that stands alone that God saves all unconditionally.


Disagree. That is not what I am saying. There will be punishment but it will be corrective punishment.
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dermdoc
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AG
34blast said:

You are finding scriptures out of context to back your beliefs. I clearly pointed out from scriptures that hell and punishment is eternal, see previous post. There is no other way to interpret them especially Daniel 12:2.

The Bible is the perfect inspired infallible word of God or it isn't. If it is that, then the Bible does not contradict itself . You must study and treat the scriptures in a holistic manner.
There are saints and a lot of very smart theologians who do not agree with your interpretations. As I have stated before, there is Scriptural support for ECT hell, annihilationism, and universal reconciliation.

Not saying you are wrong, just that yours is not the only interpretation.
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AgLiving06
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dermdoc said:

AgLiving06 said:

Respectfully, most or all heretics quoted Scripture.

So simply saying "I'm using Scripture" doesn't mean much unless it's within proper context.

Sure 1 Timothy 2:3-4 says what you say it says, but as is always the case, there's more.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 "4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared..."



So Paul has made 2 clear statements.

1. Jesus wants all people to be saved.
2. Some will depart from the saving faith and follow deceitful spirits and demons.

In your theology, you only want to affirm the first statement, but not the second. The challenge I have is that, unless you proof text out of context, I'm not sure there's any scripture that stands alone that God saves all unconditionally.


Disagree. That is not what I am saying. There will be punishment but it will be corrective punishment.

Which actually takes things one step further than Roman Catholics.

Rome hold that purgatory is for believers (which is not scriptural).

You're now proposing another place for non-believers. What Scripture supports it?

The challenge to your concept is 1 Peter 3 that:

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.

Things we should note.
1. There are people who did not obey God in a "prison."
2. Jesus proclaims to them.
3. There is no indication they are freed from this "prison."
The Banned
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dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

I have chosen Christ. Glad you have also. Christ gives us the most abundant life possible.

That is not what this discussion is about.

Just curious, have you read "Love Wins"?


No I have not....and I will not. However, I was in a class where the "theories" were discussed and was warned it was not Biblical. I believe (and so do many others) that the entire concept of Christian Universalism is just another ploy by Satan! Keep the faith!!
Actually Bell uses Scripture

1 Timothy 2 3-4
This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone come to repentance.

1 John 4 God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in Him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement, because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love.

Basically Bell discusses Scriptures, which are definitely Biblical, and makes no absolute declarations.

He just muses on if God is love and desires all men to be saved, straight from the Bible, then maybe love (God) wins over man's free will and all are ultimately reconciled.

Saying it is "un Biblical" is just not true.

Those are Scripture directly from the Bible.


"Wants" and "desires" are not on par with "will". We have to careful here
dermdoc
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AG
AgLiving06 said:

dermdoc said:

AgLiving06 said:

Respectfully, most or all heretics quoted Scripture.

So simply saying "I'm using Scripture" doesn't mean much unless it's within proper context.

Sure 1 Timothy 2:3-4 says what you say it says, but as is always the case, there's more.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 "4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared..."



So Paul has made 2 clear statements.

1. Jesus wants all people to be saved.
2. Some will depart from the saving faith and follow deceitful spirits and demons.

In your theology, you only want to affirm the first statement, but not the second. The challenge I have is that, unless you proof text out of context, I'm not sure there's any scripture that stands alone that God saves all unconditionally.


Disagree. That is not what I am saying. There will be punishment but it will be corrective punishment.

Which actually takes things one step further than Roman Catholics.

Rome hold that purgatory is for believers (which is not scriptural).

You're now proposing another place for non-believers. What Scripture supports it?

The challenge to your concept is 1 Peter 3 that:

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.

Things we should note.
1. There are people who did not obey God in a "prison."
2. Jesus proclaims to them.
3. There is no indication they are freed from this "prison."

We are never going to agree but we both love the Lord so I am confident we will be together in the presence of the Lord.

Shalom
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Bighunter43
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AG
dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

I have chosen Christ. Glad you have also. Christ gives us the most abundant life possible.

That is not what this discussion is about.

Just curious, have you read "Love Wins"?


No I have not....and I will not. However, I was in a class where the "theories" were discussed and was warned it was not Biblical. I believe (and so do many others) that the entire concept of Christian Universalism is just another ploy by Satan! Keep the faith!!
Actually Bell uses Scripture

1 Timothy 2 3-4
This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone come to repentance.

1 John 4 God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in Him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement, because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love.

Basically Bell discusses Scriptures, which are definitely Biblical, and makes no absolute declarations.

He just muses on if God is love and desires all men to be saved, straight from the Bible, then maybe love (God) wins over man's free will and all are ultimately reconciled.

Saying it is "un Biblical" is just not true.

Those are Scripture directly from the Bible.


The use of scripture does NOT necessarily equate to his thoughts as "Biblical".....Bell's views are faulty!
Please remember that Satan himself used scripture (Psalms 91) in his 2nd temptation of Christ....but that did not make his point "Biblical"!!
2 Peter 3:16....."there are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do other scriptures!"
Bell's book is false teachings......he leads people away from the Cross, telling souls that they will reach Heaven anyway in the end contradicts the Gospel and is definitely "unbiblical!" This is Satan's attempt to destroy as many as he can! I would urge you to reconsider the premise you are advocating....as it might convince someone to follow this false teaching. Hell is eternal my friend.....the Bible is clear on that!
Love speaks truth.....and respects others enough to speak truth!!
dermdoc
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AG
The Banned said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

I have chosen Christ. Glad you have also. Christ gives us the most abundant life possible.

That is not what this discussion is about.

Just curious, have you read "Love Wins"?


No I have not....and I will not. However, I was in a class where the "theories" were discussed and was warned it was not Biblical. I believe (and so do many others) that the entire concept of Christian Universalism is just another ploy by Satan! Keep the faith!!
Actually Bell uses Scripture

1 Timothy 2 3-4
This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone come to repentance.

1 John 4 God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in Him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement, because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love.

Basically Bell discusses Scriptures, which are definitely Biblical, and makes no absolute declarations.

He just muses on if God is love and desires all men to be saved, straight from the Bible, then maybe love (God) wins over man's free will and all are ultimately reconciled.

Saying it is "un Biblical" is just not true.

Those are Scripture directly from the Bible.


"Wants" and "desires" are not on par with "will". We have to careful here


That was NIV
King James Version uses even stronger words

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
Who WILL have all men to be saved, and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
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dermdoc
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AG
Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

I have chosen Christ. Glad you have also. Christ gives us the most abundant life possible.

That is not what this discussion is about.

Just curious, have you read "Love Wins"?


No I have not....and I will not. However, I was in a class where the "theories" were discussed and was warned it was not Biblical. I believe (and so do many others) that the entire concept of Christian Universalism is just another ploy by Satan! Keep the faith!!
Actually Bell uses Scripture

1 Timothy 2 3-4
This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone come to repentance.

1 John 4 God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in Him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement, because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love.

Basically Bell discusses Scriptures, which are definitely Biblical, and makes no absolute declarations.

He just muses on if God is love and desires all men to be saved, straight from the Bible, then maybe love (God) wins over man's free will and all are ultimately reconciled.

Saying it is "un Biblical" is just not true.

Those are Scripture directly from the Bible.


The use of scripture does NOT necessarily equate to his thoughts as "Biblical".....Bell's views are faulty!
Please remember that Satan himself used scripture (Psalms 91) in his 2nd temptation of Christ....but that did not make his point "Biblical"!!
2 Peter 3:16....."there are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do other scriptures!"
Bell's book is false teachings......he leads people away from the Cross, telling souls that they will reach Heaven anyway in the end contradicts the Gospel and is definitely "unbiblical!" This is Satan's attempt to destroy as many as he can! I would urge you to reconsider the premise you are advocating....as it might convince someone to follow this false teaching. Hell is eternal my friend.....the Bible is clear on that!
Love speaks truth.....and respects others enough to speak truth!!


So you have not read Bell's book and know what is in it?

Seriously, I have an incredibly strong relationship with the Lord and have never been so bold about proclaiming my faith through words or actions.

And don't worry, I am not preaching universal reconciliation to anyone.

Shalom and God bless
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
Bighunter43
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AG
dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

I have chosen Christ. Glad you have also. Christ gives us the most abundant life possible.

That is not what this discussion is about.

Just curious, have you read "Love Wins"?


No I have not....and I will not. However, I was in a class where the "theories" were discussed and was warned it was not Biblical. I believe (and so do many others) that the entire concept of Christian Universalism is just another ploy by Satan! Keep the faith!!
Actually Bell uses Scripture

1 Timothy 2 3-4
This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone come to repentance.

1 John 4 God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in Him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement, because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love.

Basically Bell discusses Scriptures, which are definitely Biblical, and makes no absolute declarations.

He just muses on if God is love and desires all men to be saved, straight from the Bible, then maybe love (God) wins over man's free will and all are ultimately reconciled.

Saying it is "un Biblical" is just not true.

Those are Scripture directly from the Bible.


The use of scripture does NOT necessarily equate to his thoughts as "Biblical".....Bell's views are faulty!
Please remember that Satan himself used scripture (Psalms 91) in his 2nd temptation of Christ....but that did not make his point "Biblical"!!
2 Peter 3:16....."there are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do other scriptures!"
Bell's book is false teachings......he leads people away from the Cross, telling souls that they will reach Heaven anyway in the end contradicts the Gospel and is definitely "unbiblical!" This is Satan's attempt to destroy as many as he can! I would urge you to reconsider the premise you are advocating....as it might convince someone to follow this false teaching. Hell is eternal my friend.....the Bible is clear on that!
Love speaks truth.....and respects others enough to speak truth!!


So you have not read Bell's book and know what is in it?

Seriously, I have an incredibly strong relationship with the Lord and have never been so bold about proclaiming my faith through words or actions.

And don't worry, I am not preaching universal reconciliation to anyone.

Shalom and God bless


I honestly would never read Love Wins....I would not subject myself to it, nor would I take money from my own pocket to put money in his which he could use to further his agenda. I have read enough about (researched his teachings quite thoroughly) it to understand the points he is trying to make!
I am glad that you know Christ as Savior and equally glad that you would not push the Universalism agenda.
BluHorseShu
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AG
AgLiving06 said:

dermdoc said:

AgLiving06 said:

Respectfully, most or all heretics quoted Scripture.

So simply saying "I'm using Scripture" doesn't mean much unless it's within proper context.

Sure 1 Timothy 2:3-4 says what you say it says, but as is always the case, there's more.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 "4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared..."



So Paul has made 2 clear statements.

1. Jesus wants all people to be saved.
2. Some will depart from the saving faith and follow deceitful spirits and demons.

In your theology, you only want to affirm the first statement, but not the second. The challenge I have is that, unless you proof text out of context, I'm not sure there's any scripture that stands alone that God saves all unconditionally.


Disagree. That is not what I am saying. There will be punishment but it will be corrective punishment.

Which actually takes things one step further than Roman Catholics.

Rome hold that purgatory is for believers (which is not scriptural).

You're now proposing another place for non-believers. What Scripture supports it?

The challenge to your concept is 1 Peter 3 that:

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.

Things we should note.
1. There are people who did not obey God in a "prison."
2. Jesus proclaims to them.
3. There is no indication they are freed from this "prison."

Actually, there are scriptures that support purgatory. Which is essentially (and I'm overly simplyfying)...is the placed where you get cleaned up to enter heaven after you've persevered. Some have become more righteous throughout there lives and their time of purification could be instantaneous. Some may be saved by died without repenting of all their sins. Still saved, but need more purification. Christ's sacrifice was already enough for salvation. This end process is a preparation to enter heaven. No one fails if they're there.

Rev. 21:27 "Nothing unclean shall enter heaven"
Matthew 5:25-26 "Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; truly I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny
I Corinthians 3:11-15 "Each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done".

I'd list Maccabees but I don't know if you consider it part of your OT canon.
dermdoc
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AG
Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

Bighunter43 said:

dermdoc said:

I have chosen Christ. Glad you have also. Christ gives us the most abundant life possible.

That is not what this discussion is about.

Just curious, have you read "Love Wins"?


No I have not....and I will not. However, I was in a class where the "theories" were discussed and was warned it was not Biblical. I believe (and so do many others) that the entire concept of Christian Universalism is just another ploy by Satan! Keep the faith!!
Actually Bell uses Scripture

1 Timothy 2 3-4
This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone come to repentance.

1 John 4 God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in Him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement, because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love.

Basically Bell discusses Scriptures, which are definitely Biblical, and makes no absolute declarations.

He just muses on if God is love and desires all men to be saved, straight from the Bible, then maybe love (God) wins over man's free will and all are ultimately reconciled.

Saying it is "un Biblical" is just not true.

Those are Scripture directly from the Bible.


The use of scripture does NOT necessarily equate to his thoughts as "Biblical".....Bell's views are faulty!
Please remember that Satan himself used scripture (Psalms 91) in his 2nd temptation of Christ....but that did not make his point "Biblical"!!
2 Peter 3:16....."there are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do other scriptures!"
Bell's book is false teachings......he leads people away from the Cross, telling souls that they will reach Heaven anyway in the end contradicts the Gospel and is definitely "unbiblical!" This is Satan's attempt to destroy as many as he can! I would urge you to reconsider the premise you are advocating....as it might convince someone to follow this false teaching. Hell is eternal my friend.....the Bible is clear on that!
Love speaks truth.....and respects others enough to speak truth!!


So you have not read Bell's book and know what is in it?

Seriously, I have an incredibly strong relationship with the Lord and have never been so bold about proclaiming my faith through words or actions.

And don't worry, I am not preaching universal reconciliation to anyone.

Shalom and God bless


I honestly would never read Love Wins....I would not subject myself to it, nor would I take money from my own pocket to put money in his which he could use to further his agenda. I have read enough about (researched his teachings quite thoroughly) it to understand the points he is trying to make!
I am glad that you know Christ as Savior and equally glad that you would not push the Universalism agenda.
It is not an agenda. I have stated repeatedly I am not trying to change anybody else's mind. And I know of no Christian universal reconciliation theologians who are trying to change anybody's mind.

Just learning and exploring Scripture.



Shalom.
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Zobel
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those aren't random people in prison. Those are rebellious spirits - demons or nephilim. it is an oblique reference to 1 Enoch.
one MEEN Ag
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A free link to read 1st Enoch for those who are interested.

Highlights: Description of watchers, cameo by Abel, 4 very interesting bowls/caves of sorted souls

Lowlights: Imperfect calendar that still is off .2422 days per year.

http://www.hiddenbible.com/enoch/online.html

Enjoy!
dermdoc
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one MEEN Ag said:

A free link to read 1st Enoch for those who are interested.

Highlights: Description of watchers, cameo by Abel, 4 very interesting bowls/caves of sorted souls

Lowlights: Imperfect calendar that still is off .2422 days per year.

http://www.hiddenbible.com/enoch/online.html

Enjoy!


Thanks
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one MEEN Ag
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dermdoc said:

one MEEN Ag said:

A free link to read 1st Enoch for those who are interested.

Highlights: Description of watchers, cameo by Abel, 4 very interesting bowls/caves of sorted souls

Lowlights: Imperfect calendar that still is off .2422 days per year.

http://www.hiddenbible.com/enoch/online.html

Enjoy!


Thanks
As a side note, Enoch is the 7th generation from Adam. He represents righteousness with God and someone who upholds virtue. He is also a foil of the 7 generation of Adam down Cain's line - Lamech. Which Lamech's story reveals unrighteousness (arrogance, violent, cursing God, first documented instance of polygamy in biblical genealogy.)

Just an interesting tidbit, and not coincidental to it being the 7th generation. The two men are foils of what being made complete in God or in the fall of man look like.
AgLiving06
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BluHorseShu said:

AgLiving06 said:

dermdoc said:

AgLiving06 said:

Respectfully, most or all heretics quoted Scripture.

So simply saying "I'm using Scripture" doesn't mean much unless it's within proper context.

Sure 1 Timothy 2:3-4 says what you say it says, but as is always the case, there's more.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 "4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared..."



So Paul has made 2 clear statements.

1. Jesus wants all people to be saved.
2. Some will depart from the saving faith and follow deceitful spirits and demons.

In your theology, you only want to affirm the first statement, but not the second. The challenge I have is that, unless you proof text out of context, I'm not sure there's any scripture that stands alone that God saves all unconditionally.


Disagree. That is not what I am saying. There will be punishment but it will be corrective punishment.

Which actually takes things one step further than Roman Catholics.

Rome hold that purgatory is for believers (which is not scriptural).

You're now proposing another place for non-believers. What Scripture supports it?

The challenge to your concept is 1 Peter 3 that:

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.

Things we should note.
1. There are people who did not obey God in a "prison."
2. Jesus proclaims to them.
3. There is no indication they are freed from this "prison."

Actually, there are scriptures that support purgatory. Which is essentially (and I'm overly simplyfying)...is the placed where you get cleaned up to enter heaven after you've persevered. Some have become more righteous throughout there lives and their time of purification could be instantaneous. Some may be saved by died without repenting of all their sins. Still saved, but need more purification. Christ's sacrifice was already enough for salvation. This end process is a preparation to enter heaven. No one fails if they're there.

Rev. 21:27 "Nothing unclean shall enter heaven"
Matthew 5:25-26 "Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; truly I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny
I Corinthians 3:11-15 "Each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done".

I'd list Maccabees but I don't know if you consider it part of your OT canon.

None of these verses support any concept of purgatory. In normal fashion, you start with a presupposition of purgatory, and are forcing verses to fit it.

But lets take Rev 21:27 "Nothing unclean shall enter heaven."

Are you saying that John and Paul disagree on the cleanliness of man before God?

Ephesians 5

22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

Christ has made his Church holy and unblemished through his life, death and resurrection. When we stand before God, we will be unblemished. Pretty straight forward.




dermdoc
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Enoch is some wild stuff.
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Logos Stick
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Tom Kazansky 2012
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RAB91 said:

M1Buckeye said:

jrico2727 said:

So if everyone is saved even the demons and satan, then why be good?


You have a total lack of understanding. Why didn't the Catholic Church teach you?


Who wants to tell him what church assembled and approved the bible?
His Church's Bible likely omitted a book or two and then claimed sola scriptura.

I am not sure what M1 practices though.
M1Buckeye
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Tom Kazansky 2012 said:

RAB91 said:

M1Buckeye said:

jrico2727 said:

So if everyone is saved even the demons and satan, then why be good?


You have a total lack of understanding. Why didn't the Catholic Church teach you?


Who wants to tell him what church assembled and approved the bible?
His Church's Bible likely omitted a book or two and then claimed sola scriptura.

I am not sure what M1 practices though.


I go by the word of God from the original scriptures. You're certainly free to follow all of new doctrines created by the Roman Church but I encourage you to remember what Paul said.

Galatians 1:8-9 esv
8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
Zobel
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follows original scriptures, doesn't read Greek or Hebrew
M1Buckeye
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Zobel said:

follows original scriptures, doesn't read Greek or Hebrew


The great thing about Catholocism and the Eastern Orthodox is that they don't need God's word, they just make up whatever they like and guys like you follow them.
Zobel
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