RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-08-26	Universalism: And Why We Need To Oppose It
		Universalism is a heresy. Sometimes this is called Christian Universalism. Universalism in the context of theology, has the idea that in the end everyone will be saved. That would be every human being without exception. Some even apply this to the fallen angels as well. They teach that salvation can occur after death. So those who are not Christians in this life will convert to Christianity in the afterlife after suffering varying degrees of punishment. The teaching that God will forgive all people of all their sin is appealing. It is a comfort to think that no one will go to hell forever. And in a world of “tolerance” and diluted absolutes the idea that all will be forgiven fits right in. Many think this way and somehow hope because of their own good will toward others, they will receive it themselves. This wishful thinking has no basis in the Word of God. PROPER BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE Universalism distorts every doctrine related to God, man, sin, salvation, judgment, and the purpose of Christ's death on the cross. The irony is that in their effort to extend grace to all persons they end up undermining grace to any person. They end up saying, I am saved because I am divine. No one is saved by grace because in their view they actually deserve it. God punishes sinners (Mt.25:46). Why? Because He is holy (Is.6:3; Rv.4:8). Is God love? Yes, He is (1Jn.4:8,16). But that is not all God is. He is also just (2Th.1:6). God must punish sinners because sin is an offense against Him (Is.59:2). In His love He sent His Son to die for us. Those who reject Christ, God will be just and punish them. There are two truths from the Word of God that must be embraced together. 1. God is just and obligated to punish sin, and hence, the sinner. 2. God is love and graciously provided His Son to redeem those who would be His by faith. Universalism makes the latter quality of God override the former. How to respond to universalism is to preach the cross of Christ. If the cross is preached in its richness, it shows that God is holy. It also shows His hatred toward sin, and His profound love that He endured the weight of sin. The cross shows us that our salvation did not come cheaply. With their view there is no need for a Savior. Instead God is obligated to save everyone. Heb 10:29  Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? No one will escape the judgment of God if they forsake Christ in this world. Universalism is the Devil's deceitful alternative to God's plan of salvation. Its danger is that it may cause the heart to be comfortable, and to put off seeking the Savior because of this false hope. Will evil people who commit the most horrendous of crimes, and who have blasphemed the name of God be allowed to escape their judgment? Plus they have rejected the Lord's sacrifice. Does God simply say, “It is okay for you to reject Me, My Son, the sacrifice, the agony on the cross. It does not matter that you blaspheme against Me.” Will He then say, “Enter into My rest and enjoy eternal bliss.” The following are essential to the Christian faith. Joh 8:24  Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." 1Co 15:14  And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. These are essential because they contain a penalty of damnation for denying it. Only those who place their trust in Christ will receive forgiveness and enter eternal salvation. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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