Why do some churches insist on teaching universal salvation for all, in the end?
God, help us understand your truths. Nothing would feel better than to know that no one went to hell, but if we're going to be truthful with ourselves and study the Word of God, we shall see that sadly, not all shall be saved. Many hate God, blasphemy Him, curse Him, and truly have made it clear that they have by choice, deliberately rejected God and His plan of salvation. They want nothing to do with him. Therefore, God will give them the desires of their heart. Why then, would some ignore the many verses that confirm that not all shall be universally saved in the end? The church that insists on teaching all shall be saved in the end, shall be held directly accountable to God, and answer for this sin. The Bible says they shall be judged and accountable for each and every soul they caused to go to hell.
Ezekiel 3:18-21 speaks to the prophet Ezekiel's responsibility as a watchman to warn the wicked; if he fails to do so, he will be held accountable for their death.
Hebrews 13:17 states that spiritual leaders are "keeping watch over your souls" and will "have to give an account".
James 3:1 warns that those who teach "will be judged with greater strictness".
Matthew 23 records Jesus' condemnation of religious leaders for their hypocrisy and false teachings, calling them "blind guides" and "hypocrites".
It is tragic and devastating, to think how many souls shall miss Heaven, because of certain churches taught universal salvation for all, in the end. The Bible refers to such deceitful teaching, as ministers more concerned with "the tickling of ears", than preaching the pure gospel truth. These type churches are more interested in soothing messages to the listeners ears, as if they step on any toes during the sermon, they just may not make enough when the collection plate is passed around. Joel Olsteen is a good one for tickling ears, concentrating on "feel good messages" hoping for popularity and prosperity. He is a false teacher, who will not even stand up for Christ when questioned in public, but beats around the bush about his faith. He's nothing but an inspirational, motivational speaker. The Bible says to stay away from these type "ministers".
What part of the following verse, do we pretend to not hear nor understand, when it is clear as a bell? Would we rather desire a lie and deceive our own selves, than face the truth about the consequences that sin placed on us? Why would we take flawed man's word, over God's? Man shall never be smarter nor wiser than God. Satan has deceived so many to believe a lie. Universal salvation is NOT what the Bible teaches, no matter how you look at it. Many verses confirm that, but I'll share with you the most obvious. Why would the Bible point us to the following verse, if one could not lose their own soul? It would be of absolutely no worth, if every soul was saved in the end. However, this Bible verse was meant to give us serious pause:
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36 and Matthew 16:26)
This verse is meant to grab our attention. God is wanting us to realize the immeasurable worth of our soul and how precious it is to protect! It essentially asks what good would it be, to have all the material wealth and success in the world, if it comes at the cost of one's eternal soul?!! I think we're smart enough to see that it is indeed possible to lose one's soul for eternity. This should settle the universal salvation theory. Material possessions are temporary and fleeting, while the soul and it's destination, is eternal. Scripture confirms that. Neglecting one's spiritual life for the sake of material gain, is a poor trade-off.You forever lose your most valuable possession --- your own soul!
If you're still not convinced, read this:
"Whoever believes in Him (Jesus) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe, stands already condemned, because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son, Jesus." John 3:18
Those who do not believe in Jesus, are already under condemnation, because they have rejected the only way of salvation, that could have saved them. This does not mean there is no hope for those who do not believe, but that they are currently unsaved and stay in that condition, until they repent of their sins. This is done, by asking Jesus to come into our hearts and lives, as Savior. John 3:18, highlights the gravity of choosing not to believe, and the importance of accepting God's offer of salvation.
One can simply not drag their sins into a holy heaven. They must be forgiven and cleansed by the blood of Jesus, upon repentance, and then we are made ready for heaven, being brought back into right fellowship and right standing with God the Father. This is due to Jesus' work on the cross to save us by His atoning blood. Otherwise, scripture is clear that we cannot enter heaven....proof that universal salvation is not possible, without Jesus Christ's intervention.
1 Timothy 2:5 states, "For there is one God, and one Mediator also, between God and men, the man Christ Jesus".
This verse emphasizes the unity of God and the unique role of Jesus as the sole Mediator between God and humanity.
The verse, "Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins",
is rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system and further developed in the New Testament...It signifies that the death of Jesus Christ, specifically the shedding of His blood, is the means by which one's sins are forgiven.
These verses are crucial, in that they show us why we need Jesus as Savior. Without him, we would all remain lost forever. It was God the Father, who appointed and approved Jesus as Savior of the world.
Of course, to each their own, but as for me and my house, we shall always believe, serve, and worship the Lord. God is no liar. He is incapable of sin. He is trustworthy and worthy of our love, and he has never abandoned us. No one will ever love us like Jesus, and He proved that on the cross.
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Universal salvation is not quite accurate. There is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ. He can save people outside of the boundries of the Church because His Church is also His Mystical Body which is those who accept and believe in Him, not just those who were baptized and confirmed. Jesus can save people in numerous ways.
@Lushiro The Bible says the way to Heaven is straight and narrow and few there are that find it, and that's because they try to be saved in numerous ways, instead of listening to God's Plan of Salvation.
I wouldn't describe God's church as mystical, as in eastern philosophy, because that would be more fitting for types of witchcraft. God doesn't like that and I don't think he would appreciate people describing the church as mystical in that regard. Yes there are mysteries in the Bible but that's different than claiming God's church is Mystical. They do not delve in the mystical. The Church is a body of believers with faith in God's Saving Grace. I believe that's inaccurate to refer to his Church as mystical. Further, the Apostle Paul said it is not baptism that saves but God's grace through faith in the person of Christ, not some "work". It is Christ's work on the cross that saves souls.
You're sounding like a troll when you speak as you did to Godspeed. You have misjudged him, and we have not said we believe in Universal salvation, nor anything unkind by quoting the gospel, so I don't know why you're bringing that up. Of course Universal salvation is not accurate. If you are a born again Christian, you will know that there are not many paths to Christ. Jesus didn't tell us to pick and choose. He gave us a definite Plan of Salvation. No one has "limited God’s love, or his mercy, or forgiveness" here.
@LadyGrace When I say mystical, that simply means we are one in Christ and that He is the head of all. The new Testament speaks about the members of the Body of Christ, St. Paul also spoke of making up what is lacking in the passion of Christ with his own sufferings, and offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God. Everything I say is biblical and can be found in the Bible. You can hurl insults at me if you like but I speak the truth. Jesus can save people however He chooses as He is also a Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. Salvation is dependent on responding to God’s grace and accepting Jesus in His entirety, Jesus gave every single person what is needed to save themselves through Him by what He did for us and accepting His Mercy even if you're on your deathbed, Jesus can save you, our choice really matters because He won't force us to choose Him. Thats why people need to pray and offer everything to Jesus so He can bring conversion and salvation to everyone possible.
@Lushiro I did not hurl any insults at you. I only said that you're sounding like a troll at times by what you say. I said you're sounding like a troll when you speak as you did to Godspeed.
Now if you had just worded it like you did this last reply, it would have been more clear and not all over the place, all mixed up. You act as if I don't know how God says to be saved when I agree with everything you just said in your last reply. I agree with that 100%, but all I'm saying is many of your replies not only to me but other people have been very judgmental. Why, I don't know, because I'm not teaching anything that is not in the Bible that Jesus said and you know that so I don't know why all the accusations.
@LadyGrace I will reiterate for you so theres no confusion about that. Jesus can save people in numerous ways but not in compromise to Himself. Meaning He Himself is the only method of salvation due to the merits He acquired for us through His entire life, passion, shedding of His Precious Blood and death. All that He came to do in when He became man for our salvation was for that end alone that, all we are doing as His Body on earth (the Church) is participating in His Works (praying, offering our works and pain in union with Him, etc) and giving back what He gave us so He can work in souls and bring them all to Himself. I don't recall judging the persons speaking to me, I dont condemn anyone, am I assertive, witty and playful when speaking? Yes. Perhaps thats a personality thing. But i never judge the individual as only God can do that.
@Lushiro You have said as God's word has said, but your words to Godspeed do show judgment, as follows:
And mine goes out to all of you that lack kindness and gentleness. Two of the fruits of the Spirit. Gal5.22
It is not for you to limit God’s love, or his mercy, or forgiveness.
He wasn’t.
"hell is the destination for those who've rejected Him", is not the way I would have worded that, but I don't think he meant to come across in that way. He was stating what the Bible does also say.
@LadyGrace there is no sugar coating the existence of hell though, God doesnt send anyone there. People literally choose it and God gives them the desires of their heart. And that is where we come in, we can help people shift their decisions in this life and at their last moments on earth, to choose Jesus in the end.
@Lushiro I totally agree, however I'm not talking about sugar coating. I was referring to my belief in preaching the gospel in love, like Jesus did to the crowds. Our words should be full of grace, yet tell the gospel truth. There's a right way and wrong way to present the gospel. Jesus said show love to everyone. No matter who they are.
@LadyGrace I think this is a matter of perception. Jesus was very firm and did not mince His Words when He was preaching. Jesus gave very stern warnings and admonishments and that was all love because love tells people the truth regardless of how they react or feel. Jesus did not condemn anyone but He told the truth plainly, no fancy footing around what needed to be told. We are to do the same, but not with just our words which may not even reach into their hearts but with our deeds and behavior.
@Lushiro Yes I agree, but he spoke in love, not in a condemning way, is all I'm saying. I don't believe in fancy footing around it either. The pure gospel truth needs to be preached.
@LadyGrace Glad we had this conversation lol. I will watch my tone as I can either get too excited or a bit like a cannon ball with too much force. So Ill be praying as I have been on how I should improve! God bless and keep you.
@Lushiro I have the same problem brother hahaha it's so hard to perceive tone or intent, when writing. I can come off as too forceful as well, when I have no intention of doing so. I will pray for us as well so we can improve communication not only between ourselves but to be careful with others as well, that we communicate with. There's no way I want to argue with anyone, especially a brother or sister in Christ. God bless you and give you health and protection always. Much love is sent as your sister in Christ. Thank you for your understanding and for helping me see my mistakes.
