Bulletins & Articles
The Path to Universalism
Universalism is the doctrine, the false doctrine, that everyone will be saved. It is false based upon the Lord’s answer to the question, “Are there few who are saved?” (Lk. 13:23). The Lord said that many would seek to enter and not be able and that we should strive (agoĢnizomai) to enter the narrow gate. You can probably guess what English word is derived from that Greek word. This passage defies universalism. While the Lord wants all to be saved, few are.
How can people believe universalism then? What path do they go down as they deviate from the straight and narrow? Consider a few warning signs.
- If sin is minimized – Many emotionally appeal with a question; will one sin really condemn us? Is that not the same argument the serpent made with Eve (Gen. 3:4). Think upon Abraham lying about Sarah (Gen. 20), Moses striking the rock (Num. 20), or David sleeping with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11). Did God just overlook their sin(s)? No. Never forget that from the very beginning of the Lord’s ministry, He called for repentance (Matt. 4:17). Be wary of those who discount the wages of sin, even one, for they discount the price paid.
- If obedience is minimized – Surely sincerity is all that counts, right? Was Cain’s sin a sin of insincerity (Gen. 4)? Wasn’t Uzzah sincere as he put out his hand to steady the ark (2 Sam. 6)? What of Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10)? What about Nicodemus in John 3 or the woman at the well in John 4? Surely they would not have to be born again or learn to worship in spirit and truth? No, Paul’s plea of “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” would never fly in today’s atmosphere of discounting obedient submission (Rom. 10).
- If grace is maximized more and more (and more still) – “Where sin abounded grace abounded much more” (Rom. 5:20). As Jesus died for all, and is the propitiation for all (Rom. 5:18, 1Jn. 2:2), surely all will be saved, right? No, it’s still only the few because only a few recognize that grace teaches us that we must deny ungodliness and live righteously (Tts. 2:11-15). Sin does not have to lead to death, but unrepentant sin will (1 Jn. 5:16,17). Jesus gracefully died for all, but His cross does not replace our cross (Matt. 10:38).
Those on the path toward universalism have many friends. There is the once-saved-always-saved friend, the just-believe friend, and the worship-at-the-church-of-your-choice friend, amongst many others. Be careful not to stop short of Jesus or go beyond Him. Meet Him where He is and you’ll be safe.
