For the past couple posts we have been looking at the doctrine of Universalism - the belief that someday everybody makes it to Heaven. Certainly this is the desire of every believer. And it is even the desire of God. In 2 Peter 3:9 we are told, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Yes, God wants everyone to be saved. This is His desire. But at the same time, He values human choice. And Scripture is clear that not everyone is going to choose to repent. In fact, Jesus said that there would be few who would repent and go down the narrow road. So what are some additional problems with Universalism?
Fourthly, Universalism means that there will be people in Heaven who have never repented. Because God relented. If people steadfastly refuse to repent of their sin, what is God to do? I suppose that He could just let bygones be bygones and let them into Heaven. But what about His justice? Justice demands that sin be punished. And who says that just because people suffer in Hell that they will one day repent? This is kind of like the criminal who is behind bars who is sorry that they have been caught but who has no interest in changing at all. Should we let criminals like this go free? No way. And neither will God let people who have refused to repent enter Heaven. Not now. Not ever.
Fifthly, universalism means that God will have violated a person’s free will. As we have already seen, repentance is an absolute must for the forgiveness of sins. So if a person refuses to repent, and God does place them in Heaven, He has done that which He pledged never to do. He violated a person’s free will. He overrode their ability to choose their own fate. I have known of some people who were violently opposed to God right up to the day they died. What kind of God would He be to take someone like this and put them in Heaven anyway? Against their wishes? The Bible is clear that God respects the choices we make. Good choices have good consequences. Bad choices have bad consequences. God will respect every person’s choice not to repent. The consequence of that choice will be an eternity in Hell.
Sixthly, Universalism gives people a false sense of hope. That if they die without Christ they will eventually make it to Heaven. “So what if I don’t get around to it in this life? I will eventually make it to Heaven anyway!” Wow. This is another direct contradiction of God’s Word. In Hebrews 9:27 we are told, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” What does this verse mean? That we need to repent while we still have breath. After we die it is too late. There is no reincarnation. There is no second chance. No divine reprieve. Lost. In Hell. Forever.
Seventhly, Universalism makes evangelism and missions pointless. If everyone is eventually going to be saved, then why are we so driven to reach people with the Gospel? Sure, some of them might have to suffer for a period of time in Hell. But eventually they will get out. And wind up in Heaven. And who knows? Maybe they will even be better off for the experience? Maybe they will make model citizens in Heaven? Once again, the Bible is clear: every Christian has a mandate to share the Gospel with others. Now. While there is still time. Before it is too late.
Now, admittedly, thousands of years of people suffering is a very daunting and disturbing thought. But to suffer eternally? This is beyond comprehension. As such, it casts God in a very unkind light. But, again, my contention is that we simply don’t see things from God’s point of view. How terrible, how disgusting, how evil sin is. How much sin offends His holy character. How much damage sin has to done to His creation. How much pain and suffering sin has caused humankind. Sin is unredeemable. Unfixable. As such it must be punished. Eternally. There is no other option.
One final thought on Universalism. If you believe in it, what if you’re wrong? What if Hell is a thousand times worse than you ever imagined? What if it is eternal? Then what? Then it’s too late. And you will have all eternity to regret your decision. If you are not a Christian, you need to repent of your sins and put your faith in Jesus TODAY! While there is still time. While God’s grace is still extended to you. Because tomorrow could be too late. You really can’t afford to take that chance.
Lord, how sad it is that people don’t believe You. That they refuse to believe what You say. Even worse, that they refuse to take advantage of Your offer of salvation. Paid for by Your Son’s own blood. Please have mercy on them. Do whatever You have to do to get them to see the light. To repent. And find forgiveness. And thereby gain Heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Fifthly, universalism means that God will have violated a person’s free will. As we have already seen, repentance is an absolute must for the forgiveness of sins. So if a person refuses to repent, and God does place them in Heaven, He has done that which He pledged never to do. He violated a person’s free will. He overrode their ability to choose their own fate. I have known of some people who were violently opposed to God right up to the day they died. What kind of God would He be to take someone like this and put them in Heaven anyway? Against their wishes? The Bible is clear that God respects the choices we make. Good choices have good consequences. Bad choices have bad consequences. God will respect every person’s choice not to repent. The consequence of that choice will be an eternity in Hell.
Sixthly, Universalism gives people a false sense of hope. That if they die without Christ they will eventually make it to Heaven. “So what if I don’t get around to it in this life? I will eventually make it to Heaven anyway!” Wow. This is another direct contradiction of God’s Word. In Hebrews 9:27 we are told, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” What does this verse mean? That we need to repent while we still have breath. After we die it is too late. There is no reincarnation. There is no second chance. No divine reprieve. Lost. In Hell. Forever.
Seventhly, Universalism makes evangelism and missions pointless. If everyone is eventually going to be saved, then why are we so driven to reach people with the Gospel? Sure, some of them might have to suffer for a period of time in Hell. But eventually they will get out. And wind up in Heaven. And who knows? Maybe they will even be better off for the experience? Maybe they will make model citizens in Heaven? Once again, the Bible is clear: every Christian has a mandate to share the Gospel with others. Now. While there is still time. Before it is too late.
Now, admittedly, thousands of years of people suffering is a very daunting and disturbing thought. But to suffer eternally? This is beyond comprehension. As such, it casts God in a very unkind light. But, again, my contention is that we simply don’t see things from God’s point of view. How terrible, how disgusting, how evil sin is. How much sin offends His holy character. How much damage sin has to done to His creation. How much pain and suffering sin has caused humankind. Sin is unredeemable. Unfixable. As such it must be punished. Eternally. There is no other option.
One final thought on Universalism. If you believe in it, what if you’re wrong? What if Hell is a thousand times worse than you ever imagined? What if it is eternal? Then what? Then it’s too late. And you will have all eternity to regret your decision. If you are not a Christian, you need to repent of your sins and put your faith in Jesus TODAY! While there is still time. While God’s grace is still extended to you. Because tomorrow could be too late. You really can’t afford to take that chance.
Lord, how sad it is that people don’t believe You. That they refuse to believe what You say. Even worse, that they refuse to take advantage of Your offer of salvation. Paid for by Your Son’s own blood. Please have mercy on them. Do whatever You have to do to get them to see the light. To repent. And find forgiveness. And thereby gain Heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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