Christian Universalism: Salvation for All

Searching for reconciliation between God and Creation

Oct 19, 2009 Melissa Reginelli

Christian Universalism is the view that has been present for hundreds of years and claims that all of creation will one day be indiscriminately reconciled to God.

Christian Universalism is the concept that all people will one day be reconciled to God. Within the theology of Christian Universalism there is a strong conviction of the existence of heaven, but no indication of hell. Orthodox Christian doctrine claims that some people will be reconciled to God and saved, while others will be subjected to suffering in the afterlife.

The death and resurrection of Jesus is typically the mechanism that determines who will receive eternal life and who will be subject to eternal torment. In contrast, Christian Universalists believe in a God of the utmost love and mercy that may disregard j.

More and more, universalism is becoming a popular view of salvation within Protestant circles of Christianity. Through Universalism, Jesus' sacrifice of dying on the cross saves not only those who know claim Christianity for themselves, but everything and everyone that God has created.

History of Christian Universalism

Many skeptics believe that Christian Universalism is a post-modern, contemporary philosophy, but universal salvation has been a popular concept for centuries. Theologians such as Origen, Diodore of Tarsus, and Gregory of Nyssa promoted ideas that support Christian Universalism.

Before the 6th Century BCE, some believe that Christian Universalism was the most common interpretation of salvation, although among most Christian denominations it is now seen as heresy. It is seen as heresy because many believe that it denies the need for the substitutionary atonement, or the payment of sins.

Universalism Within Scripture

Many sections of Scripture support Christian Universalism. One verse that is used for support is John 12:32, when Jesus says “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (New International Version). The verse suggests that Christ will not leave men or women on the earth, apart from the hands of salvation. Universally all of creation will be brought back to God.

Philippians 2:10-11 also maintains “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (New International Version). This verse emphasizes every knee, every tongue, every being on the earth bowing down before the Lord.

Regarding reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:19 submits “that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation” (New International Version). This passage reveals that God wants the entire world, all of creation, to be in right relationship with Him or Her. It is an indiscriminate love that He or She has for creation and from that love all things will be reconciled.

Those who oppose Christian Universalism often refer to John 14:6 which claims "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (New International Version). If Jesus is the way and the truth and the life, many claim that there is no other way for Creation to be redeemed.

Christian Universalism has a long history and continues to challenge the beliefs of Christian Evangelicals. There are many controversial assertions made by Christian Universalists, creating many debates between Christian Evangelicals. Certain passages of Scripture seem to support Christian Universalism, although there are other verses that may contradict this particular view of salvation.

For further reading, visit www.christianuniversalist.org or www.christian-universalism.com.

The copyright of the article Christian Universalism: Salvation for All in Protestantism is owned by Melissa Reginelli. Permission to republish Christian Universalism: Salvation for All in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.