The Universal Gospel of Jesus
I will admit up front that there are numerous texts within Scripture, including words that emerge from the lips of Jesus that speak of judgment and the wrath of God. That being noted, I have come to the conclusion that the ultimate purpose of God is to reconcile all creation to himself. If God is by definition love and if love is by definition unconditional (agape), then God cannot rest until all of creation is at peace with God.
There are numerous passages that speak of God's universal intent to reconcile all things and to save all of God's people. Yes there are references to narrow paths, but there must be more. Consider this passage from Colossians 1:15-20
Now in the verses that follow, Paul does offer a caveat, all of this is true if one continues "securely established and steadfast in the faith . . ." (vs. 22-23). But I find that first paragraph an exceptionally fruitful statement of God's gracious intent for humanity -- indeed for all of creation. How this happens, I do not know, but I trust in God's gracious love for all. In the mean time, I am called simply to give testimony to what God has done in me. Is that not sufficient?
There are numerous passages that speak of God's universal intent to reconcile all things and to save all of God's people. Yes there are references to narrow paths, but there must be more. Consider this passage from Colossians 1:15-20
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; 16for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. 17He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. 19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
Now in the verses that follow, Paul does offer a caveat, all of this is true if one continues "securely established and steadfast in the faith . . ." (vs. 22-23). But I find that first paragraph an exceptionally fruitful statement of God's gracious intent for humanity -- indeed for all of creation. How this happens, I do not know, but I trust in God's gracious love for all. In the mean time, I am called simply to give testimony to what God has done in me. Is that not sufficient?
Comments
I find this hard. If there are bits of Scripture that say X and bits that say Y, then the answer is not "X because I think it should be X" or "Y because I like Y better", but both X and Y, and if there's a creative tension there, then good, we could all do with a lot more creative tension in our lives. Any other answer is just going to be brushing inconvenient passages of Scripture aside rather than letting Scripture inform and nuance our views.
To be honest, reading your post it sounds like you're saying "I know there are texts about the wrath of God but ... nah, forget them, let's talk about universalism." Consider the same argument in reverse: "There are numerous passages that speak of narrow paths and the wrath of God. Yes there are references to universal reconciliation, but there must be more." Sounds just as good, doesn't it?
I can't recommend creative tension enough. :)
Consider the path to faith as a road. On one side is the ditch of the law and if you fall in, its the trap of legalism. On the other side is grace.. where if you go into that ditch, you throw out all of the law and do whatever the heck you want. (ala, Jesus abolishes the law) But the faith journey is not like this. We need the law to remind us of why we need a savior and grace, but we don't simply disregard the promises and law of God either. I admit to thinking of faith as the two ditches.. and trying to "reform" my thinking.
The rub on univeralism I simply have is why did Christ need to die?
-Chuck
John
http://wechooseislam.wordpress.com/2007/05/06/priests-and-preachers-e...
cheers