In the last couple of blog postings I have related my reluctant, five-year, theological journey to becoming an Evangelical Universalist (EU),
i.e., ultimately all God’s creatures will be saved and in Heaven with Him!
For those interested in investigating this idea further, I have recommended three books for further study:
1.) My 63-page book, free as a PDF copy – Limitless Grace – A New Look at Hell (1).pdf
2.) Hope Beyond Hell, by Gerry Beauchamin – My original introduction to EU. Very thorough and also very readable. All questions are answered.
3.) Ultimate Reconciliation, by Mark Beeksma – Particularly good at tracing historically how we got where we are today. Since the 4th/5th century, the majority of the church has believed in permanent torment for unbelievers in Hell. This was not true in the early church.
To do your own, independent study, here is a quick summary of four major portions of Scripture that strongly support Evangelical Universalism: Romans 5:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; Colossians 1:16-20; Romans 11:29-36.
As you study these Scriptures, keep in mind that we are investigating a God Who is ALL-LOVING, Himself the very definition of selfless, agape love: (“God is love” – 1 John 4:8,16), and also ABSOLUTELY SOVEREIGN: (We are “predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will” – Ephesians 1:11)l
So, the deck is cleared; the stage is set; the sails on the Ship of the Kingdom are now full and the ship is straining at its anchor to set sail! We have discovered and seen with spiritual (ginosko) understanding the truth of John 1:17: “For the LAW was given through Moses, but GRACE and TRUTH came through Jesus Christ:” LAW + GRACE = TRUTH!
This means that the perfect, holy LAW OF GOD, applied without the unlimited GRACE OF GOD poured out at the cross, IS NOT the TRUTH OF GOD, but will “kill” Christians who try to keep it: “Our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter (law) but of the Spirit; for the letter (law) kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:5, 6)
As I learn to walk as a little child, trusting my Heavenly Daddy fully (“No worry—Daddy’s got it!”) the Spirit of God brings the Truth of God and its overflowing life to me, naturally, spontaneously and unconsciously (NSU)! I find myself interested in, involved with, and loving everyone I meet, as I simply go about my daily activities. The Truth of God has truly set me free!—”And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
The Ship of the Kingdom diagram, which we have discussed at length on this blog, shows beautifully how this freedom naturally, without effort, occurs. When the wind of the Truth of God hits our sails, 1.) our families faithfully raise and train us to be obedient children, 2.) our church equips us to rub off on all we meet, NSU, as we go about our tasks in the world each day, and 3.) our civil government protects us as we do so!
All we are doing is:
1.) Being little children who never say “Why, Daddy?” but always only, “Yes, Daddy!” (Matthew 18:2-5).
2.) Walking fully “in the light” with our brothers and sisters, readily and eagerly confessing our sins to one another. (1 John 1:6-10; James 5:16).
3.) Living corporately in the church, not individually. Everyone brings a contribution to the body when we meet together. (1 Corinthians 14:26).
This is how, imperceptibly, unobtrusively, without ANY fanfare, the Lord’s Prayer is being answered; God’s Kingdom, His rule over the earth through us (Psalm 110:1-3), is being established! Hallelujah!
