Of late, I have felt compelled to write about issues facing the Church that if not processed by the wisdom of Scripture and the insight of the Spirit, could lead us to destinations fatal to our faith. One such issue is an error that can seem appealing and reasonable on the surface but is a grave error. It is called Universalism, also known as Ultimate Reconciliation. It’s the stuff of talk show interviews, and famous authors, and accepted by those who have failed to take in the full counsel of Scripture.

Universalism basically teaches that once Jesus rose from the dead all rose and all were saved. The problem with that concept is it ignores words like repent, believe, accept, trust, or receive. It removes the exercise of our will. John 3:16 tells us, “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The word “believes” has been translated as persuaded, or convicted of something. This specific verse notes a commitment to Jesus, a choice somewhere in our life to embrace Him, not something that happens without the exercise of our will. The word “perish” is harsh and unloving sounding to 21st-century minds that have been groomed to think an eternal consequence for our disbelief is off the table. To “perish” as defined by Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines this perishing as “to incur the loss of eternal life, to be delivered up to eternal misery.”

If universalism were true then for the last 2,000 years all the missionaries who risked their lives to preach the Gospel in foreign lands, many who were martyred for their faith and passion for the lost, did so in vain because according to Universalism and Ultimate Reconciliation everyone who enters this life was either already saved or at the end of their life will get a free pass for not believing. 

The writer of Hebrews describes a sobering reality, “Each person is destined to die once, and after that comes judgment” (9:27). We will not be reincarnated to have another go at life. During this one and only life, we will be given an opportunity to either reject or accept the Lord and His offer of salvation.

As Paul was wrapping up his letter to the Galatians, he made a clear and concise comment, “They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save” (Galatians 6:12). While Paul in this instance was dealing with people who were slipping back into a mindset of salvation by works, his comments can be applied to a wide array of issues today, including preaching the singularity of Christ as the only way of salvation. Paul further commented, “My interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died” (vs. 14).

The message of how our salvation is obtained is clear when our understanding is anchored in Scripture, not our imagination or fear of offense. It is a straightforward and clear message. It only gets muddled when we create a reality outside the context of truth – a truth requiring a choice that will determine where we will spend eternity. 

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Garris Elkins

Featured Image by Samuel McGarrigle on Unsplash

About the Author

Garris Elkins is a Kingdom Winds Contributor. He and his wife, Jan, serve the global Church through writing, speaking, and mentoring. They live in southern Oregon, tucked away in the foothills of the Rogue Valley. Their shared desire is to have each person learn how to hear the heart of God and become a transforming voice in their culture.

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