universalism

Every Knee Shall Bow: Was Paul a Universalist?

June 21, 2018 // 23 Comments

Here’s a verse to fire the imagination: It is written: “As surely as I live,” says the Lord, “Every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.” (Rom. 14:11) What picture comes to your mind when you read these words? Some see this verse as pointing to universal salvation. “Everyone who [...]

The Myth of Exclusionism

February 26, 2018 // 65 Comments

I know what you’re thinking. “Clear my diary because I’ve been waiting for someone to write about exclusionism. Finally!” No, you’re probably not thinking that at all. You’re thinking, “What’s exclusionism?” Exclusionism, in the context of grace, is a myth, a yeti. It’s a fake gospel. And [...]

10 reasons why the doctrine of inclusion is not good news

September 27, 2013 // 82 Comments

I love the gospel. It’s the best message I’ve ever heard. But to appreciate the positive, sometimes you have to highlight the negative. To help people understand the good news, sometimes you have to tell them what the good news is not. And inclusionism is not the good news. If you’ve just joined us, [...]

First Adam vs Last Adam

September 19, 2013 // 198 Comments

Universalism and inclusionism are twin towers built on the same foundation, which is this: When Adam fell, he took all of us with him. We had no choice in the matter. If Jesus only saves those who meet certain conditions – those who repent, believe, etc. – then first Adam is greater than last Adam. Since that [...]

Faith is a Rest

August 15, 2013 // 108 Comments

The gospel declares God’s grace comes through faith. So if you wanted to undermine the gospel, there are two ways you could do it: 1. attack grace – put price tags on it or obscure it by referring to it as a mere “doctrine”2. attack faith – either make it a work or diminish it, belittle it I usually [...]

The sentimental view of Hell

April 29, 2013 // 108 Comments

Here’s an interesting fact: Jesus preached about hell a lot while Paul never mentioned it by name. Have you ever wondered why? The reason has to do with their different audiences. Since Jesus mostly preached the law to those under law, it was necessary for him to be a hellfire preacher. Hence his references to [...]

Jesus and the Starfish

October 1, 2012 // 70 Comments

A starfish lay dying on the burning sand. A universalist walked by and saw the starfish’s plight. “What’s up little starfish?” “I’m dying on the burning sand. If only someone could throw me in the cool, cool ocean.” “I’ve got good news for you little starfish. No one dies on the burning sand,” [...]

Is Adam greater than Jesus?

April 2, 2012 // 39 Comments

“Are you saying that Adam is greater than Jesus?” This is a comment I often hear from those who preach universal salvation. It usually comes at the end of a conversation like this: Me: Jesus died and rose again so that we might have new life, His life. Repent and believe the good news! They: No, everyone is [...]

Is Jesus the savior of the world?

March 7, 2012 // 72 Comments

I know, it’s a dumb question. And yet among Christians this question – Is Jesus the Savior of the world? – leads to two radically different answers: (1) Yes – all can be saved (2) Yes – all are now saved Between these two answers lies one of biggest debates raging on Gracebook, sorry [...]