| Subject: |
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Re: irrefutable proof that a literally translated Bible teaches universal salvation |
| Name: |
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Ronald |
| Date Posted: |
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Jan 13, 07 - 11:03 PM |
| Website (optional): |
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http://atonement.reslight.net |
| Message: |
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Most Bible Students do not believe in "universal salvation", as that term is usually used. The word "universal", in its basic meaning, refers to every thing everywhere that exists, which would include God himself, since God exists. Of course, God is not in need of salvation, deliverance from sin and death. Nor are the angels who have never sinned. In reality, however, the word is probably never actually used to mean such a universality of actually every thing that exists everywhere. "Universal" is sometimes applied to everything on the earth. Sometimes it seems to be applied to all the created universe, sometimes restricted to the physical, but not necessarily. Sometimes it is applied to a certain field of study, or even a certain place. So the term "universal" would have to defined, as well as "salvation".
The doctrine usually referred to as "universal salvation" would have every living human and all angels who have ever lived to finally receive everlasting life and live forever. Some include all the animals in this, but most seem to ignore the animals. Most Bible Students do not believe in such a doctrine, and those who claim to be Bible Students who hold to such a doctrine actually fall short of a true Bible Student, for they, in effect, would distort the ransom for all so that it is applicable even to those under the condemnation of the second death, thus actually denying the basis of the ransom.
In referring to mankind, however, Bible Students do believe in that all mankind will be saved from Adamic death, and given an opportunity to live forever. Such a salvation could be referred to as "universal salvation", but it does not guarantee that all who are thus saved from death will actually live forever, for many will willfully not learn righteousness in their heart in the day of judgment. The ransom does not cover anyone who receives the condemnation of the second death; it only covers those who are dying in Adam.
Jesus' ransom and exaltation as a result of his faithfulness may also effect judgment for the fallen angels. (1 Corinthians 6:3) The scriptures do not reveal much about this, but we can say that the ransom itself does not provide the price to cover the sins of the angels, but rather that it seems that such a judgment may result due to Jesus' faithfulness in providing such a sacrifice, in that he has been exalted to a degree that he has never had before. Nevertheless, it is also possible that 1 Corinthians 6:3 is not referring to judgment of the fallen angels, but a general governmental judgment resulting from the dominion and rulership given to Jesus over the angels. We do know, that eventually -- after the incorrigible have been destroyed -- all creation in heaven and earth will be in a state of being reconciled to -- in harmony with -- God.
In short, if the term "universal salvation" is applied to the beliefs of most Bible Students, it would have to limited to all who are dead in Adam, and salvation from that death, and not salvation from the second death. It would not mean that all who receive salvation from Adamic death will necessarily live for eternity, for once having been saved from Adamic death, they could possibly come under a new condemnation, that is, the second death.
http://tinyurl.com/vcmjc
http://atonement.reslight.net
In service of Jesus,
Ronald |
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Replies:
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Hi Ronald by Rodger Tutt · Mar 19, 07 - 8:56 AM
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