Universalism?

[MixedNuts]

Hi,

I know this is the place to get answers on this subject. I spent some time with some Christian friends of ours who just turned over to believing in Universalism....I tried to talk to them in regard to the Word (Foundation) of God's Word but even though they have read the Bible, they have turned to this Universalism which greatly saddened me. It seems to me they have made a god to suit (justify or suit) themselves.

My question is what is it? They told me part of it that they think everyone (even Hitler) goes to heaven........how sick....how can anyone believe such a thing? This is in complete rebellion to God and His Word.

Can anyone help me with this topic? Many thanks.

[JustinSolo]

It becomes idolatry. When you believe these things, what you are really saying is I don't believe in the true God...I want to create my own false god.

[Theresa]

People want to create things, beliefs, and morals to suit humanity's flawed concept of what is right and wrong. Since they are not the Creator but rather the created, how do these people have the gall to presume to dictate wrong from right without any guidance from the Creator? God has given us what we need to live righteously (although that is not on our own) - His Word and His Living Word (yes, I'm talking Jesus - God in the flesh). I see it like this: He has made it as easy as He can without absolutely guaranteeing everyone goes to Heaven no matter what. He really isn't asking for a lot - believe that Jesus is God Incarnate, accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, repent, and do our best to follow a Godly life (which is a result of turning to Him). If everyone chose to do this, the world would be an awesome place - as it will be someday. Until then, I choose to believe what the Word says - I so wish I could have been one of those that personally interacted with Jesus.

[Betty]

Universal Salvation is the believe that because Jesus died for our sins, everyone automatically goes to Heaven. They totally ignore the part of salvation that requires to accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord. I have dealt several times with these people and you can not change their views. The best way to handle them is to pray for them. Only God can change their hearts and minds to the truth.

[Rich Indeed]

Hi,

I know this is the place to get answers on this subject. I spent some time with some Christian friends of ours who just turned over to believing in Universalism....I tried to talk to them in regard to the Word (Foundation) of God's Word but even though they have read the Bible, they have turned to this Universalism which greatly saddened me. It seems to me they have made a god to suit (justify or suit) themselves.

My question is what is it? They told me part of it that they think everyone (even Hitler) goes to heaven........how sick....how can anyone believe such a thing? This is in complete rebellion to God and His Word.

Can anyone help me with this topic? Many thanks.

I could be completely wrong about this - but here's what I've always thought about Universalism... (I know people will correct me if I'm off-base.)

As you said, Universalists believe all people are saved... but, I believe it goes even further than that. I think most Universalists embrace ecumenism: believing that all paths lead to God... that Mormons, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Christians, etc. all worship the same God - but just do it in different ways. I think they see the different religions as 'different traditions', each expressing love for the same God, just each in their own unique way.

Ultimately, I think they see God as a LOVING God, but don't see Him also as a JUDGING God. If God is only love, He would never condemn anyone to Hell. (Of course, you have to wonder how loving it would be for God to never judge us for our wrong-doing!)

If my understanding of Universalism is correct: that Universalists think all paths lead to heaven, I doubt they all share the same beliefs in every area. It seems impossible that they could hold to any kind of absolute TRUTH - since examining 'all paths' logically proves some paths in complete contradiction to others. I'm not sure that all Universalists would say that Hitler goes to heaven... some might say that God will judge the most extreme people. Or perhaps that's where they would blend in reincarnation... until Hitler somehow redeemed himself in another life? That's just a guess, though... I honestly don't know how they come to terms with that topic... unless, as Betty said, they believe Jesus' death washed away all sin for every person. ???

I do know that Universalism is becoming more and more widespread as a result of the New Age movement absolutely saturating our modern culture. Most people have no idea how extensive the New Age tentacles are, and how deeply it is impacting people. The movement is catching people unaware by creeping into areas that seem innocent on the surface. Since people don't think the things they're involved with have spiritual implications, they approach them without discernment. After all, things like yoga, mantra-style meditation, hypnosis, astrology, reiki massage/healing, centering, the book: The Secret, many psychological counseling techniques, etc. all seem innocent enough, on the surface. Once the door is opened, people become easy prey for the enemy, and give room to the lies of the world.

I believe we will continue to see more and more people turn to Universalism as New Age Mysticism continues to invade the world around us, and even our Christian churches. The natural outcome of mysticism is Universalism. Mysticism is sadly being widely taught today in our churches through mantra-style contemplative prayer, the emergent church, and the "Spiritual Formation" movement. Research I've done into the lives of popular "Christian mystics" shows that many eventually experienced what they thought to be 'God' or 'Jesus', or 'Mary' etc. telling them that all paths DO lead to God.

Another big factor that I believe leads to Universalism is the post-modern idea that there is no such thing as absolute truth. When people think that people create their own truth, and that there is no objective way to determine what is right and what is wrong, then how could God possibly judge people? They don't realize that God created the Universe... and therefore, He is Truth... He created truth... and therefore, if He says something is wrong, we don't get to argue about it... we must accept that He is correct!

Unfortunately, I think we'll see lots more people turn to this belief in the days ahead. Eventually, I believe it will become the "One World Religion" and everyone that believes otherwise will be persecuted for their 'intolerance'.


- Rich Indeed (Tamra)

[MixedNuts]

Thank you JustinSolo, Theresa, Betty and Rich Indeed for the imput.

It's so hard for me to understand that they would choose that kind of thinking that has absolutely no true foundation rather than the firm foundation of the Word of God. It has me totally clueless.

I like the way you explained everything Rich makes a lot of sense but it sounds like they (those who believe these things) are all over the place with no foundation but instead on sinking sand. My friends expressed to us that they believe the Bible has many errors because of all the translations, this is where it began. They left the Firm Foundation for the sinking sand. We tried to talk to them, but they don't listen. So we're praying for them. Thanks again.

Thanks all for the imput. I'm sticking to the Word of God that is our Firm Foundation!

[Betty]

You are welcome, hon. It is hard to change hearts who have opened themselves up to believe a lie. Once you start taking apart the Bible and taking out what you don't want to believe in then you open yourself up to believe just about anything.

[Rich Indeed]

Mixed, I agree with you 100%!!!

I'm standing with you on the one and only FIRM foundation!! :yay

[MixedNuts]

Amen.