Universal Reconciliation and Related Concepts

NOTE: What is meant by the term "Universalism" as used in the articles on this website?

        That Christianity is a "Universal Religion," and is for people everywhere and in all times, is a statement that is disputed by very few Christians today. But, the full extent of the truth of its universality is not realized by the majority.
        Many people today may understand the term "Universalism", as it relates to religion, as a word that designates the belief that "All religions are equally true, good, and that they all equally will lead to heaven, or to God." This definition of "Universalism" could better be described as "Pluralist Universalism" and could be equated with "secular humanism". This definition of "Universalism" is NOT to be confused with the original meaning of "Universalism" as it related to Christianity. The original meaning of "Universalism", as it relates to Christianity, could now be better described by using the term "BIBLICAL UNIVERSALISM" or "CHRISTIAN UNIVERSALISM".
        In his "History of Universalism", Richard Eddy, D.D. wrote in 1894: - "Universalism, using the word in its present theological meaning, is the doctrine or belief that it is the purpose of God, through the grace revealed in our Lord Jesus Christ, to save every member of the human race from sin. The word suggests nothing with regard to any human founder, any place where it was first promulgated, any particular form of church polity, any rite or ordinance, any opinion of the equality or the subordination of the Son to the Father. Universalism is not dependent on these."
        That is a good, concise definition of "Christian Universalism" and that is how the term "Universalism" is used in the articles on this website.

The articles below have come from a variety of sources, including speeches, articles, tracts, and other presentations, and they have been composed over a period of time, and many are of historic interest. Also, writer's inclusion on this site does not imply his full agreement with all of the articles. Each writer is responsible only for his own stated views. Many of the articles on this web site have been included only for the viewers use in the comparison of differing views and beliefs.

"The glory of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ, as manifested in the final holiness and happiness of all men, is the central sun of Universalism."

-- Thomas Whittemore, 1840

"God will seek us -- how long? Until he finds us. And when he's found the last little shriveling rebellious soul and has depopulated hell, then death will be swallowed up in victory, and Christ will turn over all things to the Father that he may be all and in all. Then every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Clarence Jordan -
(founder of Koinonia Community)

"It is often remarked by those who oppose the doctrine of universal salvation, that if God is the Savior of all men, then there is no difference between the saint and the sinner, the believer and unbeliever. Those who make this remark, seem to forget, that while God is declared to be the Savior of all men, he is also said to be ESPECIALLY the Savior of the believer. Though it is true, that God is the Savior of all, yet a little more attention would teach you, that all along, in Scripture, there is a salvation held forth as the SPECIAL PROPERTY of the believer, in which the unbeliever can have no part or lot. Though all shall be saved with an everlasting salvation, yet the believer ALONE can enjoy this special salvation."

-- Rev. I. D. Williamson, 1840
The Nature of Salvation

"In the first five or six centuries of Christianity there were six theological schools, of which four (Alexandria, Antioch, Caesarea, and Edessa, or Nisibis) were Universalist, one (Ephesus) accepted conditional immortality; one (Carthage or Rome) taught endless punishment of the wicked. Other theological schools are mentioned as founded by Universalists, but their actual doctrine on this subject is not known."

"The Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge"
by Schaff-Herzog, 1908, volume 12, page 96

The Winchester Profession of 1803

We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God, and of the duty, interest and final destination, of mankind.

We believe there is one God, whose nature is love; revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore the whole family of mankind to holiness and happiness.

We believe that holiness and true happiness are inseparably connected; and that believers ought to maintain order, and practice good works, for these things are good and profitable unto men.

The Five Principles of Faith (1899)

1. The Universal Fatherhood of God
2. The spiritual authority and leadership
    of His Son Jesus Christ
3. The trustworthiness of the Bible as
    containing a revelation from God
4. The certainty of just retribution for sin
5. The final harmony of all souls with God

An Affirmation of Faith (1903)

"I believe in God, the Father Almighty and Universal; and in Jesus Christ his Son, the true teacher, example, and Savior of the world.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the quickener and comforter of men.

I believe in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as a revelation of righteousness, truth and love.

I believe in the Holy Church Universal;
    in the communion of saints;
    in the certainty of punishment for transgression;
    in the forgiveness of sins;
    in the life immortal;
    in the final triumph of goodness and mercy;
      and in the union and harmony, at last, of all souls with God."

Articles
By Steve Jones

  • A Case for Universal Restoration:
    The subject of personal eschatology -- humankinds ultimate destiny -- has always received ample attention in the Christian tradition. Evangelistic preachers set forth heaven and hell to their flocks. Tracts and billboards challenge passersby with the solemn inquiry, Where will you spend eternity?

  • Answers to 20 Anti-universalist Objections

    Other New Articles

  • Absurdities Exposed: Letters from a Universalist Minister - Here are chapters (abridged) from the book Footprints heavenward: or, Universalism the more excellent way, by Steere, M. J. (Boston: J.M. Usher), 1861.

    • Concordant Studies
    from Concordant Publishing Concern
    15570 Knochaven Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, U.S.A.
    Email: email@concordant.org

    • God's Love Changes Lives
    • Be Conciliated To God
    • How Can A Man Be Just With God?
    • Torturing Doubts; and, Exultant Faith
    • The Grandest Truth In the Scriptures
    • The Good News Gospel - by Joseph E. Kirk
    • Will God Save All or Only Some? - by Joseph E. Kirk
    • Will All Who Die In Adam Be Made Alive In Christ? - by Joseph E. Kirk
    • God's Goal Accomplished - By William C. Rebmann
    • "The Gospel of Our Salvation" - by by Adlai Loudy. This is an excerpt from his book by the same name.
    • The Pathway to Glory - By Evangelist Leon A. Bynoe. Discusses "The way of God's Spririt," "Why did God give His Son for us?, "How may I receive salvation?," among other important topics.
    • Some of the Special Truths for Which We Stand (Concordant Publishing Concern) Perhaps our new readers will wish to know our creed, or, rather, what distinguishes our belief from others. Though we do not have a formal "statement of faith," we have prepared this precis of our comprehensive writings comprised in our published works, which will serve for this purpose.
    • Four Vital Questions - by James Coram
    • Scripture Translation Principles - by James Coram. Scripture translation principles are a matter of great importance to us all, for only as sound principles of translation are followed can an accurate translation be made. It is most unwise to find assurance in the consensus of popular opinion, especially in an era of apostasy. To “translate,” is to express in another language. To the degree that, in our version, we have conveyed or reflected the vocabulary terms and grammatical forms of the original writing within the corresponding document in the receptor language, we have made a translation. The translators of the Concordant Version have endeavored to translate in such a way so as to provide a uniform and accurate, substantially literal work.
    • Crucial Questions About Resurrection - by James Coram. We have been asked to reply to a recent book entitled CRUCIAL QUESTIONS ABOUT HELL. For the most part, the author simply makes a case for eternal punishment and Hell such as will appeal to and, we suppose, satisfy the so-called evangelical public. Will all who die in unbelief, including those who have never heard the gospel, experience the horrors of an orthodox Hell for all eternity? According to the author, they will indeed. Remarkably however, this expositor only considers the vital scriptural points at issue in this controversy quite cursorily.
    • "This Generation" - Matt. 24, etc. - by James Coram. (with supplementary article) Jesus declared to His disciples: “Verily I am saying to you that by no means may this generation be passing by till all these things should be occurring” (Matt.24:34). We may be assured that the Lord meant what He said here; and, what He said here is quite explicit. Still, while it is indeed important for us to believe what He said, the deeper question remains: In what sense is what He said to be understood.
    • The "Rapture" or "Snatching Away" - by James Coram
    • Paul to the Ephesians - by A. E. Knoch
    • Eon as Indefinite Duration (Part One) - (Part Two) - by James Coram. From the early times of church history the words aion and aionios (“eon” and “eonian” in the Concordant Version) have been the subject of much controversy. This is because the question of their meaning is central to the issue of “eternal punishment.” Scriptural usage alone is authoritative. Yet how can scriptural usage truly be determined? Scholars are correct when they stress that meaning must be determined by context; yet they err when, failing to distinguish special usage from essential meaning, they claim that word meaning may well be plural and is to be determined by “the context,” or, more accurately, by the presuppositions which they bring to the context. These articles present much important information concerning this long-disputed subject.
    • The Address On the Envelope - by A. E. Knoch. This article explains that the historic, prophetic and literary portions of Scripture are usually in the form of short scrolls. Gods latest and highest communications have come to us in the form of letters or, if more formal or of a public character, epistles. The epistolary portions of the Scriptures are usually introduced by some specific indication as to the person or persons from whom the epistle comes and to whom it is directed. Knowing this and applying this principle in a practical way will be of great help in learning to "correctly cut the Word of truth."
    • Pastor Russell Writes Concerning the Universal Reconciliation (with a reply by Adolph E. Knoch)

    • The Outcome of Infinite Grace - By Dr. Loyal Hurley -“The last enemy to be destroyed is death!” It was this verse which caused the author, a pastor, to study afresh the subject of the fate of the wicked. The three choices apparent from a surface reading of various biblical texts were eternal torment, extermination or ultimate reconciliation. The author studied to find which one was true. This book is a result of that study. Says the author, “If it proves as satisfying to the reader as it has to the writer we shall have a delightful time ‘rejoicing in hope of the glory of God.’ ”

    The Winchester Profession of Faith
    Adopted by the General Convention of Universalists in 1803         		The Seal
    adopted in 1870.         		The Five Principles of Faith
    adopted in 1899.

    We believe, that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God, and of the duty, interest, and final destination of mankind.

    We believe there is one God, whose nature is love; revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of grace, who will finally restore the whole family of mankind to holiness and happiness.

    We believe, that holiness and true happiness are inseparably connected; and that believers ought to maintain order, and practice good works, for these things are good and profitable unto men.

    1. The Universal Fatherhood of God

    2. The spiritual authority and leadership of His Son Jesus Christ

    3. The trustworthiness of the Bible as containing a revelation from God

    4. The certainty of just retribution for sin

    5. The final harmony of all souls with God