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"Problem #6: Universalism is deterministic. If salvation is universal and automatic, then ultimately there is no free will. Your eternity is “determined” whether you like it or not. (It’s no accident that Eastern religions that teach there is no hell, also teach that there is no free will.)"
I'm starting to think that in an effort to make his point, the author of this article started getting desperate and just decided to repeat himself. This "problem" is virtually identical to "Problem #2" so there is no need for me to address it a second time. Salvation is not "automatic." Technically, assuming that God mentioned "the unforgivable sin" because some may actually commit it, it's not even universal. In practice, I believe it's almost universal for the simple reason that the Bible says in three different places that ultimately every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ. Now some (many perhaps) will not have their sins paid for by Christ's Atonement. If they refuse to accept His sacrifice on their behalf, they will pay for their own sins. They just won't pay for them forever. They'll pay for them throughout the Millennium, after those who were raised at the First Resurrection are already in Heaven. And when the debt has been paid, the punishment will cease and they'll be raised at the Second Resurrection, by which time they, too, will acknowledge Christ as their Savior.
There is nothing in Scripture that even remotely reflects your understanding of this theology. Most likely this is from Mormon writings.
"Problem #6: Universalism is deterministic. If salvation is universal and automatic, then ultimately there is no free will. Your eternity is “determined” whether you like it or not. (It’s no accident that Eastern religions that teach there is no hell, also teach that there is no free will.)"
I'm starting to think that in an effort to make his point, the author of this article started getting desperate and just decided to repeat himself. This "problem" is virtually identical to "Problem #2" so there is no need for me to address it a second time. Salvation is not "automatic." Technically, assuming that God mentioned "the unforgivable sin" because some may actually commit it, it's not even universal. In practice, I believe it's almost universal for the simple reason that the Bible says in three different places that ultimately every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ. Now some (many perhaps) will not have their sins paid for by Christ's Atonement. If they refuse to accept His sacrifice on their behalf, they will pay for their own sins. They just won't pay for them forever. They'll pay for them throughout the Millennium, after those who were raised at the First Resurrection are already in Heaven. And when the debt has been paid, the punishment will cease and they'll be raised at the Second Resurrection, by which time they, too, will acknowledge Christ as their Savior.
I found the replies to the bloggers post quite interesting; and a couple were actually good.
In addition, I may have to read this book by Julie Ferwerda, one of the commentators:
"Raising Hell: Christianity’s Most Controversial Doctrine Put Under Fire."
Salvation is not "automatic." Technically, assuming that God mentioned "the unforgivable sin" because some may actually commit it, it's not even universal.
That may be according to Mormonism, but not according to universalism.
The main problem with universalism is that it removes god's Specialest Snowflakes Ever! status from fundies.
It's amusing watching them fume, fulminate, and stamp their little feet at the prospect of having to hobnob with Catholics, Jews, Muslims and atheists in heaven.
It's amusing watching them fume, fulminate, and stamp their little feet at the prospect of having to hobnob with Catholics, Jews, Muslims and atheists in heaven.
Missionaries are out in the farthest corners of the world trying to reach as many non-believers are possible, so where do you get this stomping of feet from?
Missionaries are out in the farthest corners of the world trying to reach as many non-believers are possible, so where do you get this stomping of feet from?
Missionaries are out in the farthest corners of the world trying to reach as many non-believers are possible, so where do you get this stomping of feet from?
PS Catholics are Christians just FYI.
He knows that, but he likes to antagonize.
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