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I have read some portrayals of God as a helpless giant in the sky, who is wishing and hoping for people to return to Him, with His hands tied, bound by the creature's free will.
God sent Jesus to be the Savior of the world, but He can't accomplish what He has planned because He must bow to man's will.
So the result is that 90% are consigned to endless hell or annihilation because God cannot accomplish His own will and plan.
There we see that 90% are lost to sin, satan, man's more powerful free will forever, with God never accomplishing what He sent Jesus to do.
But this is not what the scriptures teach. In the end, all will be subdued to God. Philippians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 15:27.
The judgments of God are a part of the subjection and restoration.
God is able to accomplish His plan. He is able to restore all who were lost. He is able to bring all wills into alignment with His perfect sovereign will. He never loses and He does not miss the mark.
The Jubilee is the law of grace. No matter how far a man goes into debt, the Jubilee will set him free. Even if no kinsman redeems him, there is a day coming when he will be set free into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. This is why all of creation is awaiting this day.
Romans 8:19-25
19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in ** hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it...
Universalism is a lie perverting the right ways of the Lord, sayng Salvation is for all mankind, that the Gospel is Good News to all mankind, yet God sends the Gospel often times as a Judgment to the wicked, to confirm them in their impending eternal destruction, hence to some God designs it a savor of death unto death and destruction, observe, Acts 28:24-27
Quote:
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
This was foretold in Isaiah day, to preach to a people but not for their conversion but as a judgment against them Isa 6:8-10
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
And because of this, men could not believe in a conversion experience Jn 12:37-41
37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
Its not Gods will for Christ to heal all sinners by the Death of Christ 1 Pet 2:24
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
As you can see above God is against the healing of some sinners, He never Loved them, Christ never died for them.
Christs coming was to save His People from their sins, but for the reprobate His coming was to be a snare to them,
Luke 2:34-35
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
The word set in Vs 34 is the greek word keimai:
to be (by God's intent) set, i. e. destined, appointed:
Same word in 1 Thess 3:3
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
Christs coming was was also appointed for the fall and destruction of people, not their Salvation
Simeon knew that, so did Mary ! But universalism denies it, they being deceived believe Christ came to save all mankind.
The world is broken but the Lamb who was sent to be the Savior of the world, brings healing and in the end, He brings healing to all.
He's got the whole world in His hands as the well known song says.
Jesus, the lamb slain from the foundation of the world, died for every person that has lived, is living, and will live.
He was sent by the Father to be the Savior of the world.
God loves the world.
He created the world.
The world came out of Him.
Jesus died for the world.
More scriptures for reference for anyone interested.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
The Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.” (1 John 4:14)
Jesus is “the Christ, the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42)
“This is good and acceptable in the sight of our God our saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus: Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (1 Tim. 2:3-6, KJV)
Jesus “is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)
“The EARTH is the Lord’s and ALL its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1)
Ephesians 1
7 In [g]Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He [h]lavished on [i]us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He [j]made known to us the mystery of His **will, according to His [k]kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration [l]suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the **summing up of all things in Christ, things [m]in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 [n]also we [o]have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in [p]Christ would be to the praise of His glory NASB
**Will-Thelema=resolve, the will of God which must be done, what one wishes or has determined what shall be done (Greek Hebrew Word Study Bible and Strongs)
**Summing up = anakephalaioomai-to gather together again in one, to reunite in or under one head
**Counsel- Boule-will, intention, decree, decision, plan
In Ephesians 1:10 God is said ἀνακεφαλαιώσασθαι τά πάντα ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ, to bring together again for himself (note the middle) all things and beings (hitherto disunited by sin) into one combined state of fellowship in Christ, the universal bond (cf. Meyer or Ellicott on Ephesians, the passage cited); (Protevangelium Jacobi 13εἰς ἐμέ ἀνεκεφαλαιώθη ἡ ἱστορία Ἀδάμ, where cf. Thilo).
God is doing a wonderful work in His select few which will in turn eventually impact all of creation.
Romans 8:18-24
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in **hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
** hope-elpis-expectation, confidence
"Here then is the key to one part of the apparent contradiction between “mercy upon all,” and yet “the election” of a “little flock;” between “all the kindreds of the earth blessed in Christ,” and yet a “strait and narrow way” and “few finding it.” Here is the answer to the question, “Wilt thou show wonders to the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise thee? Shall thy loving-kindness be declared in the grave, or thy faithfulness in destruction? Shall thy wonders be known in the dark, and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?” (Psalm 88:1-12). The first-born and first-fruits are the “few” and “little flock;” but these, though first delivered from the curse, have a relation to the whole creation, which shall be saved in the appointed times by the first-born seed, that is by Christ and His body, through those appointed baptisms, whether of fire or water, which are required to bring about “the restitution of all things.” St. Paul expressly declares this when he says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ, … that in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are in the earth, even in Him.” (Eph. 1:3-10. The same doctrine is stated in almost the same words, Eph. 2:4-7.) The Church, like Christ its Head, is itself a great sacrament; “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace given unto men; ordained by God Himself, as a means whereby they may receive the same, and a pledge to assure them thereof;” and “the blessing” of the elect, “with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ,” is but the means and pledge, as the Apostle says, of wider blessing; the means by which “in the dispensation of the fulness of times” God designs to “gather together in one all things in Christ, whether they be things which are in heaven or which are in earth, even in Him;” Andrew Jukes
“Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” (James 1:18)
“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.” (Eph 1:11-12)
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in **hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” (Rom 8:18-21)
All of creation is groaning and awaiting the time of the manifestation of the sons of God when all creation will be finally restored. Before the consummation of the ages, when God shall be all in all (1Cor 15:28; Rom 11:36), not only we who are the elect of this age, but all, will have been restored and made new:
“Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’” (Rev 21:5)
God bless.
Last edited by ShanaBrown; 04-25-2024 at 08:37 PM..
Universalism is a lie since it totally ignores that all will not be saved, indicated by Peters words here 1 Pet 4:17-18
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Well Peter, the lies of universalism says them who obey not the Gospel, who are not part of the House of God, and ungodly at the end, will be saved just like you Peter.
The scriptures teach that God is love and the scriptures teach that God loves the world.
Jesus died for each and everyone.
The love of God is pure, holy, infinite, agape.
" God is love (along with God is spirit and God is light). True; scripture speaks of God's
wrath. Unfortunately, His wrath is generally viewed from man's perspective, not God's. But God
is not like man and neither is His wrath. Wrath emanates out of His passionate love for humanity
that seeks to set things right for all, based on His justice, not man's. We must guard ourselves
from injecting our carnal nature into explaining God's wrath, for He operates on a level of pure
love. Our God is not mad at humanity as if He is like us when we get mad at one another. His
anger is different, and to know the difference, we need to know God who is love.
As an example, let's consider the words fury and indignation in reference to all judgment having
been given to the Son of God, who, as a reminder, is the Son of His love.
And He is treading the wine trough of the fury of the indignation of God, the Almighty.
(Revelation 19:15 CLV)
Most reading this verse probably see the words fury and indignation and quickly come to the
conclusion that this means God is really mad at mankind. But from God's perspective they express
passion, very strong passion and desire.
The Greek word for fury is thumos, which means "feel" or "passion, as if breathing hard." The
Greek word for indignation is orgē, which means "properly desire, as reaching forth or
excitement of the mind."
Given the root meaning of these words, we see that there is a passionate desire driving this
action. Again, many see wrath or fury as an out-of-control passion of man, an emotional response
that seeks to utterly destroy or get vengeance. When man is enraged, he often seeks revenge or,
as the saying goes, he seeks blood. God does not need to seek blood; He already gave it at the
Cross! Since the cross, things are much different between God and man. God has made peace,
that is, reconciled all things to Himself, making peace through the blood of His cross (Colossians
1:20).
The Lord is never out of control. When He acts, He has the utmost of control. He is not out to
destroy. He is driven by a passion for humanity, a passionate desire to see people freed from the
bondage of sin and corruption and to come into all that He has intended for mankind, created to
be in His image." S. Pouliot
God will have all to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. He will accomplish this.
God is the author and finisher of all. Salvation is entirely from God, therefore no one can boast or take credit as all is out of God. God has locked all up in stubbornness that He may have mercy on all. All are born into the death condition which is the reason we become sinners. God reverses this condition in the Son of His love who died for all and who reconciles all to the Father.
It is not about human free will. It is about God's will, God having mercy on us.
For God locks up all together in stubbornness, that He should be merciful to all (Romans 11:32)
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9)
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
So, then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy (Romans 9:16)
.. for from Him and through Him and to Him are all things (Romans 11:36).
"There is only one conclusion to be made: Individual salvation comes about when, in His mercy
and in His timing, God's will comes to bear on man's will to save him.
Paul places all of us, believer and unbeliever alike, on the same level playing field before God.
God is going to shower His mercy on all because He has shut up or locked up all. God has made humanity His responsibility.
We need to be abundantly clear that if God did not, does not, and will not exercise His will on
behalf of man, then man will be forever locked in death and never find his way into immortality.
Thank God; it is not left up to man's so-called free will. Simply, God acts in favor of man, even
when he is dead in his transgressions (Romans 5:6-8; Ephesians 2:5).
Man is helpless in his sin, so why do we make man a hero in his own salvation, as if he can save
himself by exercising his so-called free will?
God the Creator alone is responsible for His creation, and He has taken on the full responsibility
to save all mankind through His Son. We need to be continually reminded that it is God's will that
is being worked out in the ages, not man's will, and that God will accomplish all that He wills
through His Son. In Christ all will be made alive. All things come forth through God.
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. (Romans 11:36 NASB)
Who or what is left out of this glorious truth? Nothing, for God encompasses all things, and at
the consummation of the eons, He will be all in all when He has completed making all things new
(1 Corinthians 15:28; Revelation 21:5). Kingdom and Glory.com
God bless.
Last edited by ShanaBrown; 04-26-2024 at 12:29 PM..
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God bless.