Tongue that Divides:
The Universalism Venom

One of the worst thoughts for us is to consider is the possibility of loved ones spending an eternity in Hell. We cannot bear thinking of this separation, as well as the pain and suffering that will occur for them in this after-life existence.

This line of thinking either leads to or is birthed from the following sentiment: "Surely God would not put any people in Hell. That would be so inhumane!" To cope with this difficulty, many people have knowingly, or unknowingly, adopted a belief in universalism.

Universalism says that everyone will one day have eternal life with God—that God is too good to send any of His creatures to Hell. Historically speaking it is a belief that everyone will receive salvation. According to universalism, everyone upon death will enjoy the wonders of Heaven.

It was explained to me once in a wheel analogy. Each spoke of a wheel comes from a separate part of the wheel, but all go toward one center. The spokes are religions or beliefs, while the single center is supposed to be God or heaven. It was said that even though religions appear different, they actually point to the same destination.

There is a brand of universalism that exists today in the Unitarian Universalist Church. It looks less on the afterlife, saying the salvation everyone receives is experienced only in this life. New Age is incorporated into this "theology" saying everyone is connected. We are all part of one whole, and when we figure out how to find harmony in earth, mind, and spirit then we will find salvation in the here and now.

Most universalism found in the general public is much simpler than this, though. People simply do not believe in Hell. They feel that if there is a Heaven, everyone will make it there. After all, it’s only fair. Also, because we all will find salvation, there is no need to be judgmental about others’ beliefs—we must be TOLERANT and free to believe whatever we want.

There is one thing that people are missing in their pluralistic universalism. None of us deserves Heaven. We are not inherently good as The Unitarian Universalists would have us to believe. From that day our first parents fell in the Garden we have been plunged into darkness and deserve death and eternal separation from our Creator.

Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, our sin makes God angry. God has a holy wrath which comes from a holy righteousness that demands punishment for sins. Yes, Christ’s sacrifice covered our sins, but only the sins of those who experience a saving faith. If you are not "born again," as Jesus said, then His blood will not cover our sins. God will only see impurity in our lives, and we will be punished in Hell for them.

Jesus made a bold statement regarding those who will receive salvation and those who will not, which clarifies our point significantly. "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matt. 7:13-14). Salvation may be seen by all, but few will realize how it is obtained.

Simply put, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me." We are not all automatically on our way to Heaven. Only the blood of Christ can stamp our ticket into the pearly gates. There is no good work we can accomplish that will do what the sacrifice of Jesus did.

Universalism is one of the most dangerous of beliefs because of the complacency it can birth, even among believers. If there is no Hell, then the urgency for a Christian witness is nullified. This poison makes Christians content to live out their own faith, without fulfilling their part in the Great Commission, where Jesus told us to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15).

What we as Christians need to do is to first be aware of this outlook. Universalism holds to an unholy trinity: pluralism, tolerance, and freedom. There are not many ways to God like pluralism dictates. And though we are to "tolerate" other beliefs, and we have the freedom to believe what we like, that does not mean all of those beliefs are correct.

We are to hold to the authority of Scripture. God has revealed Himself to us through His Word. In the Bible we are clearly told that Jesus declared exclusivity. He is the only way to Heaven. He is unique and requires faith in only Him and the sacrifice He made for us.

Universalism is one the devil’s more dangerous poisons because it is so subtle and it appears so good to people on the surface. The truth is, Satan does not want people to know they are on their way to destruction—that when they go before the throne they will face rejection instead of acceptance. People must be told the truth and shown the love of Jesus.

God is not willing that any should perish, but without the covering of Christ’s sacrifice, perish they will. People must be told the truth before it is too late.

Next month we will look at the final of that serpent’s poisons: postmodernism. Until then, my prayer, as always, is that God blesses you in way that further Him Kingdom.