Universalism

[lismore]

Yes, I believe that ^ I was under the impression that wasn't the type of "Universalism" that the OP was referring to.

No it isn't what the OP was referring to, but I think that it's the only type of universalism there is.

 

[Robban]

There is universalism in the sense of John 3:16. The whosoever can come to Jesus. Anyone, anytime, anywhere can come.
It's a universal invitation. There's a place for you, whoever you are.

But John 3:18

whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Yeah, who knows?
Even Christians may slip in on a banana skin,
but someone has to do the laundry
1st APRIL,

 

[ianb321red]

When someone needs to ask that I wonder what they think the point of Christianity is.

The point of the Christian gospel is to show us how God resolves His problem.
God's problem is Sin caused by rebellious people.
God, being just and righteous cannot allow Sin to continue forever. If he is a fair God, then he has to put an end to to suffering caused by sin in this world.

The Christian gospel offers us salvation through restoring this broken relationship with God; a broken relationship which has been caused by sin.

The Christian gospel is a gift of grace from God - but it is a gift for those that receive it.

The purpose of Christianity is tell people who are interested and will listen about the good news of this free gift of grace from God.

If this offer of grace was simply forced upon us then it wouldn't be a gift, it wouldn't be something would could be thankful for, and there ultimately wouldn't be a need for anyone to spread the "news" about it.

So, I ask in return - do you agree? What do you think the point of Christianity is?

 

[ebia]

The point of the Christian gospel is to show us how God resolves His problem.
God's problem is Sin caused by rebellious people.
God, being just and righteous cannot allow Sin to continue forever. If he is a fair God, then he has to put an end to to suffering caused by sin in this world.

The Christian gospel offers us salvation through restoring this broken relationship with God; a broken relationship which has been caused by sin.

The Christian gospel is a gift of grace from God - but it is a gift for those that receive it.

The purpose of Christianity is tell people who are interested and will listen about the good news of this free gift of grace from God.

If this offer of grace was simply forced upon us then it wouldn't be a gift, it wouldn't be something would could be thankful for, and there ultimately wouldn't be a need for anyone to spread the "news" about it.

So, I ask in return - do you agree? What do you think the point of Christianity is?

Is the question about Christianity, or about the gospel?

The Gospel is that Jesus is risen and is Lord, putting the world to rights.

Christianity's job includes heralding that news, but more importantly living it now in anticipation of when it's fully and visibly true.

 

[ianb321red]

Is the question about Christianity, or about the gospel?

The Gospel is that Jesus is risen and is Lord, putting the world to rights.

Christianity's job includes heralding that news, but more importantly living it now in anticipation of when it's fully and visibly true.

The original question I asked was a rhetorical one - if universalism is true, then what is the point of Christianity?

 

[ebia]

The original question I asked was a rhetorical one - if universalism is true, then what is the point of Christianity?

The same as if it isn't true.

 

[ianb321red]

The same as if it isn't true.

How then?
Explain the purpose of Christianity if we are all going to heaven regardless of the lives we live?

 

[ebia]

How then?
Explain the purpose of Christianity if we are all going to heaven regardless of the lives we live?

Your question seems to assume that the purpose of Christianity is to get you to heaven when you die verses others who won't.

 

[savedbygrace05]

Your question seems to assume that the purpose of Christianity is to get you to heaven when you die verses others who won't.

2 Cor 6: 2 "For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation."

Salvation is the goal which applies not only to this life, but for eternity!

 

[Genersis]

The Bible: How to Live for Ever in 1 Easy step!
While stocks last!

 

[ianb321red]

Your question seems to assume that the purpose of Christianity is to get you to heaven when you die verses others who won't.

No. That's what universalism claims.

As Savedbygrace correctly says we are focused on salvation on this earth in preparation for a new heaven and a new earth.....

And it is salvation from sin!

 

[ianb321red]

The Bible: How to Live for Ever in 1 Easy step!
While stocks last!

I don't disagree with that

 

[Daihlo]

I dont think that everyone goes to Heaven.
If that were the case, then there would have been no need for the sacrifice of Jesus who took away the sins of those who choose to follow him.
Only with the removal of sins (through Jesus) can we stand before God and be at one with Him - hence the word 'atonement', at-one with.

I do believe though that God reaches out to all people, even on their death bed, or at least that there is a moment on dying that we realise our separation from God. If this is the case for all, I do not know.

I though, would prefer to live my life to the full with Christ while I am on earth, then also in Heaven, instead of living without knowing Him (as I did the first 20 years of my life) then 'accept' Him in the last dying moment... what a waste of a life that would be!

 

[savedbygrace05]

"...then 'accept' Him in the last dying moment... what a waste of a life that would be!"

Yes, but let us not forget the work of God's Spirit convicting people of their sin, no matter what stage of life that may be;

Jn 3: 3 "Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."

 

[Daihlo]

I agree.
Jesus was sent as Gods sacrificial lamb, sure He lived to show us Gods love and grace, and to heal the sick, open the eyes of the blind, even to blind those who thought they could see! (self proclaimed religious teachers)... but His main purpose was as THE sacrifice to remove our sin. This so that we can be saved.

Without accepting Jesus our sin would remain, even at death and separate us from God.
Who knows what happens in a persons dying moment though. Still, better to live and tell others of His love and salvation so they will surely know him!

 

[ebia]

No. That's what universalism claims.

As Savedbygrace correctly says we are focused on salvation on this earth in preparation for a new heaven and a new earth.....

And it is salvation from sin!

Okay Thats good. Now what difference would it make if it turn out that all are included in that?

 

[ebia]

2 Cor 6: 2 "For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation."

Salvation is the goal which applies not only to this life, but for eternity!

Yes. And?

 

[savedbygrace05]

Yes. And?

There is no And, God has spoken

 

[ebia]

There is no And, God has spoken

In what way did you think it was relevant to the immediate point of conversation.

 

[savedbygrace05]

In what way did you think it was relevant to the immediate point of conversation.

With the attitude that you consistently convey to biblical truth and other Christians, none I guess!!