The Restitution Of All Things

[FineLinen]

Kmom2 posted

...

"I became a proponent of universal reconciliation after a very bad experience with the harsh fundamentalist idea that God is going to send most of humanity to eternal conscious torture. I left that version of Christianity and spent a number of years studying other faiths. One of them was Buddhism, which has "bodhisattvas" who vow to put off nirvana until EVERY LAST BEING is liberated. This was the most beautiful thing I had ever heard of. This was pure sacrificial love. I wondered, why doesn't the faith of my upbringing, Christianity, have such a noble being--who wouldn't leave even ONE behind, even if it took aeons? Even if it meant taking on immense suffering? The one who died on the cross---he died for just a handful of people in the grand scheme of things? That's a very small "savior" hardly worthy of the name. Free will, they say? Not good enough. Any parent knows that love trumps free will when your toddler decides he wants to play with his legos in the middle of a busy street. God wouldn't let free will be the reason for unimaginable suffering of most of his creation.

And then I thought, maybe Jesus was the ultimate example of sacrificial love. I re-examined my old faith and found that, indeed, Jesus is the Savior of the world. The savior of every man, especially those who believe. The one would would never leave even one behind. I also discovered that the early church believed that as well. That was the good news. Does Jesus preach about hellish states and have harsh words for those who do evil? Sure, but none of that is everlasting or punitive, but corrective.

 

[FineLinen]

What is this word "munificence" which I have never before seen? (bold above)

"Yet to each of us individually grace was given, measured out with the munificence of Christ." Definition below.

The common creed (Damnationism) views grace as given out sparingly, only to a select few. Withheld from the majority. But this scriptures indicates the liberality, the extraordinary and lavish bounty that is spread thick and generously. Brimming and overflowing, running free, uncontained. Messy grace spilling everywhere without apology. We'll need to mop up the overflow.

The whole pitcher of grace for us poured into our cup, running across the table and dripping on the floor. Uncontainable, the virtual flood of grace. Like a tsunami for the thirsty. Best bring your surfboard.

munificence

• n.
  Fortification or strength; defense.
• n.
  The quality or character of being munificent; a giving or bestowing with great liberality or lavishness; bounty; liberality. Also munificency.
• n.
  The quality or state of being munificent; a giving or bestowing with extraordinary liberality; generous bounty; lavish generosity.

munificent

• adj.
  Very liberal in giving; generous.
• adj.
  Showing great generosity: synonym: liberal.
• 
  Extremely liberal in giving or bestowing; very generous: as, a munificent benefactor or patron.

Dear Steve: That is an incredible post!

Our God is indeed munificent, a mighty tsunami of unrestrained grace flowing (no overflowing) to the bruised and broken of us all. Not a few, not many, the all!

God is not a potential Saviour: He IS Saviour of ALL

 

[FineLinen]

"This is the God of the gospel of grace. A God who, out of love for us, sent the only Son He ever had wrapped in our skin. He learned how to walk, stumbled and fell, cried for His milk, sweated blood in the night, was lashed with a whip and showered with spit, was fixed to a cross, and died whispering forgiveness on us all.”

- Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt out-

Sin vs Grace

"Sin disturbed relations with God in everything and everyone, but the extent of the disturbance was not clear until God spelled it out in detail to Moses. So death, this huge abyss separating us from God, dominated the landscape from Adam to Moses. Even those who didn't sin precisely as Adam did by disobeying a specific command of God still had to experience this termination of life, this separation from God. But Adam, who got us into this, also points ahead to the One who will get us out of it.

Yet the rescuing gift is not exactly parallel to the death-dealing sin.

If one man's sin put crowds of people at the dead-end abyss of separation from God, just think what God's gift poured through one man, Jesus Christ, will do!

There's no comparison between that death-dealing sin and this generous, life-giving gift.

The verdict on that one sin was the death sentence; the verdict on the many sins that followed was this wonderful life sentence. If death got the upper hand through one man's wrongdoing, can you imagine the breathtaking recovery life makes, sovereign life, in those who grasp with both hands this wildly extravagant life-gift, this grand setting-everything-right, that the one man Jesus Christ provides?

Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into life!

One man said no to God and put many people in the wrong; one man said yes to God and put many in the right.

All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn't, and doesn't, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it's sin versus grace, grace wins hands down.

All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that's the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life - a life that goes on and on and on, world without end." -The Message-

 

[FineLinen]

“I thank God that He has at last brought me to a lively sense of His infinite goodness and mercy to all, and that I now see it in all His works, and in every page of His Word. It has taught me to love every man and to rejoice in the happiness which our Heavenly Father intends for all; and has dispersed all the gloomy and melancholy thoughts which arise from the apprehension of eternal misery for myself or friends.

How long, or how much God will punish wicked men, He has nowhere said, and therefore I cannot tell. But this I am sure of, that in judgment He will remember mercy; that He chastens only because He loves, and His tender mercies are over all His works. God will conduct the wicked through all the afflictions which He thinks fit to lay upon them for their good, with infinite tenderness and compassion.” - Dr. David Hartley-

“Christ Jesus will deliver all mankind out of bondage. This I see to be a truth by testimony of Scripture, as God is pleased to teach me. But this mystery of God is not to be done all at once, but in several dispensations, some whereof are past, some are in being, and some are yet to come. The whole creation of mankind, which is God’s work, shall be delivered from corruption, bondage, death, and pain. Mankind shall be by Christ reconciled to his Maker and be made one in spirit with Him; i.e. the curse shall be removed, and the power of it killed and consumed.

Truly this is according to the current of the whole Scriptures, that everyone shall be made of one heart and one spirit, i.e. that all shall be brought to obey the Father, walk humbly before Him, and live in peace and love in Him. This is the doctrine of Christ and the gospel. This is glad tidings to hear of. When you are made to enjoy this doctrine as yours, then you shall know what it is to know the Son, and what it is to be set free by the Son.” – Gerard Winstanley- (The mystery of God)

No more let sin and sorrow grow
Nor thorns infest the ground:
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.

 

[FineLinen]

Restoration (The Feast of Tabernacles)

“The feast of tabernacles means the feast of in-gathering. It takes an eight day period to bring in the fullness of the in-gathering. Eight is the number of new beginnings in scripture or full restoration

1 Corinthians 15 is the last chapter in the Bible. The fifteenth chapter clearly shows how great the totality of the feast of tabernacles will be.

‘As in Adam all die (every preacher will agree that all people are in Adam but few believe that the word all mean all in the second part of the verse) so in Christ all shall be made alive.’ Jesus is going to gather all together in Himself.

He will have everyone in His nature.

Everything that occurs, occurs in the plan and order of God. In 1 Corinthians 15 God shows that there are different orders. The highest order is Jesus Christ.

Everything will, in time, be brought into Jesus Christ. All shall be gathered into Him. When this is done then Jesus, the Son, will turn all over to the Father. It is then we find that time ends, for God becomes All in all (verse 28). -Chas. Weller-

God All & in all

 

[Saint Steven]

Restoration (The Feast of Tabernacles)

“The feast of tabernacles means the feast of in-gathering. It takes an eight day period to bring in the fullness of the in-gathering. Eight is the number of new beginnings in scripture or full restoration

1 Corinthians 15 is the last chapter in the Bible. The fifteenth chapter clearly shows how great the totality of the feast of tabernacles will be.

‘As in Adam all die (every preacher will agree that all people are in Adam but few believe that the word all mean all in the second part of the verse) so in Christ all shall be made alive.’ Jesus is going to gather all together in Himself.

He will have everyone in His nature.

Everything that occurs, occurs in the plan and order of God. In 1 Corinthians 15 God shows that there are different orders. The highest order is Jesus Christ.

Everything will, in time, be brought into Jesus Christ. All shall be gathered into Him. When this is done then Jesus, the Son, will turn all over to the Father. It is then we find that time ends, for God becomes All in all (verse 28). -Chas. Weller-

God All & in all

The whole business about the eighth day is interesting. Circumcision (eight days after birth) and the first day of the week as the eighth day.

 

[FineLinen]

The whole business about the eighth day is interesting. Circumcision (eight days after birth) and the first day of the week as the eighth day.

Dear Saint: So much escapes my limited grasp of the Holy! Our Father dwells in mystery. Just when we think every last star and galaxy is before us, wee pinpricks of light cascade into many more stars and galaxies. My old life is coming to a close, and still there are vast areas to explore by the Spirit. What a Trip He is!

“God can never punish any, more than is necessary for his reformation. He cannot mistake in the choice of His means, and must always reach His end. He would appear less lovely if one creature should be forever miserable.”

Our God is the Alpha & Omega

The word for today=

anakainoo

anakainoo=

To make new/ to renew.

 

[Saint Steven]

“... He would appear less lovely if one creature should be forever miserable.” ...

Would Father God teach us to do unto others as we would have them do unto us, and then turn around and throw someone into a forever burning hell with no hope of escape? Is that what he would want them to do to him?

Matthew 7:9-12
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

 

[Shrewd Manager]

“The feast of tabernacles means the feast of in-gathering. It takes an eight day period to bring in the fullness of the in-gathering. Eight is the number of new beginnings in scripture or full restoration

This is also the aleph-beit, according to Erik Bissell at least.

Alef = the plan/ idea
Beit = the house/ idea descends into material form
Gimmel = camel, travels around
Dalet = the door/ gate
Hey = Hey! the breath/ spirit of God
Vav = the new man
Zayin = cut/ the sword
Chet = the temple wall
And on it goes...

So it actually tells a story about the process of being regenerated/ born again.

Why Jesus says things like 'I am the door', 'I came to bring a sword', and "I am the alef and the tav'.

 

[Shrewd Manager]

Our God is the Alpha & Omega

The word for today=

anakainoo

anakainoo=

To make new/ to renew.

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration [paliggenesia] and renewal [anakinoseos] of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7)

My 3 favorite NT damnation-destroying Greek words are probably:

• Anakainosis
• Apocatastasis
• Paliggenesis

With the bonus 'kolasis', and who could forget 'ta panta'.

I know you have many more F.L, do you have the good list handy?

 

[FineLinen]

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration [paliggenesia] and renewal [anakinoseos] of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7)

My 3 favorite NT damnation-destroying Greek words are probably:

• Anakainosis
• Apocatastasis
• Paliggenesis

With the bonus 'kolasis', and who could forget 'ta panta'.

I know you have many more F.L, do you have the good list handy?

Dear Saint Shrewd: You have been an amazing addition to C.F.

I attempt to spend the last remaining breaths of my old being in proclaiming the transcendent greatness of the One who is exceedingly above anything we can think. It is to Him, we are being drawn in little baby steps that will ultimately be exceeding, unlimited, overwhelming, surpassingly great, immeasureable for a start. Yes, my friend, our Father is huperballo and one cannot help but love Him.

"But I do more than thank. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing Him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is He is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life He has for us, oh, the utter extravagance of His work in us who trust Him - endless energy, boundless strength!"

 

[FineLinen]

Whose will prevails?

”Tradition has taught that God will not save a person against their will. I agree. However He has the power to orchestrate whatever circumstances are necessary to effect one’s will to change.

Once a full revelation of God is received in the ages to come (Eph. 2:7), men will bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord just as Isaiah and Paul prophesied (Is. 45:21-25; Rom. 4:11; Ph. 2:9-11).

Who would want to continue in active and persistent rebellion knowing God only wants what is best for them? Knowing the great goodness and love of God, along with the Holy Spirit working in their hearts, these hardened hearts must melt before His glorious being.

It is impossible that an omnipotent God can fail in His purpose so that some would forever resist unconditional love opting for everlasting pain. This would be totally irrational. And even if one were that irrational, such resistance would not arise out of a ‘free’ will, but an ‘enslaved’ will, a will in bondage to an enslaved mind.” -Gerry Beauchemin-

Word for today=

boulema

boulema=

A deliberate design/ that which is purposed.

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

 

[FineLinen]

Welcome to Hope

About – Tentmaker

Iran has world’s ‘fastest-growing church,’ despite no buildings - and it's mostly led by women: documentary

 

[FineLinen]

"To say that sin, assuming it to be opposed to God, has the power of creating a world antagonistic to God as everlasting as He is, attributes to it a power equal at least to His; since according to this view, souls whom God willed to be saved, and for whom Christ died, are held in bondage under the power of sin for ever; and all this in opposition to the Word of God, which says that God's Son was "manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil..." --Andrew Jukes, The Restitution of all Things-

"To go on punishing for ever, simply for punishment's sake, shocks every sentiment of justice. And the case is so much worse when the punishment is really the prolongation of evil, when it is but making evil endless." -Thomas Allin, Christ Triumphant-

"The Almighty Maker of souls has various methods of restoring them to the divine image; it is impossible his power can fail; it is impossible for his image to be entirely obliterated; it is impossible that misery, sin, and discord can be eternal! –Alison R. Cockburn-

 

[FineLinen]

Universalism: A Historical Survey

By Richard Bauckham (Professor Of N.T. Studies)

https://theologicalstudies.org.uk/ar..._bauckham.html

"..so abundant was God's grace, the grace which He, the possessor of all wisdom and understanding, lavished upon us, when He made known to us the secret of His will. And this is in harmony with God's merciful purpose for the government of the world when the times are ripe for it—the purpose which He has cherished in His own mind of restoring the whole creation to find its one Head in Christ; yes, things in Heaven and things on earth, to find their one Head in Him. In Him we also have been made heirs, having been chosen beforehand in accordance with the intention of Him whose might carries out in everything the design of His own will, so that we should be devoted to the extolling of His glorious attributes.." -Weymouth-

The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge

The First 500 Years by J.W. Hanson D.D.

Universalism, the Prevailing Doctrine of the Christian Church During its First Five Hundred Years

 

[FineLinen]

John Wesley:

He quoted from Sixteen Discourses (Moravian Literature), the following statement,

“By his (Christ’s) name, all can and shall obtain life and salvation.”

The Reformer Martin Luther had hope for all.

In his letter to Hanseu Von Rechenberg in 1522, Luther wrote:

"God forbid that I should limit the time of acquiring faith to the present life. In the depth of the Divine mercy there may be opportunity to win it in the future."

Do you know how many times "limited" is used in Scripture?

"YOU have limited the Holy One of Israel."

 

[Saint Steven]

Jesus is THE way - no other way
Jesus is THE truth - not one of many truths
Jesus is THE life - life is found in none other

John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

 

[Saint Steven]

Welcome to Hope

About – Tentmaker

Iran has world’s ‘fastest-growing church,’ despite no buildings - and it's mostly led by women: documentary

Wow. That's good news.
Here are links to the TWO documentaries on YouTube. Free to watch.
The link to the article above will explain the content. PG suggested.

Volume One

Volume Two

 

[FineLinen]

Wow. That's good news.
Here are links to the TWO documentaries on YouTube. Free to watch.
The link to the article above will explain the content. PG suggested.

Volume One

Volume Two

My brother Steve: The mighty power of the Lord our God is awakening individuals today! Many sleep, the vast multitudes going about their daily lives in their usual place like the High Priest Eli, lying in his usual place in a day of great darkness as the lamp of the Lord burned very low.

My brother, there is a Samuel company, they are NOT sleeping well & their ususal place is lying at the foot of the Altar of the Lord!

Awake you that sleep, arise from the dead & Christ shall give you life!

 

[Shrewd Manager]

Dear Saint Shrewd: You have been an amazing addition to C.F.

I attempt to spend the last remaining breaths of my old being in proclaiming the transcendent greatness of the One who is exceedingly above anything we can think. It is to Him, we are being drawn in little baby steps that will ultimately be exceeding, unlimited, overwhelming, surpassingly great, immeasureable for a start. Yes, my friend, our Father is huperballo and one cannot help but love Him.

"But I do more than thank. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing Him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is He is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life He has for us, oh, the utter extravagance of His work in us who trust Him - endless energy, boundless strength!"

Dear F.L., thanks to God that His angel had our paths intersect on the Universalist Forum so that I've been able by His grace to warble some antiphonal songs with yourself and the few other heretic saints here like Steve, Hillsage and Laz Short, Westozzie and Mkgal1.

I pray God, open the eyes of all those in darkness, so they might see the hills full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding them. Help us to always answer evil with good, to be longsuffering and forbear, to turn the other cheek and to strive to be perfect even as you, our mighty Father in heaven and saviour of all mankind, are perfect in all things. Amen.