WHY UNIVERSALISM IS NOT TRUE?

[ozso]

It's in the contexts I mentioned. But first note that the verse says the gift is not like the trespass. So we can't make them identical. Paul clarifies the gift and the trespass are not identical things. One was laid on all people due to the original sin. As Paul says For ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. He says in other places that everyone has sinned. The scriptures make it clear. So Paul isn't trying to suddenly contradict himself. He is trying to show the difference between the gift and the trespass. And he does so incontext. The gift is a gift to us not a guarantee for everyone. It is different. The gift must be received by faith. When someone hands you a gift you have to take it. You could choose not to. And it has to be received in this case by faith.

The trespass was horrible, but he gift is better and stronger, able to cover your trespasses. If you receive the gift by faith. This is clear in context. Of the chapter and others in Romans.

Perhaps the contradictions you keep bringing up can be viewed the other way around. Paul goes onto say in verse 18, "consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people".

In verse 19 Paul says, "for just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous".

The more that Romans 5 is gone though, the more Paul keeps repeating the same thing, which really sounds a lot like universalism.

You mentioned Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". But then in verse 24 Paul goes on to say, "and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus". There it is again.

I'm not saying all of that and more proves UR. But it certainly gives those who believe in UR a lot of scripture to draw from. Rather than it "not being in the Bible".

 

[rjs330]

Perhaps the contradictions you keep bringing up can be viewed the other way around. Paul goes onto say in verse 18, "consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people".

In verse 19 Paul says, "for just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous".

The more that Romans 5 is gone though, the more Paul keeps repeating the same thing, which really sounds a lot like universalism.

You mentioned Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". But then in verse 24 Paul goes on to say, "and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus". There it is again.

I'm not saying all of that and more proves UR. But it certainly gives those who believe in UR a lot of scripture to draw from. Rather than it "not being in the Bible".

Not really because Paul offers the qualifier. Faith, belief. That's the key. And I've pointed it out. I'm not sure how you keep missing that.

Notice context again on Romans 3.

But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction;for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:whom God set forth to be a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in the forbearance of God;for the showing, I say, of his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus.Where then is the glorying? It is excluded. By what manner of law? of works? Nay: but by a law of faith.We reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.Or is God the God of Jews only? is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yea, of Gentiles also:if so be that God is one, and he shall justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith.Do we then make the law of none effect through faith? God forbid: nay, we establish the law. - Romans 3:21-31 Bible Gateway passage: Romans 3:21-31 - American Standard Version

Notice how many times faith and belief are mentioned. No UR is not supported. Context is clear. Contradictions do not exist. Faith and belief unlocks the door to grace and salvation. Without it we remain dead in trespass and sin.

There is no biblical proof of UR. You took scripture out of context in order to try and show how UR could be. Exactly what they do.

Don't miss what Paul says in Romans 8

There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace:because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be:and they that are in the flesh cannot please God.But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness.But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you.So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh:for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live.For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God:and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him . - Romans 8:1-17 Bible Gateway passage: Romans 8:1-17 - American Standard Version

Faith, Belief in Christ gives you the Spirit to walk in the spirit. Without it you are condemned and dead in the flesh. Paul NEVER says anything about UR. To try and claim so makes Paul a hypocrite and untrustworthy. Thus he cannot be used for UR or anything else. He's just a mixed up person who doesn't know what he is talking about.

 

[rjs330]

The more that Romans 5 is gone though, the more Paul keeps repeating the same thing, which really sounds a lot like universalism.

No it's not because Paul starts the entire portion with

Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. - Romans 5:1-2 Bible Gateway passage: Romans 5:1-2 - American Standard Version

I think Paul would be appalled by the twisting of his teaching by totally ignoring what he wrote in context. Which would include all his letters.

 

[ozso]

No it's not because Paul starts the entire portion with

Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. - Romans 5:1-2

That doesn't necessarily shoot down the idea, if Paul expanded on that to include "all people". Really one has to read the whole letter to see if it seems to carry what could be a message of salvation for all, especially those who believe.

I think Paul would be appalled by the twisting of his teaching by totally ignoring what he wrote in context. Which would include all his letters.

I've heard Christian universalists say the same thing.

 

[Shrewd Manager]

The real reason was because they were hypocrites. Pretending to be righteous while they were rotten to the core.

Hypocrisy is more subtle than that, as Paul points out in Philippians 3:4-8. Not pretending to be righteous, but convinced of their righteousness: following the letter of the law, making all the sacrifices, abstemious, being set apart from the beggar at the gates, and so on.

So how is it that any 'exclusivist' eschatology does not necessarily imply a 'worthy' and an 'unworthy' class? 'Awfully sorry pal, you didn't 'believe' (at all, sufficiently or properly), you're out.'

I suggest there is nothing but false self-righteous pride associated with infernalism and conditionalism. 'You got it right buddy, come on in!'

 

[Andrewn]

While I think it's clear he means all, the better citations are where he actually does: "for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ" (1 Cor 15:22)

The gift is a gift to us not a guarantee for everyone. It is different. The gift must be received by faith. When someone hands you a gift you have to take it. You could choose not to. And it has to be received in this case by faith.

The problem with the word die is twofold: 1) It can be used for physical or spiritual death, and 2) It has been understood in the West, especially after the Reformation, that all die in Adam spiritually. But here is St. John Chrysostom's comment on 1Co 15:22.

"What then? tell me; did all die in Adam the death of sin [277] ? How then was Noah righteous in his generation? and how Abraham? and how Job? and how all the rest? And what, I pray? shall all be made alive in Christ? Where then are those who are led away into hell fire? Thus, if this be said of the body, the doctrine stands: but if of righteousness and sin, it doth so no longer."

So, Chrysostom takes "die" as a reference to spiritual death and does not believe that all died in Adam. Just as "all die" is hyperbolic, "all made alive" is also hyperbolic. Or the parallelism is categorical: all who die belong to Adam and all who are made alive belong to Christ. And the same can be said regarding Rom 5:15.

Both sides of this debate believe that every single person spiritually died in Adam. Thus they both misinterpret St. Paul. And they can never agree about what he meant.

 

[Shrewd Manager]

The problem with the word die is twofold: 1) It can be used for physical or spiritual death,

And spiritual life, eg 'Blessed are the dead that die in Christ', ie being born again. The spiritually dead need to die to self and be reborn in Christ, whereby they can proceed to die daily in life abundant/ aionion. Got it?

 

[Andrewn]

Paul goes onto say in verse 18, "consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people".

In verse 19 Paul says, "for just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous".

One of the saddest translations in the NT is the word "justification," which has resulted in a lot of misunderstanding. There is no single English word that can translate the Greek word and dynamic translations, which I usually criticize, do much better in attempting to convey the meaning. In this particular passage, and in many others, I think it is clear that "justification" parallels "being made righteous."

The question is how are people "made righteous?" To answer this one has to remember the example of Abraham that both Paul and James comment on.

 

[rjs330]

That doesn't necessarily shoot down the idea, if Paul expanded on that to include "all people". Really one has to read the whole letter to see if it seems to carry what could be a message of salvation for all, especially those who believe.



I've heard Christian universalists say the same thing.

Yeah it does shut down the idea. The qualifiers do as well. Its as clear as can be. Justification is by faith. It's not automatic. Faith is REQUIRED. As does a lot of the other things he writes. UR is a false doctrine and the writings of Paul show it. As has been shown the verses used are used in a silo. They are not associated with context.

UR takes things out of context. It's like I've been saying all along. Salvation is for everyone who believes. It's sufficient for all. But faith is required for access. And you must believe before you die.

 

[rjs330]

Hypocrisy is more subtle than that, as Paul points out in Philippians 3:4-8. Not pretending to be righteous, but convinced of their righteousness: following the letter of the law, making all the sacrifices, abstemious, being set apart from the beggar at the gates, and so on.

So how is it that any 'exclusivist' eschatology does not necessarily imply a 'worthy' and an 'unworthy' class? 'Awfully sorry pal, you didn't 'believe' (at all, sufficiently or properly), you're out.'

I suggest there is nothing but false self-righteous pride associated with infernalism and conditionalism. 'You got it right buddy, come on in!'

I think you are mistaken. It's not us who stands at the judgement seat and says a thing. Its God.

And you appear to be mocking him here. Because the word says.

And he said unto me, They are come to pass. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. - Revelation 21:6-8 Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 21:6-8 - American Standard Version

 

[Shrewd Manager]

I think you are mistaken. It's not us who stands at the judgement seat and says a thing. Its God.

And you appear to be mocking him here. Because the word says.

And he said unto me, They are come to pass. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. - Revelation 21:6-8 Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 21:6-8 - American Standard Version

Not sure why I'd be mocking God when you cite a passage that clearly reveals first up that Jesus (ie Yahushua, Salvation of God) is the Omega (ie the ultimate endpoint).

And I'm not sure if you believe you're beyond reproach when it comes to the sinner categories. Would that not be the kind of hypocrisy for which the Pharisee is chastised, who in his own vain imagination fears God only, is holy perfect just and righteous, never looks lustfully at a woman and has a true understanding of God and creation?

You may also wish to note that brimstone is 'theion', a purifying agent, God's essence, if you will. You may wish to look more closely at scripture to identify the source of the LoF.

Also, the 'second death' is something that 'hurts' to undergo, and would be incongruent with total annihilation or eternal punishment. Rather, it's consistent with the idea of being saved by fire but suffering loss/ damage/ detriment ('zemioo') (1 Cor 3:15) or not being released from prison until having paid the uttermost farthing (Luke 12:59).

The last enemy to be destroyed is death itself, so on the interpretative principle of 'birds of a feather', this would imply that it is unbelief, idolatry, sinfulness etc that are destroyed, not Larry, Curly and Moe, save to the extent that they are transformed/ converted in the process. This would then allow us to make sense of the universal declaration in Rev 21:6, the surprise return of the now-repentant nations in Rev 21:25 for healing in Rev 22:2, and the lifting of the curse in Rev 22:3.

 

[rjs330]

Not sure why I'd be mocking God when you cite a passage that clearly reveals first up that Jesus (ie Yahushua, Salvation of God) is the Omega (ie the ultimate endpoint).

It's because you said this.

how is it that any 'exclusivist' eschatology does not necessarily imply a 'worthy' and an 'unworthy' class? 'Awfully sorry pal, you didn't 'believe' (at all, sufficiently or properly), you're out.'

In the end it is Christ who judges the Alpha and Omega. Hes the the one who says:

But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. - Revelation 21:8 Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 21:8 - American Standard Version

Note he says "unbelievers". So when you say, Awfully sorry pal you you didn't believe (at all, insufficiently or properly) you're out", you are making a mockery of what Christ says.

I know you are not intentionally doing that. You are actually trying to mock those who do not believe in UR. Yet there we have it. Clear as a bell. We don't believe in UR because of what Christ says. He is the exclusavist in the end. And the beginning.

For he said that that you must be born again to enter the kingdom. So as he begins, so he ends. You must believe. That whosoever believeth on him. The unbeliever is not a believer.

 

[rjs330]

And I'm not sure if you believe you're beyond reproach when it comes to the sinner categories. Would that not be the kind of hypocrisy for which the Pharisee is chastised, who in his own vain imagination fears God only, is holy perfect just and righteous, never looks lustfully at a woman and has a true understanding of God and creation?

Why would you bring this up? Is it something I said that made you think I believed my sin is beyond reproach? That I'm some sort of pharisee?

 

[hedrick]

But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. - Revelation 21:8 Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 21:8 - American Standard Version

The word is ἀπίστοις. Just as pistis is ambiguous, so is this. Pistis often means faithful, so this word often means faithless, lacking in fidelity (fide is the Latin version). That's not quite the same thing as non-Christian. I do agree that the author of the Revelation almost certainly didn't believe in UR.

 

[rjs330]

The last enemy to be destroyed is death itself, so on the interpretative principle of 'birds of a feather', this would imply that it is unbelief, idolatry, sinfulness etc that are destroyed, not Larry, Curly and Moe, save to the extent that they are transformed/ converted in the process. This would then allow us to make sense of the universal declaration in Rev 21:6, the surprise return of the now-repentant nations in Rev 21:25 for healing in Rev 22:2, and the lifting of the curse in Rev 22:3.

Wow, there is a lot of scriptural twisting going on to try and make things fit your belief instead of the other way around.

The last enemy to be defeated is death. Bit this is the SECOND death.

And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, even the lake of fire.And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire. - Revelation 20:13-15 Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 20:13-15 - American Standard Version

The words used here are a reference to people not deeds. It is not the sin of the people that is cast, it's the peopke themselves. There is NO indication of transformation here. You shouldn't read I to something that is not there. You've tossed in your own thoughts into this.

There is no need to make sense as you say.

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more.And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God:and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away.And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he saith, Write: for these words are faithful and true.And he said unto me, They are come to pass. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. - Revelation 21:1-7 Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 21:1-7 - American Standard Version

Remember earlier in Revelation about the overcomers? And there are other scriptures that deal with overcomers. They are always the ones who believe and follow. They are not the unbelievers and sinners.

All things new is a reference to his final acts of recreation and wiping the tears away, wiping away sorrow and death. Waters of life are given to the BELIEVERS.

And to be clear an who he is talking about it is REPEATED on those who are cast away. The unbeliever.

It all makes perfect sense. You don't have to twist anything. Just trust it.

Jesus talks about this.

Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field.And he answered and said, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;and the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one;and the enemy that sowed them is the devil: and the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are angels.As therefore the tares are gathered up and burned with fire; so shall it be in the end of the world.The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity,and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He that hath ears, let him hear.The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a merchant seeking goodly pearls:and having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach; and they sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but the bad they cast away.So shall it be in the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the righteous,and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea.And he said unto them, Therefore every scribe who hath been made a disciple to the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. - Matthew 13:36-52 Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 13:36-52 - American Standard Version

It's the righteous that shine. The kingdom is something to be sought after. It is not something that is automatically given. It is so precious that we should be will to sell everything to obtain it.
The wicked are severed away and cast away. They are not saved and do not enter the kingdom.

 

[rjs330]

The word is ἀπίστοις. Just as pistis is ambiguous, so is this. Pistis often means faithful, so this word often means faithless, lacking in fidelity (fide is the Latin version). That's not quite the same thing as non-Christian. I do agree that the author of the Revelation almost certainly didn't believe in UR.

Sure it is. The non-Christian is completely faithless. They are not faithful.to God or Christ. The non-Christian is the epitome of faithlessness. Because it takes FAITH to believe.

The author of Revelation was writing under the inspiration and direction of God. It's not just a personal belief of his. It's not something that we can say, "well he didn't believe in it, but that doesn't mean it's not a valid doctrine." No, he was directed to write these things. And if he wrote the they came from the direct authority of God.

And if so, then UR is a false doctrine.

 

[rjs330]

Who asked John to write? Who told John what to write?

 

[Shrewd Manager]

It's because you said this.



In the end it is Christ who judges the Alpha and Omega. Hes the the one who says:

But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. - Revelation 21:8 Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 21:8 - American Standard Version

Note he says "unbelievers". So when you say, Awfully sorry pal you you didn't believe (at all, insufficiently or properly) you're out", you are making a mockery of what Christ says.

I know you are not intentionally doing that. You are actually trying to mock those who do not believe in UR. Yet there we have it. Clear as a bell. We don't believe in UR because of what Christ says. He is the exclusavist in the end. And the beginning.

For he said that that you must be born again to enter the kingdom. So as he begins, so he ends. You must believe. That whosoever believeth on him. The unbeliever is not a believer.

Unfortunately you seem to have missed the point, which is first and foremost that salvation is the ultimate goal. It's not that Christ judges the omega, He IS the omega ie God's Salvation is the Final Outcome. So this is incompatible with the belief that destruction/ eternal torture of the many is what ultimately occurs. Rejection of Christ as the saviour of all mankind is a form of unbelief, namely unbelief that Jesus is the omega, and a whole lot of things that go with it, including the goodness of God and the power of heaven.

The last enemy to be defeated is death. Bit this is the SECOND death.

That would be the death of death, see 'and death shall be no more'.

the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the righteous,and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

I've never heard of anyone weeping and gnashing teeth when they burn, standard practice as I understand it is to raise horrible blood-curdling screams as the flesh melts. It's clearly a metaphor of deep regret, but there's nothing about eternal punishment here. God's grace doesn't expire when you do.

It's the righteous that shine. The kingdom is something to be sought after. It is not something that is automatically given. It is so precious that we should be will to sell everything to obtain it.
The wicked are severed away and cast away. They are not saved and do not enter the kingdom.

Tell it to the thief on the cross made righteous in his moment of compassion. I suggest the Kingdom won't be found by judging others worthy of eternal punishment, or judging God's character in that way...or for judging oneself above others.

Why would you bring this up? Is it something I said that made you think I believed my sin is beyond reproach? That I'm some sort of pharisee?

For my part, I freely confess that I have sinned in many of those categories and pray to Jesus to purify my heart. Having read the writings of apostles, saints and martyrs, as well as ordinary Christians like me, I am fortified that all are painfully aware of the thorns they have in the flesh. As is written, 'Blessed is he who mourns'.

As for you, I'm glad you believe you're above all that, that's between you and God. But should the possibility that your wool needs a good scrub with fuller's soap be so hard to face?

 

[rjs330]

Unfortunately you seem to have missed the point, which is first and foremost that salvation is the ultimate goal. It's not that Christ judges the omega, He IS the omega ie God's Salvation is the Final Outcome. So this is incompatible with the belief that destruction/ eternal torture of the many is what ultimately occurs. Rejection of Christ as the saviour of all mankind is a form of unbelief, namely unbelief that Jesus is the omega, and a whole lot of things that go with it, including the goodness of God and the power of heaven.

I haven't missed the whole goal. God had a plan from the very beginning to provide a way of salvation. It's all through the Old Testament. So we are in agreement there.

But His plan was to provide the sacrifice needed for salvation and he provided that in order to partake of that sacrifice and be covered by that sacrifice, we have to believe. Faith is Christ is required for the blood of Christ to cover all our sins.

I have no idea what you are talking about in reference to judging the Omega. I don't understand the reference or why you made that statement.

How can Jesus be incompatible with himself? He IS the Alpha and Omega. And you are absolutely correct that rejection of Christ is unbelief. And because of that the unbeliever is rejected by Christ and does not get to participate in the goodness of God and the power of heaven. The unbeliever is out because of unbelief and the rejection of Christ.

 

[rjs330]

That would be the death of death, see 'and death shall be no more'.

And there is the second death which is the Lake of Fire.