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View Full Version : The Evangelical Universalist - will everyone be saved?


justinbrierley
October 21st 2009, 03:05 AM
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_keP8xgKfxpY/Spk3ZvW4WWI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/sKPGnpySVnY/s400/W&S+cover.JPG

Check out the "Unbelievable?" show of 17 October 2009 (http://www.premierradio.org.uk/listen/ondemand.aspx?mediaid={EBFC677D-C40C-4FD8-8F41-FE89061ACF98})dealing with Robin Parry, commissioning editor of Paternoster in the UK, "Coming out" of the evangelical closet to state his beliefs in universalism.

Fascinating discussion with Robin. Whether he can remain in the fold of an evangelical publisher holding the view he does remains to be seen.

Robin believes his view to be Biblically sound. How would some of our atheist friends feel about the idea that they too are bound for eternal glory, whether they feel like it in this life or not?

And what do Christians make of the idea? He proposes that everyone who goes to hell will ultimately choose to be redeemed from hell.

Two questions arise for me... Is there evidence biblically that redemption is still possible beyond the grave, and does this idea not transgress free will? Will everyone really ultimately choose to love God of their own free will? How can we know that?

Ok that was four questions.

Abelard
October 21st 2009, 05:56 AM
The problem with Universalism is that eternal life starts when one accepts Christ, and if you are in Christ eternal life is a present reality.

From an eschatalogical standpoint it would be a wonderful thing if Parry is right and the rest of Christianity is wrong, but I still prefer to enjoy the assurance and joy provided by the fruits of the spirit today.

Eternal life starts today and continues forever. Whatever "evidence" Parry has come up with, he still needs to address the part of eternal life I call "today".

Shadow Phoenix
October 23rd 2009, 07:40 PM
I thought Parry's opponent did a stellar job. It was clear that Parry had not thought through the implications of his position or any of the hard questions for it.