UNIVERSALISM

The false idea that all men will be saved ultimately is called "universalism." (a) Universalism is illogical; it suggests that man's use of his power of choice -- for good or evil -- is irrelevant. He will be saved no matter what his choices are. (b) It is a reflection upon the justice of God. It asserts that obedience and disobedience will be rewarded equally. (c) The doctrine is totally at variance with the explicit testimony of Scripture (Mt. 7:13-14; Mk. 16:16; 2 Thes. 1:7ff). (d) Universalism is a human illusion based upon what men wish was the case, rather than what is the case. (e) In 1961 there was a consolidation of the Unitarian and Universalist churches in the United States; there are more than 1,000 of these churches. It is a religion of no substance, with only a shadowy relationship to Christianity.