Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Jesus Smacks Down Universalism

The following passage is for all who think that everyone, or for that matter, even the majority of people will go to Heaven when they die.

Matthew 7:13-14

13"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

More on this subject tomorrow.

-Jacob

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Heard a message recently on this verse. He spoke about the lack of preaching on the "narrow way". Most people don't realise that someone who is truly born again enters the narrow gate, and then walks the narrow way.

Most of today's preaching revolves around "did you pray a prayer" - and not, "examine yourself to see if you're in the faith..."

Not only is the gospel not universal, it is also not guaranteed for everyone who says "Lord Lord..."

I look forward to tomorrows post...

Mark 1:17 said...

nath@reformedgeek

I would argue with the point that "the gospel" is "not universal". The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Most Universal thing there is!

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Power of God unto Salvation.
Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God."

Both verses redilly agree that the Gospel is FOR everyone.

Both verses also redilly agree that "Whoever does not believe is condemned already."

The Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross was complete...meaning, if the entire world were to turn from their sins to Christ and accept Him as Lord and Savior...then they would be saved.

However:
Yes, the acceptance of the Gospel is not Universal and there are many who do and will not believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those people are not saved, but also they are not out of reach of the Gospel and if...one day...they should turn to Christ from their sins and accept Him as Lord and Savior of their life, they to will be saved.

The Gospel dear friend is offered Universally to the entire world.
It is not accepted by the world and therefore the Atonment of the Gospel and Christ's sacrifice on the cross is limited to those who accept the Gospel.

Romans 10:8-13 "But what does it say? 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, 'Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.' For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'"


I just want you to know that I understood what you wanted to say, but needed to clarify that point for others who may not understand.

May His Grace sustain us as we stand for Him in this fallen world.

In Christ,

David

risen_soul said...

Hey David, long time no chat.

I would have to disagree with the point your making and affirm what I think Nath really did mean by what He said. While the gospel is proclaimed universally as an invitation to all, it will only be accepted by the elect.

I think the question is "who can believe?" And the answer is "Only those who are enabled by the Spirit." Eph. 2:8-9 tells us that saving faith is a gift from God. Only those whom the Father draws will be saved John 6:44.

So while the message is universally proclaimed to all it is not actually available to all, only the elect. It's true that if a sinner were to turn in faith to Christ, they would be saved. But the problem is no one chooses to do so. Only those whom God gives His Spirit and draws actually come to Him.

Do you really believe that Jesus paid for the sins of every person past present and future even thought He only elected some to salvation? Why would Christ suffer for the sins of people that He knew would go to Hell? Christ's atonement on the cross was perfect in that it actually obtained the salvation of the elect rather than just making salvation possible for everyone.

Romans 3:10-12

10as it is written:

"None is righteous, no, not one;
11no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
12All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one."

Apart from God's election, no one will turn to God. Atonement is not limited by man's choice is it is limited by God's choice.

Mark 1:17 said...

Hey Jacob,

I would encourage you to read the second part of the post to nath...

It starts with the words
However:
Yes, the acceptance of the Gospel is not Universal and there are many who do and will not believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Everything that you said in your post is also in post if not just in kernel form.

Come on man -- You know me!
My point was this:

The Gospel is the most Universal thing in the World!
Salvation is limited to those who after hearing the good news/Gospel and accept it through the working of the Holy Spirit. That is by confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior of their life!

Maybe I was to wordy with it, but that is what I was meaning in a very short and consise statement.

Hope this clears up any confussion!

In Christ,

Dave

risen_soul said...

Dave,

I know what you're saying, I just had to throw in my two cents because your original wording sounded like the atonement was limited by mans choice rather that God's. I didn't think that's what you meant, but I had to ask.