The Evangelical Universalist Forum

A very long list of UR verses

Theology Biblical Theology
#1

For my wife, reading the following long list (thanks to someone at tentmaker.org I think) of verses from the Bible (NIV unless otherwise stated, I think) was enough to make her change to hoping that UR was true. Hopefully, it will be helpful to others too :slight_smile:

“The Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.” (1 John 4:14)

Jesus is “the Christ, the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42)

“This is good and acceptable in the sight of our God our saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus: Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (1 Tim. 2:3-6, KJV)

Jesus “is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)

Jesus “did not come to judge the world but to save the WORLD.” (John 12:47)

“Jesus, was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for EVERYONE.” (Heb. 2:9)

“Love NEVER fails.” (1 Cor. 13:8)

“With God NOTHING is impossible.” (Luke 1:37)

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, Who is the Savior of ALL MEN, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach.” (1 Tim. 4:9-11) …

“At the name of Jesus EVERY knee should bow, of those in heaven, and those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that EVERY tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:10:11)

“God was pleased to have all fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself ALL THINGS on earth or in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” (Col. 1:19, 21, 22)

In Jesus Christ is “the restoration of ALL THINGS, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” (Acts 3:21)

The Gospel is “good tidings of great joy will be to ALL people.” (Luke 2:10)

God appointed Jesus “heir of ALL THINGS, and through whom He made the universe.” (Heb. 1:2)

“No one can come to Christ unless the Father who sent Him draws him.” (John 6:44)

“As God gave Jesus authority over ALL FLESH, that he should give eternal life to as many as God have Him.” (John 17:2)

The Father “has given ALL THINGS into Jesus’ hands.” (John 13:3)

Jesus “was the true light which gives light to EVERY MAN who come into the world.” (John 1:9)

“Just as the result of one trespass was condemnation of ALL MEN, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for ALL MEN.” (Rom. 5:18)

Jesus is “able even to subdue ALL THINGS to Himself.” (Phil. 3:21)

Jesus came “that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times he might gather together in one ALL THINGS in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth in Him. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works ALL THINGS according to the counsel of His will.” (Eph. 1:10, 11)

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
“God was Christ reconciling THE WORLD to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:19, 20)

“ALL the nations shall be blessed.” (Gal 3:8)

“The Bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives Life to the WORLD.” (John 6:33)

Jesus commanded us to be like Himself and His Father: “Love your enemies, bless those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:44, 45)

“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw (drag in the Greek, helkuo) ALL MANKIND unto Myself.” (John 12:32)

“Creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope, because creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” (Rom. 8:20, 21)

“The Father loves the Son and has given ALL THINGS into His hands.” (John 3:35)

“Since by man came death, by man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam ALL died, even so in Christ ALL shall be made alive.” (1 Cor. 15:22)

Jesus “is the image of the invisible God, the first born over ALL CREATION. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” (Co. 1:15, 16)

“ALL shall know the Lord, from the least of them to the greatest of them.” (Heb. 8:11)

“If anyone’s work which he has built endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved yet so as through fire.” (1 Cor. 3:14, 15)

“Of Him and through Him and to Him are ALL THINGS, to whom be glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:36)

“Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for ALL, and therefore all died.” (2 Cor. 5:14)

“ALL nations shall come and worship You, for your judgments have been made manifested.” (Rev. 15:4)

“Mercy shall TRIUMPH OVER (exalt over) judgment.” (James 2:13)

“Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” (Rom. 5:20)

“EVERY CREATURE which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever.” (Rev. 5:13)

“God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles, which is Christ in you the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning EVERY MAN and teaching EVERY MAN in all wisdom that we may present EVERY MAN perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Col. 1: 27, 28)

“ALL nations whom God has made will come and worship before Him” (Psalm 86:9)

God’s “mercy endures forever.” (1 Chron. 16:34)

God’s Spirit “will be poured out on ALL FLESH.” (Joel 2:28)

God beckons us: “Come, and let us return to the Lord, for He has torn, but He will heal us. He has stricken, but He will bind us. After 2 days, He will revive us. On the THIRD DAY He will raise us up that we may live in His sight.” (Hosea 6:1, 2)

“The Lord had made bare His Holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and ALL the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” (Isaiah 52:10)

God will “open His hand and satisfy the desire of EVERY living thing.” (Psalm 145:16)

God is “gracious in ALL His works.” (Psalm 145:17)

“The EARTH is the Lord’s and ALL its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1)

“ALL the kings of the earth shall praise you, 0 Lord, when they hear the words of your mouth.” (Psalm 138:4)

God “reveals Himself by those who did not ask for Him: He was found by those who did not seek Him.” (Isaiah 65:1)

“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to ALL, and His tender mercies are over ALL His works. ALL your works shall praise you, 0 Lord.” (Psalm 145:8-10)

“ALL the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and ALL the families of the nations shall worship before You. ALL those who go down to the dust (death) shall bow before You.” (Psalm 22:27, 29)

“O You Who hear prayer, to you ALL flesh will come. Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, you will provide atonement for them.” (Psalm 65:2-4)

“Through the greatness of your power your enemies shall submit themselves to you. ALL the earth shall worship You and sing praises to you.” (Psalm 66:3, 4)

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions FAIL NOT. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.” (Lam. 3:21-24)

“The Lord will NOT cast off forever. Though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies.” (Lam. 3:31, 32)

“For I will not contend forever, Nor will I always be angry; For the spirit would fail before Me, And the souls which I have made.” (Isaiah 57:16)

“There is no God besides Me, a just God and Savior; There is none besides Me. Look to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath. He shall say, surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength. To Him men shall come, and all shall be ashamed who are incensed against Him. In the Lord ALL the descendants of Israel shall be justified and shall glory.” (Isaiah 45:21-25)

“In this mountain the Lord of Hosts will make for all people a feast of choice pieces, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of well-refined wines on the lees. And he shall destroy on this mountain the surface of the covering cast over ALL nations. He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord will wipe away tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:6-8)

“ALL the nations of the earth shall be blessed.” (Gen. 18:18)

“ALL the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Gen. 12:3, 28:14)

“It shall come to pass the saying that is written: `death is swallowed up in victory. Oh, Death, where is your sting Oh, Hell (Hades) where is your victory.’ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 15:54-58)

How do I reply to "Not enough celebrations of UR in Bible"?
Constructing a document against Universalism
Universalism makes perfect logical sense, but...
#2

But they’re all out of context Alex! (Just as you’d want to put Matthew 25:46 in context so I’d want to put some these verses into context.)

#3

Was your use of “all” there a pun? :wink:

I think at least some of them can stand by themselves. For example, 1 Tim. 4:9-11 actually says it’s a trustworthy saying.

Or Rev. 5:13, which seems to be trying to cover all bases

#4

The plea for “context” is always so interesting because whoever offers that plea believes “context” is on HIS side! And trust me, context cuts both ways! The very moment one begins to read scripture he begins to form opinions and begins to build a framework onto which the following ideas are placed. In short, he begins to form a perspective; a bias.

And there is no doubt that a most prominent bias in Christianity is that all are NOT saved.
So one of the hardest things to do is to disengage from prior bias and discover a new one. (Yes; I’m freely admitting that I’ve exchanged one bias for another!) Of course I believe I have very good reason for making the change.

So as I read the entire bible, the “context” I see is a loving creator God (rejecting any kind of notion of “love” that would justify ECT – that’s yet another “context” discussion) who demonstrates infinite compassion and patience. And who has entered our fallen world in person to guide/lead/win His fallen creation back to Himself. And in this great act, He is completely victorious and successful. When He promises that the last enemies, death and sin, are defeated, He doesn’t mean they linger on in memories and on hilltop cemeteries. Thus God’s guarantee of complete victory and vindication can, for me, only mean eventually, SOMEHOW!, He saves all. This as my “context” makes reading Alex list very different for the two of us then!

Blessings

TotalVictory
Bobx3

#5

Oh – and this…

This is from GM and speaks about as well to the notion of context as anything I’ve found…

In conclusion, let me ask you to hold in your mind traditional Christian visions
of the future, in which many, perhaps the majority of humanity, are excluded
from salvation forever. Alongside that hold the universalist vision, in which
God achieves his loving purpose of redeeming the whole creation. Which vision
has the strongest view of divine love? Which story has the most powerful
narrative of God’s victory over evil? Which picture lifts the atoning efficacy
of the cross of Christ to the greatest heights? Which perspective best
emphasizes the triumph of grace over sin? Which view most inspires worship and
love of God bringing him honor and glory? Which has the most satisfactory
understanding of divine wrath? Which narrative inspires hope in the human
spirit? To my mind the answer to all these questions is clear, and that is why I
am a Christian universalist.

TotalVictory
Bobx3

#6

So your saying Bob, that all verses need context, I could agree with that!

#7

Of course that’s what I’m saying! :smiley:

Have you ever had a serious conversation where your fellow conversant began by saying “now I realize that I’m taking these verses out of context - but this is what I think they say…” ??

Of course not.

My guess is that Alex does believe these very say what they appear to be saying and do so in context; if not clearly in the immediate context then certainly in the overarching context of the entire intent of scripture (see the GM quote above).

There is a hint in your comments here that context, somehow in on your side of this debate; clearly though Alex believes it supports his view!

The simple reality is that one must struggle with reading certain texts in ways that depart from what they appear to say on the surface. Thus the dilemma of the three great propositions that Talbott talks about;
ie there is clear biblical evidence that…

  1. God loves all and it is His purpose and will to save all…
  2. God is powerful enough to accomplish His will and in fact does accomplish His will…
  3. Some are lost to and for eternity; either via annihilation or ECT

As Talbott notes, while all three ideas are biblical (or one could say offer valid “context”) one can only logically embrace TWO of these ideas. The third one must be reinterpreted to say what others see it not saying. (that’s a blunt way of putting I realize) Holders of the idea of UR thus find a different meaning to the “lost” texts, while Calvs find a different meaning for the texts which appear to support premise #1 above.

I’m very fond of the section in Talbotts book where he defends that all really does mean all!!! :smiley:

TotalVictory
Bobx3

#8

the strongest verses that i’ve yet come across for UR are the ones Alex has already cited : 1 Timothy 2:1-6.

which says clearly that Christ gave Himself as a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, and that God wills for all men to be saved, and come to the knowlege of the Truth (John 14:6, John 17:3).

in light of verses like this, other verses which could be interpreted to give hope to the possibility of UR seem to shine more hopefully. on the other hand, God willed for Israel to trust Him and follow Him, and to be a shining example to the nations around them, and look what happened. yet looking forward in history, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul affirms that all Israel will indeed be saved (Romans 11:24-27). in spite of their rebellion over the centuries and their general rejection of Christ, eventually all will believe, and be saved.

i liked the list. full of hope and optimism, and trust in God’s power and love.

#9

I was surprised to see that the verses following 1 Cor 15:22 didn’t make it on the list!

1 Cor 15:22-28:

Here we find that God will be “all in all” (panta en pasin) when “the kingdom” is delivered to him by Christ at the conclusion of his reign (which is to be when death, the “last enemy,” is destroyed). The implication is that “the kingdom” that is to be delivered to God will be comprised of all who have been subjected to Christ, as the very same “all things” (ta panta) that are to be subjected to Christ constitute the “all in all” of v. 28. And the only being excepted from the “all things” that are to be put in subjection to Christ is God himself.

#10

I totally agree Luke, Bob, Grace and Aaron :smiley:

Thanks for the positive and uplifting comments.

#11

I actually keep this thread open in my browser as a quick reference list for when I’m discussing EU. I thought it would be helpful to add this other long list of ESV verses (transcript to youtube.com/watch?v=9ZZnOcha0MI) (sorry there will be some overlap!):

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:3)

and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice." (Genesis 22:18)

Then the LORD said, "I have pardoned, according to your word. But truly, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD, (Numbers 14:20-21)

hear in heaven your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name. (1 Kings 8:43)

that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other. (1 Kings 8:60)

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! (1 Chronicles 16:34)

But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness. (Psalm 9:7-8)

All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations. All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive. Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; (Psalm 22:27-30)

For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! (Psalm 33:8)

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10)

O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions. Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple! By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas; (Psalm 65:2-5)

Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” (Psalm 66:1-4)

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him! (Psalm 67)

You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there. (Psalm 68:18)

Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them. (Psalm 69:34)

All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. (Psalm 86:9)

Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy (Psalm 96:1-12)

He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! (Psalm 98:3-4)

The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you! (Psalm 145:9-10)

The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. (Psalm 145:14-16)

My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. (Psalm 145:21)

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! (Psalm 150:6)

On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” (Isaiah 25:6-9)

My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. (Isaiah 26:9)

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken." (Isaiah 40:5)

Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’ (Isaiah 45:22-23)

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)

For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory, (Isaiah 66:18)

From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me,declares the LORD. (Isaiah 66:23)

For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; (Lamentations 3:31-32)

And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.’ (Daniel 7:27)

In that day, declares the LORD, I will assemble the lame and gather those who have been driven away and those whom I have afflicted; and the lame I will make the remnant, and those who were cast off, a strong nation; and the LORD will reign over them in Mount Zion from this time forth and forevermore. (Micah 4:6-7)

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:18-19)

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. (Habakkuk 2:14)

The LORD will be awesome against them; for he will famish all the gods of the earth, and to him shall bow down, each in its place, all the lands of the nations. (Zephaniah 2:11)

“Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD, "for the day when I rise up to seize the prey. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed. "For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord. (Zephaniah 3:8-9)

For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.’" (Haggai 2:6-9)

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. (Zechariah 2:10-11)

I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. (Zechariah 9:10)

For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 1:11)

Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers? (Malachi 2:10)

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:12-14)

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Luke 2:10)

What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:4-7)

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10)

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. (Luke 23:34)

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)

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. (John 3:17)

And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. (John 6:39)

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. (John 6:37)

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." (John 12:32)

that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. (Acts 3:20-21)

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:12-21)

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (Romans 8:19-21)

Lest you be wise in your own sight, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” As regards the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:25-36)

for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” (Romans 14:11)

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:22-28)

I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:50-55)

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” (Galatians 3:8)

making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:9-10)

And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:22-23)

one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:5-6)

He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. (Ephesians 4:10)

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Philippians 3:20-21)

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, (Colossians 1:19-22)

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (1 Timothy 1:15)

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:10)

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, (Titus 2:11)

but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. (Hebrews 1:2)

putting everything in subjection under his feet." Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. (Hebrews 2:8-9)

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. (1 Peter 3:18-20)

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:8-9)

He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. (1 John 4:14)

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13)

And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” (Revelation 15:3-4)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:1-5)

#12

I LOVE that video you just posted. I used to play it while I drove around over and over, to the point that my data usage went over limit 3 months in a row on my iphone.

#13

Yes, I think it’s quite a powerful video too :sunglasses:

#14

Thanks for the list. I am surprised that Revelation 21:22-26 was not included:

This is the only passage I know of that seems to refer to postmortem salvation, which I think is key to establishing Evangelical Universalism.

#15
#16

Don’t forget

“And I saw the new heavens and the new earth, and there was no sea.”

The sea in the old creation (the Deep of Gen 1) symbolized primeval chaos, and was haunted by the Chaos Monster, Leviathan.

“In that day,
the Lord will punish with his sword—
his fierce, great and powerful sword—
Leviathan the gliding serpent,
Leviathan the coiling serpent;
he will slay the monster of the sea.”

No sea = no chaos = no hell.

#17

There are the ones in Peter’s epistle(s?) about preaching to the spirits in prison. The usual response I’ve seen when asking someone about them is that they’re a couple of weird little verses and no one knows what they mean and it’s dangerous to pay much attention to them. Hmmm . . . .

#18

GM? Do you mean George MacDonald? If so, would you please give us a reference for this quote?

#19

I think I can help out with that one Paidion. It is from Gregory MacDonald (Robin Parry), The Evangelical Universalist p176 (the final paragraph of the book).

#20

Interesting point Allan but I can’t find your quote (above). Could you give me a reference please?