That’s a question that universalists are often posed with, and I think the reason it’s difficult to answer is that the threat of hopeless torment is such an enormity that anything less seems a relief. So they ask, “How do you explain the urgency of evangelism, if everyone will be saved in the end?”
For one thing, they won’t be saved except by the evangelism.
But the main reason for the urgency is the restoration of the individual to righteousness and proper relationship with the Father, mankind, and the cosmos.
While the prodigal son was blowing his inheritance in evil and selfish living, would you tell him, “It’s okay to do this, whenever you choose to go back, your Father will welcome you with open arms.” Is this the lesson of the parable? No!
Was not his Father grieving for him the whole time he was “enjoying” himself, and is that not reason enough for urgency? “Your Father loves you and it hurts Him to see you destroying yourself and walking the path of destruction. Turn back! --before you are destitute and find yourself covered in filth and eating pig-slop!”
But I agree–the motivation is different. From an ECT standpoint there’s a dreadful desperation to save people before the deadline falls and they are irretrievably lost without hope–the prodigal will forever live in the pigpen. From a UR standpoint, we hope in the shepherd who is sent to save the lost, and we gladly join him in his work, confident of final success. Urgency, yes! Desperation, no!
Jesus is not afraid to let people walk away–the righteous young rich man walked away sorrowful because he loved his wealth, and Jesus watched him go and loved him. He is patient, and His ways are the way of life.
When Thomas doubted, Jesus came and said, “Look! Touch!” He didn’t blast him for having no faith in the testimony of others, but came Himself and showed him.
Anyway, there are many reasons to rejoice at seeing someone become a believer, here’s just a handful:
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