Universalism and death as God's punishement

[Paidion]

I do think we’ll be acutely aware of the suffering of others, until every last one of us is home at our Father’s table. I kind of don’t think the true, unadulterated bliss can happen before that. If, for example, my son or my daughter was suffering in “hell” (however we define that) I would be in sorrow until s/he finally completed the journey home. And if I were in sorrow, then you (who are my brother and part of the body of Christ) would sorrow with me – so we would ALL sorrow until every last wandering child is safely home. I like to think that the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus for which Paul said he ran IS the ministry of reconciliation, and that this ministry will last until everyone is home and that we will be active in bringing our lost brothers and sisters to Father’s arms. I hope that’s true. It will be much easier waiting if we have a precious job like that to do.

Cindy, I am in complete agreement! I, too, believe that the ministry of reconciliation (which is being carried out in this present life), will continue post-mortem until all the lost ones are found and gathered home, and Christ’s last enemy is reached.

The following passage indicates a present ministry of the church to “the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” The fact these authorities are in heavenly places, seems to indicate a ministry to those who are not of this earth. I recall how surprised I was when that thought first came to me.

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the leaster of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the purpose of the ages that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. (Ephesians 3:7-13)

So if even now, we, the church, are ministering to those in heavenly places, shall it not be much more so in the ages to come? Indeed, Paul says that this is in accordance with THE PURPOSE OF THE AGES. And isn’t that purpose the reconciliation of all to God?

By the way, it seems that Paul coined a new word which is found nowhere else in Greek literature. The word is ἐλαχιστερω (elachisterō) which is literally “to the leaster”,though usually translated as “less than the least” or something similar.

[Cindy_Skillman]

I’m glad you told me about “leaster,” Paidion. I thought you’d made a typo, but this must be your own translation and so you’ve given the word as it’s written. Cool!

I hadn’t seen that passage as part of the ministry of reconciliation, but of course you’re right. Our being a witness to unseen powers is by definition intended as part of their own redemption process.

Thanks for pointing this out!