The Mystery of Unity

There are several mysteries or secrets mentioned in the Scriptures, especially in Paul's epistles.
But the one that Paul mentions in Chapter 1 of his letter to the Ephesians is really hard to believe.

God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ.
This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.
[Ephesians 1 : 9 - 10  GNT]

This is especially difficult to believe when we consider the current state of our world with its endless wars, destructive diseases and cruel acts of brutality that humans inflict on each other.
Even so, if the universe was initially created out of nothing, then finally bringing unity using the ingredients already in existence, no matter how tarnished, should no longer seem impossible to us bystanders.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
[Genesis 1 : 1  NIV]

God did this through his son, Jesus Christ.

There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. 
And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live.
[1 Corinthians 8 : 6  NLT]

So all creation was united under the headship of Christ, its Creator, as any creation (invention) is under the headship or control of its creator (inventor).

In our "secret plan" verses at the beginning of the post, we see that regardless of what we see or how we feel, this unity is going to be restored under the headship of Christ at the right time.
Everything at the end will be in the same condition as it was at the beginning - all creation in unity under the headship of the Creator - which is why Jesus came to earth as a human to start the re-creation process.
The Apostle John was given a glimpse of God's intention which he recorded here:

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 : 5  ESV]

Let's also remember that this restoration cannot be thwarted by humanity's rebellion or ignorance.

People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord's will is going to be done.
[Proverbs 19 : 21  GNT]

Isn't that exciting?

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

Believing Jesus was Successful is Cultish?

Today when I mentioned that "all will eventually be reconciled to God", it was suggested, by a very sincere, mature and generous Christian, that I was in a cult.
How about that?
I believe that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, not just a few.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]

For there is one God, and there is one who brings God and human beings together, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself to redeem the whole human race. 
That was the proof at the right time that God wants everyone to be saved.
[1 Timothy 2 : 5 - 6  GNT]

I believe that God is the Saviour of the world, all of it.

That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
[1 Timothy 4 : 10  NIV]

I believe that God will bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth

God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. 
This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.
[Ephesians 1 : 9 - 10  GNT]

I believe that God is sovereign and will complete his plan to save the world.

Remember the things I have done in the past.
For I alone am God!
I am God, and there is none like me.
Only I can tell you the future before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. 
I will call a swift bird of prey from the east—
    a leader from a distant land to come and do my bidding.
I have said what I would do, and I will do it. 
[Isaiah 46 : 9 - 11  NLT]

Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.
[Psalm 115 : 3  NIV]

I believe God's will must prevail over anyone's will to the contrary.

People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord's will is going to be done.
[Proverbs 19 : 21  NIV]

If that qualifies me to belong to a cult, then I suggest that many more should join it.

Another curious comment was made, "This view takes the joy out of being a Christian".
Really? 
It might take the smugness out of being a Christian, but the joy?

I am thrilled, overjoyed, that I worship a God who can, and will, do all of the above.
And I serve a risen Lord who has enabled it to happen - and has included me in it.

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

God is OK with You

If I asked the average Christian if God was OK with them, I would usually get a positive answer.
If I then followed up with, "Why do you think so?", I would probably get something like, "Jesus paid for my sins and I have put my faith in Jesus".

That's an interesting answer, which is half correct and also half of the correct answer to a completely different question.
The half that is the correct answer to this question is "Jesus paid for my sins".

If I then asked a more general question, "Whose sins did Jesus pay for?" the answer would often be, "Christians, those who believe in him".

To many Christians, the Biblical answer to this question might be a complete surprise.
Look what the Bible says:

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]

Clearly, "Jesus paid for my sins" was the correct answer, but not only for Christians, it was for everyone.
God is OK with all of us.

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.
[2 Corinthians 5 : 19  NLT]

So what about the "I have put my faith in Jesus" part of the original answer?
Knowing and believing that Jesus paid for my sins and trusting that God no longer counts my sins against me is the answer to this question, 

"How can you have peace in this world and confidence for what is coming in the next?"

Having faith in Jesus and what he has done for me gives me both peace and hope, and assures me that God is OK with me, right now and forever.

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au 

Trust in Our Sovereign God

In a previous post, Forgiveness, the Jesus Way, we quoted the following from Luke's gospel account:

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
[Luke 23 : 33 - 34  NIV]

Those who conspired to put Jesus on the cross and those who brutally beat him and murdered him were doing the work of Satan and those he motivated. 
Satan's determination to get rid of Jesus and to curtail the kingdom work of the Messiah was his aim, and it is likely he thought he had succeeded when Jesus died on the cross.

But no! God's plan was for Jesus to enter human death and destroy it from the inside for the benefit of all humanity.
The wicked plans and actions of Jesus' enemies were what God used to implement His plan of redeeming the human race.

... God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth. 
[1 Timothy 2 : 3 -4  GNT]

Jesus himself said that by the means of the cross all people would eventually be drawn to him.

"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
[And John added,] He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
[John 12 : 32  NIV]

Jesus knew the cross was a key component in the Father's plan to save the world.
And Satan and his minions played their role, even though they had no idea they were playing a designated part in a plan that was the opposite of theirs.

I am so often amazed, but should not be, to see how God gets done what He has previously decided to do, and uses whatever circumstances and people are available at the time.
He is truly sovereign.

People can make many different plans. But only the Lord’s plan will happen.
[Proverbs 19 : 21  ICB]

Or as the Living Bible puts it "Man proposes, but God disposes."

It is so comforting to know God is sovereign, God is in control, and He has plans for our eventual good, even when it is not always obvious to us. (It was certainly not obvious to the disciples who saw their Messiah crucified.)

That's why we have been encouraged to live by faith, by trust in our sovereign heavenly Father.

for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]—
[2 Corinthians 5 : 7  AMP]

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

A Criminal in Paradise?

In the last post we discussed the forgiveness received by the Jews and Romans who tortured Jesus and put him on the cross.
There was no need for any repentance, baptism, religious affiliation or agreement to some statement of doctrine on their behalf. 
No! 
From the love of Jesus and the Father poured out mercy and forgiveness for those wayward, ignorant Jewish leaders and Romans soldiers.

But have you noticed another amazing expression of Jesus' love, mercy and grace while he was on the cross?
The criminal who recognised Jesus' kingship and asked to be remembered when Jesus would come into his kingdom was told that he would be with Jesus in Paradise that very day, before the kingdom had yet been established.

Nothing more than a simple request was needed to get Jesus' attention and promise - no baptism, no confession of faith, no acceptance of some creedal statement - nothing more than acknowledging Christ as the promised Messiah, the coming King.

Let's be playful here for a moment.
Suppose this criminal presents himself at the gate to Paradise and the angel meeting him asks, "What are you doing here? You're a criminal."
He might reply, "I was told to come here today."
"And who told you that?"
"The man on the cross next to me."

It seems that everything about the kingdom, even before the crucifixion, is about what Jesus wants.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last ...
[John 15 : 16  NIV]

Co-workers with Christ in his kingdom are chosen and equipped for kingdom leadership.

But what about the rest of humanity, those not chosen for kingdom leadership?
Their turn will come to enjoy that kingdom because Jesus promised:

When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to me.” (In saying this he indicated the kind of death he was going to suffer.)
[John 12 : 32  GNB]

And God's plan promised it:

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 22  NIV]
So then, as the one sin condemned all people, in the same way the one righteous act sets all people free and gives them life. 
[Romans 5 : 18  GNB]

The rest of humanity will be citizens in the kingdom, enjoying the glorious benefits of living in God's renewed world.

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
[Revelation 21 : 5  NIV]

So how did this criminal get into Paradise?
Because Jesus said so; and because of a huge transformation making everything new:

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—
For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 51, 53  NIV]

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

Forgiveness, the Jesus Way

Most of us have experienced the challenge of forgiving someone who has hurt us. These hurts range from misleading us, taking from us, misrepresenting us, to ruining our reputation or livelihood.

I am always challenged by the example of Jesus on the cross asking his Father to forgive those who put him there. 

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
[Luke 23 : 33 - 34  NIV]

Jesus was asking the Father to forgive those who put him on the cross - his accusers, his assailants and his murderers. 
How hard was that?
It could only have come from the deep, deep love Jesus had for them.

Because they sure hadn't done anything like what many churches teach for people to receive God's forgiveness today. 
They hadn't made a public confession of their faith, or been baptised, or affirmed the church's doctrinal statement, or followed any of the formulas many churches impose upon new converts.

And it happened even before Jesus had become the sin-offering for our sins on the cross!

Jesus was giving an unforgettable example of what he had already taught his followers.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
[Matthew 5 : 43 - 45a  NIV]

This event also gives us a clear insight into God's love - a love that forgives under all circumstances.
"Love is kind ... It keeps no record of wrongs ... Love never fails" are snippets from 1 Corinthians 13.

Jesus' prayer before he died on the cross demonstrated the forgiveness that flowed from his deep love for those who put him there - the Jews and the Romans (Gentiles).
Giving his life on the cross just a few minutes later demonstrated his deep love for all of humanity, all Jews and all Gentiles, and the forgiveness of sin for all of us that flowed from it.

There is a personal aspect to this for us who are followers of Christ.
When we choose mercy and forgiveness in our times of hurt we align ourselves with the heart of Jesus and his Father.

However, this is not easy - forgiveness is not easy. 
It is not pretending the hurt didn't happen. And it is not excusing wrongdoing.
It is a deliberate decision to exercise love by showing mercy, letting go of the right to respond in any "just" retaliatory way.

Wouldn't our families, our communities, our world, even our churches, be totally different if we forgave our "enemies" as Jesus forgave his?

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

Are Believers or Unbelievers Saved?

The answer to this question depends on whether you follow the mainstream evangelical church (MEC) or the Bible.

The MEC teaches that a person is saved only if they believe the gospel, repent of their sins, and accept Jesus as their Saviour (or some similar process). 
In other words, salvation follows personal belief - a person is not saved until they become a believer and act upon that belief.
Accordingly, salvation is exclusively for believers.

The first Bible verse I encountered that created doubt for me about the MEC position was written by Paul to his apprentice Timothy.

This is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 
[1 Timothy 4 : 10  NIV]

True, believers are special because they understand and appreciate God's truth and live in peace and positive hope about their future. 
Nevertheless, the Bible says that salvation is clearly for all people, believers and unbelievers.

Equally, when writing to believers in the Roman province of Asia, John tells them (speaking of Jesus Christ, the Righteous One):

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]

The MEC agrees that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, but then claims this sacrifice is just the starting point, saying that salvation is now only possible or available for all. 
To complete the salvation process, a person needs to become a believer thus taking advantage of salvation's availability.

Again, Jesus didn't wait for people to become believers to save them, he died for sinners, unbelievers.

When we were unable to help ourselves [still helpless/weak], at the right [or appointed] time, Christ died for us sinners [the ungodly/wicked].
[Romans 5 : 6 EXB]

Clearly, Jesus saved unbelievers, not believers as is usually thought and taught.
Indeed, Jesus Christ never saved (died for) a believer.
Believers came into existence only after Jesus had completed His salvation mission and they became aware of it.

So there is hope for everyone as we all start out as unbelievers.
Isn't that interesting? 
The only qualification needed for a person to be saved is to be an unbeliever. 

Subsequently, at some point of God's choosing, each person will be "called", given faith to believe the good news about what Jesus accomplished for mankind on the cross ...

For just as all people die because of their union with Adam, in the same way all will be raised to life because of their union with Christ. 
But each one will be raised in proper order: Christ, first of all; then, at the time of his coming, those who belong to him. 
[1 Corinthians 15 : 22, 23  GNT]

and be indwelt by the Holy Spirit ...

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
[Romans 8 : 11 NLT]

and be equipped to become an active participant in God's kingdom.

For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him.
[Philippians 2 : 13  ISV]

Believers, who have already been called, given faith and responsibilities in the kingdom, live in peace and in appreciation of their future hope.
For unbelievers, their time must come, for Jesus has promised ...

"When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to me.”
[John 12 : 32 GNT]

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

God's Successful Plan

One of my very best friends, who is almost as big a Bible junkie as I am, just can't believe that all of creation will eventually be reconciled to God.

He acknowledges what the Bible says in verses like

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Christ), and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
[Colossians 1 : 19-20 NIV]

For God had allowed us to know the secret of his plan, and it is this: he purposes in his sovereign will that all human history shall be consummated in Christ, that everything that exists in Heaven or earth shall find its perfection and fulfilment in him. 
[Ephesians 1: 9 - 10 Phillips]

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 22 NIV]

For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. [Romans 11 : 32 NIV]

and genuinely hopes this really might happen 
BUT ...
just can't believe people like Hitler will ever accept God's offer of salvation.

There are three major problems here.

First: Salvation is not a Gift.
 
God's salvation does not depend on people's acceptance of it.
God doesn't offer salvation as a gift to be accepted or rejected. He has already graciously given it through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.
It's a done deal.

God was in Christ personally reconciling the world to himself—not counting their sins against them—and has commissioned us with the message of reconciliation. [2 Cor 5 : 19 Phillips]

A bit like someone putting a million dollars in your bank account rather than offering the money in cash for you to accept or not. It's in your account - it's already in the bank - it's a done deal.

Let me share a real-life illustration of this happening in 2018.
A couple from our church dined at a local High Street Italian restaurant. After finishing their meal, the husband went to pay the bill. The waitress told him there was no need as the bill had already been paid.
He contested this, saying he still had a debt to pay. Then the waitress explained that a local High Street trader has a table selected for each sitting and that he always covers the bill from that table.
So my friend and his wife had no debt to pay - it had already been taken care of before they had even eaten, and no matter how much the bill might have come to.

That's how it is with our sins. They have already been paid for - 2000 years ago. We have no debt to pay, our salvation was secured on the cross of Calvary centuries ago. It was all God's doing, we had nothing to do with it - it's a done deal.

Second: Jesus' Sacrifice Was Successful
 
Either Jesus was successful in His sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the world, or He wasn't.
All Christians I have met, including my friend, will agree that Jesus' mission to die for the sins of the world was successful. But then, illogically, assert that all will not be saved because some will not choose to accept God's gracious gift, thus contradicting their initial assessment of Jesus' success.

He (Jesus) himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. [1 John 2 : 2 NLT]

And when I (Jesus) am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself. [John 12 : 32 NLT]

Third: God is Sovereign and Will Always Get His Way
 
Although God has chosen to save all, skeptics believe many (most) people will choose not to be saved and therefore overrule God's choice. In other words, the created being will overrule the Creator and His plans for His creation.

But who are you, my friend, to talk back to God? A clay pot does not ask the man who made it, "Why did you make me like this?"
After all, the man who makes the pots has the right to use the clay as he wishes, and to make two pots from the same lump of clay, one for special occasions and the other for ordinary use. [Romans 9 : 20 - 21 GNB]

People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord's will is going to be done. [Proverbs 19 : 21 GNB]

God works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.
[Ephesians 1 : 11 BV]

Believing salvation is a done deal, Jesus' sacrifice was completely successful and God's sovereignty will make sure His plan for the full reconciliation of His creation is achieved is the correct Biblical view and gives God the honour and respect He deserves.

Blessings, Barry

Salvation is Gold

Evangelicals usually preach that people are saved when they admit they're sinners, repent or turn from their sins, believe that Jesus died for them, and accept Jesus into their hearts.
In other words, a mixture of their actions and their faith is what gets people saved. And this is called the good news. 

But there is much better good news than that. God doesn't need our assistance or our faith to complete anyone's salvation, to complete what Jesus supposedly "began" on the cross.

Jesus said, "It is finished!" when he died on the cross. There was nothing more to be done. The rescue mission on which God had sent His Son was completed.

Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. 
[John 19 : 30  NASB]

Jesus died for the sins of the world - every sin of everyone was covered by Jesus' death on the cross.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]
And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.
[1 John 4 : 14  NKJV]

We don't have to believe it for it to be so. But we do have to believe it to appreciate and enjoy it, and to begin a life of joyous hope and blessing.

This thought from Francois du Toit helps to illustrate the true nature of our salvation.
"Gold does not become gold when you discover it."
In other words, gold has always been gold, whether you have discovered it or not.

Salvation follows this golden pattern. Salvation has always been salvation for over 2000 years, whether you have discovered it or not.

But eventually you will, as will everyone else, as this have been God's plan for all of humanity from the beginning of the world.

That is, in Christ, he chose us before the world was made so that we would be his holy people—people without blame before him.
Because of his love, God had already decided to make us his own children through Jesus Christ.
[Ephesians 1 : 4, 5a  NCV]

So a time of discovery has been allocated for each of us.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
But each one in his own order…
[1 Corinthians 15 :  22, 23a  NIV]

Yes, salvation is a permanent feature of God's world - eventually to be discovered and enjoyed by all.

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

Was Jesus Successful?

I believe Colossians 1: 16 - 20.

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
... For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (NIV)

Because I believe this, I don't believe the usual message of the Christian religion.
The usual Christian message is that God's plan for His Son to die for the sin of the world has failed and will continue to fail. 
Apparently, it is understood that the sin of unbelief was not covered by Jesus' death on the cross.
Man's so-called free will, which allows man to not believe the gospel message, conquers God's will and intention to save (reconcile) the whole world.

Personally, I find it blasphemy to believe that evil (sin of any kind) will triumph over the death of the risen Christ.

In any case, the success of God's plan to save the world does not depend on the faith or belief of mankind. It depends on the faith of Jesus in trusting and obeying his Father, so dying on the cross for all of humanity's sin.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]

You really can't get too far off course if you stick to the Bible!
Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

The Salvation Journey

Many people believe salvation is the result of the freewill choice of each individual as they repent of their sins and accept Jesus into their hearts - it is the responsibility of each individual to obtain their own salvation if/when given the opportunity.
I don't see how that fits what I see in the Bible. For me ...

1. Salvation is the purpose and provision of God

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  ESV]

which was transacted by Jesus about 2000 years ago

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 
[2 Corinthians 5 : 18, 19  NIV]

Everyone has already been saved - whether they know it or not, believe it of not.
This is a universal, unalterable fact - God's sovereign decision faithfully put into effect by His Son, Jesus Christ.

2. All people will eventually hear this gospel, the good news described in step 1.
Maybe once or many times, in this lifetime or the next.
(Millions may never hear the gospel in their time on this planet, but will do so eventually, maybe at the Great White Throne judgement.)

Jesus said, " ... And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.
[John 12 : 30 ... 32  NIV]

God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. 
This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.
[Ephesians 1 : 9, 10  GNT]

3. After hearing the gospel, God gives faith to believe the truth of the message.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 
[Romans 10 : 17  NIV]

4. This awareness and appreciation of the good news creates change in the hearer which has two aspects: repentance - change from ignorance or rebellion in the heart, and conversion - change towards grateful submission to God in lifestyle.

We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 
[1 John 2 : 3  NIV]

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, that he may be with you forever; the Spirit of truth.
[John 14 : 15 - 17  UASV]

It is God who produces in you the desires and actions that please him.
[Philippians 2 : 13  GW]

It's a God plan through and through. We can take no credit for it, not even for any good things we might do after our conversion.

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 :33 - 36  ESV]

Blessings, Barry 
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

Universalism is Christian

I am often labelled a "universalist" because of my belief that God will eventually save or reconcile all his creation. I base this belief on verses like Romans 5 : 18 

Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. [ESV]

However, my universalist position is only possible because of what Jesus has done: I definitely do not belong to the "all roads lead to heaven" variety. I therefore call myself a Christian Universalist because Christ is the foundation of, and reason for, my belief.
 
So I am more like Karl Barth who is quoted as saying, "I don’t believe in universalism, but I do believe in Jesus Christ, the reconciler of all."

Although Karl Barth is often quoted as saying this, or something very like it, I have not found it for myself in any of his writings. He may have said it in interviews or other conversations, but I can't find those exact words in any of his published works.

However, he did stress the universal scope of Christ's work and seemed to warn against putting limits on it. He probably can best be described as having a faith-based hope in it, rather than believe it as a logical certainty.

So if  "I don’t believe in universalism, but I do believe in Jesus Christ, the reconciler of all" is not Karl Barth's exact quotation, am I then free to claim it as my position?
However, I additionally believe that "the salvation of all" can be logically derived from correct translations of the Scriptures, rather than just be hoped for (by faith).

Many previous posts in this BLOG demonstrate that logic, as do others that refute opposing positions to the Christian universalist view.

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

Reading All of Scripture

Reading Scripture is one thing. Building a sound Biblical theology is another. 
I enjoy the challenge of forming a sound theological position on many Biblical topics and spend hours and hours in my retirement engaged in the pursuit of a clearer understanding of God, his purpose for his creation, and his dealings with us.

The fact that many different theologies can be derived from the same portions of Scripture surely demonstrates the extent of that challenge. How many books are written debating and contesting different theologies? How many Bible Colleges teach opposing theologies? How many different churches espouse different "statements of faith"?

With regard to the extravagant grace of God theme of this BLOG, and my website, it is disappointing that this particular view of Scripture is not believed by the majority of mainstream churches and theologians.

For example, the mainstream believes the eternal judgement/punishment/torment verses like

Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.
[Matthew 25 : 46  NIV]

as applying to those who end their time on this planet as unbelievers are foundational, the starting point, and dismiss or explain away the salvation of the world verses like

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [Christ], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
[Colossians 1 : 19, 20  NIV]

that challenge them.

This BLOG does the opposite. It believes the salvation of the world verses like

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them.
[2 Corinthians 5 : 19  NIV]

are consistent with the extravagant grace of a loving, sovereign God and then explains, rather than dismisses or ignores, the judgement/punishment verses like

Anyone whose name was not found in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
[Revelation 20 : 15  NIV]

as part of the process God uses to achieve that salvation result.

Clearly your starting point is vital to a correct theology; but so is your willingness to address and explain how other verses, that seem to challenge that theological position, might in fact be part of it.

Most of the posts on this BLOG over the past 15 years or so have promoted and explained the salvation of the world verses in various ways, but posts discussing the verses which might seem to oppose this view are also included. 

Indeed a whole series of 13 posts here titled "Response to Universal Reconciliation Opposition", together with Chapter 5 in "The Really Good News About God" and the Judgement and Questions sections on the IBTechservices.com.au website, all address opposing views and seemingly opposing verses rather than ignore or dismiss them.

I am open to any polite dialogue/debate in the Comments section of any post on the BLOG should readers feel there are some opposing verses or ideas that have not be given due consideration or BLOG space.

I might not have answers to all the questions that may be asked, but I have great confidence in the love, grace and sovereignty of the God I serve to achieve his purpose for all of his creation.

This is a good and acceptable thing before our savior God, who intends all human beings to be saved and to come to a full knowledge of the truth.
[1 Timothy 2 : 3, 4  DBH]

Blessings, Barry 

An Interesting Parallel

When reading both the Old and New Testaments, some interesting parallels come to the surface. I wish to share one of my favourites in this post.
I have been intrigued how many of the features of the story of Joseph closely mirror many in the life of Jesus.

Joseph was so disliked by his brothers that they decided to kill him. After reconsidering their plan, they sold him to a passing caravan of Midianite merchants on their way to Egypt instead.
Having so disposed of Joseph, they thought they would never see him or have to listen to his strange dreams again.

However this was not God's plan and Joseph became "Prime Minister" of Egypt and, in this role, became the saviour of the nation of Israel. 

And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.
[Genesis 45 : 5  NIV]

One "dead" Israelite "came to life" in a position of authority to save his fellow Israelites.
One became the saviour of them all.

Is this beginning to sound familiar?

Jesus was so disliked by his fellow Rabbis and Pharisees, that they found a way to have him killed. Having so disposed of Jesus, they thought they would never see him or have to listen to his teaching again.
However this was not God's plan and Jesus was resurrected and ascended to His Father, and in this role, became the saviour of the world. 

God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.[1 Timothy 2 : 3 - 4  NIV]

Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.
[Hebrews 2 : 14  NLT]

One "dead" human "came to life" in a position of authority to save his fellow humans.
One became the saviour of us all.

I appreciate I have described Jesus' role in a very brief and crude way, but I have done so to enable the parallels between Joseph and Jesus to be more easily seen..

Can you share other "parallels" that you have discovered in the Scriptures?
Blessings, Barry 

Will God Really Save the World?

The theme of this BLOG for fifteen years or so has been to promote the really good news that God, in his love and extravagant grace, is eventually going to save the whole world.

Although the mainstream church doesn't seem to believe this magnificent outcome of world history, the Bible clearly promotes this hope. 
Even preachers who extol the grace of God, can't see that God's grace will extend that far.
Instead of pointing to God's promises in the Scriptures, current world events and circumstances are used to deny God's success in achieving his grand purpose for his creation.

Which begs these questions: "Is God really trying to save the world?" and "Is this the only day of salvation?" and "Why doesn't everybody who hears the gospel believe it and appreciate what Jesus has done for all of us?"

About six years ago I posted "God is NOT Trying to Save the World Right Now".
You can find it in the BLOG ARCHIVE under 2019/June.
Although it is a simple, clear description of God's plan, it did not answer questions that readers have subsequently raised. So let's explore this topic a bit further with those questions in mind.

It is true that God initially, in this age, only plans to call a select few. 

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
[Matthew 7 : 14  NIV]

I called these few the "milk monitors" in the 2019 post mentioned above. You might like to re-read that post before reading further here.

Jesus was clearly co-operating with His Father's plan by deliberately hiding his identity and message from the masses, so only the chosen few would :
... understand his teachings, 

The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”
He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 
[Matthew 13 : 10 - 11   NIV]

... see or hear about his miracles, 

He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. ...
Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
[Mark 5 : 37, 42 - 43  NIV]

... know his identity,

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
[Mark 8 : 29 - 30  NIV]

... see him in his resurrected form.

He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
[Acts 10 : 41  NIV]

Paul also mentioned a limited number of witnesses to Christ's resurrection:

... he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, ...
[1 Corinthians 15 : 4 - 8  NIV]

Why all this secrecy? Why was Jesus hiding the truth about humanity's salvation?

God did not intend for everyone to understand His truth, His plan at this time! If He had, they would have understood! But this was clearly not the time, as Jesus' quote from Isaiah demonstrated:

When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that,
    'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,
    and ever hearing but never understanding;
    otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'”
[Jesus quoting Isaiah as reported in Mark 4 : 10 - 12  NIV]

So when will be the eventual saving of the world?

Answers to that question vary according to how the clues we are given in Scripture are interpreted. We'll explore some broad aspects of the "when" in the next post.

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

Two Responses to CURE Opposition

CURE is my acronym for “Christ Ultimately Reconciles Everyone”.

Although CURE is my firm Christian belief, I do not wish to be called a universalist, as this term has connotations that can obscure or ignore the role of Jesus in producing that glorious result.
I'd rather stand with Karl Barth, who is quoted as saying, “I don’t believe in universalism, but I do believe in Jesus Christ, the reconciler of all.”.

Firstly, let me reflect on my journey since discovering the 'reconciliation of all' in the Scriptures about 25 - 30 years ago.
I felt scarily alone; a black swan in the global christian community I had belonged to for most of my life. Who was I, a bush theologian in regional Australia without any formal theological training, to be believing the opposite of what I had been taught, indeed what I had previously been teaching myself, and what continues to be preached in evangelical mainstream churches all over the world?

Since then, there have appeared so many books, podcasts, youtube videos and Christian websites that not only hold this view, but rigorously promote it.
I have been one of these with this BLOG, barrysgracespace.blogspot.com, which explains and advocates for God's extravagant grace, my website, https://www.ibtechservices.com.au, which explores the Christian hope of 'reconciliation of all', and the publication of my book, "The Really Good News About God", about 10 years ago.

Because this belief is held by only a small percentage of mainstream Christian community, there is much criticism and many objections to it from the majority, which led me to prepare two essays.
So instead of arguing positively for the CURE position, the first essay will respond to common objections to the CURE position; the second will offer explanations of Biblical passages used by opponents in their endeavour to discredit the ‘reconciliation of all’ position.

A draft of the first essay is completed, called “Response to CURE Objections”, and can be downloaded as a PDF file using the link www.ibtechservices.com.au/responsetoCUREobjections.pdf. I will try to have the second written by the end of the year and available in a similar way. I expect it will be called “Bible Verses Used to Oppose CURE”.

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

Jesus is the CURE

One of the little habits I have developed over the years is the use of acronyms. I invent them to assist my memory, even for daily chores and brief shopping lists.

Readers will have noticed me use UR for Universal Reconciliation quite often, an acronym I have sprinkled down the margins of many pages in my Bibles (along with several others).

I have recently altered that to CURE, standing for Christ Ultimately Reconciles Everyone, to make it clear that it is only because of Christ that we have universal reconciliation or universal salvation.

Some people are universalists who believe that everyone gets "there" no matter what route they take, wherever "there" might be.
But that is not me.
To leave Jesus out of the equation is criminal, IMHO. 😀

As the great Karl Barth once said,
"I don’t believe in universalism, but I do believe in Jesus Christ, the reconciler of all."
And that is me.

I have even more recently re-defined CURE again to mean Christ Ultimately Rescues Everyone, to include a slightly more dramatic word, in the hope of sending the message that everyone needs to be rescued, saved, and that Jesus is the Saviour of the world.
As John the Baptist declared:

"Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world".
[John 1 : 29  NIV]
"And all people will see God's salvation".
[Luke 3 : 6  NIV]

So, when you begin to see CURE in future posts, you'll know what I am trying to convey.
Blessings, Barry

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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

Is Christian Universalism New?

About thirty years ago, when I first began to see that Jesus really is the Saviour of the world, as first declared by John the Baptist, I felt as if I was all alone in this belief.
A few years later, as I began preaching and writing about God's plan to save the world through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the feedback I received included:

You are totally our of step with the traditional mainstream church,
You claim to be a Bible-believing Christian but you have now become one of those liberals,
Surely you can't believe that when you see the world heading downhill so rapidly,

even though I always backed my views and comments with Biblical references.

Indeed, a really dear friend of mine used to say, "I cannot fault your argument ... and I believe you are correct in your quoting of Scripture ... and I would like to believe what you are saying ... but I just can't".

Since those days, I have discovered many, many others who have written books or have BLOGs and websites that promote this belief that Christ ultimately reconciles everyone -  and this includes several highly-regarded theologians and academics.

More recently, I have been discovering the writings of some Church Fathers from centuries ago who have also believed and promoted this doctrine.

Allow me to show a potted history of some snippets of their writings, demonstrating that the eventual reconciliation of all is not a new or liberal fad, but a view held by many since the earliest days of the church.

Of course, the oldest Church Fathers are the Apostles of the first century AD, and their writings, recorded in our Bibles, I have been quoting for years.
So just a small sample of those again to get us started.

Paul the Apostle.

Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.
[Romans 5 : 18  ESV]

Peter the Apostle.

Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
[Acts 3 : 21  NIV]

John the Apostle.

We [who were with Him in person] have seen and testify [as eye-witnesses] that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.
[1 John 4 : 14  AMP]

Jesus himself.

When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to me.

[John 12 : 32 GNT]

Now a sample of quotes from Church Fathers of the first few centuries AD.

St Clement of Alexandria.

"For all things are ordered both universally and in particular by the Lord of the universe, with a view to the salvation of the universe."

St Origen, Clement's student and successor.

"our belief is that the Word [Christ] shall prevail over the entire rational creation, and change every soul into his own perfection. … For stronger than all the evils in the soul is the Word, and the healing power that dwells in him; and this healing he applies, according to the will of God, to every man.“

St Macrina the Younger, a famous Nun in the Eastern Church.

She taught that God’s judgements were a “process of healing [that] shall be proportioned to the measure of evil in each of us, and when the evil is purged and blotted out, there shall come in each place to each immortality and life and honor.”
She also taught that the resurrection is “the restoration of human nature to its pristine condition.”

St Gregory of Nyssa, St Macrina's brother, an Easter Church Bishop.

“the annihilation of evil, the restitution of all things, and the final restoration of evil men and evil spirits to the blessedness of union with God, so that He may be ‘all in all,’ embracing all things endowed with sense and reason.”

Bishop Theodore of Mopsuestia.

“The wicked who have committed evil the whole period of their lives shall be punished till they learn that, by continuing in sin, they only continue in misery. And when, by this means, they shall have been brought to fear God, and to regard Him with good will, they shall obtain the enjoyment of His grace."

Actually, there are many more quotes from these "Fathers" that could have been included in this post, together with quotes from other Church Fathers. Indeed, that there were many others is revealed by St Augustine, an opponent of the universal reconciliation of all and arguably the starting point for the Western Church's doctrine of eternal torment in hell for unbelievers.

St Augustine commented, "There are very many who though not denying the Holy Scriptures, do not believe in endless torments."

So my discovery, of the universal salvation of all through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, was hardly a discovery of anything new. Many of the ancients in the Church, particularly the Eastern Church, taught it also.

Blessings, Barry

PS. I haven't done any original research on the writings of the ancient Church Fathers, but have used more recent writings of others from which to choose these samples:
"The Lost Message of Paul" by Steve Chalke, Chapter 20
"Christ Triumphant by Tomas Allin", Chapters IV and V
"If Grace Is True" by Philip Gulley and James Mulholland, Appendix 2
Website: https://christianuniversalist.org/articles/history-of-universalism/
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

The Lost Still Belong

Luke 15 records Jesus' teaching on the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. Two things stand out that are not often mentioned when discussing these parables.

Firstly, the lost sheep and lost coin are searched for until they are found. Their owners do not give up the search until the sheep and coin are found and returned to their rightful place in the flock or in the owner's purse.

The case for the lost son is a little different, since he had a decision-making ability. The father was waiting and watching for his son's return, and ready to welcome him in true fatherly fashion, knowing that eventually he would make a comparison between his pig sty living conditions and those in his well-to-do family estate.

In each case the story doesn't end until the lost are returned and restored.

Secondly, each lost one was still of the same value as before it was lost.
The coin still had its original currency value, and the image of the emperor still engraved on it.
The lost sheep was still a sheep; it had not become something else, and comfortably fitted back into the flock (maybe after some cleaning up).
The lost son was still a son, as the father declared most emphatically - "this son of mine was dead and is alive again".

Since God is the Saviour of the world,

That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
[1 Timothy 4 : 10  NIV]

and Jesus the reconciler of all,

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
[Colossians 1 : 19 -20  NIV]

and Jesus promises to draw everyone to himself,

"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
[John 12 : 32  NIV]

I can't imagine God being less successful than the humans (shepherd, woman and father) in Jesus' parables.

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au