When I made the determination to set aside my traditional bias and look at what the Scriptures themselves actually had to say concerning universal salvation, I was amazed to discover just how often God spoke of a future all-inclusive restoration through Jesus Christ, which would include not only those upon the earth but also in the heavens and under the earth. At the end of my book, “The Triumph of Mercy” I included a partial list of texts in the Bible which speak of a universal restoration, rather than eternal torment or extermination of the majority. The list contains nearly one hundred verses which speak of the ultimate salvation of all and over fifty which militate against unending torments.
Some argue that, when we see “all” in these passages on universal restoration, it is just hyperbolic speech and actually shouldn’t be taken literally. They cite examples such as: “Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.” (Mark 1:5)
However, common sense tells us when one is speaking literally or hyperbolically. If I were to say: “All of Oakland came to the meeting,” or “the whole world knows that she is the best singer,” we instantly know that it is exaggerated, hyperbolic speech used for greater impact. On the other hand, if the captain of a sinking ship were to say: “The ship is sinking, but don’t worry, you will all be saved,” could we still reasonably say it is hyperbole? Will God someday reveal to us that His promises to save and restore all are deliberate exaggerations? Of course not! How could we even attribute such a deception to God?
Surely any doctrinal perspective concerning the consummation of God´s plan for the ages that is even worthy of consideration should be seen to harmonize with the overall testimony from the Scriptures concerning the ultimate reconciliation of all through the blood of Jesus Christ shed upon the cross for all.
Some argue that, when we see “all” in these passages on universal restoration, it is just hyperbolic speech and actually shouldn’t be taken literally. They cite examples such as: “Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.” (Mark 1:5)
However, common sense tells us when one is speaking literally or hyperbolically. If I were to say: “All of Oakland came to the meeting,” or “the whole world knows that she is the best singer,” we instantly know that it is exaggerated, hyperbolic speech used for greater impact. On the other hand, if the captain of a sinking ship were to say: “The ship is sinking, but don’t worry, you will all be saved,” could we still reasonably say it is hyperbole? Will God someday reveal to us that His promises to save and restore all are deliberate exaggerations? Of course not! How could we even attribute such a deception to God?
Surely any doctrinal perspective concerning the consummation of God´s plan for the ages that is even worthy of consideration should be seen to harmonize with the overall testimony from the Scriptures concerning the ultimate reconciliation of all through the blood of Jesus Christ shed upon the cross for all.