UNIVERSALISM

To suggest that all shall eventually be saved, regardless of faith, repentance, or love for Christ, is to deny the plain testimony of Scripture and to obscure the infinite majesty of God's justice. Universalism is not a message of mercy, but of false peace; not a doctrine of love, but a denial of truth.

God is indeed merciful, but His mercy does not cancel His justice. The Scriptures speak clearly: ‘He that believes not shall be damned’ (Mark 16:16), and ‘The smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever’ (Revelation 14:11). These are not mere figures of speech. They are solemn declarations of a holy God.

If all men are ultimately saved, then Christ’s death becomes unnecessary. Why the cross, if sin bears no eternal consequence? Why the gospel, if judgment is but a shadow? Shall we make the blood of the Son of God of no effect, and turn the warnings of Scripture into empty threats?

Moreover, universalism diminishes the gravity of sin. It treats rebellion against the infinite God as a temporary inconvenience rather than a capital offense. It soothes the sinner with the lie that he may live as he pleases, with no fear of wrath, a lie that damns more souls than the sword.

The glory of heaven and the horror of hell are both necessary to reveal the full weight of God's character. His mercy shines brightest against the backdrop of justice. To preach heaven without hell is to offer comfort without conversion, and grace without gospel.

Let us therefore tremble before the Lord, not in terror, but in reverent awe, knowing that He is good, but not tame; merciful, but not indulgent; forgiving, but not forgetful of righteousness. And let us fly to Christ, the only refuge from the wrath to come, and the only fountain of eternal joy.