We have now discussed all the Scriptures that speak of reconciliation and thus also the theme of universal reconciliation. However, there are also texts that do not use this word, but do speak unambiguously about the reconciliation of the world or even the universe. We will discuss the most explicit of these texts.
Romans 11
32 For God has confined all in disobedience, so that He might have mercy on all.
In the preceding text, Paul explained that through Israel’s transgression, salvation has come to the nations. The nations were disobedient, but now through Israel’s disobedience they have obtained mercy (1:30). But Israel itself will also receive mercy (1:31).
to have mercy on all
Literally, it says that God has confined “the all” in disobedience. This concerns Israel and the nations, each in their own time and way. The decisive goal, however, is God’s end: He encloses everyone in disobedience so that He might have mercy on all. Disobedience is not the end point of God’s action, but the means by which His mercy is revealed all the more clearly.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
34 For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?
35 Or who gives first to Him, and it will be repaid to him?
In this hymn of praise, Paul sings of God’s ways. These are not devised by humans, nor does God ask for their opinion or advice. Nor does He owe anything to humans. And that is a good thing, for He is the great Creator of all things, who Himself guarantees the good outcome.
36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things: to Him belongs the glory forever and ever! Amen!
Gospel
This verse is the gospel in a nutshell. Everything is from Him: He is the origin of all that exists. Everything is through Him: everything has its existence and continuation in Him. And everything is to Him: everything has its destination in Him and will be brought to where He wants it to be. Because everything is from Him, through Him and to Him, He is also worthy of all honour: to Him be the glory for ever and ever!
Everything
Romans 11 shows that God’s action does not end in exclusion, but in mercy. Disobedience is not the end point in God’s plan, but the means by which His grace is revealed all the more richly. When Paul says that all things are from Him, through Him, and to Him, he excludes no one and nothing. This echoes not only the reconciliation of individual people, but the promise that everything that has come from God will also return to Him.