In previous blogs, I have discussed several misunderstandings about reconciliation and universal reconciliation, which mainly stem from incorrect translations or misinterpretations of biblical terms. It would take too long to examine all the misconceptions about this within the Christian world; there are simply too many. However, I would like to discuss a few examples that I came across through a simple internet search with the question: “What is universal reconciliation?”
From the website of the United Church of God:
Universal reconciliation is based on the assumption that all people, regardless of whether they want to serve God or not, are already reconciled.
This view is incorrect; all people are not yet reconciled. As long as there is enmity and alienation from God, there is no reconciliation. As long as even one creature remains hostile, there can be no universal reconciliation. Universal reconciliation precisely means that every person—and even all of creation—will ultimately be reconciled.
wholeheartedly
Reconciliation means removing alienation and enmity. Therefore, it cannot be a matter of “regardless of whether one wants to serve God or not,” because when enmity is removed, there is love for God, and one will serve Him wholeheartedly.
From the Got Questions website:
Universalism, also called “universalism” or “universal redemption,” is the belief that all people will be saved.
Here, reconciliation is equated with salvation, but these are two different concepts. God will give life to and save the world that crucified His Son, precisely because of this crime. God is indeed the Savior of all people (1 Tim. 4:10), and that is part of the outcome of universal reconciliation.
the universe
But reconciliation is not the same as salvation. Reconciliation involves transforming enmity into peace. Moreover, universal reconciliation extends beyond just “all people”: all creation will be reconciled to God.
From the Cvandaag website:
Universal reconciliation is the belief that no one will ultimately be lost or condemned to hell eternally, because God’s love will not allow this.
There is much truth in this statement. God’s love will indeed not allow any of His creatures to be permanently lost.
Devilish Concept
“Eternally condemned to hell” usually refers to endless torture in a place of fire, where one does not die. However widespread this concept is within Christianity, Scripture does not recognize hell. Moreover, the existence of such a devilish place would be diametrically opposed to God’s nature—something even a child can understand.
Aeons
The Bible also does not recognize an abstract “eternity,” but speaks of aeons: periods of time in which God works out His purpose (Eph. 3:11). People will be lost for the coming aeons, but that loss is never final.
Regarding 2 Corinthians 5:19-20, refoweb states:
We read two things here: 1. God is reconciled. 2. We must be reconciled. (…) In Christ, God is completely reconciled. But we are not by nature, but must become so (…)
Nowhere does Scripture say that God is reconciled, and therefore nowhere does it say that God is “completely reconciled” in Christ. The simple reason is that God has never been the enemy of humanity. God does not need to be reconciled with His creation; He reconciles His enemies with Himself.
Reconciliation through Satisfaction
This line of thought is inspired by the classical theological doctrine of reconciliation through satisfaction. According to this doctrine, Jesus vicariously bore God’s wrath and the penalty for sin, so that God can now forgive. Christ essentially functions as a kind of lightning rod against which God could vent His wrath. God’s justice supposedly requires this satisfaction, after which forgiveness becomes possible. However, this entire concept is foreign to Scripture.
These are just a few examples of misconceptions surrounding universal reconciliation; the list could easily be extended. To clarify what universal reconciliation actually is, in the following blogs we will examine the Scriptures where Paul speaks about reconciliation.