PPt by Dr. Mark E. Hardgrove

Geisler, NormanChapter 65

“The Extent of Salvation

(Universalism)”

The other extremeFrom claiming that only a preselected group have been chosen and therefore the atonement is only for them, to the other extreme that since the atonement is for everyone, therefore everyone must be and will be saved, we have the theology of universalism.

Universalism DefinedFrom the word apokatastasis (i.e., “restoration,” in Acts

3:21), it is the belief that eventually everyone will be saved. It was first proposed by Origen (c. 185-c. 254), a partially unorthodox church father.

This theology has been gaining some ground recently and it should be noted that it is without merit or theological grounding. Geisler does a good job of refuting this position, and in the process undermines his own view of eternal security.

Geisler’s “Evaluation of Universalism”Universalism Is Contrary to the Image of God: God made

humankind in His image, which includes the freedom to choose. In order to guarantee that everyone will be saved, those who refuse to love God would have to be forced to love Him against their will, and “forced freedom” isn’t freedom at all.

With respect to Wesleyan Theology, Wesleyans argue that love is voluntary and is an act of freewill. As such, love can be recanted, and along with it, faith in God’s grace. It would then be a violation of human freewill to force someone into heaven who has chosen to reject salvation.

Geisler’s “Evaluation of Universalism”Universalism Is Contrary to God’s Love: Forced love is not

only contrary to freedom, it isn’t love at all, but hate. Forced love is a kind of assault. No one who is truly loving forces him- or herself on another

With respect to Wesleyan Theology (see previous slide).

Geisler’s “Evaluation of Universalism”Universalism Is Contrary to God’s Justice: God is

absolutely holy, and as such He must punish sin. Therefore, as long as people are living in sin and rebellion against God, He must punish them.

With respect to Wesleyan Theology there is complete agreement with what Geisler states. Wesleyans also believe that this applies after salvation as well.

Geisler’s “Evaluation of Universalism”Universalism (and associated annihilation) Is Contrary

to Biblical Teaching on Hell: Once again, Jesus taught that not only is there a hell that was created for Satan and his angels, but, tragically there will also be persons in it.

With respect to Wesleyan Theology there is complete agreement with what Geisler states here.