Universalism

Over the last couple of years I've enjoyed getting more involved in the teaching side of YWAM. While I've had opportunities to teach on language acquisition and church planting principles, the topic I've spoken on most has been universalism.  I think this is very timely as around 25% of American Christians believe in this concept. Universalism is, at it's root, the belief that all people will eventually be saved and accept Jesus' Lordship, or alternately that only those who clearly reject Jesus won't be saved. 

Obviously, one's beliefs on this subject will shape their view of missions, and whether or not it is even a necessary endeavor.  Personally, I feel this viewpoint (universalism) cheapens the Great Commission given to us by Jesus in Matthew 28.  I really enjoy dialoguing with the students while we look at scriptures used by universalists to support their position and address questions raised more recently in books like Love Wins (Rob Bell, 2011).  In the end, to me, it seems that this idea is simply a self-serving attempt for people to justify the fact that they're not reaching out to those around them.  If you are interested in learning more about the subject I recommend reading Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and God Wins by Mark Galli.

Teaching in the Winter DTS