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01/29/03 1:17 PM

#3712 RE: Jar #3652

JB - re: Universal Salvation

To address "universal salvation" (a.k.a. universalism), we need to first determine what it is that we are "saved" from. Meaning - what problem is solved, what damage is restored, etc. So I will pose the problem, as I see it. We can discuss and if we can agree on the basic nature of the problem, we can then look at the solution (salvation). I will not use biblical references here but can supply those if requested.

First - God exists. I am not God. I am created by God so must approach Him humbly and submit to His authority and obey His commands.

Second - God is completely holy, good, clean, and pure.

Third - I am not completely holy, good, clean, and pure. I have freely chosen to disobey God and have rebelled against His commands. I know God is wise and holy, yet I refuse to perfectly follow His commands. I have chosen to separate myself from God by disobedience, even though I know it is wrong.

Problem: How can I be restored to God's presence and God maintain His holy purity? In other words, how can the separation that I freely chose be mended, while God retains His attributes of goodness and perfection?

Is this the problem as you see it? Note I have not considered our injustice to other creatures. Those injustices result from breaking God's commands (Love your neighbor, Don't lie, Don't steal, Support your family, etc.). I am looking at the basic problem behind all other problems.