Just the Bible
F a l s e t e a c h i n g s e x p o s e d
Universalism
1 Bible verses for Universalism
2 Bible verses against Universalism
3 Bible verses about the End of Satan
________________________________
1 Bible verses for Universalism
John 12,32
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Jesus declares that his substitutionary death opens the door to eternal life for all people. The fact that Jesus draws "everyone" to himself does not mean that "everyone" will be saved. Fundamentally, every person has the opportunity to participate in eternal life. However, receiving eternal life is linked to faith in Jesus. Since every person has their own will, they can resist GOD. Anything else would be unjust. Anyone who refuses to be reconciled with GOD excludes themselves from eternal life.
Atcs 3,21
21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which GOD hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
There's no mention of "universal reconciliation" here. Peter speaks of the restoration of the Kingdom of GOD, as prophesied in the Holy Scriptures. First, the present world, under Satan's rule, must perish, along with the devil and all the ungodly. After evil is eliminated, GOD will transform the earth into a new paradise. This future world, which the saints are to inherit, will be under GOD's rule.
Romans 5,18
18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
As in almost all statements related to salvation, the word "all" here is to be understood in a limited sense. GOD offers eternal life to all people. But the death of Jesus alone does not automatically mean that all people are saved. To be justified, a person must be willing to accept Jesus as their Savior and repent. Anyone who refuses to do so cannot receive eternal life.
1st Corinthians 12,3
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of GOD calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Philippians 2,9-11
9 Wherefore GOD also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of GOD the Father.
These two quotes also do not support the theory of universal reconciliation. This is not about simply calling Jesus "Lord." Jesus says that there are many false prophets who do things in his name, even though they are actually denying him through their ungodly lives. Furthermore, there are also many unbelievers who call Jesus Lord—for example, in secular books, lectures, or films—even though they have no relationship with him whatsoever. Paul explains that a person can only confess Jesus as Lord wholeheartedly or with complete conviction if they possess the Holy Spirit. It is the saints Paul speaks of who will ultimately bend their knees before Jesus and confess him as their Lord and Savior. All other people will also stand before Jesus in judgment to receive their just punishment. They, too, will bend their knees after Jesus has convicted them of their sins.
1st Corinthians 15,22-28
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to GOD, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that GOD may be all in all.
This passage also does not speak of "universal reconciliation." Paul explains that Jesus—after destroying "all rule, power, and authority" (meaning the enemies of GOD, i.e., Satan and all who have rebelled against GOD)—will hand over the rule to GOD the Father, so that GOD will again rule over everything without restriction. Verse 22 makes it clear that "in Christ" all will come alive. To be "in Christ" means to believe in Jesus and follow his example of life. Only those who remain "in Christ" will ultimately reach the goal and receive eternal life when Jesus returns. All who are not "in Christ" remain excluded from eternal life.
The statement in verse 26 that death will ultimately be destroyed also does not indicate universal reconciliation. Rather, Paul is expressing that in the end, after all of GOD's enemies have been destroyed and GOD's kingdom has been restored, there will be no more death. All who participate in the resurrection of the righteous will no longer die but will live forever and ever (Revelation 20,6 / Revelation 21,4). However, those whose names are not written in the Book of Life will end up in the Lake of Fire, i.e., they will die the second and final death (Revelation 20,11-15).
Ephesians 1,9 f.
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in himself: 10 that in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.
Here, too, there is nothing about "universal reconciliation." It is about GOD having carried out His eternal purpose "in Christ" (i.e., through Jesus). This includes Jesus' redemptive work on the cross, the defeat of Satan, and ultimately the restoration of GOD's reign over the entire universe. In these two statements, too, the word "all" or "everything" explicitly refers to the saints who are to inherit the kingdom of GOD.
Colossians 1,19 f.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Here, Paul explains that GOD wants to reconcile the world to Himself through Christ. The prerequisite for making peace with GOD is faith in Jesus and repentance from sin. The word "all" here also refers to those who are willing to accept GOD's salvation—namely, believers. In the end, GOD will judge and condemn the wicked, so that only the saints will remain to possess GOD's kingdom.
1st Timothy 2,3 f.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of GOD our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
GOD loves all people. Therefore, He desires that all people be saved. However, this does not mean that everyone will actually be saved in the end. The fact that only a portion of humanity is saved has nothing to do with GOD not being powerful enough to save everyone. Rather, it shows that God does not force anyone to be happy against their will, but rather allows everyone free choice. To be saved, it is necessary to recognize the truth; that is, to believe in Jesus and follow his teachings. Anyone who rejects this during their lifetime cannot be saved. The discrepancy between GOD's desire that all people be saved and reality does not represent a contradiction.
1st Timothy 4,10
10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living GOD, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
GOD is the ultimate Savior of all people. This means that GOD is the author of the plan of salvation, which He accomplished through Jesus Christ, and that through it, the door to eternal life is open to all people. However, to partake of eternal life, faith is required. For without faith, there is no salvation. The phrase "especially of those who believe" expresses that it is believers who have accepted GOD's offer of salvation and that only they will be truly saved.
1st Peter 3,18-20
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to GOD, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of GOD waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
Humans are referred to as "souls" in the Bible. Angels, on the other hand, are referred to as "spirits." Therefore, it is more likely that Peter is speaking of fallen angels who sinned during Noah's lifetime by having sexual relations with humans. As punishment, GOD had to imprison them in darkness until the Day of Judgment. After his resurrection from the dead, Jesus apparently appeared to these angels to announce his victory. There is no mention of the gospel here, nor of dead persons. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that people continue to live after death or are given a second chance. Rather, the Holy Scriptures teach that the dead are unconscious and rest in their graves until their resurrection. With death, the eternal fate of every person is irrevocably determined.
________________________________
2 Bible verses against Universalism
Matthew 7,13 f.
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Luke 13,23 f.
23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
Matthew 22,14
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
John 12,25
25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
Jesus makes it clear that there are two exits: 1. (eternal) life and 2. (eternal) damnation. Anyone who denies this fact makes Jesus a liar. Furthermore, Jesus explains that the way to life is narrow, and that relatively few find it. Even though "many" (meaning all people) are called, not all will reach the goal. This is not due to GOD, but to people themselves. Jesus is the way to eternal life. At the same time, the Bible is full of admonitions and warnings to protect us from false paths that lead to damnation. To stay on the narrow path and reach the goal, a person must resolutely follow Jesus. The lives of Jesus and the apostles show us that the narrow path is difficult and requires sacrifice. Those who prefer the easy and comfortable path, on the other hand, run the risk of missing the goal.
John 3,16
16 For GOD so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3,36
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him.
Matthew 7,21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Romans 2,5-10
5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of GOD; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.
1st Corinthians 6,9 f.
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of GOD? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of GOD.
GOD's love and grace are neither infinite nor unconditional, as proponents of the doctrine of universal reconciliation falsely believe. GOD reveals His love to humanity by sending Jesus into the world to reconcile us to Himself through His death and to offer us the prospect of eternal life. The Bible explicitly teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus. This involves sincere repentance (= conversion of heart) and obedience to Jesus and His Word. Jesus explains that only those who do GOD's will will gain access to the Kingdom of GOD. Confession alone is not enough. Anyone who refuses to believe in Jesus and do GOD's will will face GOD's wrath. This means that GOD will punish them for their sins. The final and irreversible punishment for all the wicked is eternal damnation. This in no way contradicts GOD's love. After all, every person has the chance to be reconciled with GOD.
Furthermore, Paul explicitly names groups of people who will not inherit GOD's kingdom. These include adulterers, sexually immoral people, idolaters, the covetous, and drunkards. If everyone (including those mentioned above) were ultimately saved, this warning would make no sense.
Romans 2,12
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law.
1st Corinthians 1,18
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of GOD.
2nd Corinthians 2,15 f.
15 For we are unto GOD a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
2nd Corinthians 4,3 f.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of GOD, should shine unto them.
Just like Jesus, Paul clearly speaks of two possible outcomes for a person. While some people will be saved, others will be lost. The word "lost" refers to eternal and final death after the final judgment before the throne of GOD. The prodigal son in Luke's Gospel was saved because he repented and reconciled with his father while still alive. However, for those who die without being reconciled with GOD, there is no hope.
Hebrews 10,26-31
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of GOD, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living GOD.
2nd Thessalonians 1,8-10
8 IIn flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
1st Peter 4,17 f.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of GOD: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of GOD? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
The New Testament speaks in numerous places about GOD judging the ungodly and about GOD's judgment having eternal consequences. This applies both to those who disobey the gospel and to those who willfully sin despite their confession of Jesus. Nowhere is a second chance offered for these people.
Daniel 12,2
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
John 5,28 f.
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Revelation 20,6
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of GOD and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
The Bible teaches that there are two resurrections: 1. the resurrection of the righteous, which includes all who believe in Jesus and do good deeds; and 2. the resurrection of the unrighteous, which includes all other people. Only those who participate in the first resurrection are called "blessed" in Scripture. Nowhere does the Bible mention a single word about the salvation of ungodly people after the judgment. Such a teaching clearly originated with the devil, who deceived Eve by claiming that if man disobeyed GOD, he would never die.
Revelation 20,11-15
11 nd I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before the throne; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 2,11
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Revelation 21,8
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Revelation 22,14 f.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Matthew 25,41 + 46
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (...) 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Hebrews 6,4-8
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of GOD, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of GOD afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from GOD: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
Matthew 3,11 f.
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
Matthew 13,40-43
40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
John 15,5 f.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Jude 1,5-7
5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
The Bible speaks of a first and a second death. In the Book of Revelation, this is symbolically depicted as a lake of fire. Jesus explains that, in addition to the devil and his angels, all people whose names are not written in the Book of Life will find their end there. This includes all those who were not willing to be reconciled to GOD through Jesus and to change their lives. "Fire" is also mentioned in other places in the New Testament in connection with GOD's judgment. While there is a resurrection from the first death, the second death is final. Nowhere does it say that there is a way out of the lake of fire or the second death. Instead, the Bible makes it clear that only faith in Jesus can redeem a person from eternal death. If a person were purified after their first death and all people were ultimately reconciled to GOD—as proponents of the "universal reconciliation doctrine" claim—there would be no need for a second death.
________________________________
3 Bible verses about the End of Satan
Revelation 20,10
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Romans 16,20
20 And the GOD of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Revelation 12,12
12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
John 8,44
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Matthew 25,41
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels (...).
The Bible teaches that Satan—as well as all ungodly people he has seduced—will end up in the lake of fire. Jesus calls Satan the "father of lies" and declares that there is no truth in him. For this reason, the devil would never show repentance, especially since he theoretically had plenty of opportunity to do so over the millennia he has deceived all of humanity. Satan hates both GOD and all who belong to GOD with all his heart. There is no hope for him or his angels.