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Thesis: The Bible believing Christian cannot accept the concept of universalism because of what the Bible teaches.
*What is the doctrine of Universalism?
*The Bible, can you trust it?
*Jesus, the narrow way
Universalism
A church or community that calls itself Universalist may emphasize the universal principles of most religions and accept other religions in an inclusive manner, believing in a universal reconciliation between humanity and the divine.
Just as long as you are sincere and devout to your belief system, that’s what matters. It doesn’t really matter what the object of your worship is. It can be a moon, God, or a tribal system of worship based on nature, or other religious systems. Universalism teaches there are many roads that lead to God.
In our politically correct and tolerant society, universalism has increased in popularity. It’s also a way to make peace with all the different belief systems out there thus increasing it’s appeal. (Matthew 10:34)
The Bible, Can you Trust It?
The scientific method is not the proper method to determine the accuracy of anything that has happened in the past. Evidence must be collected and a logical, rationale decision must be made based on the evidence.
How would you “prove” that George Washington was the first president?
The Court of Evidence
- Artifacts from the time period
- Eyewitness accounts of his existence recorded in written form (because those people are dead now)
- Others writing about him, (like the diaries of England’s Generals).
- No logical person would say, “I can’t prove George Washington existed therefore I can’t believe it happened”
1 John 1:1-4
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.
2 Peter 1:16
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
2. It proves to be reliable on the basis of bibliographic, archaeological and historical tests.
There exists better manuscript evidence (a greater number of manuscripts, dated more closely to the original and with few significant variants) for the NT than for all of the other top ten pieces of ancient literature combined. (See Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell, ch. 1).
The Doctrine of Inerrancy
Biblical inerrancy is the doctrinal position that the Bible is accurate and totally free of error, that "Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to God’s Word."
The Bible Claims to be the Word of God
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Peter 1:20, 21
20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
- Evidence supports the Bible’s claim to be the word of God
- All time best seller, most translated book in history of world.
- Predicts the future (e.g., over 300 messianic prophecies)
- Unique in its survival through time and persecution
- Unique in its continuity (40 plus authors from all walks of life, over 1600 years, 3 different continents and languages, writing on hundreds of controversial subjects without contradiction, one unfolding story--reconciliation between God and man.)
Other ancient historians substantiate the reliability of the NT (Cornelius Tacitus, Seutonius, Flavius Josephus, Younger Plenty, Julius Africanus A.D. 221 quotes Thallus 52 A.D.).
I have made the decision based on the historic evidence and the witness of God’s spirit inside of me to trust the Bible as inerrant. However, even if I had no inner witness I believe a person could trust the Bible as inerrant based on the evidence alone.
Jesus the narrow way
Matthew 7:13-16
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. True and False Prophets 15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them.
John 10:7-9
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.
Acts 4:12
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
John 14:5, 6
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
We need to pray for our loved ones who don’t know the Lord yet.
John 6:44
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.
Visit with us at Jubilee Family Church this Sunday at 10:15 AM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) and Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM (Central Standard Time U.S.A.) If you can't be with us in person please visit via internet video on Jubilee T.V.
If you live in Batesville please tune into KBAP 88.1 FM to listen to contemporary worship music.
Jubilee Family Church
45 Thunderbird Dr.
Batesville, AR 72501
(870) 793-9124
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