There are teachers today who ignore this principle and believe everyone will somehow be redeemed. This teaching is called “universal salvation” and is promoted by people who believe that everyone will go to heaven.

Jesus, however, did not teach this and, in his final words, made it clear that those who do not repent will be judged. (Revelation 21:5-8). The Bible says that God will bring all things into judgment. Because the Son of God bore the sins of all mankind, God the Father has appointed him Judge of both the living and the dead. (1 Peter 4:5). There is no one else qualified to judge except Jesus, and his judgment will be fair and just.

Everyone will be judged, but God offers salvation to all who repent and come to him. (Hebrews 9:27). This offer is made through the declaration of the Gospel, which, during the last 2000 years, has gone to every nation. (Luke 24:36-37). God has raised up many devoted people to declare the Gospel worldwide.

However, there are people throughout the ages who have not heard or had the opportunity to believe and receive salvation. God will not condemn anyone who has not had a proper opportunity to receive his mercy. I believe everyone will, in some way, be given an opportunity at some time to hear and receive forgiveness, mercy and eternal life. (Romans 2:14-16). Only if that offer is rejected will condemnation take place.

God’s promise is that “whoever believes in Jesus should not perish but have everlasting life”. (John 3:16-17). God is a God of justice in all things. (1 John 1:9, Revelation 15:3) Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. (Psalm 89:14). Jesus is the Saviour of all who trust in him.

Believers will stand before the judgment “seat of Christ”, not in condemnation but in grace and forgiveness. All who repent and receive him pass from condemnation to life. (2 Corinthians 5:9-10, Romans 14:10-12).

The kingdom of darkness and all who serve in it will, from the devil down, be destroyed. (Matthew 13:40, Jude 1:14-15, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, Revelation  20:10). God’s mercy is extended to all through Christ, the just for the unjust, but people who knowingly reject God’s mercy forfeit it by their own choice. (1 Peter 3:18)

Outside of Christ, there is no forgiveness. It is necessary for men and women to repent and receive Christ now while they are able to do so. One day, every individual will bow before him. (Psalm 22:29, Philippians 2:10).

ETERNAL JUDGMENT

Judgment will be eternal in its outcome. All mankind is heading for an eternal destiny, either with God or without God. To be with God in heaven is to be in a place of blessing beyond all ability to comprehend. (1 Corinthians 2:9).

It is a real place in which there is no suffering of any kind. There is no pain, death or sickness in the new heaven and earth and New Jerusalem, the city of God is beautiful and majestic beyond all description. (Revelation 21:4, 22:1-5). It is full, abundant, eternal life. To be with God in heaven will be truly wonderful.

To be separated from God, however, is to suffer eternal death. There are different understandings among Christians as to what this means, some think it is eternal suffering, others that it is total annihilation. Either way, it should be taken very seriously, and people should consider their eternal destination. (Revelation 21:8).

We ourselves choose where we will go. The destiny of Satan and all who reject God is total, irrevocable destruction and loss. Their own decision will bring this upon them. (John 3:16-17).

Join me as we continue on our journey through “A Life of Faith.”

Blog series Five – Principles for Life in Christ:

Episode 9: Growing Up in Christ

Blog series Six – Two Kingdoms at War