If God is God
"Am I a pessimist? Not at all. I am convinced that the history of the human race, no matter how tragic, will ultimately lead to the Kingdom of God.
I am convinced that all the works of humankind will be reintegrated in the work of God; and that each of us, no matter how sinful, will ultimately be saved. Salvation is universal because the love of God encompasses all.
If God is God, and if God is love, nothing is outside the love of God.
A place like hell is thus inconceivable. The difference between the Christian and the non-Christian is not one of salvation. Salvation is given by grace to everyone. Christians are simply those charged by God with a special mission. The meaning of being a Christian is not working at your own little salvation, but changing human history.
It is inconceivable that the God who gives Himself in His Son to save us, should have created some people ordained to evil and damnation. There can only be one predestination to salvation. In and through Jesus Christ, all people are predestined to be saved.
Our free choice is ruled out in this regard. God wants free people, except in relation to this last and definitive decision. We are not free to decide and choose to be damned." "Being saved or lost does not depend on our own free decision. An explicit confession of Jesus Christ is not the condition for salvation. Salvation is always for everyone, by grace. All people are included in the grace of God. A theology of grace implies universal salvation."
JACQUES ELLUL (1912-1994)
Professor at the University of Bordeaux
As I read through this one I thought it was one of the grace gang. When I realized at the end who this was I was a bit surprised. All I could think of was who ever is saying this certainly is bold and has real conviction of what he says. He said a lot in a few words. I also fully realize that most do not see what this man speaks of. All I can add is that this gospel of grace and peace truly is good news for all. Now when I think of the cross of Christ and that it did include all of us I am overwhelmed by what real grace represents. What a Redeemer, what a Saviour, what else can be said?
Thanks Bruce for sending this one along.
“We are not free to decide and choose to be damned.”
This is something that people should ponder on. Who in their right mind would choose to spend an eternity in a burning hell???? How can that make sense to anyone??? Could that be good news??? However, that’s what the organized church will have you believe. To tell someone they have the power in their own will to choose whether they will spend eternity in heaven or hell is simply ludicrous.
I am glad this choice was not left up to me but was totally secured for me at the cross. Our free choice was indeed ruled out. As the days go along it is getting clearer and clearer how the entire human race has been redeemed apart from any involvement on anyones part. Good reading in this post to say the least.
Simply more proof that there has always been men and women who understood the grace of God. Thanks for bringing this man’s thoughts to our blog Bruce. I’ll bet he had alot more to say in his time and I am grateful he didn’t allow his voice to be drowed out.
Yes an excellent read of Jacques!
In studying root words and contexts in the Bible, I see a difference between Redemption and salvation. Redemption is being purchased, bought back from slavery and is a one time thing. Redeemed by the blood of the lamb, even from the begining of time. But salvation is a word meaning deliverance and in Cor, the word is used to describe “having been delivered (past), bieng delivered(present) and going to be delivered (future)”. We have many deliverances as we journey through life and the scriptures support this. So I see it as all creation is redeemed and GOD was in CHRIST reconciling the world unto HIMSELF, but we daily experience deliverances as GOD changes us from glory to glory more and more into HIS image. We are redeemed, we are bieng delivered.
I also love the analogy of the Jubilee in the Bible and it is such a great picture of mans will vs. GODS soveriegnty. Every 50th year was the Jubilee and everything would return to its original owner. However, one could choose to stay with thier master. Yet, there came a time when GOD said “You must return to your owner and none could resist!!! This to me describes mans journey..He is making choices and he can,, but one day GOD will make the final choice and all creation will be with thier original owner.
Isnt GODS WORD wonderful?? If GOD is GOD, then all is love for HE is love.
Connie
Connie, I really appreciate your comment. When I first was challenged to search this out one of the things that blew me away was a study on the year of Jubilee. As well you mention seeing the difference between redemption and salvation, this is indeed huge to our understanding of this incredible gospel. My mind is still being renewed to these truths and I expect this process to be on going.
“Our free choice is ruled out in this regard.” Ellul’s comments represent the kind of thinking that enabled me, as a staunch Calvinist, to see the truth of God’s predestination of all men to redemption.