Columnist says universal salvation is Biblical truth
The Layman Online, January 16, 2001
A columnist for Presbyterians Today, the official magazine of the Presbyterian Church (USA), recommends that Presbyerians “build an understanding that includes” two contrary doctrines – universal salvation and salvation only for those who trust in Christ.
The Rev. James Ayers, whose “Q&A” is a regular feature in the monthly magazine, says there is Biblical support for both doctrines.
Ayers’ conclusion conflicts with the Book of Confessions, the interpretative standard for the Presbyterian Church. The confessions reject universalism as a Biblical truth. They explicitly say that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ.
Ayers answered the following question:
- Do all people go to heaven because Jesus died for our sins, or does God require some form of belief or faith (e.g., the acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice)? It seems to me a number of Presbyterians believe there is no judgment, or at least feel that the idea isn’t very inclusive.
In response, Ayers noted that some Presbyterians believe everyone is saved and others believe no one can be saved apart from faith in Christ.
He listed a number of Bible verses, which, he said, supported the doctrine of universal salvation. He listed other verses to support the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Christ.
His conclusion: “Since the Bible gives significant evidence in favor of both, we should build an understanding that includes both: God intends to save everyone through Christ’s death on the cross, and calls all to faithful response.” Ayers’ both/and theology would eliminate hell and eternal punishment.