"The Pathway to Universalism"
John Hines
Universalism is the doctrine, the false doctrine, that everyone will be saved. It is false based upon the Lord’s answer to the question, “Are there few who are saved?” (Lk. 13:23). The Lord said that many would seek to enter and not be able and that we should strive (agōnizomai) to enter the narrow gate. You can probably guess what English word is derived from that Greek word. This passage defies universalism. While the Lord wants all to be saved, few are.
How can people believe universalism then? What path do they go down as they deviate from the straight and narrow? Consider a few warning signs.
- If sin is minimized – Many emotionally appeal with a question; will one sin really condemn us? Is that not the same argument the serpent made with Eve (Gen. 3:4). Think upon Abraham lying about Sarah (Gen. 20), Moses striking the rock (Num. 20), or David sleeping with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11). Did God just overlook their sin(s)? No. Never forget that from the very beginning of the Lord’s ministry, He called for repentance (Matt. 4:17). Be wary of those who discount the wages of sin, even one, for they discount the price paid.
- If obedience is minimized – Surely sincerity is all that counts, right? Was Cain’s sin a sin of insincerity (Gen. 4)? Wasn’t Uzzah sincere as he put out his hand to steady the ark (2 Sam. 6)? What of Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10)? What about Nicodemus in John 3 or the woman at the well in John 4? Surely they would not have to be born again or learn to worship in spirit and truth? No, Paul’s plea of “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” would never fly in today’s atmosphere of discounting obedient submission (Rom. 10).
- If grace is maximized more and more (and more still) – “Where sin abounded grace abounded much more” (Rom. 5:20). As Jesus died for all, and is the propitiation for all (Rom. 5:18, 1Jn. 2:2), surely all will be saved, right? No, it’s still only the few because only a few recognize that grace teaches us that we must deny ungodliness and live righteously (Tts. 2:11-15). Sin does not have to lead to death, but unrepentant sin will (1 Jn. 5:16,17). Jesus gracefully died for all, but His cross does not replace our cross (Matt. 10:38).
Those on the path toward universalism have many friends. There is the once-saved-always-saved friend, the just-believe friend, and the worship-at-the-church-of-your-choice friend, amongst many others. Be careful not to stop short of Jesus or go beyond Him. Meet Him where He is and you’ll be safe.
“MODESTY”
John Hines
What does the Bible say about modesty and clothing?
Most think that God doesn't really care about such trivial things, but from the beginning we see that is not the case. Adam and Eve had sewn fig leaves together, covering certain parts of their bodies. God apparently thought it was not enough. He made them tunics to cover their nakedness (Gen 3:21).
Many men and women are more than happy to be immodest. They have no shame. They have forgotten how to blush. Bathing suits consist of less fabric than a handkerchief. Prom dresses leave no question about the intentions of the after-party as slits ride high and necklines plunge low. Every day of the week you will see pants, shorts, and shirts that entice the imagination, and at the same time leave nothing to the imagination.
Women need to "adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation" (1 Tim 2:9). The KJV reads "in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety". Most people just do not have any shame anymore. There is no bashfulness. Most are like animals strutting around emphasizing certain body parts in hopes of attracting a mate. It is disgraceful. They are empty of anything considered "graceful" and then they wonder why they never enjoy a meaningful relationship.
"...That the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works." Many today do everything they can to call attention to themselves. From their shoes to their hair, they want people to notice them. They work hard so someone will notice them. They work hard to attract someone's eye to some part of their body. They want to draw attention to themselves. They do not understand modesty.
Not many are interested in godliness and good works, but we can be different. We can understand what is truly important upon this earth. We can appreciate it and we can manifest it in our lives. Let us be spiritually minded rather than carnally minded. Most have forgotten how to be ashamed of sin, but we hope you haven't. Let God rule in your life. Let godliness be professed and lived. Let us strive to walk the straight and narrow, never encouraging another to sin.
(adapted)
