Love WILL win. in the Hearts of His Believers. "Not my will be done, But your will be done." This is the example we must follow. If we can't do this.. Then His Love is not in us.
Rather, the Scriptures teach that all of those who are effectually called and regenerated, are converted, and as a result of God's acting upon them, now exercise faith and repentance. This means that effectual calling and regeneration necessarily issues forth in the exercise of faith. Thank the Canons of Dort for this wonderful explanation.
I am VERY encouraged that of all the pastors contacted to comment on Bell for this piece NONE of them would respond until they had a copy of the book for themselves. That is impressive maturity in the face of a LOT of negative (and indeed positive) comments from folk who haven't even read it yet.
Nice to see someone thinking outside of the box of hierarchy and power and fear, and applying love and logic to this message OF Jesus...not the second-hand message ABOUT Jesus.^^
It is disgusting to hear people put God on trial, as if He would be awful to put a rebel in hell. The one who is awful, is the one who REJECTS God's work for him. Man is to blame for his own destiny. The gospel is "unto ALL, but only UPON all who believe (on Jesus)". There is not a universal unconditional salvation. The sad thing is, man will still blame God when he is in hell, cursing God as he did while he was on the earth. Hell still not change his dark, dark heart that is black with sin!
Before we prejudge Rob's view on hell, we need to wait until the book comes out. I feel that this is one way to publicize his new book "Love Wins" that is coming out on March 29th. He is a guru when it comes to catching people's attention through short films like his Nooma DVD series. Considering he is a Wheaton College student, I doubt he advocates the no hell theology.
@amyisawinneratlife I agree. It is a two minute video. I mean, for my money it's good advertising. he has only asked questions and people are making it out to be that those questions are his answers. For all I know/don't know (based on the video), is that he could answer "yes, there is a hell and only a few will make it." I haven't read enough of his stuff and I don't know him personally, so I cannot even think to judge his heart. I haven't read any comments yet by those who have read the book.
@subsequentescalator Of course, but Matthew 7:13-14 also says: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Thomas Jefferson believed in Universalism as well. He wrote the whole New Testament again getting rid of any verse that did not agree with his belief that all people go to heaven. He's wrong by the way.
@PreachingJesus I disagree. I think you need to give him more credit than this. I've enjoyed the conversation though. Gonna send you a friend request; hope to chat more in the future!
Quite the reverse actually. Paul's theology is "as in Adam all die, so also in the Christ all shall be made alive" and the life that all will be made alive to is the spotless, righteous life of Jesus Himself. If you're depending on the fact that you don't blaspheme, gratify every desire of the flesh, Indulge in sin etc. to get you into the kingdom, then God have mercy on you! It's all by His grace and it's only our self righteousness that will keep us out!
@steverexfg Jesus, yes and Martin Luther, and John Wesley, and the early church was considered a cult. No progress is made in our understanding of God without the defenders of the old order getting all grumpy. Having said that, what beliefs would you consider heretical?
Most Christians are simply ignorant of the fact that over the history of the church there are many good thinkers (even conservative ones) that have had differing views on hell. When someone is bold enough to level the charge of heresy they are tipping there hand and showing how little they really know.
SHALL WE ALL GO DOWN THE BROAD WAY??? The Snake is speaking again, this time speaking through rob bell, you wont die oh yessss everything will will be alright hisssss, yesss Gods love wont let you burn. WHAT A LOAD OF TRASH!!!!
@HeTotallyJust ....Hi there, I think you are right to question this, the hell is right here of our own making if we choose to go down that road. Jesus saved me from myself going down a road to hell right here, right now. It is the ways of the world (sin) that put me in hell, not God. I put myself there...and beleive me there is a clear difference when you are there and when you are not.
@k0smon I have a copy I got at a garage sale or something. It's the same thing you get if you just read the "red letters" (words of Jesus in a red letter edition of the Bible). Nothing really dramatic but the edit removes much of the miraculous (for which Jefferson was incredulous) and the back story attempting just to capture the moral teachings. Unfortunately by taking quotes out of proper context you can say anything you want and miss the original author's meaning.
@ClockFaceOrange No need to believe in 'hell', friend...as long as there are those whom only seek to append thier own self-centered means and selfish desires, then they help perpetuate 'hell on earth'. It's up to each and every single one of us to decide whether or not we wish futher the human condition, or accelerate it's ruin...rather a simple choice, actually... M.D. - A.D.
@1macboo Rev 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
@ChulaKirby You lost me. You said that God doesn't give us the freedom to choose between Him and not Him? How can you say that when the scripture tells us that those who choose not to repent and accept His son as the atonement for our sins, will not enter heaven? We have free will to accept Him or deny Him. I'm not sure why you believe that we don't?
I think it's necessary to read this book without any presuppositions, but still in a way skeptical. Maybe universialism is true, maybe it's not. Maybe he's not even a universalist. We should probably read the book first before sending rob bell to hell. i'm really interested to read it.
Watch how Rob relates good works in relationship with going to heaven. He uses Gandhi as a example. He basically says read between the lines on what I am saying to you. If Gandhi went to hell then there must be only a few people in heaven!!?!?! Well, if you read the Bible and live by the words that Jesus proclaimed, John 14:6 "Jesus {ANSWERED}, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Rob someone already asked the question, now accept the answer!
@PreachingJesus Sorry if I was unclear, but when I say "I think" this is based on a philosophical and theological basis; as is this book. No one is minimising sin, but in my opinion (sadly) you don't grasp the moral problem that belief in eternal punishment for finite sins brings. This is not consistent with the idea of a God that IS love. I don't blame you for not grasping this point because I thought the same thing, but this is an issue whether you like it or not.
Oh he's jacked up all right. Jack up on Jesus. Something of the Father heart for his lost creation and Jesus being the ultimate Saviour of All men has hit his heart. One day everyone will be jacked up on this!
amossunghopark It's already been reviewed and it needs critizing/critiquing if you're interested in truth and following the bible. I tried to post a link but stupid youtube says error, try again. Go to the white horse inn website and you'll find a review by Lansing Pastor Kevin YOung.
@Superbee4401 let's wait on this, brother. i don't think this is universalism( yet at least). i'd call it just damn annoying. he's merely asking deep questions about heaven and hell. the only indication of universalism is his "love wins" statement. love can mean a lot of things though. just look in this culture, we simply cannot tell. so let's wait and save our accusations but definitely be on our guard and warn others. God will be glorified regardless. we will be more mindful of heresies.
This gospel call is sincerely offered to all, but only effectually realized in God’s elect. Men and women believe in Jesus Christ only because God enables them to do so. Faith is not simply a response by those fallen sinners, who now choose to exercise their free-will and believe, having been enabled to do so by the “prevenient grace” of God, supposedly secured for all by the death of Christ.
If God's love for us will overcome our fate for all of us to go to heaven then why was the book of revelation written about when God will come back to judge the earth and everyone will be judged for his or her own account. God talks about hell, more in the bible than heaven. so why would you think he would let everyone go to heaven when 100% of the bible is about God telling us HOW to get to heaven. Not that we ARE going to heaven.This isn't a topic we can afford to be wrong about.
What I don't understand is this: if you say you are a Christian, aren't you admitting that Jesus Christ paid for your sin, and paid the price on the cross, satisfying God's wrath? Well then, if you then continue to say there is no hell, what was the purpose of Jesus? what did he save us from? If there is no punishment, why must there even be a savior?
@dickster7000 loving they nieghbor is guarding the flock from someone that teaches anti Christian ideas...Rob Bell has been called out in regards to his non-Christian teaching and has yet to repent...which means he is to be treated as non-Christian and left alone. We are to preach the Gospel to him, but to protect others from such unorthdox, un Christian teaching such as his. I myself do not regard him as a brother in Christ. Humility is submitting to the Authoratative word of God. :)
it is my understanding, as an ex christian, that christianity is about power and control. Keeping that in mind, no matter how much “window dressing” people put on the religion/relationship/way of life, christianity is about worshipping some guy named Jesus and if you do not, you will be sorry. So, with that in mind, I believe all of christianity is WRONG, UNSPRITUAL and missing the point. BE YOURSELF
@leb4nb There is no different interpretation to heaven and hell. In fact, most religions would agree that the human race is messed up. Not everyone chooses God, therefore, they go to hell, they did not repent of there actions, so they get to spend the rest of there lives in hell for punishment for what they did.
I dont know if rob bell is a heretic or not, but to teach that all are saved goes against the plain teaching of Holy scripture and i fully disagree with it because if people are wrong and believe they are going to heaven without needing to have faith in christ, then they could go to hell believing this, and those who teach this doctrine would be partly responsible for the damnation of that persons soul, but if one believes and trusts in Christ for salvation then he will be saved. simple.
Rob Bell brings a neo-falsehood here,.. I fear that these feel good Guru's are the present threat to the true gospel in that they, just as cultists prey on the weaknesses of the vulnerable with only choice bits of the gospel message. Rob Bell carefully culls from the bible choice bits to feed his own and others emotions. Of course his message doesn't have to be true to attract a following. If it sounds nice and feels nice then its right...RIGHT?. This is the wide path Christ warns of in Matt 7.
I don't mean to be inciting fear. What is wrong with Mormons is they read the bible and somehow got that there are tons of gods, and that Lucifer was Jesus' brother, and when we die we all become Gods. I don't know about you, but when I read the Bible, I don't get that.
Rob Bell is wrong on his stand point, Christ and scripture that is consistant throughout the bible says very plainly the state of heaven and hell. Christ spoke about this subject many times. Due to accepting salvation it is the only way you obtain Christ and being able to be with him in heaven otherwise, no matter what you do or say, you end up in Hell. As harsh as that is, it is the free will of choice that is very plainly stated in scripture.
@1macboo I agree will you that satan is not more powerful than God. But God will send satan to the lake of fire to burn forever, and God will send all people to the lake of fire that rejected Jesus. John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
@9tailedfoxgoddess I feel so sorry for you. The truth is that the Bible is the most romantic love story you will ever read. In fact, he loves us so much that a man that had no sin, died for our sin. He took our place, and God just wants you to love him. I would challenge you to read the new testament. Listen to no pastor, and allow yourself to find the true meaning of Christianity. Not following a religion or denominator, but being a follower of Christ.
Rob Bell is right. Jesus is the savior of the whole world. Hell is a myth. Jesus never spoke about hell. The bible never does either. All you have to do is study this & you'll find it out for yourself. God didn't make a hell, knowing that billions of souls would end up there, being burned alive forever. If God did that, then God is evil. People who want to be in an elite group of special people are no different then Pharisees. Get over yourselves. You're not special, but you are loved.
Love WILL win. in the Hearts of His Believers.
"Not my will be done, But your will be done."
This is the example we must follow. If we can't do this..
Then His Love is not in us.
Rather, the Scriptures teach that all of those who are effectually called and regenerated, are converted, and as a result of God's acting upon them, now exercise faith and repentance. This means that effectual calling and regeneration necessarily issues forth in the exercise of faith.
Thank the Canons of Dort for this wonderful explanation.
@Josiahrocco Where can we get a copy of the NT as revised by Thomas Jefferson?
I am VERY encouraged that of all the pastors contacted to comment on Bell for this piece NONE of them would respond until they had a copy of the book for themselves. That is impressive maturity in the face of a LOT of negative (and indeed positive) comments from folk who haven't even read it yet.
Nice to see someone thinking outside of the box of hierarchy and power and fear, and applying love and logic to this message OF Jesus...not the second-hand message ABOUT Jesus.^^
If this isn't universalism, I don't know what is.
It is disgusting to hear people put God on trial, as if He would be awful to put a rebel in hell. The one who is awful, is the one who REJECTS God's work for him. Man is to blame for his own destiny. The gospel is "unto ALL, but only UPON all who believe (on Jesus)". There is not a universal unconditional salvation. The sad thing is, man will still blame God when he is in hell, cursing God as he did while he was on the earth. Hell still not change his dark, dark heart that is black with sin!
and the Apostle Paul
Before we prejudge Rob's view on hell, we need to wait until the book comes out. I feel that this is one way to publicize his new book "Love Wins" that is coming out on March 29th. He is a guru when it comes to catching people's attention through short films like his Nooma DVD series. Considering he is a Wheaton College student, I doubt he advocates the no hell theology.
@amyisawinneratlife I agree. It is a two minute video. I mean, for my money it's good advertising. he has only asked questions and people are making it out to be that those questions are his answers. For all I know/don't know (based on the video), is that he could answer "yes, there is a hell and only a few will make it." I haven't read enough of his stuff and I don't know him personally, so I cannot even think to judge his heart. I haven't read any comments yet by those who have read the book.
Love does not compute
@subsequentescalator Of course, but Matthew 7:13-14 also says: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Thomas Jefferson believed in Universalism as well. He wrote the whole New Testament again getting rid of any verse that did not agree with his belief that all people go to heaven. He's wrong by the way.
@PreachingJesus I disagree. I think you need to give him more credit than this. I've enjoyed the conversation though. Gonna send you a friend request; hope to chat more in the future!
Quite the reverse actually. Paul's theology is "as in Adam all die, so also in the Christ all shall be made alive" and the life that all will be made alive to is the spotless, righteous life of Jesus Himself. If you're depending on the fact that you don't blaspheme, gratify every desire of the flesh, Indulge in sin etc. to get you into the kingdom, then God have mercy on you! It's all by His grace and it's only our self righteousness that will keep us out!
@ChulaKirby Do you listen to the Bible Answer Man?
no response eh, ChulaKirby?
@steverexfg Jesus, yes and Martin Luther, and John Wesley, and the early church was considered a cult. No progress is made in our understanding of God without the defenders of the old order getting all grumpy.
Having said that, what beliefs would you consider heretical?
Most Christians are simply ignorant of the fact that over the history of the church there are many good thinkers (even conservative ones) that have had differing views on hell. When someone is bold enough to level the charge of heresy they are tipping there hand and showing how little they really know.
SHALL WE ALL GO DOWN THE BROAD WAY??? The Snake is speaking again, this time speaking through rob bell, you wont die
oh yessss everything will will be alright hisssss, yesss Gods love wont let you burn.
WHAT A LOAD OF TRASH!!!!
@HeTotallyJust ....Hi there, I think you are right to question this, the hell is right here of our own making if we choose to go down that road. Jesus saved me from myself going down a road to hell right here, right now. It is the ways of the world (sin) that put me in hell, not God. I put myself there...and beleive me there is a clear difference when you are there and when you are not.
@k0smon I have a copy I got at a garage sale or something. It's the same thing you get if you just read the "red letters" (words of Jesus in a red letter edition of the Bible). Nothing really dramatic but the edit removes much of the miraculous (for which Jefferson was incredulous) and the back story attempting just to capture the moral teachings. Unfortunately by taking quotes out of proper context you can say anything you want and miss the original author's meaning.
@ClockFaceOrange No need to believe in 'hell', friend...as long as there are those whom only seek to append thier own self-centered means and selfish desires, then they help perpetuate 'hell on earth'. It's up to each and every single one of us to decide whether or not we wish futher the human condition, or accelerate it's ruin...rather a simple choice, actually...
M.D. - A.D.
@1macboo Rev 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
how
@ChulaKirby
You lost me. You said that God doesn't give us the freedom to choose between Him and not Him? How can you say that when the scripture tells us that those who choose not to repent and accept His son as the atonement for our sins, will not enter heaven? We have free will to accept Him or deny Him. I'm not sure why you believe that we don't?
I think it's necessary to read this book without any presuppositions, but still in a way skeptical. Maybe universialism is true, maybe it's not. Maybe he's not even a universalist. We should probably read the book first before sending rob bell to hell. i'm really interested to read it.
Watch how Rob relates good works in relationship with going to heaven. He uses Gandhi as a example. He basically says read between the lines on what I am saying to you. If Gandhi went to hell then there must be only a few people in heaven!!?!?! Well, if you read the Bible and live by the words that Jesus proclaimed, John 14:6 "Jesus {ANSWERED}, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Rob someone already asked the question, now accept the answer!
@PreachingJesus Sorry if I was unclear, but when I say "I think" this is based on a philosophical and theological basis; as is this book. No one is minimising sin, but in my opinion (sadly) you don't grasp the moral problem that belief in eternal punishment for finite sins brings. This is not consistent with the idea of a God that IS love. I don't blame you for not grasping this point because I thought the same thing, but this is an issue whether you like it or not.
Oh he's jacked up all right. Jack up on Jesus.
Something of the Father heart for his lost creation and Jesus being the ultimate Saviour of All men has hit his heart. One day everyone will be jacked up on this!
amossunghopark It's already been reviewed and it needs critizing/critiquing if you're interested in truth and following the bible. I tried to post a link but stupid youtube says error, try again. Go to the white horse inn website and you'll find a review by Lansing Pastor Kevin YOung.
@Superbee4401 let's wait on this, brother. i don't think this is universalism( yet at least). i'd call it just damn annoying. he's merely asking deep questions about heaven and hell. the only indication of universalism is his "love wins" statement. love can mean a lot of things though. just look in this culture, we simply cannot tell. so let's wait and save our accusations but definitely be on our guard and warn others. God will be glorified regardless. we will be more mindful of heresies.
This gospel call is sincerely offered to all, but only effectually realized in God’s elect.
Men and women believe in Jesus Christ only because God enables them to do so. Faith is not simply a response by those fallen sinners, who now choose to exercise their free-will and believe, having been enabled to do so by the “prevenient grace” of God, supposedly secured for all by the death of Christ.
Rob Bell is dangerous, he and the rest of these emergent pastors are leading thousands, if not millions to hell.
If God's love for us will overcome our fate for all of us to go to heaven then why was the book of revelation written about when God will come back to judge the earth and everyone will be judged for his or her own account. God talks about hell, more in the bible than heaven. so why would you think he would let everyone go to heaven when 100% of the bible is about God telling us HOW to get to heaven. Not that we ARE going to heaven.This isn't a topic we can afford to be wrong about.
If you thought Rob Bell is interesting- watch the guys from aletterfrompatmos- Ephesus- they're Biblically sound and professional
@ChulaKirby ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!
What I don't understand is this: if you say you are a Christian, aren't you admitting that Jesus Christ paid for your sin, and paid the price on the cross, satisfying God's wrath? Well then, if you then continue to say there is no hell, what was the purpose of Jesus? what did he save us from? If there is no punishment, why must there even be a savior?
@dickster7000 loving they nieghbor is guarding the flock from someone that teaches anti Christian ideas...Rob Bell has been called out in regards to his non-Christian teaching and has yet to repent...which means he is to be treated as non-Christian and left alone. We are to preach the Gospel to him, but to protect others from such unorthdox, un Christian teaching such as his. I myself do not regard him as a brother in Christ. Humility is submitting to the Authoratative word of God. :)
it is my understanding, as an ex christian, that christianity is about power and control. Keeping that in mind, no matter how much “window dressing” people put on the religion/relationship/way of life, christianity is about worshipping some guy named Jesus and if you do not, you will be sorry. So, with that in mind, I believe all of christianity is WRONG, UNSPRITUAL and missing the point. BE YOURSELF
@leb4nb There is no different interpretation to heaven and hell. In fact, most religions would agree that the human race is messed up. Not everyone chooses God, therefore, they go to hell, they did not repent of there actions, so they get to spend the rest of there lives in hell for punishment for what they did.
I dont know if rob bell is a heretic or not, but to teach that all are saved goes against the plain teaching of Holy scripture and i fully disagree with it because if people are wrong and believe they are going to heaven without needing to have faith in christ, then they could go to hell believing this, and those who teach this doctrine would be partly responsible for the damnation of that persons soul, but if one believes and trusts in Christ for salvation then he will be saved. simple.
Rob Bell brings a neo-falsehood here,.. I fear that these feel good Guru's are the present threat to the true gospel in that they, just as cultists prey on the weaknesses of the vulnerable with only choice bits of the gospel message. Rob Bell carefully culls from the bible choice bits to feed his own and others emotions. Of course his message doesn't have to be true to attract a following. If it sounds nice and feels nice then its right...RIGHT?. This is the wide path Christ warns of in Matt 7.
I don't mean to be inciting fear. What is wrong with Mormons is they read the bible and somehow got that there are tons of gods, and that Lucifer was Jesus' brother, and when we die we all become Gods. I don't know about you, but when I read the Bible, I don't get that.
Rob Bell is wrong on his stand point, Christ and scripture that is consistant throughout the bible says very plainly the state of heaven and hell. Christ spoke about this subject many times. Due to accepting salvation it is the only way you obtain Christ and being able to be with him in heaven otherwise, no matter what you do or say, you end up in Hell. As harsh as that is, it is the free will of choice that is very plainly stated in scripture.
@1macboo I agree will you that satan is not more powerful than God. But God will send satan to the lake of fire to burn forever, and God will send all people to the lake of fire that rejected Jesus.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
@9tailedfoxgoddess I feel so sorry for you. The truth is that the Bible is the most romantic love story you will ever read. In fact, he loves us so much that a man that had no sin, died for our sin. He took our place, and God just wants you to love him. I would challenge you to read the new testament. Listen to no pastor, and allow yourself to find the true meaning of Christianity. Not following a religion or denominator, but being a follower of Christ.
Rob Bell is right. Jesus is the savior of the whole world.
Hell is a myth. Jesus never spoke about hell. The bible never does either.
All you have to do is study this & you'll find it out for yourself.
God didn't make a hell, knowing that billions of souls would end up there, being burned alive forever. If God did that, then God is evil.
People who want to be in an elite group of special people are no different then Pharisees. Get over yourselves. You're not special, but you are loved.