Isn't God all-loving? Doesn't God have all power and the ability to do all things? If these are true, why doesn't God save everyone?
This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell and Dr. Josh Philpot discuss the topic of universalism. Dr. Philpot explains that universalism is a doctrine that presupposes that God will save everyone that has ever lived. He tells us it has not been a predominant doctrine in church history nor is it orthodox. Yet it seems to keep a foothold in the church throughout church history. Today this seems possible through the mass amount of information we have at our disposal, the proliferation of blogs, podcasts, debates, and even new books written on the subject. The specific question asked this week is, why doesn't God just have mercy on everyone, why doesn't He save everyone, whether they choose to believe in Him or not?
Dr. Caldwell tells us the reason people ask such questions, and why this doctrine has kept a foothold in the church, is because what God has actually done is at odds with fallen man's sense of fairness. While men would not deny that there is a need for judgment and justice, they still cannot comprehend a God who loves, who has all power and ability but does not save all men. This attacks man's sense of fairness, so doctrines and questions like this, show how it works out in our minds. The answer to this question will most likely not satisfy, but it is the answer nonetheless. God has not saved everyone because He's chosen not to save everyone. God is merciful, and mercy is mercy, but mercy is not something that is owed. It is something that God offers when, where, and how He chooses. To properly understand these
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Richard Caldwell Jr. is the Pastor-Teacher at Founders Baptist Church. Richard and his wife Jacque have been married for 24 years and have four children, Richard III, Amber, Christopher and Reagan. Richard has served at Founders Baptist (previously named Spring Memorial) since...