Apokatastasis

Definition and Meaning

Apokatastasis is the view that the punishment of hell is not eternal and that in the end all people will be reconciled to God. Some versions extend this to include the fallen angels and even Satan. The Korean term combines words meaning "all things" and "restoration," that is, a return to the original state. It translates the Greek apokatastasis and is also known as "the restoration of all things."

Because it holds that all people will ultimately receive salvation, it overlaps with universalism (universal salvation). It is, however, distinct from religious pluralism, which regards the various religions as distinct paths to salvation. The various forms of apokatastasis retain the premise that salvation is accomplished through Christ.

Biblical and Historical Background

The word apokatastasis appears in Acts 3:21, "the times of restitution of all things." Proponents cite the following passages in support:

• 1 Corinthians 15:22–26
• 1 Corinthians 15:28, "that God may be all in all"
• Romans 5:18; Colossians 1:20

Opponents point to "everlasting punishment" in Matthew 25:46 and to passages such as Revelation 20:7–15, holding that punishment is eternal.

Historically, Origen of Alexandria, in the third century, is regarded as the leading representative of this view. Gregory of Nyssa, in the fourth century, is also considered to have advanced similar ideas. Origenism was condemned in the sixth century, a condemnation commonly associated with the Second Council of Constantinople in 553. Scholars debate, however, whether the anathemas in question were a formal decree of the council.

During the Reformation, Article 17 of the Augsburg Confession (1530) rejected those who taught that the punishment of the condemned and of devils will come to an end. In the twentieth century, whether Karl Barth's doctrine of election leads to universal salvation became a matter of debate, although Barth himself is generally understood not to have taught universalism as doctrine. Today some theologians advocate what is called "hopeful universalism," the position that one may hope for the salvation of all.

Practice in Korean Churches

The major Protestant denominations in Korea generally do not accept apokatastasis.

• Presbyterian: The Westminster Confession of Faith, adopted as a doctrinal standard by many Presbyterian denominations, confesses in Chapter 33 that the wicked will receive eternal punishment.
• Lutheran: The Augsburg Confession, followed by the Lutheran Church in Korea, rejects this view, as noted above.
• Methodist, Holiness, Baptist, and Pentecostal traditions: These typically teach the Last Judgment and the distinction between heaven and hell.

In preaching and evangelism, repentance and faith are frequently urged on the premise of eternal judgment. As a result, the view is addressed mainly in theological instruction and academic discussion rather than from the pulpit. Conservative theological circles often regard it as a departure from orthodox doctrine and warn against it under the label "universalism." Those sympathetic to the view, by contrast, emphasize biblical passages indicating that God's love and sovereignty ultimately extend to all.