Universalism

Definition and Meaning

Universalism is the view that all people will ultimately attain salvation. It is also called universal salvation. The form holding that in the end all things will be restored to a right relationship with God is called the restoration of all things (Greek apokatastasis, meaning "restoration"). Those who hold this view either regard the punishment of hell as temporary and corrective rather than eternal, or deny punishment altogether.

Universalism should be distinguished from several concepts that may appear similar.

• Universal atonement: Universal atonement, as taught in Arminianism and Wesleyan theology, means that Christ died for all people. It does not mean that those who fail to respond in faith will also be saved.
• Annihilationism: The view that those who are not saved cease to exist rather than suffer eternal punishment. It does not affirm the salvation of all people.
• Religious pluralism: The view that paths to salvation exist in various religions. Because some universalists hold that all people are saved solely through Christ, the two views do not always coincide.

Biblical and Historical Background

Proponents cite passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:22, Romans 5:18, 1 Timothy 2:4, and Colossians 1:20. Opponents cite passages that speak of eternal punishment and the Last Judgment, such as Matthew 25:46 and John 3:36.

In the ancient church, Origen in the third century is regarded as the leading representative of this view, and Gregory of Nyssa is known to have held a similar position. In the sixth century, Origenist ideas were condemned, an action generally associated with the Second Council of Constantinople in 553. After the Reformation, mainstream Protestantism confessed eternal punishment, as seen, for example, in Article 17 of the Augsburg Confession and Chapter 33 of the Westminster Confession of Faith.

In the nineteenth century, Schleiermacher advocated the restoration of all things. In the United States, the Universalist Church was formed, and in 1961 it merged with the Unitarians. Karl Barth's doctrine of election is sometimes regarded as close to universalism, but Barth himself did not teach universalism as doctrine.

Universalism in Korean Churches

Korea's major denominations generally affirm eternal punishment in their confessions and doctrine, although the underlying theology differs from one denomination to another.

• Presbyterian: Following the Westminster Confession of Faith and the doctrine of predestination in Calvinism, Presbyterians hold that those whom God has chosen are saved.
• Methodist and Holiness: These churches teach universal atonement but hold that repentance and faith are necessary for salvation, thereby distinguishing their position from universalism.
• Baptist and Full Gospel: These churches emphasize personal faith and eternal judgment.

In congregations, the question "Will everyone be saved in the end?" is addressed in sermons or Bible studies when it arises. In progressive theological circles, universalism is also discussed as an academic topic. In the WCC controversy, critics sometimes raise concerns about universalist tendencies alongside religious pluralism, while supporters counter that this is not the official position of the WCC.