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I believe we’re living in an exciting time in Church history. The topic of hell (or endless punishment) is more and more coming into focus. For so many Christians, throughout the ages, this topic has been a faith destroying concept (I know… I lived it), as well as fuel for atheism and unbelief.

A day is coming, perhaps sooner than later, when we, who believe Jesus is Lord and the defacto and de jure Savior of the world (as confirmed by Paul in 1Timothy 4:10), will be respected and accepted by Christians of all backgrounds.

Why? Because our brothers and sisters in Christ will finally see and admit that we have a broad Biblical basis for our conviction of hope—that we are true believers and followers of Jesus, no less that any other Christians.

In June 2014, I attended the first “Rethinking Hell” conference in Houston, Texas. I greatly appreciated the way in which Christians holding differing views about hell, interacted with one another on this controversial topic. It was marked by a spirit of respect and acceptance, and yes… love.

I believe that same spirit of unity (regarding human destiny and many other distinctions in theology) will, in the not too distant future, find its way into the larger body of Christ through the power of Christ.

I’m encouraged in this, by a conversation I had with my friend, George Sarris, who attended this year’s second “Rethinking Hell Conference” held at Fuller Theological Seminary, in Sacramento CA. Sadly, I was unable to attend do to another commitment. George, who was a “break out session” speaker at the conference, was happy to oversee the distribution of our book, “Hope Beyond Hell.” Thank you George!

George wrote an exciting report on the June 2015 conference.

Here is what he said…

“Historic? I’m not sure it’s too strong a word. I can’t think of anything quite like this!”

That’s how Dr. Jerry Walls described the second Rethinking Hell Conference that was held at the prestigious Fuller Theological Seminary June 18-20.

It brought together scholars, pastors and laypeople from the US, Canada and as far away as the UK to discuss an issue that has been the subject of debate and division during most of the history of the Christian Church:

What happens to sinners after we die?

Three very different views have existed from the early church to the present day – each represented by respected leaders . . . and each claiming the authority of Scripture for its beliefs.

The Traditional view states that the righteous will go to heaven, and the wicked will experience endless, conscious suffering in hell.

With Conditional Immortality, eternal life is conditioned on salvation, and only some will meet that condition. The saved go to heaven. The rest die, perhaps suffering for some time after death, until they finally cease to exist. This view is sometimes called Annihilation.

The third view says that hell is a place where the wicked will be punished, but that punishment has a remedial purpose. After a period of time, they will be restored to fellowship with God. This view is generally called Universalism or Universal Restoration [I (Gerry) prefer Christian Universalism as it infers that salvation is only through Jesus].

The conference was sponsored by the Conditionalists, with this year’s theme – “Conditional Immortality and the Challenge of Universal Salvation.” Five main speakers included recognized authorities supporting each of the three views.

Oliver Crisp, Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller, presented the Traditional view of hell. “This is an in-house discussion,” he said. “We are not talking about how people are saved, but how many are saved.” The scope of salvation is wider than often thought, but the tradition handed down to us teaches that some will be in hell forever.

Jerry Walls, Professor of Philosophy and Scholar-in-Residence at Houston Baptist University, continued the Traditional view, stating that some will suffer forever in hell on the conviction that mankind has an inviolable free will.

“We cannot entirely eliminate the possibility that some will choose to harden themselves in sin for all eternity,” said Walls, author of Heaven, Hell and Purgatory: Rethinking the Things that Matter Most.

David Instone-Brewer, Senior Research Fellow in Rabbinics and the New Testament in Cambridge, UK, presented the Conditionalist view by examining Jewish literature dating from before, during and after the time of Christ. He said that in the Qumran community, punishments were followed by destruction.

Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Taylor University, Jim Spiegel presented the philosophical case for Conditionalism. He described six philosophical problems with the Traditional view and suggested that Universalism was more problematic from a Biblical perspective.

Spiegel said that if hell continues forever, evil continues forever. The annihilation of the wicked brings a permanent end to evil.

Describing himself as an Evangelical Universalist, Robin Parry, PhD in Old Testament from the University of Gloucestershire and editor for theological publications at Wipf & Stock Publishers, likened the creation/redemption story to a puzzle where the piece describing hell doesn’t quite fit in with a loving, all-powerful God. He described hell as a hospital where God annihilates evil, not evil-doers.

“God doesn’t create trash,” said Parry, author of The Evangelical Universalist, “and He doesn’t trash what He created.”

I had the privilege of speaking at one of 16 breakout sessions that offered attendees an opportunity to participate in smaller groups. The sessions representing one view were held simultaneously so people could hear arguments for all three.

Topics ranged from “The Biblical Tour of Hell” . . . to “An Orthodox/Catholic Eschatology: the Hopeful Inclusivism of Hans Urs von Balthasar and Metropolitan Kallistos Ware” . . . to “Is God Creation’s Biggest Loser?”

A gracious and humble spirit was evident with each of the main speakers, the breakout session speakers and with the participants. It was clearly felt by all who attended.

What was most amazing to me was the number of people – from speakers to conference organizers to participants – who admitted that they had been challenged by what was said to rethink their view of hell . . . which, after all, was what the conference was all about.

Several said they had been unaware that a prominent belief in the early Church was that God would ultimately restore all of creation.

A number mentioned that they had never heard a Biblical case for universal salvation.

Almost all agreed that a belief in the ultimate restoration of all was not outside the bounds of faith.

And several acknowledged that they were “hopeful” that it was true.

Traditionalist Jerry Walls ended the conference with these words, “[Christian] Universalism is the best story. It’s the only one where true, lasting bliss pervades. It’s the only one with a perfect ending.”

George Sarris

http://www.georgewsarris.com/

Another New Testament translation that I use frequently and have for around 15 years now is the Concordant Literal New Testament with Keyword Concordance. It is also a translation from a believer in ultimate reconciliation. It is not biased toward eternal punishment theology.

The Old Testament is also available in PDF at concordant.org You can also order it on Amazon.com.

The greatest feature of this particular translation is that it tries to match one specific English word for each separate Greek word. This helps us to recognize when a word is being used differently and thus alerts us to study it deeper when clarity is needed or desired. Instead of interpreting the meaning of words as a primary objective, it seeks to establish a pattern of “sound words” that guide us in our Bible reading as Paul seems to encourage us to do in 2 Timothy 1:13. It is most beneficial if used frequently as one gets used to its vocabulary.

As a result of its English key word per Greek key word association, there is naturally a corresponding weakness. In some cases the English word used is not the best match. That is to be expected given its design and purpose. As long as the reader understands this weakness, one can greatly benefit from its strength by proper use. I use it as a constant companion for quick reference to check on the Greek usage of a word. The built in Concordance is also very helpful. It makes a great companion to the Jonathan Mitchell Translation.

Neither of these are easy reading, but when you want accuracy, you cannot surpass them in my opinion. I would only add, that I refer to numerous translations because I believe they are all valuable and shed needed light. My favorite site for numerous translations for quick reference is BibleGateway.com. Another for looking up the Greek words is blueletterbible.org

Important N.T. Translation by Jonathan Mitchell
 
I am excited to share with you about a New Testament Translation that will truly bless you as you seek to understand the Scriptures.
 
It is called: The New Testament; God’s Message of Goodness, Ease and Well-being which brings God’s Gifts of His Spirit, His Life, His Grace, His Power, His Fairness, His Peace and His Love. Expanded; Amplified; Multiple Renderings.
 
He has also completed two commentaries on the New Testament and working on a third.
 
You can order it on Amazon or visit his website at:

http://www.jonathanmitchellnewtestament.com/
 
Here is the review on it I wrote on Amazon.com.
 
I thank God for Jonathan Mitchell and his great labor of love to the world. It is obvious that he is a man who loves God with all his heart and wants Him to be known for all that He is in His awesome character and wonder. As I have read and studied the Scriptures over many years, I have grown to understand it’s complexity and need for multiple translations. I frequently reference over twenty or thirty translations when I investigate various passages. I like to know what my options are. What is the truth in this or that case? What I appreciate the most about Jonathan Mitchell’s scholarship is that he understands that only the Holy Spirit can lead us into all the truth. He doesn’t try to take His place in his translation, but diligently provides the reader with the various possibilities of meaning that the original manuscripts present. It is up to the reader, the seeker of truth to wrestle with the text, to pray and seek God’s face to learn the truth. The apostle Paul exhorts us to study to show ourselves approved unto God rightly dividing the word of truth. I thank God for Jonathan Mitchell for giving us the tools we need to help us fulfill God’s command. I have been blessed for several years with Jonathan’s N.T. Translation and now very much appreciate his commentaries. All I can say is “Thank You” Jonathan for your great sacrifice of love to our Lord and to all seekers after the truth. May the Lord grant you especially long life and health that you can continue the great work you are doing.
 
I cannot recommend this translation enough. If you have been blessed by it please consider writing your own Amazon review sharing why you have appreciated it.
 
Please pray for Jonathan and his wife Lynda, for continued inspiration, strength and health as they labor so extensively to help us all understand God and His truth.
 
Gerry Beauchemin

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ROBIN PARRY INTERVIEW 36 Min VIDEO

I appreciate Robin’s humble and graceful attitude that comes through in this interview. The video may be an effective way to quickly introduce the Blessed Hope to a friend or especially a pastor, or church / mission leader. It’s a little long, but worthwhile.

I urge you to pray for Robin that he will have a growing impact in the promotion of this message in the Church in general and in academic / theological institutions in both England and America. May God use Robin and His writings powerfully in the world for His glory! See my review of his book below.

Exciting Times

I am very encouraged by the number of books and websites and discussions on the internet that are emerging that relate directly or indirectly to God’s eternal judgment.  It is becoming harder and harder to keep up with it all. I am convinced we are living in a transitional era in Church history—a time that will take the Protestant reformation to the next level. The whole Christian world is being impacted including the Catholic tradition. This is not merely a reformation in theology, but more of a revolution of love–a revolution in our idea of God’s love and power. It affects how we feel about God. It is a revolution in the sense of the peace and joy it brings to our hearts and the love it fosters in our hearts for God and man. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard something like this:

“The message of God’s unending love for everyone has changed everything for me. I now love God like I never did before, and people too. I no longer judge people anymore thinking they are one of God’s rejects, but I accept them with a love I never had before, because I know God will never stop loving them.”

You just don’t know how often I hear this same theme. If you have such a story, please leave a comment below.

The Evangelical Universalist

I want to bring your attention to a book I see is having a powerful impact in theological circles. The title is: ‘The Evangelical Universalist” by Gregory MacDonald (Pseudonym ) This same author (Robin Parry) co-edited with Christopher Partridge,  “Universal Salvation? The Current Debate” and is the speaker in the above video.

The Evangelical Universlalist Amazon

The Evangelical Universalist presents a different approach to the same theme presented in Hope Beyond Hell. It is particularly appropriate, in my view, for pastors and theologians – academic types. It is not as easy to read as Hope Beyond Hell or quite as bold or sure about its conclusion of hope.

“Gregory MacDonald’s defense of universalism is well argued logically, theologically, and especially biblically . . . Evangelicals, among whom Macdonald would count himself, will find him a civil and insightfully critical dialogue partner.” —Thomas F. Johnson (Professor of Biblical Theology, George Fox University)

“. . . [T]his passionate and lucid advocacy of an evangelical universalism…not only engages with key passages in the context of the overall biblical narrative but also treats clearly the profound theological and philosophical issues to which that narrative gives rise…readers…will find this book an excellent, accessible and indispensable aid in their own attempts to grapple with what its author describes as ‘a hell of a problem’. . .” —Andrew T. Lincoln (Portland Chair in New Testament Studies, University of Gloucestershire)

“. . . I was struck by the persuasiveness of many of Gregory MacDonald’s arguments, not least since they rest in an unusually adept interweaving of biblical exegesis with relevant philosophical and theological considerations  . . .” —Joel B. Green (Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Asbury Theological Seminary)

“With this wonderful book, Gregory MacDonald joins the growing body of Evangelical Christians who now accept a doctrine of universal reconciliation. But I know of no one who has set forth an equally clear, thorough and compelling case for a universalist reading of the Bible as a whole . . .” —Thomas Talbott (Professor of Philosophy, Willamette University)

PAGE BLOGGER: Gerry Beauchemin
Author of “Hope Beyond Hell” See hopebeyondhell.org for a free book download

This video makes a powerful statement about God’s character in judgment—His love, mercy and goodness. It implies, by its reference to hell fire (as being a spiritual and not literal fire), that God’s Gehenna (hell fire) judgment is something good and positive. This truth is critical to know because it directly affects our view of God.

A video doesn’t have to be long to make a point. Mini clips (under a minute) are very popular. Who doesn’t have a few seconds to view a clip on a topic that grips them? What is more vital than God and our eternal destiny?

Everyone on the planet, in their heart of hearts, wishes that God were truly a loving and merciful being. This dramatic clip directs us to a source that offers a convincing Biblical testimony of our heavenly Father’s character: one that proclaims the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for all people—the Lord of Lord, and King of Kings; the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

With so much news and media bombarding all of us, we must earn our right to be heard. Short, concise videos cry out a simple message: “View Me! You won’t be disappointed!” They are powerful and effective—they work!

I pray you will post this clip to Facebook, Twitter, etc.  Some of your friends will be moved by it and will visit our website or share it with their friends too. Who knows how many thousands this short clip may reach in God’s time? Please pray He uses it mightily.  Thanks so much.