ChristiansUnite Forums

There is a certain phrase that has been abused by Greek scholars for centuries. This had led to some bad doctrine that can be called heresy.  It is a simple phrase in English,  ' ALL THINGS" iN GREEK  .  This phrase can be written two ways , even though translations only translate it in one way --ALL THINGS.  The Greek word involved here is  PAS, " all, every . "  There are two plural forms that need our  attention. (1) PANTA - netuer plural , refering to  " all things "   (2) TA PANTA,  netuer plural with the  " article TA , also translated it in only one way  , ALL THINGS.  When it has the neuter plural article with it  ( TA PANTA ) ,it can be translated  " the all things , "  referring to SPECIFIC  things. Scholars have not done this but insist on translating it  " all things "  ( because of their theology ) , making it refer to everything in the universe. Col 1:20 is the proof text for those who believe that all will be saved, and some believe that even the devil and his angels will also be saved. It reads,  and by Him to reconcile ALL THINGS to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.  This a key verse of TA PANTA in the New Testament. A proper understanding of  " all things " will keep us from getting into heresy,  the false doctrine of Universal Reconciliation , believed by millions of people. This doctrine teaches that all members of the human race will eventually be saved and reconciled to God, and those who believe this use Col 1:20 as their proof text.  But Col 1: 20 DOES NOT TEACH THIS.  " All things "  ( PANTA )  is NOT IN THE GREEK TEXT.  Rather it is  TA PANTA, " the all things " , specific things that is in the Greek text.  It is these things that are going to be reconciled to the Lord Jesus Christ. When Jesus died on the cross , He died for the sins of the human race. This part is true.  But has everyone believed this. Absolutely NOT .  Only a small minority of the human race has accepted this gospel are the ones who are reconciled to God. So then it is the Body of Christ that is meant by  " the all things , " those members who have died and are in heaven, as well as those who are still alive on earth. God DID NOT  have a plan of salvation for fallen angels, or the devil, so they are not in view here. The Nation of Isreal is not in view , for God has a prophetic plan for that Nation according to the Abrahamic Covenant. So we see how important the word  TA  =THE , can be, and their are 41 the Apostle Paul uses in his letters.

You would think that more people would see the fallacy of universal reconciliation in light of other passages of Scripture.
When one does come to the conclusion that it is false, by conviction that is, I believe it is time they consider-- in light of Scripture-- the doctrine of Universal Atonement. Not necessarily as it is taught by theologians or scholars, but how it is revealed in the Bible.
"His name shall be called Jesus, for He shall save His people." (Matt 1:21)
If what you're saying is true (and I believe it is), then we must consider the panta in Romans 8:28. If all things work together for the good of those who love God, why do we have such a hard time accepting all of these things as being part of His plan?
My faith is, for the most part, passive. By that I mean that I trust in God's will being done and not in my own will power. Knowing that God's will is, in fact, being done strengthens my faith. Who are you going to trust; the one who's plan is going athwart or the One who's plan is being fulfilled in every detail?
We spend too much time trying to protect God's reputation and very little time trying to understand who He really is.
Even Arminians should be able to swallow the concept. Let it be assumed that God only foresaw our decisions to be saved. In light of that same foreknowledge He could send Christ to die for who He foresaw would consequently save themselves. Treading on such ground is, to them, taboo.  ??? They obviously don't believe that all things really do work together for the good. They would twist it around to mean that God turns these things around for the good.
"You thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good,..."
(Gen 50:20)
In Christ,

Doug

Hello Doug,

I see this is your first post, so WELCOME!


I sincerely hope that you enjoy Christians Unite.

I don't see this issue as anything more than the twisted use of isolated Scriptures for false teaching. It falls apart immediately when one starts looking at other Scriptures. I must also add that ancient language helps aren't needed on this one - just some common sense.

Love In Christ,
Tom