Can someone critique this?

[Anastasia13]

It is a mistake to think that at the end when everything is brought into submission to God all that would now oppose Him will be destroyed. God everything is already under God’s power, He is just allowing choice for a time but He still retains the ultimate power/say over what happens. Could that really not be the case? He created the world: surely He must have some power over it. Demons must submit to His will. (Luke 8:29 for example.) This world is already subject to the authority of God. If we think that the only options are universalism or annihilationism, then that denies the powers of God to do anything to change these people. At the end, all will be forced to recognize and submit to the authority of God over them. Like the ultimate parent punishing a child, happy or not, that child will have to listen. Rebellion won’t be an option and denial will be impossible. All will be brought to the recognition of God’s authority, but those who did so before will be rewarded and those who did not will, as justice dictates (and our God is just) and choices made beforehand can result it will be suffer. (Eph 1:9-10, 1 Cor 15:24-28)

[thessalonian]

True love does not force itself upon the object of it's love. Especially in God's case where he has power over the whole universe. True love allows freedom even if that freedom takes that person away from the lover. I have heard it said many times and believe that God does not send men to hell. Men choose hell. We choose it by our daily lives and in the end when we meet him face to face and see his holiness and know that in his love he provided all that was neccessary for us to be with him for eternity and we rejected it, we make the finally rejection. I think this goes along with what you are saying somewhat. A couple of verses of interest:

1 Tim 2
1] First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men,
[2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way.
[3] This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
[4] who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Ez 33

[11] Say to them, As I live, says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?


All will end the end recognize him for who he is. Those who have relied on his mercy and forgiveness will be in his prescence. Those who have not will suffer eternal loss by their own choices.

Blessings

Edited August 3, 2005 by thessalonian