Universalism is the belief in the doctrine of universal reconciliation, the view that all human beings and all fallen creatures will ultimately be restored to right relationship with God in heaven.  Is is unbiblical, and it directly contradicts Jesus’s statement in John 16:4 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Many of the churches which subscribe to Universalism do not advertise it outward.  It’s almost like they know that this is wrong and they are trying to sneak it in.  This false doctrine is hidden deep in their theology.  Such was the case with Rob Bell and Shane Hipps at their exposure at Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan.

What is a bit surprising is that the church in the picture above is advertising it in bold letters in front of the church!

Their motto is a verse taken out of context:

“Glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.” (Romans 2:10-11)

Their statement of faith says:  

“We really believe that God is all-loving, and He loves us no matter what religion we belong to. He cares more about our life than our religion. He cares that we love one another and what we intend toward each other… And that is how even non-Christians can be saved, as they love each other and God as they know Him to be, they will in actuality be obeying God’s teachings and laws and therefore will be rewarded according to their heart. That’s what an all-loving God is concerned about, our heart, not our religion.”

This inclusive view comes from the father of lies, he has blinded them by distorting the truth presented in the Bible.  Love and acceptance have become the supreme motto of the post-modern church.  Concepts like the wrath of God, the justice of God, sin, holiness, Scriptural inerrancy, and most of all Jesus’s message have become completely foreign to them.

This is a warning for the authentic Church.  As you visit other churches and hear people preaching religiosity and “god,” analyze for winds of false doctrine.

Pay close attention to statements of faith.  Look for key words like “acceptance,” and an overly heavy accent on love.  If Christ is not at the center of any church, they are preaching a false gospel.

Jesus is the only way! “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Never forget the warning given by apostle Paul in Galatians 1:

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!