Does Colossians 1:20 teach that all will be saved (universalism)?
Colossians 1:20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Paul wrote to the Colossians, “For it was the Father’s good pleasure ... through Him [Christ] to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven” (Col. 1:19-20, nasb). If Paul says that all things are reconciled to Christ by His death and resurrection, this seems to imply that all people are saved. But other Scriptures declare that many will be lost (e.g., Matt. 7:13-14; 25:41; Rev. 20:11-15).
Colossians 1:15 - 23
NIV - 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
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Shirley H
Supporter
I would have you back up one verse. Let's look at Colossians 1:19: "For it pleased the Father that in Him (John 1:16: "And of His fullness we have all received grace for grace") all fullness should dwell." In verses 20, 21, "reconcile all things" shows the significance of Christ's work on the cross. It does not say that all people will be saved. Many passages clearly indicate that unbelievers will suffer eternal separation from God. Matthew 25 gives us the parable of the wise and the foolish virgins, also the parable of the talents. Then we read in the same chapter about the Son of Man judging the nations. Look at verse 37, "Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, or in prison?" Jesus' response, "When you did it to one of the least of these, you did it unto Me!" Verse 25:45, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me!" Verse 46, "These will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." I am not saying that you work for salvation. I am saying that without faith in what the cross accomplished, there is no redemption. Romans 4:3, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Habakkuk: "Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by faith." In Genesis 17, the Lord appeared to 99-year-old Abraham and said, "Walk before Me and be blameless!"
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