Universalism

Universalism is the belief that everyone will eventually be accepted by God and go to heaven. While it is true that God cares about all people and desires for them to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4), that doesn’t mean that all people will go to heaven regardless of what they believe. Listen for your kids’ misconceptions and point them toward the truth of the Gospel that only those who have trusted in Jesus will have eternal life. Assure kids that God loves all people and everyone has the opportunity to believe in Jesus and be saved. But also instill in them the knowledge that salvation is not a universal right. Anyone can be saved, but it is only through belief in Jesus and nothing else that we are saved.

Here’s how we discussed this topic and how you can discuss it at home: 

Discuss: What are ways some people believe we can go to heaven, other than believing in Jesus?

Discuss: Do you think all people will go to heaven? Why or why not?

Discuss: What do you think God has to say about all that?

Say: You may have heard someone say something like, “God loves all people, so everyone will go to heaven no matter what.” God does love everyone, but Romans 3:23 reminds us that every person has sinned. Sin separates us from God and breaks our relationship with Him. For us to be in the right relationship with Him again, there needed to be a way for us to have our sins forgiven. Jesus made a way for all people to be saved when He died on the cross and rose again. All people can be saved, but Jesus doesn’t force anyone to believe in Him. We are all given a choice. 1 Timothy 2:4 tells us that God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. But only people who trust in Jesus as Savior will have eternal life. This is why it is so important to share this great news with everyone we know!