Does 2 Cor 5:19 Teach...?

We know that the Bible does not teach universalism because only those that believe will be saved, so that leaves out a lot of people.

If we go back to verse 17, it says "if" any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. This leaves out those who are not in Christ. It goes on to say that this is from God and we that are in Christ are reconciled and are to be ambassadors for Christ and spread the word that Christ has done the reconciling (again all from God). But, then there's that word again.."world" which means kosmos and could be in the sense of "whole/entire" where Paul refers to "them" (not counting their tresspasses against them)or a narrow sense of the "we" and "us" Paul is referring to.

 

In our paper's "religion" section today, they had a universalist church composed of Christ deniers, atheists, buddhists, etc. That verse states "in Christ", which they deny the true deity of, so I don't think that verse would be used by them to support universalism.

This wouldn't have been a cloaked attempt to trap us non-calvies, now, would it?

 

By making Christ the Sacrificial Lamb in our place.

 

Have to admit, it sure sounds like universalism, but I think it means the below:

1Tim 2:
[5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
[6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

I think this is what He is saying TC; the ransom was made for all, but we have to be reconciled as below.

[18] And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
[19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

 

Because they still have to believe?

 

I think so. I'm not sure what you mean by "potential". It sounds like you're saying Christ's blood has the potential to atone.

 

The atonement was made to the Father. Jesus didn't just give some of His blood, He gave it all to the Father as an atonement for all, but in order for it to be complete, we must believe. Or, in order to have the blood applied to your soul, you must believe.

The Father will not apply that blood, except we believe.

 

His part was finished. He said "touch me not, for I have not yet accended to the Father".

 

That is a good question. What is finished? The atonement? If all sin has been atoned for, why do we have to believe?

LOL. TC, you and I were posting at the same time. I can't believe I asked exactly the same question!

 

I don't know what's goin' on! :laugh:

I think you're messin' with my head!