Does God Predestine People to Hell? - A Response to Gavin, Part V

And now, after all that preliminary work, Pastor John finally quotes a verse to try and prove that God predestines people to hell. Here he is:

“Let me give you some texts, and draw a conclusion. First, Ephesians 1:11: “In Him we have obtained an inheritance in Christ, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him Who works all things according to the counsel of His will.” All things. Now the question is, does “all things worked according to the counsel of His will” include the final destiny of individuals? I think so.”

Pastor John is correct here! All things indeed includes the destiny of individuals. Would you like to see the verse proclaiming where these individuals go? We don’t need to look any further than the previous verse. Here’s Ephesians 1:9-10–

[God] making known to us the secret of His will (in accord with His delight, which He purposed in [Christ]) to have an administration of the complement of the eras, to head up all in the Christ – both that in the heavens and that on the earth…

Christ will have an administration (He is reigning) of the complement (the completeness of) the eras. All is headed up in Him. How, pray tell, are all to be headed up in Christ if most are burned alive for eternity??

Here’s another one, in Col. 1:19-20–

In [Christ] the entire complement delights to dwell – and through [Christ] to reconcile all to [God] (making peace through the blood of His cross), through Him, whether those on the earth or those in the heavens.

Sounds like God is planning on doing a lot of reconciling, and not a lot of burning. These are not miscontextualized; these are not random possibilities God is offering. These are brazen, declarative statements He makes that need not be limited by our own reasoning. In fact, if I could reframe Pastor John’s second preliminary, it would be, “Don’t believe it if it’s not true, and believe it even if you don’t fully grasp it yet.” This is called “trust.” It’s a dynamic most fruitful in any relationship, most of all with God. God may say something that may not join with your personal outlook on life. But so what? He’s God. By definition, He’s “Elohim,” “Placer,” “Subjector,” “Supreme.” Can you outsmart God? No, I don’t think so. Regardless of the translation you’re using, the verses above stand prominently against the notion that one goes to an eternal hell.

Pastor John, after rightly pointing out that God is the Source of all, turns over to Proverbs:

“Next, Proverbs 16:4 – “The Lord has made everything for its purpose; even the wicked, for the day of trouble.” God has made the wicked for the day of trouble.”

The word “trouble” there is actually “evil,” in the original Hebrew. It reads “ra,” which, when concordantly translated, will always turn up as “evil.” The word ‘trouble,’ while effective, is a misleading translation, because of people like Pastor John, here. We would do well to stick to the precise language of the original.

Once again, given everything we’ve read so far, the 100+ properly translated proof texts I’ve sent your way – can you honestly tell me that the ‘day of evil’ is the final location for the wicked? It is their role, as Proverbs clarifies, absolutely! Paul clarifies further, in Romans 9, that those not called out by God are ‘vessels of dishonor,’ adapted for the day of indignation. Both statements are true, but do not erase the fact that God is reconciling all. To say that He is not reconciling all, when He says that He is, is to doubt Him.

The question is: when is the day of evil? Surely, it’s not Judgment Day! That’s not a day of evil, but a day of enlightenment, where righteousness rules and God’s sovereignty is revealed to all. The day of evil, dear reader, is now. Paul can clarify this for us, in Gal. 1:4–

[Christ] gives Himself for our sins, so that He might extricate us out of the present wicked eon, according to the will of our God and Father…

This is a present wicked eon. This does not say that the day of evil lasts. Clearly, if there is a future millennial kingdom, then this eon, this day of man, must come to a close. This means, again, that Proverbs 16:4 is not at all proclaiming that God predestines people to hell, but that the wicked are playing their part, as God intended. In fact, it’s kind of surprising that this passage is brought up at all, because it’s not mentioning hell, judgment, or burning of any kind.

Anyway, Pastor John’s third citation:

“1 Peter 2:7. “The Stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”… They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.”

Again, Pastor John is correct in pointing out that 1 Peter 2:7 displays the current attitude of unbelievers. However, this is now the third verse that Pastor John has cited, and not one of them has said, “I, God, will send you to a place of eternal torment for unbelief!” Or even something to this effect. You would think, in taking an affirmative stance on such a topic, that you should have more proof to the matter! Instead, he walked in and confirmed what we already know – God is in control, and unbelievers are unbelievers by design. None of these texts proclaim that part of His pre-set plan is for these unbelievers to be burned alive permanently.

Here’s Pastor John:

“Jude 1, verse 4 – ‘Certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God.’”

For truth’s sake, here’s Jude 1:4 in the CLV:

For some men slip in who long ago have been written beforehand for this judgment; irreverent, bartering the grace of our God for wantonness, and disowning our only Owner and Lord, Jesus Christ.

A few things, to note: first, the context. Jude is the brother of James, per the first verse (the James, who wrote ‘James,’ the brother of our Lord – which, if you’re keeping track, makes Jude also the brother of our Lord.) His letter comes before the Unveiling of Jesus Christ, sort of as a prologue to that letter. It is not concerned with the highest revelations that Paul brings, and is very similar to Peter’s second epistle, in that Jude is discussing the judgment that will be inflicted in the seven years of Revelation. This contextualizes the above phrase as impermanent, as Revelation’s judgment only lasts seven years.

Second, the word ‘ungodly’ is ‘irreverent,’ when concordantly translated. This isn’t exactly pertinent to the current topic, I guess, but it could be useful for you. ‘Ungodly’ is too ambiguous, leaving room for interpretations everywhere. But, when considering the original Greek elements of the word (“UN-REVERER,”) you have a much clearer understanding here. They are irreverent because they are disrespecting God. This further contextualizes the passage for us, as the final seven years of Revelation concerns man at its most ignorant and disrespectful to God (and, in hearing Pastor John’s ‘hell’ theology, I can see exactly why God sees it this way.)

Pastor John has still not quoted a verse concerning hell. He continues:

“2 Peter 2:3 – ‘And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.'"

Yet again, another verse that does not say, “Part of God’s plan is to predestine you to hell.” We already covered 2 Peter 2:4, and considered this verse in the context when reading that passage, so we’re not going to go into it all again. ‘Hell,’ the ‘eternal torment lounge,’ is simply not in this verse. Condemning us in judgment places us in the second death (Rev. 20:15,) not in hell.

Pastor John follows up:

“Romans chapter 9, verse 11. ‘Jacob and Esau were not yet born, and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—  she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’”

We have now heard six verses from this man, and still nothing! ‘Jacob I love, yet Esau I hate’?? This proves what, exactly?? The verse quoted points out that the older will serve the younger!! So Esau will be in the millennial kingdom! You mean to tell me that Esau serves the younger in hell somehow?? Don’t piss on my leg and tell me it’s raining. Come on, guys. The verse in context shows us that God is “predestining” – electing, or calling out His chosen for His purpose. He does not say at all that He has put Esau in hell, and to say this corrupts the words in the text, and shifts the focus to a completely separate lie. What do you have to say for yourself, John??

“The text makes it clear that God is sovereignly – before they were born – choosing Jacob over Esau. But [He is] showing that Esau’s wickedness was real, and blameworthy, and he was responsible for it.”

Yeah, so… funny thing about all that… that’s quite literally the opposite point of the passage. In fact… God, I don’t even know how to respond to what this man said concerning the verse, because it’s just so backwards. “God is sovereign – but you are responsible!” What?? Wait, wait, hang on – let me try!

-         I finished the book, but I’m only on chapter one!

-         I’m in space – but I’m on earth!

-         I’m a man – but I’m a woman!

-         I’m a smart idiot – but a stupid genius!

I don’t know. I don’t think I’m as good at it as Pastor John is. He seems to have the contradiction down pat. If God is sovereign, then you are not responsible. You are accountable. They are not the same thing. Your conscience is a record, that testifies, making the story He’s telling an interactive one. But you are not the author of your life. He is your Author. It would be like blaming Marty McFly for going back in time, when Robert Zemeckis wrote the story.

Moreover, not once does God say “Esau is responsible.” The point of the middling bulk of Romans 9 is to prove that God is sovereign – that is, to quite literally explain that man is not responsible!! Look, the reason Paul is talking about Jacob and Esau at all is to build to this statement, in Romans 9:16–

Consequently, then, it is not of he who is willing, nor of him who is racing, but of God, the Merciful.

It is not of Esau who is willing! It is not of Esau who is racing! It is of God, the Merciful.

We have a further issue here where Pastor John’s explanation of Romans 9:11-13 is now coming into conflict with his initial statement from Ephesians 1:11, which is why I looked past his story of experience with disdain. He may not be ‘faking’ that experience, but his exhortation is pitiful, here. This is why I don’t even bother with most Christian churches at all anymore! Pastor John and people like him are talking out of both sides of their mouths, saying that God is sovereign – buuuuuut it’s your fault. Sovereign, by definition, means ‘supreme.’ In Scripture, it’s the same word as ‘arche,’ being ‘beginning,’ or ‘origin.’ He is the Origin of all. He is the root, while you are the plant. His purpose is the cause, your choice and action is the effect. That doesn’t get mixed up somewhere, and Pastor John keeps pulling this sleight of hand where he’s making hell your fault, because even he recognizes that no loving God could rationally say, “I’m going to make you, and I’m going to make you so that you disobey Me, and then I’m going to burn you eternally for disobeying Me, the exact way I made you.” That’s not loving – that’s psychotic.

Anyway, Pastor John continues on:

“One last verse – Romans 9:22. ‘What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory?’”

Yeah, yeah, one last verse. This verse is ripped straight out of context, nor does the ESV translate it properly (framing it as a question, when it’s declarative.) For the sake of context, we will continue on in the brief study of the Romans 9 argument that we have already been conducting, and we will use the CLV, which again, has been translating words harmoniously, in concordance with each other.

Romans 9:18 makes a very bold claim. It’s a claim that most (Pastor John included, as he makes man responsible for their actions, though he says he believes in God’s sovereignty,) cannot apprehend. It’s not a complicated verse; it’s merely disagreeable to many, because many believe in hell, and many would hate to believe that God would send people to hell if He started it. Here’s Romans 9:18–

Consequently, then, to whom He will, He is merciful, yet whom He will, He is hardening.

God’s story, God’s plan, God’s terms. You play your role, designed by Him. You can never step outside of that role – not because ‘God wouldn’t like it’ or something, but because it’s impossible. You can never rationally make a move outside of His purpose.

To this, many people question, “Why is He still judging us?” The man I am responding to – Gavin, the man that sent me this video and asked me to consider it – has asked me this question every single time I bring up the fact that God is truly sovereign. And, every single time, I have pointed Gavin to Romans 9:19, and I will now do the same for you all. Paul says:

You will be protesting to me, then, “Why, then, is He still blaming? for who has withstood His intention?”

Isn’t it wonderful? God knew you would ask this.  He planned for you to ask it. It’s asked at a very critical point. Paul has just come out and blatantly proclaimed that God is sovereign! And in response, the objector of Romans must ask the above question. What, pray tell, is Paul’s reply? Well, read it for yourself, properly translated, from 9:20-24–

O man! who are you, to be sure, who are answering again to God? That which is molded will not protest to the molder, “Why do you make me thus?” Has not the potter the right over the clay, out of the same kneading to make one vessel, indeed, for honor, yet one for dishonor?

We’ll pause, in the middle here, to really consider what Paul just said. First: who are you, compared to God? You don’t answer for Him (Rom. 11:33-36.) He said what He said. He made you exactly how He planned on making you. He has all rights over you, because He made you. He owns you. You are not some sovereign being brought into existence by happenstance. He is willing all. What do you think this means??? He is telling a story.

Not only does Paul point out that God has rights over you, but He clarifies that we are all made from the same kneading. If you are a human being, then you are part of the same kneading – you are flesh. He molds this flesh through your experience into whatever He damn well pleases, because He’s God and He has dibs on your spirit. In this case, He is differentiating between ‘vessels of honor,’ and ‘vessels of dishonor.’ Telling Him that He can’t have an unbeliever’s spirit, though He Himself gave that unbeliever life, and He Himself molded that person, is silly. “No, God, you can’t do that,” said Pastor John, essentially.

Now if God, wanting to display His indignation and to make His powerful doings known, carries, with much patience, the vessels of indignation, adapted for destruction, it is that He should also be making known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He makes ready before for glory - us, whom He calls also, not only out of the Jews, but out of the nations also.

Here is the elaboration. God displays one side of Himself by molding vessels of dishonor, and another side of Himself by molding vessels of honor. He carries vessels of indignation (vessels of dishonor) in order to display His indignation, and to make His powerful deeds known (Pharoah is a good example of this, and he is referenced as such in Rom. 9:17.) He carries vessels of mercy (vessels of honor) in order to display the riches of His glory (our blessing in Christ is the perfect example for this, and we are referenced as such in Rom. 9:24.)

What I want to draw your attention to is the fact that He says that vessels of indignation are adapted for destruction – not prepared. The word is katartizo, and its Greek elements are “DOWN-EQUIP.” The word is translated in two different ways in the CLV. In reference to a body, it is translated as adapt. In reference to anything else, it is translated as adjust. These vessels are being adjusted for destruction. As we know, when you are destroyed, you die. This is serious, yes. But again, it is not eternal torment, because you don’t die with eternal torment! As Satan would say, you would not surely die, because you have to be conscious in order to be in torment.

*   *   *

All seven verses that Pastor John has quoted have left his claim wanting. Not a single verse has shown us that ‘eternal torment’ is a viable Scriptural concept. It’s not been shown to be present in the Greek, nor is it present in the proof texts he presented. We have no reason to believe that God predestines people to hell! Yet Pastor John says:

“My answer is ‘yes.’ God does determine from ‘eternity’ who will be saved, who will be lost – but He does it in ways that are mysterious to us, so that, on that day, no one would find any legitimate fault with God. No one. The redeemed know we are saved utterly by grace while deserving hell, and the rest will know that they suppressed much knowledge of God’s grace and they deserve to perish.”

For all my talk about Pastor John being disingenuous with his assertion, my question is not whether or not Pastor John is sincere. My question is: is Pastor John being honest with you? The truth is that you can study the original Greek for yourself – anyone with half a brain can, really – and find that the word ‘hell’ is simply not there. Pastor John, I can assess, is many things, and I would include ‘intelligent’ in ‘many.’ So if he truly cannot recognize that hell is not present, then I am forced to conclude one of three things:

1)    He is truly not as intelligent as I initially believed

2)    He is purposefully teaching something that is not in Scripture, for <insert reason here>

3)    God has intentionally blinded the apprehensions of the wise, that He may be disgracing man’s pride (1 Cor. 1:27-28, Rom. 11:8.)

The first two conclusions are debatable (it’s either one or the other, sorry to say,) but the third is firmly true. That we should be accepting the lie Pastor John says only indicates that you yourself are also not yet given up from the lie, and lest you delight in the unjust theology of man, and disrespecting God, I would recommend… well, to stop believing the lie, and stop listening to false teachings like Pastor John’s.

*   *   *

There’s one more topic that I feel the need to fully break down, and it’s this: what is God doing, then? We’ve already answered this question in a broad sense – that He is heading up all in Christ (Eph. 1:10,) reconciling all (Col. 1:20,) saving all (1 Tim. 4:10.) But this answer is simply not satisfactory to the millions of people who currently accept free will. They immediately label this answer as “universalism,” and because they’ve heard from their pastor that “universalism” is a false doctrine, they avoid it at all costs and stick to a false translation, even when the text doesn’t claim this to be the case at all.

So, here, I will clarify: ‘universalism’ is indeed a false doctrine, but not because it teaches the salvation of all. It presumes that Judgment Day is a farce, and punishment will not come about for those that delight in injustice. Moreover, it takes the free will stance, which still stresses that you must do something for your salvation, while God says otherwise (Rom. 1:16.) And, we’ve considered more than a hundred verses that proclaim that God is sovereign over His creation.

The answer is, of course, the middle ground. There will be a judgment day, but it is not eternal – it is temporary. And, all will be saved, but in due time. To prove this, we only need consider one more passage, being 1 Cor. 15:20-28. Paul will enlighten us here, not only to the salvation of all, but both the method and the process by which all will be saved. Let’s take a look.

(Yet now Christ has been roused from among the dead, the Firstfruit of those who are reposing.

“Yet now…” This use of “yet now,” in context, became true the moment Christ was roused from among the dead. It was written to Corinth, but it does apply to us, considering we are living in the era where Christ has, indeed, been roused from among the dead. With a proper understanding of death, and resurrection, these words swim off the page (in a non-dyslexic way) and come to life.

 The term “firstfruit,” in Greek, is “FROM-ORIGIN-ER.” Christ died first, being the Firstfruit, followed by the next generation of believers, and the next, and the next. This adds context to Rom. 8:23: as we also know, it is Christ’s faith embedded in us, thus giving us the Firstfruit’s spirit. Later, in Rom. 11:16, Paul adds, “Now, if the firstfruit is holy, the kneading is also.” The kneading is, of course, you and me. We have entered this parenthesis, but “those who are reposing” is still a part of the previous passage (12-19,) making this statement a gateway to the bulk of Paul’s words, here.

For since, in fact, through a man came death, through a Man, also, comes the resurrection of the dead.

Paul is building, notice. Setting you up for the bigger reveal that will be peeled back in a moment. You may realize that this statement falls in line with Rom. 5:18-19 – through Adam came condemnation, and through Christ comes justification. Here the thought is expanded to encompass life itself. An all-encompassing term, here. You could argue that Paul is only referring to believers, in this phrase, but I can assure you that the next sentence, as well as the remainder of this passage, makes no sense if we are not accounting for the life of every soul on the planet.

For even as, in Adam, all are dying…

Let it sink in. Adam had one job, and he couldn’t do it (I am referring to Adam in his entirety, which includes Eve, his complement.) It is because they break the law in the Garden of Eden that death, God’s righteous penalty, is inflicted. They begin to decompose. The natural mechanics of the human body went from systematic, to dysfunctional, or aging. “To die we shall be dying.” This statement, all, is not in reference to all… who don’t believe. If Paul had meant “who don’t believe,” he would have said “who don’t believe.” This statement covers everyone.

Also, minor note: Paul doesn’t say, “all are dead,” but “all are dying.” Death is a process, which takes time. Have you ever considered why God didn’t just crumple up the universe like a paper ball and try again? It’s almost as if this temporary experience of evil is meant to teach us something…

…thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified.

Ohhhhh, that’s what we’re learning! Let it sink in. Christ had one job, and He accomplished it. It is because of His sacrifice, and resurrection, that we are all assuredly promised life. The natural mechanics of the human body go from dysfunctional to temporarily dysfunctional, per the term “shall,” which is not a “present” change, but a future expectation. To be “vivified” is to be given . The Greek elements of the word are “LIVE-DO.” It is literally nothing that we have done, but only through Christ and His efforts is humanity justified and vivified from its cursed allotment in Adam.

Look at the words “even as” and “thus also.” They are transient. If one half of the parallel is true (which it is – we are all dying, as descendants of Adam in flesh,) then the other half is just as true (which it is – and Paul will elaborate on the process now.)

Yet each in his own class: the Firstfruit, Christ; thereupon those who are Christ’s in His presence; thereafter the consummation, whenever He may be giving up the kingdom to His God and Father, whenever He should be nullifying all sovereignty and authority and power.

Let’s cover each class, consecutively.

The Firstfruit, Christ, has already been vivified. His body has been made incorruptible, His life immortal. A.E. Knoch, in his dissection of 1 Corinthians 15, discusses the manner in which Christ’s life is taken and returned, but that feels like a discussion for another passage – though, if you would like to explore the verses he references, see Is. 53:9, Luke 23:46, John 5:28-29, 20:17, Acts 2:27-28, 31, Heb. 7:16, 11:35. Keep in mind that this is in reference to His physical death and resurrection (as in, the spirit is only hinted at, in comparison to the grand unfolding of Christ in God’s evangel, per Paul’s writings.)

We are included in this first class, because we have been graciously baptized into Christ’s spirit by God (Rom. 6:3-4.) At this point, many in the Christian community would call me blasphemous, but I’m only reading what’s been written. We are considered children of God (Rom. 8:14-16)… the honor that comes with such a claim cannot be understated. I won’t even try to put it into words.

The second class pertains to Israel – those who are termed “Christ’s” in His presence. The word ‘Christ’ is “ANOINTED” in Greek. Faithful Israel are also considered ‘children of God,’ called out saints, but their glory is terrestrial, not celestial, allotting them a place here.

The third class, which I will call “the rest,” will also be vivified, but not until the consummation, also known as the conclusion of the eons (Heb. 9:26.) This takes me back to the main issue people seem to have with the concept of universal reconciliation: most believe that, if all are reconciled, then there is no punishment for wrongdoing. I have two responses to this, considering this verse: first, all commit wrongdoing. We just read about how in Adam, all are dying! Second, this entire passage is explaining, point blank, that not all are resurrected immediately. This last group of people, those outside of Christ, are not resurrected until the consummation of the eons, which occurs after the Kingdom is given up by Christ, and then all authority.

Moreover, there’s still that giant Judgment Day standing between the millennial kingdom and the new heavens and new earth, in which people are judged in accord with their acts (Unv. 20:11-15.) This portion of Scripture is not mentioned here. It takes place between the second and third class, and their respective vivification. This is because the subject, being vivification, does not pertain to judgment. They are two separate topics (go figure.) Being a judgment, it is separate from the radical revelations laid out here. For those who have read ahead in Scripture and are curious, no – just because one has their name written in the scroll of life, does not make them immortal. They are still requiring a source of life, as laid out in Rev. 22:1-3. Anyway, this third class of people, in their entirety, are vivified at the end of that last eon. More on that in a moment.

Yet we still have the major question, one that I’ve answered in a few ways throughout the series. What is the point of all this life giving? It’s a big question, one that philosophers have spent decades trying to answer. I will, by the end of this passage, provide you with a simple and conclusive answer on the subject, which will hopefully become easier to comprehend the further you study.

For He must be reigning until He should be placing all His enemies under His feet.

Christ must place enemies under His feet before this third vivification occurs (Rom. 16:25.) There is no “except for those that are eternally tormented,” here. That adds to Scripture. There is no consummation, or finish, or conclusion, to the doctrine of “eternal conscious torment,” and given Paul undeniably speaks of the end of Christ’s reign here, ‘hell’ makes itself out even further as a doctrine of demons. I’d go as far as to say that it makes the christian god out to be a fool (seriously, he doesn’t even know how to end a story?? Come on.) The reality is that enemies will be placed under Christ’s feet. To “reign” is to imply that there is insubordination. “Reign” would be unnecessary if all were subject, no?

The last enemy is being abolished: death.

The primary enemy, which members of Christ (and the rest of the world) face today, is death – the opposite of everything God is. So death itself, in both its first and second form (Unv. 20:15,) is the final enemy to be abolished. For those playing along at home, when you have no death, you are, by definition, left with life. The subjection of death is the final nail in the coffin. The fact that this has not happened yet is a strong indication of the evil we still deal with in today’s world, namely that man is trying to live independently of God. Death’s abolition leads to an understanding and subjection toward Christ, thus God (Col. 1:20 – He is reconciling all.)

Look: the phrase “is being abolished” is all one word, in Greek, and it is “middle voice” (as opposed to ‘past tense’ or ‘future tense,’ as we have in English) – thus it is always happening. Every step God takes in His creation is designed to slowly but surely render death inoperative. A good parable for what I mean is the Titanic (I’ll admit I shoplifted this analogy from Martin Zender, but I don’t think he’ll mind.) When the Titanic struck the iceberg, it was the only blow the Titanic needed to sink, and yet the boat stayed afloat for a couple hours or so. For a good while, the boat looked fine, though it had come to a stop. It wasn’t until the last fifteen minutes that the boat began to really fall apart, flickering the lights and raising its ass in the air and snapping in two before finally slipping under the water. So it is with death; it is the last fifteen minutes of the eons that death will finally lose its footing on that third class of individuals. The ‘second death’ punishment will be done away with when death is abolished. Christ gave the only blow death needs to be made inoperative, and every step since then has been a slow (really, really slow) process in bringing this statement in 1 Cor. 15:26 to fruition.

For He subjects all under His feet.

This is a continuation of what was previously stated. Look at how this happens – we need death to bring life. We need the bad to appreciate the good. People usually assume that something positive needs to be added in order to right the pain of the world, whereas the opposite, proposed in these verses, is being engineered by God. The good is already there, but He is purposing the bad to bring us to a better understanding of the good. He is going to abolish death in order to subject. Rendering death inoperative is the same thing He is using to uplift the rest of man. It is the ceasing of certain gifts (of which faith, expectation and love would remain – 1 Cor. 13:13,) which allows for the maturity of the body of Christ. It is the stripping away of the faith and expectation among members in Christ’s faith in order to consummate us to Jesus Christ (love is the final state for us all – 1 Cor. 14:1, Col. 3:14-15, Rom. 5:5.)

For us, only love will remain, and by the grace of God we can begin rendering evil inoperative using a similar format. It is God Who strips away the systems that He has mandated on earth in order to edify, or teach, humanity about His love, which concludes, as we can see, with the ultimate nullifying of Christ’s authority – rendering it inoperative. If the last enemy is abolished, then authority and power is no longer necessary, as He has subjected all under His feet. Truly, only love will remain.

Now whenever He may be saying that all is subject, it is evident that it is outside of Him Who subjects all to Him.

Think about it: Who would He need to say it to? Recall 1 Cor. 11, with the whole hierarchy – God is above Christ. It is evidently God, ultimately, Who is subjecting all to Christ. Remember 1 Cor. 8:6? God is the source, while Christ is being used as His channel. Again, we have the question: why is God doing this? Observe:

Now, whenever all may be subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also shall be subjected to Him Who subjects all to Him, that God may be All in all.)

It is Christ, in turn, Who can (and will) nullify His power (the power given in Revelation, as Prophet, Potentate, and Priest.) Everyone is subjected to Christ, so Christ can then be subjected to God. Note that there is a difference, there: the term Son is used to describe Christ, as opposed to, well, the title “Christ.” This is because the term “Christ,” similar to the term “Elohim,” implies a station of power, as ‘Anointed.’ Christ is being given everything (1 Cor. 3:21-22.) Yet Christ is God’s, because it is Christ Who is subjected to God (1 Cor. 3:23.) Thus, “Christ” is not used in relation to God, but Son.

The purpose of aaaaall of this, as you may have guessed (and if you haven’t, then I hope your mind is blown, right now,) is so that God may be “All in all.” It is a three step process:

1)    Step one: Christ vivified

2)    Step two: Israel vivified

3)    Step three: the rest vivified

Step one, Christ, is being accomplished now, as God is calling out Christs from among the nations. Israel, step two, is about to come to fruition. Step three, consummation, is undoubtedly a long way off, and there’s a long process between now and then, but until then, we can relax knowing that the plan is en route, and it is perfect.

“All in all” isn’t a grammatical contradiction. It is to say, God becomes All in all [people]. You are an individual, and you retain that individuality; All in all. You aren’t erased, or your specific personality traits hold no real purpose! You are still you, and you will be infused, I guess you could say, with God, and it will be a willing allotment for all creatures.

Thus – after Judgment Day, and after the penalty is fulfilled, and death is abolished – all flesh shall see the salvation of God (Luke 3:6,) all will be saved (1 Tim. 4:10,) all will be vivified (1 Cor. 15:22,) all will understand (1 Tim. 2:4,) and all will be reconciled (Col. 1:20.) This – this – is the grace of God. Nothing less should be expected from the true God of Scriptures, Who is capable of pulling this off. It is He Who is righteous, and He doesn’t ‘sit there hoping you get it.’ He’s getting shit done, not wasting time burning everyone like a freaking pyromaniac! He is the Supreme, the flawless El Shaddai, our Father – and all will graciously learn.

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And so what we have learned…

-         God is operating all in accord with the counsel of His will (Eph. 1:11)

-         God is heading up all in Christ – both in the heavens, and on the earth (Eph. 1:10)

-         God is reconciling all in Christ – both in the heavens, and on the earth (Col. 1:19-20)

-         The wicked now are doing exactly what God purposed them to do (Prov. 16:4)

-         We are living in the ‘present wicked eon’ (Gal. 1:4)

-         The word translated ‘ungodly’ in the KJV and other English translations is mistranslated. The word is ‘irreverent,’ or ‘disrespectful,’ which man is (Rom. 1:18, 3:10-11)

-         Rom. 9 displays God’s authority over His creation in full force

-         It is not of him who is willing, nor of him who is racing, but of God, the Merciful (Rom. 9:16, 18)

-         God is the Potter, you are the clay, and He can shape anyone however He would like (Rom. 9:20-22.) Thankfully, we know His end goal now, in Eph. 1:10-11 and Col. 1:19-20.

-         Remaining under a lie when the truth has been exposed means you are not believing the truth (John 1:4-5.)

-         Even as in Adam, all are dying, thus also in Christ shall all be vivified (1 Cor. 15:22.)

-         Universal reconciliation does not negate judgment, but contextualizes it

-         Vivification = “LIVE-DO.” It is not just a return of the spirit, but establishing that you are a new creation.

-         The last enemy is being abolished: death (1 Cor. 15:26.)

-         1 Cor. 15:20-28 firmly breaks down God’s process of saving all mankind, as well as the purpose and goal of Christ’s kingdom, as well as God’s ultimate goal, to be All, in all.

GerudoKing