Theological Deceptions That Erase the Remnant
Some teachings spread through modern Christianity make the ecumenical movement look cautious by comparison. They don't merely blur denominational lines. They erase the concept of a remnant entirely.
Where Universalism Leads
Universalism is the belief that all people will eventually be saved, regardless of their faith, obedience, or response to Christ. Some versions say all are already saved; others say all will eventually be saved after death. Either way, the result is the same: no one is ultimately lost.
Its strongest form claims Christ reconciled the entire cosmos to Himself at the Cross, the work is finished and universal, and all humanity is already "woven into His divinity."
The Problem
This theology (sometimes called hyper-grace or universal reconciliation) makes the remnant invisible. If all are already saved, why separate? Why obey commandments? Why come out of Babylon? You're already in.
The Texts They Cite
Universalists point to passages that use the word "all":
"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
1 Timothy 2:4"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself."
Colossians 1:20"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
1 Corinthians 15:22See? All men. All things. All made alive.
This leads to universal salvation with no remnant, no separation, and no judgment.
But context changes the meaning.
What "All" Means
Paul wrote another "all" passage in Romans:
"Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life."
Romans 5:18If "all" means each individual without exception, then all are condemned through Adam (true) and all are justified through Christ (universalism claims this too).
But six verses earlier, Paul clarified:
"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:17The Key
"They which receive."
Salvation is not automatic, not universal, not given without response.
Christ's sacrifice is sufficient for all and applied to those who receive.
The offer is universal. Acceptance is not.
Jesus' Binary Language
Jesus Himself spoke in absolutes:
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
Matthew 7:13-14Jesus does not say "many go in but don't know it yet." He says few find it.
At the judgment, He divides humanity into two groups:
"And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."
Matthew 25:46Scripture presents binary categories: sheep and goats, wheat and tares, saved and lost. Jesus taught separation, not universal inclusion, not the claim that "all are already saved, some just don't realize it."
Permanent Separation
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Abraham explains:
"And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence."
Luke 16:26There is a gulf. It is fixed. There is no crossing.
Revelation describes those who worship the beast and receive his mark:
"And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name."
Revelation 14:11The consequences are permanent, the separation is eternal. Scripture does not teach that "all are saved, but some don't experience it yet."
Why This Matters
Universal reconciliation theology erases the remnant.
If all are already saved, commandment-keeping doesn't matter. The Sabbath doesn't matter. Coming out of Babylon doesn't matter.
The call to obedience becomes optional. The distinction between truth and error fades.
But Scripture describes a remnant: a specific people distinguished by commandment-keeping (Revelation 12:17).
Not everyone is saved. Only a remnant endures.
The dragon makes war against them specifically. Why wage war if they're already saved?
The Bottom Line
Universalism is where ecumenism ultimately leads. It removes major boundaries, erases key distinctions, and weakens the call to obedience.
The wide gate gets wider.
And the narrow way grows harder to find.