*The text below has been revised and included in Suprised by Hell. I hope this journey has not given you the wrong impression. We have spent a lot of time on one topic, but that doesn’t mean it is central to the Christian faith. Karl Barth (1886–1968), who some consider to be the greatest theologian … Read more

Arriving at your own view is important, but Christianity is not merely an individualistic faith. Official statements or creeds help us understand what major groups of believers have thought about many topics through the centuries. What do these public declarations reveal about final judgment? Originating in the 2nd century, the Apostles’ Creed corresponds with what … Read more

Have you ever felt like you were forgetting something but couldn’t figure out what you were missing? We have explored three main views on the destiny of evildoers, but we have missed something: Who are the wicked? Who goes to the everlasting prison, or the incinerator, or the refinery? (Yes, things get confusing when trying … Read more

It was first period around 8:00 a.m. when a student in the back of the class raised his hand and asked, “How can a loving God who knows people will reject him, create those people knowing that they will end up in hell forever?” Only a Bible teacher could be asked that question at that … Read more

Every theological system has difficult texts to explain and ultimate restoration is no different. We have already considered several exclusionary passages, but there are more challenges to consider. Blasphemy Jesus gives a warning in the Gospels that seems to shut the door on any hope of future forgiveness: And so I tell you, every kind … Read more