Reborn Church // Words by Michael McFatridge

The Reconciliation of All Things in Christ, A Critique.

Michael McFatridge — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:56:15 +0000

Anyone who has followed the Universalism debate knows the conversation will not end anytime soon. Most participants in the discussion have aleady chosen a side, even if they can’t fully articulate their opinion.

I came across an article in the journal ‘Bibliotheca Sacra” called The Reconciliation of All Things in Christ by Gary Shultz, Jr., and decided to critique it as an assignment for my Biblical Theology class. I’m posting the critique below, but before you read it, you should browse the original article by Shultz.

The Main idea; All of creation is ultimately reconciled by God through the work of Christ on the Cross. Reconciliation looks different, however, for Believers, Non-believers and the rest of creation. Overall, I think Shultz’s explanation to be scripturally valid as an intelligent response to Universalism. Read the original article here.

The following is my brief critique on Shultz’s theory.

As society progresses toward a stricter guideline of political correctness, the doctrine of universal salvation is becoming more appropriate in the minds of believers. This debate about the final fate of unbelievers has been highlighted by popular culture in recent months, but underlying is the question of the extent of God’s reconciliation. We will review Gary Shultz’s The Reconciliation of All Things in Christ, as he seeks to find a purely biblical basis for Christ’s work on the cross as it relates to the reconciling of humanity. We will also seek to validate the unique use of the term “Universal Reconciliation” under the definition of Shultz’s article.

Brief Summary

Shultz immediately seeks to counter the doctrine of Universal Salvation with what he calls Universal Reconciliation. II Corinthians 5:18-21 and Colossians 1:19-20 are analyzed as passages that clearly define reconciliation in universal terms. If the phrase ‘all things’ is to be seriously held as all-encompassing, Shultz sees the need to balance the judgment and eternal fate of unbelievers with scripture’s concept of all creation being reconciled to God through Christ. While the popularly rejected doctrine of Universalism presents full salvation for all humanity regardless of personal responsibility, Shultz counters, presenting Christ’s work of reconciliation as segmented in unique ways to believers, non-believers and the rest of creation. Believers are reconciled in a personal way as they are “in Christ” and have placed their faith in Him. Likewise, unbelievers are also reconciled with a different definition. Shultz says they are reconciled “in the sense that God has postponed the full display of His judgment toward them,” (Shultz 2010, 454) sighting God’s patience toward sinners in Romans 3:25. In the end however, they are “consigned to the lake of fire with Satan” (Shultz 2010, 456) where they are unable to commit sin in their eternal state. Reconciliation is then a subjection to the will of God with the inability to do anything apart from his purposes (Shultz 2010, 455). In addition, creation is also reconciled, but is not limited to the physical realm. Shultz defines creation to include a grander spiritual scope, such as Satan, his demons, and angels. The entire material and spiritual creation is ultimately transformed because of the full extent of the work of Jesus Christ (Rev. 21-22).

Critical Interaction

From the outset of the article, use of the term ‘Universal Reconciliation’ is confusing, as the phrase is often used interchangeably with the Universal Salvation. Readers will momentarily be guarded based on what is implied. Driscoll loosley uses the phrase to describe the hope that sinners will be repentant and that the whole of humanity will be saved [1]. Nevertheless, Shultz’s strength is his embrace of the phrase “all things” which is usually overemphasized or completely ignored in the Universalism debate. The term is a broad one and should be treated as inclusive of all creation. Neither II Corinthians 5:18-19 or Colossians 1:19-20 can be interpreted to be limited in scope. However, Shultz is correct to balance this phrase with the realities of judgment supported elsewhere in scripture. His comparison of objective and subjective reconciliation somewhat explains the need for personal acceptance of Christ’s work on the cross. He rightly concludes that while the extent of reconciliation is total, a relationship with God only begins when Christ’s work is subjectively applied to one’s life (Shultz 2010, 446).

The author’s motivation is certainly to combat the evangelical notion that only believers are reconciled to God, a clear deviation from scripture in the eyes of the author, while providing boundaries for the reconciliation of the rest of creation. The argument however, seems to rest on unbelievers being technically reconciled since God is accomplishing his purposes through their eternal punishment. Shultz concludes that those residing eternally in Hell will “vindicate God’s honor and holiness as they agree with His righteous judgment” (Shultz 2010, 458). Proponents of Universalism will not consider this technicality a furthering of conversation they desire to have, as this type of segmentation stands in stark contrast to the “all-reconciling” love discussed by the likes of Jürgen Moltmann. The opposing side will argue that salvific reconciliation that is dependent on a person’s faith will place ultimate power in human hands [2]. Even still, Shultz has presented a solid biblical argument for God’s will ultimately prevailing at the eschaton, a truth that neither side can dismiss.

Conclusion

Shultz’s view of universal reconciliation provides an intelligent counter to the universalist argument when uniquely applied to believers and unbelievers. At a minimum, the concept provides support to a conversation on how God’s glory can be achieved in both salvation and wrath. This is not a discussion that has a nearing end. It is one that should fuel both greater awe toward the mysterious purposes of God and greater commitment to our own evangelistic ministry of the message of this reconciliation.

Selected Bibliography

[1] Driscoll, M., & Breshears, G. Doctrine: What christians should believe. (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2010)

[2] Moltman, Jurgen. The Coming of God: Christian Eschatology. (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1996).

Shultz Jr., Gary L. “The Reconciliation of All Things in Christ,” Bibliotheca Sacra BSAC 167:668 (Oct 2010).

The Low View of God

Michael McFatridge — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:35:11 +0000

“The low view of God entertained almost universally among Christians is the cause of a hundred lesser evils everywhere among us… The decline of the knowledge of the holy has brought on our troubles. A rediscovery of the majesty of God will go a long way toward curing them.”

–A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy (New York: HarperCollins, 1961), pp. vii-viii.

Becket, Mac & Cheese

Michael McFatridge — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:56:52 +0000

My son insists on making me laugh every time I turn around. There is no way I was this entertaining when I was a 1 year old.

The Middle of the Bridge

Michael McFatridge — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:52:47 +0000

When you take a step of faith as my family did last June, it feels a bit like walking blindly off a cliff and onto a bridge that you can’t see. God has prompted you that the bridge is in fact there, but you must take the step to find out. We did. It was a scary jump, but as soon as we did our feet hit ground beneath us. We knew it was right.

Leaving a career to pursue ministry is not easy. Watching your wife drive across town to work a night shift to help financially is worse. Watching your web development income dry up is downright terrifying.

So then we find ourselves blind in the middle of a swaying, decrepit bridge. We are at the second decision of faith.

While the first step isn’t easy, it isn’t the only one you have to make. The next series of steps are clumsy. You grope around in the dark for something to cling to. You can’t see anything. You’re scared, but can’t show it. There are two more people behind you that need the assurance. And you have a nagging thought;

“If we turn back now, there is a cliff waiting where we came from.”

The other option is not so clear. It’s still dark. There might even be nothing there. God called, but maybe to sacrifice. As many happy endings as we have in the bible, there are plenty that end badly. Steven was stoned. John the baptist was beheaded when he thought Jesus would free him from prison. Christ himself was tortured to death. There are enough possibilities at the end of this bridge to make me reconsider.

So what do you do in the dark when you can’t panic and you can’t see where you are going? Even though I’m still in the darkness, I have a few practical things I can grasp when I read Hebrews Ch. 12. If you’re also in the middle of the bridge, I hope this encourages you.

Be Wise and Attentive to Your Family.
It’s o.k. to stop and think. If something is causing the bridge to be unstable, evaluate it. You definitely don’t want to travel heavy. Financially, it’s o.k. to cut back to make room for what’s important. Lay aside the weight that hinders. (Heb 12:1).

Also, be sure that your family is staying close with you. Don’t let resentment foster, so deal honestly with any fears from your family. It’s important to make sure they are not following you, but following God along with you.

Be Faithful and Attentive to Your Calling.
It’s easy to forget details when you’re in the dark. Remember the original calling that you felt; God didn’t call my family to prosperity. He called us to ministry and the preparation for it. What did He lead you to do when you first stepped out? Look for opportunities to further that. He’ll bring them along in his timing. When income and opportunities are dry, consider Christ and his endurance and use it as a way to relate to Him better.

Hebrew 12:3
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Be Quiet and Attentive to God.
In all the commotion and instability, you may be missing clear direction that is coming your way. Make sure you are listening for God’s voice, and set your feet in the direction of Christ. His word will be the only light you have on the path. (Psalm 119:105)

Hebrews 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Encouragement for you and me.
In my effort to make it across the bridge where God has called us, I will remind myself of this. “Michael, pay attention to these things, and you’ll have the most important ones covered. Your family, your calling, and your God.”

I love the encouraging words of Verse 12 in the ESV; “Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees and make straight paths for your feet,..” That is to say, fight for your second wind and stay focused.

I encourage you to open up Hebrews 12 for yourself. Keep it close by and keep walking forward.

Resurgence of Variety

Michael McFatridge — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:53:46 +0000

In doing some internal vision-casting for creativity within the church, my eyes have been glued open for ideas and inspiration. I’m asking myself, “what’s possible?” What are the things that must stay within the structure of the church — which directly decides the items that are up for innovation.

I’m inspired by all things creative and artistic.

Here’s just an example of things that have caught my eye; a resurgence of variety on television. For instance, on SNL you’ll see sketches that aren’t necessarily comedic in nature, but is worked into the regular mix of sketches. Their “Les Jeunes De Paris” series of sketches, which aren’t even in English, are good example of this. Enjoy — but don’t hold me responsible for the content of this — just get the concept and move along.

On another note, Emma Stone is seriously talented.

How to Change by Tim Keller

Michael McFatridge — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:29:10 +0000

I’ve been dwelling on the nature of change and growth in the life of a Christian. It’s extremely difficult for me to verbalize why, in light of free salvation through grace by faith alone, that one would need to grow into holiness (Hebrews 12:14 tells us to strive for it.).

Likewise, if there is no change or growth happening in the life of someone claiming to be a follower of Christ, what exactly does that mean, and what action should they take.

I wrestle with questions like this, and then I’ll get it. And then I’ll wrestle again.
For anyone who struggles with the same type of questions, here is an excellent sermon from Tim Keller (one of my favorite pastors and authors) that brings a touch of clarity. I listen to it often.

The Art of Revival

Michael McFatridge — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:51:35 +0000

In one generation, it appears as awareness of God’s judgement toward mass repentance. In another, souls begin to be stirred in passion for Christ. In most recent historical trend, revival is associated with the activity of the Holy Spirit in the setting of a congregational worship.

Over the course of Christian history, one thing is certain about “Revival.” It comes in all shapes and forms.

It is fluid, free flowing and at times, subjective. It may not look like you expect it to. In fact, the revival that one church body needs may be entirely different than the awakening needed for another.

The term can also be misunderstood, misused and to be frank, counterproductive to the central mission of the church. This is why “Revival” is becoming a word that is endangered.

In the midst of all the church growth programs, books and tv ministries trying to define it for us, I thought I would look to the past to find out what revival has historically looked like.

Starting with a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

Revival of church life always brings in its train a richer understanding of the Scriptures. Behind all the slogans and catchwords of ecclesiastical controversy, necessary though they are, there arises a more determined quest for him who is the sole object of it all, for Jesus Christ himself.What did Jesus mean to say to us? What is his will for us to-day? How can he help us be good Christians in the modern world? In the last resort, what we want to know is not, what would this or that man, or this or that Church, have of us, but what Jesus Christ himself wants of us.

(The Cost of Discipleship, 1937, (New York: Touchstone, 1995), 35.)

The line that sticks for me is that “Revival” produces “a more determined quest” for Jesus Christ, the “sole object of it all.” This undoubtedly fleshes out as a congregation-wide re-focusing on the central mission of the church, producing Christ-followers through evangelism, gospel-oriented preaching and biblical discipleship. This is one expression of revival I long to see.

I’ll keep posting as I find more historical ideas and case studies. Until then, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what Revival means to you. Comment Below or message me here.

Comparison Complex

Michael McFatridge — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:46:41 +0000

I just heard that a local mega-church here who hosts one of the biggest Fall Festivals in Fort Worth had a flash mob in the middle of the festival. For a moment, I found myself defeated. Our church, who normally has 200-210 people in attendance each Sunday, is also hosting a Fall Festival. I thought, “There’s no way we could ever do that.”

And then I caught myself in the ridiculous. Why would we want to? Because they did it?

I suddenly felt myself freed from comparison. Our church also has an average age of around 55 (estimate). My grandparents would undoubtedly assume that a “flash mob” equals naked gangsters running through our church campus.

The reality is that we are not, and never will be Gateway Church.

Even if you had the resources, take it from me. There is no fulfillment in the carbon copy.

I’ve spent a lifetime asking myself if my creativity is my own, and I’ve found comparison only breeds less satisfaction and ultimately less ideas for the future.

I don’t mean to be harsh, but your church will never be Gateway. Your band will never sound like Coldplay. You will never sing, create or be the artist, writer or preacher you love to follow.

This idea has changed me. Please, let that liberate you to authentically and creatively be who you are, and reach the people you are called to reach.

JJ Abram’s Mystery Box

Michael McFatridge — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:19:54 +0000

I’ve often said that my favorite thing on earth is a blank sheet of paper. JJ Abram’s talk about mystery sort of helps me understand why.

Tacos, Oil & The Holy Spirit

Michael McFatridge — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:28:21 +0000

Last week when my pastor asked me to deliver a message on a specific symbol of the Holy Spirit, I immediately accepted. In my hunger for opportunities to teach God’s Word, I’ll basically accept anything.

After talking it over, we decided that I’d tackle the topic of oil and within 24 hours, I was regretting the commitment. Preaching on something you’re passionate about is one thing, but an assigned topic is another. Sometimes you have to find the thread of personal interest in the topic. You have to search hard for inspiration. I studied and studied, and took me a few days to find it, but I found it. What I saw in scripture was a bit different than what I’ve heard in my lifetime, and I suddenly got pretty excited about delivering it to my friends and family at Life Fellowship.

I have a long history of struggling with what it means to be pentecostal. I also have a personal commitment to being nothing but myself when I preach. No gimmicks, no screaming, no acting. I’ve learned to embrace my goofiness. So when I talk about the topic of the Holy Spirit, it may be a little rough. Might even be a little too honest, but it was my honor to teach a little on what it means to be “Annointed by the Holy Spirit.”

The Audio of the entire sermon is below; Roughly about 30 minutes.

Or you can download it here.