Talbott's Election (Continued)

Before we move to universalism, my friend Ted has posted an interesing post on predestination and election. You can find it here. I'm sure he would enjoy some feedback. Now on to Talbott's view of universalism.

First of all, Talbott bases his opinion of universalism largely on Romans 8:38-39. According to Dr. Talbott, Romans 5:12-21 is clear that all mankind will eventually be saved, because of God's mercy and due to mankind being created in God's image. God will annihilate all evil short of those created in His image (248). Talbott is clear that Christ will be victorious. "As some Arminians might contend, he brought to all people something less than full justification and life - an offer of salvation, perhaps, or a possibility of some kind that each individual remains free to reject - then the possibility of an ultimate defeat remains" (ibid). Of course, this view would hold that Paul's thoughts in Romans 5 (especially vv.15-18) would carry the possibility of Adam (or the affects thereof) being victorious as opposed to Christ Jesus.

Talbott goes on to point out 1 Cor 15:20-28. According to Dr. Talbott, when verse 27 states "For he has put everything under his feet...", it implies man's will corresponding with the will of God. Because Christ will eventually be victorious, all of mankind will eventually volunteer their will to God's purposes (252-253).

Arminians believe (although available to all) only some of mankind will accept the love of God and therefore be reconciled to Him. Talbott again maintains the view as defeatist on behalf of a loving God (254). In other words, if God wills all to be saved (1 Tim 2:4) then that is the only thing that will happen.

Finally, Dr. Talbott turns to the question: If salvation is the destiny for all, what causes one to live with any morality? Talbott then turns to Romans 11:22 and argues that salvation is not an issue. In other words, because all mankind will eventually be saved, the passage is about consequences for man's actions. Mankind's decisions lead to a life of turmoil or a life of peace (258). "Our free choices, then, have real consequences in our lives and they determine how we will encounter God's grace in the future; but whichever way we choose, God's perfecting love will meet our true spiritual needs perfectly" (ibid).

In conclusion, Talbott returns to the themes of God's victory in the end through Jesus Christ and the unmatchless love of God. "...neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom 8:39 NIV).

Any thoughts?