Let’s Talk About It

Mini Episode #25: The Apologetics Series - Universalism (Featuring: Elizabeth Peck)

Elizabeth Peck Season 2

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0:00 | 7:24

Does everyone go to heaven… no matter what they believe?

In this episode, we unpack what Universalism teaches and compare it to the truth of the Gospel—what Scripture actually says about sin, salvation, and eternity. This is a conversation that challenges culture and calls us back to truth! 

 If you’ve ever wrestled with this question—or know someone who has—this one’s for you.

Next week, we’ll be introducing our April guest! 

This conversation is all about leadership—real, practical wisdom from an incredible leader on how to grow, lead well, and sharpen your skills (no matter your age or season of life).

Then the following week, we’re diving back into our apologetics series with a powerful topic: deconstructing faith.

It’s becoming more common in today’s culture, and we’ll talk about why it happens—and how we can respond with truth, love, and point people to Jesus. More special guests are coming your way as this series continues! 

Our prayer is that every episode equips you to live boldly for Christ and be a light in the world. 


"Let's Talk About It" is a podcast for young adults navigating real life and real faith. From doubts and church hurt to purpose, relationships, identity, and even financial advice - we dive into the conversations most people avoid but everyone's thinking about. No fluff, no filters - just honest talk to help you follow Jesus in today's world. Enjoy monthly episodes featuring powerful insights from Christian young adult leaders and voices shaping today's faith culture.

Hosted by Elizabeth Peck.

SPEAKER_01

Hey guys, welcome back to Let's Talk About It. Today, we're continuing our apologetic series, and this is a big one. We're talking about universalism. That is the belief that in the end, everyone will be saved. No matter what they believe, no matter how they live, everyone ultimately makes it to heaven. Sounds comforting, right? But the real question is, is it true? So what exactly is universalism? At its core, universalism teaches that all people will eventually be reconciled to God. Some believe this happens immediately after death. Others believe there may be some form of temporary punishment, but not eternal. Either way, the end result is the same. Everyone is saved. Some early thinkers in church history wrestled with this idea, but it was never the dominant or orthodox Christian belief. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became more formalized, especially in America through the Universalist Church movement. Today it's often not labeled outright as universalism, but it shows up in phrases like a loving God would never send anyone to hell. All paths lead to God. God just wants people to be happy. Universalists usually believe God is loving, and his love overrides judgment. Hell is either not real, symbolic, or temporary. Jesus' death ultimately saves everyone. And honestly, this belief often comes from a place of emotion and compassion. People don't like the idea of judgment. They don't like the idea of hell. And they think, how could a loving God allow that? But here is where we have to be careful. We do not define truth based on what feels right. We define truth based on what God has revealed. The Bible is very clear that not everyone is saved. In Matthew chapter 7, verses 13 through 14, it says, White is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life. In John chapter 3, verse 36, it says, Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. Second Thessalonians chapter one, verses eight through nine says, Those who do not know God will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction. That is not temporary, that is not symbolic. If everyone is saved, then why did Jesus say in John chapter 14, verse 6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Why would there be a need for salvation at all? In Romans chapter 3, verse 23, we know that all have sinned. In Romans chapter 6, verse 23, we know that the wages of sin is death. If sin is not judged, then God is not just. And if everyone is saved regardless, then the cross loses its meaning. This is the key. God is not just loving, He is also holy and just. Romans chapter 5, verse 8 says, While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Salvation is not automatic, it's offered. Ephesians chapter 2, verses 8 through 9 says, For by grace you have been saved through faith. So how do we respond to someone who believes in universalism? First, we respond with compassion. They are often motivated by love and empathy. Again, in 1 Peter chapter 3, verse 15, we know that we must always be prepared to give an answer, and we must do this with gentleness and respect. You can ask that person, if everyone is saved no matter what, why did Jesus have to die? And let that sit. Or you can ask the following questions. Do you think justice matters? What happens to evil if everyone ends up the same? And then gently point them to the truth. God's love is real, but so is his holiness. And that's why Jesus matters so much. If you take anything from this episode, let it be this. Universalism says everyone is saved no matter what. But the gospel says anyone can be saved, but only through Jesus. Acts chapter 4, verse 12 says that there is salvation and no one else but Jesus Christ. Truth matters, eternity matters, and the gospel is still good news because it offers real salvation to anyone who believes. Thank you so much for listening to this mini episode about universalism. We hope that you are enjoying our apologetics series. We are so excited to introduce you, our wonderful guest for the month of April, and we can't wait for you to hear this conversation about leadership, a topic that is helpful no matter what age you are. The week after that, we will pick right back up in our apologetics series and we will be talking about deconstructing faith. Do you know those people who say, I used to be a Christian? I used to believe in that Jesus stuff, but I've deconstructed. And I don't live that way anymore. I don't believe that anymore. We will talk all about that, why it happens, how to talk to people who have said that they have deconstructed their faith, and how to point to Jesus through it all. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at Let's TalkAbout It dot Convos. See ya next time.