Love's Final Victory / Ultimate Universal Salvation on the Basis of Scripture and Reason

by Horatio

Some have a belief that on topics that are unrevealed we ought to be reverently silent. On certain subjects that may be the correct attitude. "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." But though there are many cases in which we cannot attain to certainty, we may perhaps attain to probability, and a high degree of probability. In many cases that is sufficient; often it amounts to moral certainty. As Bishop Butler says, "Probability is the very guide of life."

With the best use that can be made of Scripture and reason, there are many topics on which we shall not attain to absolute certainty. But if we attain to probability, we have made a great advance. Moreover, the probability of this age may be the certainty of the next.

Besides; it would argue a very unworthy belief in the goodness of God, to refrain from investigating the domain of truth so far as we can, lest unhappily we should have to discount the forces that make for righteousness.

Religion and science should be united in this search for truth. And we are glad to see that some of the foremost exponents of scientific truth have this idea. As Sir Oliver Lodge says, "It is the duty of Science to examine even into the domain of religion." In fact, Science is religion when its discoveries, as in the case of Kepler, are recognized as the thoughts of God. Another scientist has truly said that "the highest science is the highest religion."

I think it is worth while to quote the noble words of Sir Oliver Lodge in this connection. He says: "If we refrain from examination and enquiry for no better reason than the fanciful notion that perhaps we may be trespassing on forbidden ground, such hesitation argues a pitiful lack of faith in the good-will and friendliness and power of the forces that make for righteousness. Let us study all the facts that are open to us with a trusting and open mind, with care and candor, seeking the verification of all our speculative hypotheses, and with slow and cautious progress making good our steps as we proceed. Thus we may hope to reach out further, and ever further, into the unknown, sure that as we grope in the darkness we shall encounter no clammy horror, but shall receive the assistance and sympathy which it is legitimate to symbolize as a clasp from the hand of Christ Himself."

But it may be claimed that it is inopportune to discuss this question of Restoration at the present time. It may be thought that the very statement of it may lead to greater laxity of faith and morals. If there are any legitimate grounds even for doubting the doctrine of eternal torment, will not the lingering doubt of many be confirmed? There are those who doubt or even deny eternal suffering, simply because it is more comfortable to do so, and without once appealing to the authority of Scripture or reason in the matter. If the question is allowed to be one of reasonable debate, will not that attitude be confirmed? Especially when the doctrine of endless suffering has so long been recognized as the orthodox doctrine, will not any apparent going back on that doctrine seem a justification of disbelief in what is really evangelical? And thus might not the very opening of the question be a serious injury to some?

While it is freely admitted that there is a degree of justice in this plea, there are certain considerations that must not be lost sight of.

There is first, the sacredness and the safety of truth. Whatever is the truth in the case must be discovered if possible, and defended at all hazards. Our Lord's prayer was, "Sanctify them through thy truth," So truth has a sanctifying power. It may be pleasant or unpleasant in the discovery, but is beneficent in the long run. We are not to shrink then from the discovery of it. We are to search for it, as for hidden treasures, whatever prejudices and errors it may overturn. It is of God, and is certain to triumph in the end. And it can issue in no ultimate evil, but in everlasting good, despite all our fears.

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Then in this case, we are contending for a truth which brings unspeakable glory to God. As the matter appears to me, His wisdom, power and love, are exalted above all conception. If there were nothing else, this would be a strong argument for the theory we are trying to defend.