Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 11/18/2003

Question
Hi,
What is Quakerism and the Religious Society of Friends from a Universalist?
Thank you

Fil

Answer
Dear Fil,
   Thanks for writing.  Are you wondering how Quaker theology differs from the theology of a Universalist?  My aunt is a Quaker (Friends is a synonym, I think).  You can search the internet for specifics of that "denomination."  I understand that Universalism promotes the idea that all humans will eventually be saved.      
   My father used to try to explain security of salvation to my aunt, but, like others who rely on personal effort for salvation in addition to a relationship with God, security to her seems to mean pride in efforts, or laxness in efforts.  
   Unlike the Quaker belief or Universalism, the Bible clearly states God's warning about the devastating consequences of sin (Genesis 2:17, Luke 13:3, Romans 6:23).  There is no hope for those who don't believe God--who don't accept His provision for salvation (John 3:18, John 14:6, I John 11:12).  
   This belief in Jesus is radical enough to be considered a new birth, John 3:3.  This belief is further defined as a daily spiritual sustenance like the physical sustenance He had just multiplied (John 6:9, 51-63).
   Jesus' death provided the finished payment (John 19:30) for our sins so we can enter into God's kingdom, but there are many people who don't want God as King of their life.  They prefer to be in charge of getting to God (like the tower of Babel).
   If we don't admit we need Him to save us, God won't force us to be saved.  Matthew 7:13-14 shows that not everyone will be saved--not even everyone who says they accept Jesus as Lord (Matt. 7:21 "not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in Heaven.")  The will of the Father is for us to believe in Jesus enough that we entrust our lives to Him.  As Paul said in Galatians 2:20, "Not I, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God..."  We can be confident of entering a perfect Heaven when we are "made the righteousness of God in Christ."(II Corinthians 5:21)
   "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23  Is Jesus Christ your Lord?  This temporary physical life is nothing compared to eternity, but it is our only opportunity to decide where we will spend eternity (Hebrews 9:27).  
   I pray that you have made the right choice and will encourage others to also, before it's too late.
   Sincerely,
   Priscilla Lyons