Homer, do you give room for a different understanding from yours?
Yes, but depends on what you mean. Do I think the scriptures teach universalism? No, the scenarios presented here concerning reformation in hell I find nowhere in the scriptures.
YesIs it possible that scripture does NOT "plainly say" the things which you believe.
Is it possible that you could unwittingly be "shoehorning" it to fit your own preconceived ideas?
Yes, but I try very hard not to do so. When this long discussion on hell began my default position was not an eternal roasting in literal fire, but as many evangelicals believe, an eternal existance totally separated from God. Through the discussion here, and my studies, I see annihilation as equally possible as an understanding of scripture. What seems very clear to me is that there will be a final, irrevocable judgement. As I have studied universalism's scriptural claims, I have become more convinced it is false, not less. Claims of proof of UR, such as the 2 Thess. 4:10, fall apart under close scrutiny.
I have no strong repugnance to UR, it is rather appealing (as false teaching usually is). I simply find no basis for it in scripture and think it is wrong to give false hope to sinners, and to teach something that Jesus and the Apostles never taught.Is it possible that your strong repugnance of universal reconciliation is based not on what scripture "plainly says"
That consideration has no part in my thinking. I understand Ted Bundy repented and became a believer before his execution. If I am found worthy to enter heaven, I will be glad to see him there. That may not seem to be fair (either me or him); Jesus was the One who took unfair part . I may be wrong, but I do not expect to see Hitler there. It would seem he missed the cut-off point for repentance. And fairness has nothing to do with either Bundy or Hitler.but upon your feeling that if God were to save all, it wouldn't be fair?
"God has set a day....".