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Grace Saves All: The Necessity of Christian Universalism
Grace is amazing. About this all Christians agree. Yet nearly all forms of Christianity put significant limits on grace. Those forms of Christianity which proclaim grace alone actually saves typically don't believe God gives grace to everyone; while those forms of Christianity which proclaim God gives grace to everyone typically don't believe grace alone actually saves. Must grace either be that which saves alone but doesn't go to all, or that which goes to all but doesn't save alone? In Grace Saves All, David Artman argues that grace saves alone and goes to all. This inclusive approach to Christianity is variously called universal reconciliation, universal salvation, or perhaps most accurately, Christian universalism. He contends that the inclusive/Christian universalist approach is necessary because it offers the only Christian theology which successfully defends the goodness of God. For it logically follows that if God is all-good, all-knowing, and all-powerful, then God must also be all-saving. Often dismissed as a modern feel-good theology, Christian universalism is an ancient, orthodox, and biblical theology which was expounded by early Christians and early church fathers. Artman brings much deserved attention to this wonderful spirituality.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2020
43 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 22, 2021
Ever found someone's case to be surprisingly more solid than you expected going in? I may not be a Christian Universalist, but Artman makes a good case, not only from Scripture but also the churches history of interpreting those Scriptures, that Universalism - understood Biblically - can be an Evangelical, Bible-believing option. A thought provoking read, well-reasoned, & with a kind, pastoral tone. Bravo.
August 31, 2021
Convincing, A new way of Seeing
This book opened my eyes to a new, refreshing logic that now replaces years of irrational beliefs. It might just do the same for you.
This book opened my eyes to a new, refreshing logic that now replaces years of irrational beliefs. It might just do the same for you.
July 24, 2022
If you’re curious about Christian Universalism then I highly recommend this book. David Artman does an excellent and honest job at articulating an argument for it. He includes a section on why hopefully inclusivism isn’t enough. It is a great introduction for this topic and I will definitely be sharing it with those interested.
September 2, 2024
I have read other books on Christian Universalism, but this is the best so far. Artman is a minister who has struggled with the concept of hell and eternal damnation for most of his life, but in recent years he has found a spiritual path that changed his perspective on the Christian faith. He was able to do so with plenty of evidence from Biblical scripture and the guidance of some of the pioneers in the theological study of universal salvation or the idea that, in the end, God saves all humanity. No one is punished forever and ever in the lake of fire, gnashing their teeth, so forth and so on.
Artman explains early on in his book that Christian Universalism is nothing new and that many early Christians embraced this theological position and promoted it. Once he began to look at universalism closely, it just made sense in the context of a loving creator God. For Artman, "it is the only approach to Christian theology which can successfully defend the goodness of God; and therein lies its necessity." In some ways, Artman and his readers come to universalism through the back door, as if it is the only option left. As he explains it: "Once someone fully grasps the concept that God knows the end from the beginning and is not controlled or regulated by any outside forces, the following realization strikes home - the outcome of all things will inevitably be what God intended from the beginning."
Artman still believes in the free will of humanity. He just posits that ultimately God will win over even the strongest deniers, the faithless, the atheists, criminals, etc. Now, it may take a very long time to bring them back into the fold, but Artman's God is more patient than Job, and will not stop pursuing the lost until they are found. The one issue I have with this concept is the admission by universalists that punishment is still very much a part of God's plan, and God will use it if necessary to bring the wayward back to God, where they belong. The punishment is not forever and it isn't revenge. It is just a tool God uses to achieve the goal. Artman believes "there is coming a time envisioned in which everyone will happily acknowledge the salvation of God which has come through Christ." I'm not sure that punishment through torture is ever effective in producing true repentance, and certainly not a happy acknowledgement.
One point that Artman makes brings up a question that has always fascinated me in Christian theology. Are Satan and the demons included in the happy reunion? Artman argues that universal salvation "would encompass nature itself and also all other spiritual beings, including the demonic and Satan. These aspects of apokatastasis, especially as it relates to the devil and the demonic, have been much more controversial within the history of the church." This gives a whole new meaning to the memorable words of Jesus, "Love your enemies. Do good to those who persecute you."
Artman remains close to his Christian faith with his belief that Jesus Christ is still the proper pathway to salvation. He doesn't directly address how unfair it may be for people who live outside the boundaries of Christian tradition to find and board the Jesus bus headed to heaven. This is a book of Christian Universalism, and therefore, very Jesus centered, which may prove frustrating to those outside that faith tradition. To his credit, Artman recognizes there is scriptural evidence that contradicts some of his findings and conclusions. "Since all theologies end up facing passages of Scripture which are hard to deal with, the question is not if these passages will be dealt with, but how. All theological approaches must face this dilemma. No theology gets a free pass." He reconciles scriptural contradictions wearing "Jesus-colored glasses," taking comfort in the fact that Jesus ate with criminals and refused to throw stones at adulterers, so he cannot imagine that God doesn't possess the same compassion and forgiveness.
In the end, Artman looks at the spirit of the Bible and the life of Jesus to reach a rational theory of how God operates, and universal salvation is the only outcome that makes sense. For those who would question his rationale, he replies: "Making an overall interpretation of the Bible is a difficult thing to do. There is no single biblical approach that doesn't run into scriptural problems. And so, we must finally ask which biblical approach aligns most closely with the goodness of God, the character of Jesus, and the overall narrative arc of the Bible. On the whole I believe the Inclusive approach offers the best solution." Good answer, Dr. Artman. Good answer.
Artman explains early on in his book that Christian Universalism is nothing new and that many early Christians embraced this theological position and promoted it. Once he began to look at universalism closely, it just made sense in the context of a loving creator God. For Artman, "it is the only approach to Christian theology which can successfully defend the goodness of God; and therein lies its necessity." In some ways, Artman and his readers come to universalism through the back door, as if it is the only option left. As he explains it: "Once someone fully grasps the concept that God knows the end from the beginning and is not controlled or regulated by any outside forces, the following realization strikes home - the outcome of all things will inevitably be what God intended from the beginning."
Artman still believes in the free will of humanity. He just posits that ultimately God will win over even the strongest deniers, the faithless, the atheists, criminals, etc. Now, it may take a very long time to bring them back into the fold, but Artman's God is more patient than Job, and will not stop pursuing the lost until they are found. The one issue I have with this concept is the admission by universalists that punishment is still very much a part of God's plan, and God will use it if necessary to bring the wayward back to God, where they belong. The punishment is not forever and it isn't revenge. It is just a tool God uses to achieve the goal. Artman believes "there is coming a time envisioned in which everyone will happily acknowledge the salvation of God which has come through Christ." I'm not sure that punishment through torture is ever effective in producing true repentance, and certainly not a happy acknowledgement.
One point that Artman makes brings up a question that has always fascinated me in Christian theology. Are Satan and the demons included in the happy reunion? Artman argues that universal salvation "would encompass nature itself and also all other spiritual beings, including the demonic and Satan. These aspects of apokatastasis, especially as it relates to the devil and the demonic, have been much more controversial within the history of the church." This gives a whole new meaning to the memorable words of Jesus, "Love your enemies. Do good to those who persecute you."
Artman remains close to his Christian faith with his belief that Jesus Christ is still the proper pathway to salvation. He doesn't directly address how unfair it may be for people who live outside the boundaries of Christian tradition to find and board the Jesus bus headed to heaven. This is a book of Christian Universalism, and therefore, very Jesus centered, which may prove frustrating to those outside that faith tradition. To his credit, Artman recognizes there is scriptural evidence that contradicts some of his findings and conclusions. "Since all theologies end up facing passages of Scripture which are hard to deal with, the question is not if these passages will be dealt with, but how. All theological approaches must face this dilemma. No theology gets a free pass." He reconciles scriptural contradictions wearing "Jesus-colored glasses," taking comfort in the fact that Jesus ate with criminals and refused to throw stones at adulterers, so he cannot imagine that God doesn't possess the same compassion and forgiveness.
In the end, Artman looks at the spirit of the Bible and the life of Jesus to reach a rational theory of how God operates, and universal salvation is the only outcome that makes sense. For those who would question his rationale, he replies: "Making an overall interpretation of the Bible is a difficult thing to do. There is no single biblical approach that doesn't run into scriptural problems. And so, we must finally ask which biblical approach aligns most closely with the goodness of God, the character of Jesus, and the overall narrative arc of the Bible. On the whole I believe the Inclusive approach offers the best solution." Good answer, Dr. Artman. Good answer.
August 6, 2024
Jesus Saves All
The writer sets forth very wonderful proofs for all humans as family that God will save through the draw of Jesus Christ lifted up. He tackles viewpoints of some saved, possible saved but not sure, elect only saved and most lost, and all saved by the sovereignty of God’s love. He also includes his own story of how he became a universalist in the way of the early church. Overall an excellent book that shows all humans being saved.
The writer sets forth very wonderful proofs for all humans as family that God will save through the draw of Jesus Christ lifted up. He tackles viewpoints of some saved, possible saved but not sure, elect only saved and most lost, and all saved by the sovereignty of God’s love. He also includes his own story of how he became a universalist in the way of the early church. Overall an excellent book that shows all humans being saved.
July 10, 2024
Possibly my favorite intro-level text on Christian Universalism/Ultimate Reconciliation. Artman does a great job sharply challenging both Calvinism and Arminianism as solutions, and he stays warm, pastoral and friendly while being forceful and challenging.
Full video review here: https://youtu.be/hh_1ZX8pCz4
Full video review here: https://youtu.be/hh_1ZX8pCz4
October 29, 2025
Thank you, David Artman, for giving us lay persons a clear and helpful introduction and guide to this timely discussion on the end of all things, and, therefore, the beginning of all things new. Thank you for your pastor’s heart. Like the Good Shepherd looking out and searching far and wide for… until the lost sheep is found and brought home. Thank goodness! Grace saves all.
September 5, 2022
I’m diving into Christian Universalism this term for my dissertation. Found this to be well written. Some points were interesting and were convincing arguments, while others felt like he was reaching. DBH’s book was better.
April 4, 2024
Good factual book with lots of backup scripture. I consider myself more on this belief so I have some bias but he does make good good logical points and not just feel good logic. Good easy meaningful read.
March 6, 2024
A great pop overview of Christian Universalism and David's experience coming to that conclusion. Very pastoral.
July 21, 2023
GOOD news is that God ‘s love will win in the end.
There is a version of Christianity that uses fear of hell as a tool to scare people into saying a sinner’s prayer but fear is a very poor foundation for faith in God.
The idea of eternal torment is incompatible with a God of love. It’s doesn’t make sense. It turns God into a moral monster who proclaims his love for all but threatens to send people to hell. The fire and brimstone Gospel is a false of gospel of manipulation and fear to control people. I john chapter 5 says there is no fear in love… perfect love drives out fear. Those who fear have not reached maturity(or perfection in love). God’s love will win in the end. Otherwise his will is thwarted if even one small part of the cosmos is lost to his will. What God wills,he accomplishes. He wills all to be saved. That’s is indeed Good News.
There is a version of Christianity that uses fear of hell as a tool to scare people into saying a sinner’s prayer but fear is a very poor foundation for faith in God.
The idea of eternal torment is incompatible with a God of love. It’s doesn’t make sense. It turns God into a moral monster who proclaims his love for all but threatens to send people to hell. The fire and brimstone Gospel is a false of gospel of manipulation and fear to control people. I john chapter 5 says there is no fear in love… perfect love drives out fear. Those who fear have not reached maturity(or perfection in love). God’s love will win in the end. Otherwise his will is thwarted if even one small part of the cosmos is lost to his will. What God wills,he accomplishes. He wills all to be saved. That’s is indeed Good News.
January 16, 2022
I've read this book after stumbling on the idea of Christian universalism. It's a thorough introduction to this Theology. The arguments are well thought through and presented in an easy to read, friendly style. Well worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews