Dear Friends in Faith,
    Continuing our internet excursions into the dark dungeons of theological ramblings against God saving all, a detractor writes: “Here are some thoughts for you to ponder, If hell is not eternal, why was it necessary for Jesus Christ to come and die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins? Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Why would He need to do that if we all could somehow pay our own dues in just a short period of time?”
    Tony’s reply: Why must hell be “eternal” for Jesus to die for our sins? Jesus did not die to save us from some mythological eternal hell. He came to save us from sin and death. He was successful. But people will still sin and die during the 1000 year reign and during the new earth age. So when will sin and death finally be conquered fully? Hebrews 9:26 says that sin is repudiated at the conclusion of the eons. 1 Corinthians 15:22-28 shows death being abolished completely when all mankind are subjected to Christ and all sovereignty, authority, and power are nullified and God is all in all mankind. This could not have happened if Christ had not died for us.
    Joseph S. Johnston asked, “In which of these two systems are we to perceive the Truth: that of which ‘Sin’ is the central thought; terror the great deterrent from sin and the motive for good, personal salvation the one great object; or that in which God revealed in Christ is the center; the goodness of God the motive power; and the reconciliation of the Universe the object?” (CHRIST VICTORIOUS OVER ALL, p.43).
    It is sad that so much of the focus of “evangelizing” is on the human rather than on God. We could perhaps go even deeper into the truth than Brother Johnston’s thought by recognizing that the glory of God is the great object of the eons, and that universal reconciliation is but one aspect of that glory.
    The June conference in Willard, Ohio was wonderful. It was so refreshing to see and fellowship with some of you who receive the SAF newsletter. All of the talks given were well received.
    The two Baldwin Fellowships are one-day events this year, but all are welcome to stay over for the regular services on Sunday morning both at Baldwin and at the Grand Rapids meetings.

Yours in His Grace and Peace,
Dean Hough and Tony Nungesser