Hell is a Christian Hoax 11
"ESPECIALLY DOES NOT MEAN "EXCLUSIVELY" OR "ONLY"
Theologians have written me, challenging my teaching on the salvation of all men. They state that this verse does not say God actually will save all men. They say it is only the "especially of those who believe" that will be saved. That means Paul should have said: "For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God Who is the Saviour of all men, but only of those who believe " This word never carries the meaning of "only."
Intelligent professionals would never allow such idiotic interpretation with any other book, except the Holy Scriptures. The Greek word, 'malista' is translated in the New Testament as "specially/especially." And it means, " to the greatest degree, particularly, chiefly, most of all, (e-)specially" (Strong's Greek Dictionary).
Here are a few examples of how this word is used in other Scriptures. It always means something that is "special" in addition to other things: "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially ( 'malista'-'particularly, chiefly) they of the circumcision" (Titus 1:10). If this verse means the "circumcision only," then there is no need for the word "specially" to be used at all. It never means "only."
Paul's letter to Philemon: "Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved ( speaking of Onesimus) , specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?" ( Philemon 1:15) . How could Onesimus be a brother beloved... much more unto THEE, ( Philemon) " if he was a "beloved brother" to Paul ONLY? Onesimus was a beloved brother to Paul, but he was 'especially/most of all' more of a brother to Philemon than he was to Paul.
"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially ( 'malista' - to the greatest degree) they who labor in the word and doctrine" (I Tim. 5:17). If only they who labor in the word and doctrine are to receive "double honor," then why would it dogmatically state that "the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor" ALSO? There are two groups being addressed here, not just one. There is a difference between saying, "I like dessert, especially ice cream," Or, "I like dessert, but only ice cream."
"The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when you come, bring with you, and the books, but especially ( 'malista'--particularly) the parchments" (II Tim. 4:13) When Paul said to "especially" bring the parchments, was he somehow saying that he didn't want the cloke & books, but just the parchments only? Nonsense.
And lastly: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially ( 'malista'-to the greatest degree) unto them who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10). I just love it when God provides us with an exact duplicate of what we are defending in I Tim. 4:10. Notice the duplication of the phrase "all men" in both I Tim. 4:10 and Gal. 6:10. Is there any possible way to read Gal. 6:10 with the understanding that we are NOT to "do good unto all men," because it then says "especially unto them who are of the household of faith?"
Surely no one is so carnal, so prejudiced, so stubborn as to suggest by this Scripture we are NOT to "to do good unto all men," just because it also says "especially... the household of faith." Then why oh why do learned teachers and theologians say that the "all men" before the word "especially" in I Tim. 4:10 are excluded from salvation? Surely I can't be going to fast for everyone!
So why do I go into such detail on these verses? Because theologians have been perverting the Word of God for nearly two thousand years now, and it's time you knew the truth. You have never been taught these basic truths in church before. God is saving Believers now, in a "special" way, before He will save all men, later. It matters not that God does not save all in this era. Ultimately, in His time, He will save all. Man does not set time limits upon God's purpose.
And this is why I am spending so much time on these vital Scriptures that deal with the world's eternal destiny. I am not writing this paper for the amusement of a few casual readers. I am outlining the most profound teachings and doctrines in the entirety of the Bible.
If you don't have enough interest in God's Word, His plan of salvation for all mankind, and His wisdom in doing all things the way He does, then don't bother yourself. I am sure there are many things relating to your home, family, hobbies, and work, that are much more interesting and meaningful to you. But for those of you whom God is persuading of His Truth, may God grant to you a spirit of wisdom and understanding to comprehend the Truths of His Word. Knowing truth also involves understanding the origin of these false doctrines of the Church.
God is willing that all men be saved, and nowhere does He contradict Himself by willing that some will NOT be saved. "The Lord... is NOT WILLING that ANY should perish ( eternally, as even "the righteous perish" temporarily, Isaiah 57:1) , but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9. See also Phil. 2:10). It is God's goodness which brings us to repentance (Rom. 2:4).
Jesus said: "And I, if I be lifted up ( on the cross) from the earth, will draw ALL MEN UNTO ME" (John 12:32). Are there any to whom Christ's sacrifice does not apply? "And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sin of the whole world" (I John 2:2). But the Church teaches that Jesus is only the "potential" Saviour of the world since there are those whose sins will supposedly never be taken away.
Don't we read in Heb. 10:26, "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins,"? Yes, that's true, but that does not doom that person to an eternal punishment and torture in some hell. Notice there is a comma (,) at the end of that verse. Let's read the rest of it:
"But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and FIERY indignation, which shall devour the adversaries" (Heb. 10:27).
Yes, there are sins that will not be forgiven in this lifetime, but will rather be judged in the day of God's Judgment upon the whole wicked world. That will not be a happy time for those who will have their sins judged in that manner, but neither will it be a pit of eternal torture in fire for no purpose.
Notice:
"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men everywhere to repent. Because He hath appointed a day ( no, not in this Church age, but in the 'appointed day') , in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man ( Jesus) Whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men in that he hath raised him from the dead" Acts 17:30-31).
Ah yes - God will purify all men, all humanity, "...like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap" (Mal.3:2). The fires of judgment are spiritual fires that purify and refine the hearts and spirits of mankind. These fires do not burn and torture men's physical flesh for all eternity which would accomplish nothing but to make an evil alien monster out of God. God may be stern, but He is no monster.