“The New Testament—Expanded Amplified Multiple Renderings” by Jonathan Mitchell. What I appreciate the about Jonathan Mitchell’s scholarship is that he understands that the Holy Spirit leads us into all the truth. He diligently provides the reader with the various possibilities of meaning that the original manuscripts present. It is up to us, seekers of truth, to wrestle with the text, to pray and seek God for the truth. He also has commentaries on most of the N.T.. Available on Amazon.
These three internet resources are user friendly as you spend some time exploring them.
The Word Study N.T. and Concordance: Ralph Winder explains: “The Word Study Concordance traces not English but Greek words. You can find listed every passage where a given Greek word occurs regardless of how many different ways it may be translated into English. Even the best lexicons are basically some scholar’s reflections on the data drawn from a concordance. Once you have read these Bible passages yourself, you have acquired something no dictionary can easily give you—a certain instinctive feel for the word. You have become conditioned by the actual use of the word (which is the most normal and reliable way to learn any word in any language), not to equate it to some other word. Students often try to short-circuit this process and go directly to a lexicon.”
First, locate the Strong’s concordance number in the W.S.N.T. then look it up in the W.S.C.
“The Second Death and the Restitution of All Things“ by Andrew Jukes, (1867).
This small book was the first to open my understanding to God’s prevailing love for all. We unfolds three key concepts that help us solve the riddle of judgment warnings in relationship to God’s salvation of all promises.
Graduate of Harrow and Trinity College, Cambridge and pastor of St. John’s Church, London, Andrew Jukes was a well-respected Christian author in 19th century England. Among his books are: “The Law of the Offerings” – “Four Views of Christ” – “Types in Genesis” – “The Names of God” – and “The Restitution of all Things.” Some of his works have been reprinted by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. Andrew Jukes was a man of the “Word” with an exceptional depth of understanding in the Old Testament. This is not a light read, but a thorough exposition of God’s unfailing love for all people. This is one of the key books I have read that have helped anchor me in my present understanding of God’s nature and His judgments. Though this is an older work (1867), I highly recommend it. It is not difficult to understand once you warm up to it. This is available on Amazon in both print and E Book (Kindle) format. Also check out: http://tgulcm.tripod.com/cu/jukes2.html
“Christ Triumphant” by Thomas Allin D.D., (1890). Thomas Allin was a clergyman of the English Episcopal Church and ministered in North London in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works include “Race and Religion” and “The Augustinian Revolution in Theology” (1911). This is the most comprehensive book on this topic I have read. It has many times brought me to tears as I realized how loving and awesome God really is. Though also an older work, I cannot recommend it enough. The author reluctantly uses the term “Universalism” interchangeably with the phrase, the “larger hope” when referring to the theological concept he is defending. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding of this term will cause many Christians to discount this valuable exposition of the Scriptures. I refer you to my article, titled “Is this Universalism.” In this article I explain how most Christians understand this term and why we are NOT Universalists. See my video on this or read my article. Allin goes into extensive detail presenting the facts and historical references that show that a great number of the early church Fathers believed in the “larger hope.” Those chapters are somewhat long and tedious. You may want to skim them and refer back to them later. For most modern readers, the older writing of this book will, at times, be difficult to understand. But I urge you to work your way through it. It is well worth it. If you are an English major and are comfortable with old English, please consider re-writing this book into modern English. It is now in the public domain. I am happy to say that this book is now available on Amazon: Christ Triumphant by Thomas Allin.
You can also read it online free or downloaded it from Tentmaker at this link: Christ Triumphant by Thomas Allin
Mark Chamberlain has written an abbreviated, condensed revision of “Christ Triumphant” under a new title. He has taken some of the main ideas from Allin and has written it in his own words for the modern reader. This is a much easier read and a good place to start for many people. I must emphasize, however, that this is a condensed “Readers Digest” version. It lacks much of the Biblical and historical documentation that the original work provides. You can read it free or buy it on Tentmaker. (See scholar’s corner below) It is also available on Amazon. Every Knee Shall Bow
“History of Opinions on the Scriptural Doctrine of Retribution” by Edward Beecher. This study includes an investigation of what the early church believed regarding “everlasting” punishment. I found Dr. Beecher to be unbiased, comprehensive, and scholarly, without an agenda or denomination to defend. He writes as a sincere seeker of truth. The key chapters, in my view, pertinent to the duration of God’s judgments are 14-32. I realize that this is an older work and may be difficult for some modern readers to fully grasp. I admit that I too, at times, have struggled to understand some of these older works. But I must say, the scholarship of writers such as Edward Beecher and Andrew Jukes is solid and clearly evident. I have found myself reading this document frequently. The more you read it, the clearer and easier it becomes to understand. Chapter 14 is where Jesus comes into view. History of Opinions, by Edward Beecher D.D..
“Absolute Assurance” by Charles Slagle. This book greatly spoke to my heart at a pivotal time in my spiritual journey. I could truly identify with Charles. This is a very short book, but filled with Scripture and sound reasoning. It is one of the most delightful and thought provoking studies I have read. I highly recommend it. See “Scholar’s Corner” below.
“The One Purpose of God” by Jan Bonda. Bonda unfolds Israel’s role in God’s unfailing plan. Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.; Cambridge U.K. ;1998; Originally published in Dutch as “Het ene doel van God” ;1993; Baarn, Netherlands; ISBN 0-8028-4186-4. Available on Amazon.
“The Inescapable Love of God” by Thomas Talbott (2000). Scholarly, yet readable for the layman. It presents a sound Biblical and philosophical exposition for God’s unfailing love for all people. His arguments are compelling. I highly recommend it. Available on Amazon or the author’s website.
“An Adventure in Taking Scripture Literally” by Peter Hiett. Excellent thought-provoking analysis supporting our Hope. Free PDF Peter Hiett pastors “The Sanctuary Downtown” Denver, CO
“Scholars’s Corner“ at Tentmaker. This is a great site for a vast array of supporting documentation for God’s unfailing love for all people.
“The Larger Hope” by Anthony Johnson. I am so pleased to make this book available on our website. I have had considerable correspondence with Anthony and have been greatly encouraged by his passion for this message, and as well by his deep love of God and the Bible. He has a very gentle and humble spirit and insist that he not receive any payment for his book. It is his gift to you. The following is from the back cover: In “The Larger Hope” the question of whether we can hope for the salvation of all people is considered. Bible passages seemingly in favor of and an equal number apparently against the Larger Hope are examined. Words integral to the Bible’s teaching on human destiny are defined, and some common objections to the belief that all people will be saved are faced. A comprehensive list of Bible verses pointing to the salvation of all is supplied along with a list of notable people who have subscribed to the Larger Hope [This list is far larger since this book was written – Gerry]. The second part of the book takes the form of an A – Z of the Larger Hope – a detailed alphabetical compilation of Bible passages with brief accompanying notes and a selection of scholarly comment. The author sincerely hopes and prays that those who are troubled by the traditional, less-hopeful teaching about human destiny will draw hope and comfort from this book. CLICK HERE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD
Anthony E. Johnson is a retired religious education teacher. He attained an honors degree in education in 1975, after which he obtained a Diploma in Theology from a Welsh Evangelical College. He pastored a Baptist church in Blackpool, Lancashire, UK., for eight years during which time he came to a more hopeful and merciful understanding of human destiny. After many years of prayer and Bible study, Anthony became convinced of God’s unfailing love for all. “The Larger Hope “is the fruit of many years of Christian service and meditation on the things of God. His heart’s desire is to glorify God who ‘is’ love, the Father of Mercies, who in His love has secured the salvation of all His children through the gift and work of His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. You may email Tony at: thelargerhope@gmail.com
