A universalists response
First off, I’m not a universalist. But I’m actively weighing the 3 main options of hell within the Christian tradition. Universal reconciliation seems to have a few scriptures that I can’t reconcile with, but I want to hear explanations rather than just assume it’s unreconcilable. I’m aware of the passages that are used to prove UR, but what is the exegetical interpretation of passages that are used against UR? Such as:
”And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.“ Revelation 20:10, 14-15 NASB2020
”Therefore you have no excuse, you foolish person, everyone of you who passes judgment; for in that matter in which you judge someone else, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. But do you suppose this, you foolish person who passes judgment on those who practice such things, and yet does them as well, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will repay each person according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life; but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of mankind who does evil, for the Jew first and also for the Greek,“ Romans 2:1-9 NASB2020
I know these are long blocks of text, but it’s one big thought that leads me to at first conclude that there is a hell of some sort, whether it’s Eternal, or Annihilationist, but there seems to a punishment for disobedience to God. How would you explain these passages in light of UR?
Thanks in advance!