Topical Encyclopedia The term "universal" in a biblical context often refers to concepts or principles that are all-encompassing, applying to all people, times, and places. This can include God's nature, His laws, and His offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. The universality of certain biblical themes underscores the comprehensive scope of God's plan and His sovereignty over all creation.God's Universal Sovereignty The Bible affirms God's universal sovereignty, emphasizing that He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." This verse highlights God's ownership and authority over the entire world and everything in it. Similarly, Colossians 1:16-17 states, "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Universal Sinfulness and Need for Redemption The Bible teaches the universal sinfulness of humanity and the need for redemption. Romans 3:23 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This verse underscores the universal condition of sin affecting every person. The need for salvation is universal, as all humanity is in need of reconciliation with God. Universal Offer of Salvation The universality of God's offer of salvation is a central theme in the New Testament. John 3:16 proclaims, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse emphasizes that God's love and the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ are extended to the entire world. Similarly, 1 Timothy 2:3-4 states, "This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." Universal Call to the Gospel The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, reflects the universal call to spread the Gospel: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This commandment underscores the global mission of the Church to reach every nation with the message of Christ. Universal Judgment The Bible also speaks of a universal judgment, where all people will stand before God. Acts 17:30-31 declares, "Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead." This passage highlights the certainty of a future judgment that will encompass all humanity. Universal Principles of God's Law The moral laws of God, as revealed in Scripture, are universal in their application. Romans 2:14-15 explains, "Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them." This passage suggests that God's moral standards are inherently known to all people, regardless of their cultural or religious background. The concept of "universal" in the Bible underscores the all-encompassing nature of God's authority, the pervasive need for redemption, and the inclusive offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. It highlights the global mission of the Church and the ultimate accountability of all humanity before God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to the universe; extending to, including, or affecting, the whole number, quantity, or space; unlimited; general; all-reaching; all-pervading; as, universal ruin; universal good; universal benevolence or benefice.2. (a.) Constituting or considered as a whole; total; entire; whole; as, the universal world. 3. (a.) Adapted or adaptable to all or to various uses, shapes, sizes, etc.; as, a universal milling machine. 4. (a.) Forming the whole of a genus; relatively unlimited in extension; affirmed or denied of the whole of a subject; as, a universal proposition; -- opposed to particular; e. g. (universal affirmative) All men are animals; (universal negative) No men are omniscient. 5. (n.) The whole; the general system of the universe; the universe. 6. (n.) A general abstract conception, so called from being universally applicable to, or predicable of, each individual or species contained under it. 7. (n.) A universal proposition. See Universal, a., 4. Greek 1577. ekklesia -- an assembly, a (religious) congregation ... 1577 (from 1537 , " and " and 2564 , "to call") -- properly, people the world and to God, the being the (the mystical ) -- ie the universal (total) body of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1577.htm - 8k 3841. pantokrator -- almighty 932. basileia -- kingdom, sovereignty, royal power 3962. pater -- a father 3831. paneguris -- a festal assembly 5071. tetrakosioi -- four hundred Library The Universal Magnet The Universal Gift Whether Anything Can be an Object of Universal Hatred? Universal Praise. The Universal Chorus The Universal King. Universal Worship. Universal Redemption. Universal Hallelujah. Universal Praise. Thesaurus Universal (7 Occurrences)... extending to, including, or affecting, the whole number, quantity, or space; unlimited; general; all-reaching; all-pervading; as, universal ruin; universal good ... /u/universal.htm - 9k Infinitude Infinite (8 Occurrences) Objects (30 Occurrences) Catholic Authority (326 Occurrences) Hatred (30 Occurrences) Premillennial Millennium Dictionaries Resources What is the Universal Life Church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between the universal church and local church? | GotQuestions.org Is there such a thing as absolute truth / universal truth? | GotQuestions.org Universal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Universal (7 Occurrences)Matthew 10:22 Mark 13:13 Luke 21:17 Ephesians 1:22 1 Timothy 1:15 1 Timothy 4:9 Hebrews 12:23 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |