It would be nice to think that no one goes to hell (universalism). But despite the fact that many have argued that all will one day be saved this is clearly not what the Bible teaches. Numerous passage in the New Testament support the truth that those who reject Christ face the eternal consequences of their decision. For example Paul writes, He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of God and from the majesty of his power ... (2 Thess. 2:8-9). Roger Nicole asks, 'How can a universalist fairly deal with the many Scriptures that show that life's decisions have everlasting and irrevocable consequences in the life to come?'
Indeed it is the person who has revealed most stunningly the love of God, Jesus Christ, that spoke most frequently of the tragic reality for the lost. Jesus speaks in terms of a fiery furnace, a place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, of darkness and of being away from the bliss enjoyed by God's people. The fact that Jesus may be using metaphorical language does not take away from the reality that these metaphors are pointing to something truly awful. While God's salvation will not be universal (all people will not be saved) his offer of salvation is universal (God commands all people everywhere to repent, Acts 17:30).
If our Christian lives are consumed simply with seeking the latest experience and being a part of the the Christian scene then we are acting as de-facto universalists who ignore that spiritual need of those that surround us. We have a commission to fulfil!
'If the plight of the unbelievers is what the Bible reveals it to be, it is not an act of love to hide their fate from them [as universalism does]. To do so further blinds them from the remedy God provided. If a person is struck with a deadly disease for which there is a known cure, it is neither wise nor loving to try and convince him that nothing is wrong' (Roger Nicole).