Q&A Home > S > Salvation

How does this verse not prove the possibility of universal salvation? I try not to preach it in public but the conviction that Jesus might save all might cool my efforts to live righteously or witness about the gospel when asked and be prepared to explain the Scripture.
Colossians 1:20:
"and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross."

How do we know what is meant by all things? I know it refers to human but how do we know if it means only a special people? Are there any verses before or after or somewhere else in the bible that sheds light on that?
Also Psalm 22:29:
"All the prosperous of the earth shall eat and worship; all those who go down to the dust shall bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep himself alive."
We cannot know here if all might mean all who are redeemed.

It is important to read the full text of the Holy Scripture in order to gain a deeper understanding of the intent and spirit of the letter. Though God desired that all His creation would enjoy reconciliation unto salvation, yet, you are the object of His love and sacrifice (verses 21-22). This wonderful salvation also has serious contingencies (v. 23). Faith is not just only in believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, but the true believer must remain grounded and steadfast
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.  And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.  And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,  and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister" (Colossians 1:15-23).