Universalism and the KJV
For many that grew up KJV Onlyist and from a fundamentalist background, I will go through some points and explain how the KJV is compatible with universalism or at least refutes eternal punishment.
This post isn't to convert anyone to KJV Onlyism but rather to prove to anyone who does hold the view of KJV Onlyism that the scriptures are compatible with universalism.
- Matthew 25:41-46 - Not eternal punishment
While this verse is primarily used to support ECT, the KJV specifically uses two different words to describe punishment and life. Life is described as "eternal", whereas punishment is described as "everlasting". While many argue that the Greek uses the same words, those who hold onto a fundamentalist view of scripture such as the KJB being inerrant can see that Matthew 25:41-46 does not use the same words for life and punishment.
We can see in other parts of scriptures that the word "everlasting" is used to describe things that are temporal such as:
A. The Priesthood (Exodus 40:15)
B. The Mountains (Habakkuk 3:6)
Therefore we can refute the claim that Matthew 25: 41-46 supports ECT.
- Mark 3:29 Eternal Damnation and Blasphemy of the Holy Ghost
The phrase that is the closest to "eternal punishment" is the phrase "eternal damnation", which does appears in Mark 3:29. However it is important to read the full verse which says that anyone who does commit this sin is "in DANGER of eternal damnation" - not that they're definitely going to be damned forever. The verse is an idiom used by Jesus to emphasise how it would take as long as eternity if need be for the person to be saved.
There are many different views of what the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is. I hold onto a premillennialist view that it can't be committed by Christians but only by those during Jesus' first and second advent as blasphemy of the Holy Spirit means seeing Jesus face to face and attributing his works to a demon.
Those who commit the sins are in a state where they would not accept Jesus even if he appears to them which is why Jesus says they are "in danger of eternal damnation" as it would take as long as possible for the person to come out of that state and accept Christ.
Therefore we can see that no where does the KJV use the phrase "eternal punishment". The closest phrase that does appear is "eternal damnation" and even so Jesus uses it in a way that is conditional rather than absolute.
- Universal salvation in 1 Corinthians 15
Now finally we see in 1 Corinthians 15:22 which says "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive".
However that is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless more verses that reveal God's plan of universal restoration - I still need to do more research on this topic.
My main points were on how the KJV refutes the doctrine of eternal conscious torment.