When it comes to verses like Romans 5:18, 1 Timothy 4:10, John 12:32, Colossians 1:20, etc that indicate that ALL will be saved; theologians, pastors, and teachers are quick to point out that the Greek word "pas" doesn't always mean "all" (every). It can mean "as many as" or "many".
Now, the above verses I referenced DO say that all will be saved and reconciled to God. However, I contend that most Christians don't believe it and don't want to believe it. They will gladly believe the "all" verses like Romans 3:23 "all have sinned and fallen short..." that say ALL sinners BUT reject the verses that say ALL (same word) will be saved.
Let's look at how scripture is read with a biased viewpoint by most Christians. Let's consider Romans 5:18:
"Consequently, then, as it was through one offense for all mankind for condemnation, thus also it is through one just award for all mankind for life's justifying."
Now, the word "all" (pas) which CAN mean "every" or can mean "as many as" is found twice in this one verse. They are separated by a "thus also" making them the same "all" AND making the two groups of "all" affected in the same manner by the actions of the two men.
BUT, Christians say that while all (every) man was affected by Adam; not all (every) man will be affected by Jesus.
This is nothing short of intellectual dishonesty!!!
It should be noted that "all" doesn't always mean "every" but we have to be consistent.
Let's look at a verse that shows an "all" that doesn't mean "every".
Mark 1:5 says that all were baptized but we KNOW that at least the Pharisees and Sadducees weren't baptized.
So, "all" doesn't always mean "every"; BUT did you know that you can show (scripturally) that God will save ALL without relying on the word "all" meaning "every"?
It really boils down to believing:
A. God doesn't lie (Titus 1:2)
"in expectation of life eonian, which God, Who does not lie, promises before times eonian,"
B. that if God declares He WILL do something or that something WILL come to pass, it WILL happen (Isaiah 46:10)
"Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:"
C. that it is God's pleasure that all men will be saved (1 Tim.2:3-6).
"for this is ideal and welcome in the sight of our Saviour, God, 4 Who wills that all mankind be saved and come into a realization of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one Mediator of God and mankind, a Man, Christ Jesus, 6 Who is giving Himself a correspondent Ransom for all (the testimony in its own eras),"
When it comes to the 3 points above there is a real conundrum if you do not believe "all" (every) man will be saved.
If one does not believe point A (God will not lie), it is pointless to discuss B or C.
If one does not believe point B (if God declares/WILLS something to be; it WILL be); then, point C (He desires all be saved) becomes moot and point A is untrue; making God a liar.
If one does not believe point C (God desires all to be saved), then point B (what God WILLS/declares to be; WILL be) may still be true but point A is untrue (making God a liar).
This isn't a hypothetical or abstract exercise. It is something that must be considered if you are interested in truth and claim to believe God.
Don't rely on the traditions of men and their creeds. Don't rely on spurious translations. Look into what words meant to the writers of scripture.
In other words, "study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who need not be ashamed; rightly dividing the word of truth".
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