“The tax collectors and prostitutes will enter the kingdom of God before you.” Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 21:31.
He does not say: “Some of them,” “A few of them,” “The best among them.” This is a huge theological signal.
“The Tax Collectors and Prostitutes” — A Universal Scope
He speaks of them as a class—as a group.
In biblical language, this kind of phrasing often points to representative humanity: people who are morally broken, socially rejected, and spiritually lost. From a universalist perspective, this matters deeply.
It suggests:
Jesus is talking about entire categories of lost people being restored—not a lucky remnant.
These are precisely the people society had written off. And Jesus says, in effect:
“Every group you think is beyond hope is within God’s saving reach.”
That’s a huge theological signal.
“Before You” — A Sequence, Not a Separation
This is one of the strongest universalist clues in the verse.
Jesus says: “They will enter before you.”
He does not say:
- “Instead of you”
- “And you never will”
- “But you are excluded”
“Before” implies order, not exclusion. In Greek, it indicates sequence in time, not permanent division.
So the structure is:
- Group A enters first
- Group B enters later
Not:
- Group A enters
- Group B is damned forever
If Jesus believed the priests were eternally lost, this was the perfect moment to say so. But He didn’t. He left the door open.
Repentance as a Process, Not a One-Moment Test
In universalist theology, repentance is real, necessary, and transformative—but not limited to one brief earthly window. Scripture repeatedly shows God working patiently across time.
“The Lord is not slow… but is patient, not wanting any to perish.” (2 Peter 3:9)
From this view:
- Some repent early (like many “sinners” did in Jesus’ ministry)
- Some repent later (like hardened religious leaders)
- Some repent after death (as Scripture suggests in 1 Peter 3 and 4)
But all are being pursued.
Peter 3:18–20 and 4:6 — The Post-Mortem Gospel
These passages are crucial.
1 Peter 3:18–20
Christ:
“went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison…” (Those destroyed in Noah’s flood)
1 Peter 4:6
The gospel was preached:
“even to the dead…”
This shows:
- Christ’s saving work is not stopped by death
- God’s mercy reaches beyond the grave
- Judgment is not the end of opportunity
Within universalism, these verses confirm that God continues His redemptive mission until repentance is achieved. So when Jesus says “before you,” it naturally fits: Some will respond now. Others later. Some even after death.
But God keeps working.
The Religious Leaders Are Not Written Off
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees harshly—but never hopelessly.
He weeps over Jerusalem.
He calls them “blind guides,” not “lost causes.”
He says they “shut the kingdom” but does not say it is permanently shut to them.
And later, we see:
- Pharisees like Nicodemus.
- Priests in Acts who believe.
- Paul himself (a Pharisee) transformed.
They become living proof that “after you” still means “eventually.”
God’s Character Supports This Reading
Universalism is not built on isolated verses. It’s built on who God is revealed to be in Christ:
- Perfect Love (1 John 4:8)
- The Good Shepherd who seeks until He finds (Luke 15)
- The Savior of the world (John 4:42)
- The One who draws (literally “drags”) all people to Himself (John 12:32) and never overrides their free will.
If God truly desires all to be saved—and has the power to accomplish His will—then “before you” fits perfectly into His long, patient rescue plan.
Matthew 21:31 as a Snapshot of God’s Redemptive Timeline
From a universalist lens, this verse becomes a miniature picture of salvation history:
Stage 1 — The Broken Repent First
Tax collectors and prostitutes:
- Repent early
- Enter first
- Experience salvation with its resulting grace now.
Stage 2 — The Proud Resist
Religious leaders:
- Resist
- Delay
- Harden hearts
Stage 3 — God Keeps Working
Through discipline, truth, correction, and love:
- Pride is broken
- Blindness is healed
- Repentance comes.
Stage 4 — All Are Restored
Eventually:
“Every knee bows, every tongue confesses” (Philippians 2:10–11)
Not forced
Not fake
But reconciled.
In Plain Language
Put simply, Jesus is saying:
“The people you think are hopeless are finding God now…
You, who think you’re secure, are lagging behind…
But God isn’t done with any of you.”
That fits universal reconciliation beautifully.
No one is excluded…
Some are early…
Some are late…
But Jesus keeps chasing.
Why This Matters Pastorally
This reading doesn’t weaken holiness.
It strengthens hope.
It says:
- To the broken: “You’re welcome now.”
- To the proud: “You’re not lost forever.”
- To everyone: “God will not give up on you.”
It turns Matthew 21:31 into a promise, not just a warning.
To continue to part 2 click here: https://thefallacyofhell.com/2026/02/14/from-prostitute-to-princess/
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