Does Ephesians 1:9-10 Prove Universalism?

In Ephesians 1:9-10, it states: "making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth," (Ephesians 1:9-10 ESV). Paul — the author of Ephesians (q.v. Ephesians 1:1) — tells us it is the Lord's plan to unite all things to Him: both things in Heaven and the earth. Universalists, which are people who believe all will be saved, argue this passage tells us that all things, including those who have rejected Christ, will become one with Him. This interpretation, however, misunderstands the passage.

As Barnes writes: "All things - τὰ παντά ta panta. ... But it seems to me that Paul did not use this word without design. All "things" are placed under Christ, Ephesians 1:22; Matthew 28:18, and the design of God is to restore harmony in the universe. Sin has produced disorder not not only in "mind," but in "matter." The world is disarranged. The effects of transgression are seen everywhere; and the object of the plan of redemption is to put things on their pristine footing, and restore them as they were at first. Everything is, therefore, put under the Lord Jesus, and all things are to be brought under his control, so as to constitute one vast harmonious empire. The amount of the declaration here is, that there is hereafter to be one kingdom, in which there shall be no jar or alienation; that the now separated kingdoms of heaven and earth shall be united under one head, and that henceforward all shall be harmony and love. The things which are to be united in Christ, are those which are "in heaven and which are on earth." Nothing is said of "hell." Of course this passage cannot teach the doctrine of universal salvation, since there is one world which is not to have a part in this ultimate union.

In Christ - By means of Christ, or under Him, as the great head and king. He is to be the great agent in effecting this, and he is to preside over this united kingdom. In accordance with this view the heavenly inhabitants, the angels as well as the redeemed, are uniformly represented as uniting in the same worship, and as acknowledging the Redeemer as their common head and king; Revelation 5:9-12," (Barnes).

To summarize, Barnes explains that only Earth and Heaven will become one in Him, but not those in Hell. This would specifically qualify as a rejection of Universalism. The idea here is that he will be one with all in the New Earth and New Heaven. There will be new ones of each, and in these, God will be one once again with his creation (q.v. Revelation 21:1).

As The Pulpit Commentary also iterates: "all things, whether they be things in heaven or things on earth. There is no hint here of a universal restoration. Such a notion would be in fiat contradiction to the doctrine of Divine election, which dominates the whole passage. God's purpose is to form a united kingdom, consisting of the unfallen and the restored - the unfallen in heaven, and the restored on earth, and to gather this whole body together under Christ as its Head (see Ephesians 3:15). We cannot say that this purpose has been fully effected as yet; but things are moving towards it, and one day it will be wholly realized".

References:

Barnes' Notes on the New Testament. United Kingdom, Kregel Publications, 1962.

The Pulpit Commentary, Volume 6. United States, Delmarva Publications, Inc., 2015.