Romans 8:18-23 is my proof:

“In my estimation, all that we suffer in the present time is nothing in comparison with the glory which is destined to be disclosed for us, for the whole creation is waiting with eagerness for the children of God to be revealed. It was not for its own purposes that creation had frustration imposed on it, but for the purposes of him who imposed it – with the intention that the whole creation itself might be freed from its slavery to corruption and brought into the same glorious freedom as the children of God. We are well aware that the whole creation, until this time, has been groaning in labour pains. And not only that; we too, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we are groaning inside ourselves, waiting with eagerness for our bodies to be set free.” (New Jerusalem Bible).

Rógvi

The passage that Paul quotes from the OT is a divine oath from Isa 45 in which YHWH calls all the nations to come to him and be saved. He then swears that every knee will bow and every tongue swear oaths in his name. This is a passage about the salvation of all the gentiles who have survived the judgment. In Philippians 2 Paul expands the horizons of this promise to include not just all the living but all all of the dead (those under the earth). ALL will bow the knee. Notice also that for Paul confessing the Lordship of Christ is a salvific thing (cf. Rom 10). There is nothing in this text about forced submission.

Pax

Gregory

There is a good case to be made for seeing universal salvation in Philippians 2 (see my book). However, it is not an irresistable case (not much is) – if one is committed to traditional hell then one can always say that some will be forced to bow the knee. However, exegetically the universalist has a much easier time in Philippians 2 than the traditionalist. That said, with some other texts the boot is on the other foot so one cannot gloat. In the end, wider theological considerations come into play and lead people one way or the other. I have no problem with other Christians thinking I am wrong on this. That’s fine by me – after all, I think I must be wrong about quite a few things so best not to get too precious about it.

Pax

Gregory

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Gregory

So, bowing the knee and confessing Jesus is Lord doesn’t necessarily mean all will be saved, right?

Although – perhaps that was what the author meant.

I don’t know.

Great Q. Perhaps we should not think of God’s wrath in terms of his feeling angry towards people (like the Father is a bad-tempered old man). God’s wrath may better be thought of as an activity of God rather than his feelings – his handing people over to experience the consequences of their sin. God’s wrath remains on a person if they remain in their sin and rebellion against God. This does not mean that God does not love them or desire to save them. Indeed, John’s gospel is quite clear that the Father does love and desire to save those upon whom his wrath currently rests. You see the same thing in Eph 2 where Paul speaks of how Christians were once ‘children of wrath’ BUT NOW …
Christ embodies God’s love for the sinners and his opposition to sin. Also remember that Christ’s mission was not to judge and condemn the world but to save the world (as John also says) and so he embodies the Father’s heart for saving a world under condemnation.

This only begins to suggest an answer to your great question but I hope it sets your own thoughts of in something like a helpful direction.

Pax

Gregory