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How did Origen explain his idea of universal salvation?

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Fresco The Last Judgment by Michelangelo covers the west wall of the Sistine Chapel, depicting Christ at the center surrounded by angels and human figures in dramatic poses. — eschatology The Second Coming as depicted in “The Last Judgment,” fresco by Michelangelo, 1536-41, on the west wall of the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Palace, Vatican City.

Origen’s concept of universal salvation is rooted in his belief in the absolute goodness of God and the free will of rational beings. He viewed redemption as a grand, providential education designed to restore all souls to their original blessedness.1

Key aspects of his explanation include:

Remedial Punishment: Origen argued that God does not coerce, but rather uses punishment with a reformative, pedagogical intention. He believed that hell cannot be an absolute state because God cannot abandon any creature; therefore, punishments are temporary measures to purge and sanctify souls.1
The School of Souls: He described the church and the afterlife as a "school of souls," where the process of atonement continues through a "purging baptism of fire" until all rational beings are subdued to Christ.1
Persistence of Freedom: Because free will is an inalienable characteristic of rational creatures, Origen maintained that no soul—not even Satan—is so depraved that it is beyond the reach of God’s love.1

Ultimately, Origen believed that God’s love would triumph, though he speculated that because the redeemed remain free, the entire cosmic drama could potentially begin again.1