Provisionism

[Carbon]

Does everyone know what Provisionism is? It is good to get familiar with it, it can be very deceptive.​

​

I believe it is heresy.​

I used this article from Monegism.

​

Understanding Provisionism: A Theological Perspective​

Provisionism is a relatively new theological stance within Christian circles, gaining prominence through the work of theologian Leighton Flowers and adopted by many Southern and Independent Baptists. Though it bears similarities to Arminianism and Semi-pelagianism, it also has distinct differences, particularly regarding views on eternal security and prevenient grace. At its core, Provisionism emphasizes the sufficiency of the gospel—God’s Word empowered by the Holy Spirit—to enable a response from all who hear the call to be reconciled with God (John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12).

Core Tenets of Provisionism​

Provisionism can be summarized by the acrostic PROVIDE:

• People sin: Sin has separated all from fellowship with God.
• Responsible: Humans are able to respond to God's appeals for reconciliation.
• Open door: Anyone may enter by faith; whosoever will may come to God’s open arms.
• Vicarious atonement: Christ's atoning sacrifice provides a way for anyone to be saved.
• Illuminating grace: God's grace reveals truth clearly so that all can know and respond in faith.
• Destroyed: Those who do not believe and resist the Holy Spirit face destruction.
• Eternal security: True believers are secure in their salvation eternally.

Differences from Classical Reformed Theology​

Provisionism diverges significantly from classical Reformed theology on several key points, particularly concerning total depravity, irresistible grace and limited atonement.

1. Total Depravity and Irresistible Grace: While Reformed theology posits that humanity is so corrupted by sin that they willfully reject Christ and salvation apart from God's merciful intervention to renew their hearts (John 3, 6:63. 65, 37) Provisionism asserts that all people, though sinful, are responsible and capable of responding to God's universal call to salvation (Titus 2:11).
2. Limited Atonement: Reformed theology teaches that Christ died with the intent to save the elect, those predestined by God for salvation, as indicated in passages like John 17 and Revelation 5:9. Provisionism rejects this, holding that Christ’s atonement was for all humanity, as indicated in passages like 1 John 2:2 and Romans 10:11-13.

Theological Implications​

Provisionism’s stance leads to several theological positions that differentiate it from both Calvinism and traditional Arminianism:

• Moral Nature Post-Fall: Provisionism maintains that the Fall did not fundamentally alter human moral nature but rather removed humanity from the light of God, which, if accessed, humans can still perceive. Unlike Arminianism, it denies a complete loss of ability that needs to be restored through prevenient grace.
• Salvation Instruments: It posits that external instruments like the gospel message are sufficient for salvation, rejecting the necessity of any supernatural internal work, including the non-effectual prevenient grace espoused by Arminians.
• Atonement’s Scope: The atonement did not purchase a change of heart prerequisite to faith for anyone, not even the elect. This contrasts with the Calvinist view that the atonement is effective for the elect and with Arminianism, which holds that prevenient grace enables a faith response.
• Sin Imputation: Adam’s sin is not immediately imputed to humanity. People are deemed sinners only after personal sin, inheriting non-condemnatory consequences rather than a sinful nature.
• Election: There is no individual election unto salvation; rather, it is the concept that people may be saved by faith, indefinite regarding specific individuals.
• Foreknowledge: God’s definite foreknowledge is accepted, but its basis remains unknown and is not grounded in divine being, foresight, or choices between possible worlds.
• Distribution of Salvation: The uneven distribution of saved individuals across time and geography underscores ultimate self-determination and libertarian free will.
• Equal Desire for Salvation: God desires all individuals to be saved equally but does not grant equal access to the gospel, which influences the probability of salvation.
• Open Theism: Provisionism does not view open theism as heretical, instead advocating for a sympathetic and inclusive stance toward open theists within the church community.

Conclusion​

Provisionism presents a distinct theological framework that emphasizes human responsibility and the universal scope of Christ's atonement. It challenges classical Reformed doctrines by asserting the sufficiency of the gospel and the capability of all individuals to respond to God's call. While it remains outside the bounds of traditional Reformed orthodoxy, it offers a perspective that aligns closely with many Southern and Independent Baptist beliefs, promoting a theology that underscores the universal offer of salvation and eternal security for believers.

 

[Arial]

Does everyone know what Provisionism is? It is good to get familiar with it, it can be very deceptive.​

​

I believe it is heresy.​

I used this article from Monegism.

​

Understanding Provisionism: A Theological Perspective​

Provisionism is a relatively new theological stance within Christian circles, gaining prominence through the work of theologian Leighton Flowers and adopted by many Southern and Independent Baptists. Though it bears similarities to Arminianism and Semi-pelagianism, it also has distinct differences, particularly regarding views on eternal security and prevenient grace. At its core, Provisionism emphasizes the sufficiency of the gospel—God’s Word empowered by the Holy Spirit—to enable a response from all who hear the call to be reconciled with God (John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12).

Core Tenets of Provisionism​

Provisionism can be summarized by the acrostic PROVIDE:

• People sin: Sin has separated all from fellowship with God.
• Responsible: Humans are able to respond to God's appeals for reconciliation.
• Open door: Anyone may enter by faith; whosoever will may come to God’s open arms.
• Vicarious atonement: Christ's atoning sacrifice provides a way for anyone to be saved.
• Illuminating grace: God's grace reveals truth clearly so that all can know and respond in faith.
• Destroyed: Those who do not believe and resist the Holy Spirit face destruction.
• Eternal security: True believers are secure in their salvation eternally.

Differences from Classical Reformed Theology​

Provisionism diverges significantly from classical Reformed theology on several key points, particularly concerning total depravity, irresistible grace and limited atonement.

1. Total Depravity and Irresistible Grace: While Reformed theology posits that humanity is so corrupted by sin that they willfully reject Christ and salvation apart from God's merciful intervention to renew their hearts (John 3, 6:63. 65, 37) Provisionism asserts that all people, though sinful, are responsible and capable of responding to God's universal call to salvation (Titus 2:11).
2. Limited Atonement: Reformed theology teaches that Christ died with the intent to save the elect, those predestined by God for salvation, as indicated in passages like John 17 and Revelation 5:9. Provisionism rejects this, holding that Christ’s atonement was for all humanity, as indicated in passages like 1 John 2:2 and Romans 10:11-13.

Theological Implications​

Provisionism’s stance leads to several theological positions that differentiate it from both Calvinism and traditional Arminianism:

• Moral Nature Post-Fall: Provisionism maintains that the Fall did not fundamentally alter human moral nature but rather removed humanity from the light of God, which, if accessed, humans can still perceive. Unlike Arminianism, it denies a complete loss of ability that needs to be restored through prevenient grace.
• Salvation Instruments: It posits that external instruments like the gospel message are sufficient for salvation, rejecting the necessity of any supernatural internal work, including the non-effectual prevenient grace espoused by Arminians.
• Atonement’s Scope: The atonement did not purchase a change of heart prerequisite to faith for anyone, not even the elect. This contrasts with the Calvinist view that the atonement is effective for the elect and with Arminianism, which holds that prevenient grace enables a faith response.
• Sin Imputation: Adam’s sin is not immediately imputed to humanity. People are deemed sinners only after personal sin, inheriting non-condemnatory consequences rather than a sinful nature.
• Election: There is no individual election unto salvation; rather, it is the concept that people may be saved by faith, indefinite regarding specific individuals.
• Foreknowledge: God’s definite foreknowledge is accepted, but its basis remains unknown and is not grounded in divine being, foresight, or choices between possible worlds.
• Distribution of Salvation: The uneven distribution of saved individuals across time and geography underscores ultimate self-determination and libertarian free will.
• Equal Desire for Salvation: God desires all individuals to be saved equally but does not grant equal access to the gospel, which influences the probability of salvation.
• Open Theism: Provisionism does not view open theism as heretical, instead advocating for a sympathetic and inclusive stance toward open theists within the church community.

Conclusion​

Provisionism presents a distinct theological framework that emphasizes human responsibility and the universal scope of Christ's atonement. It challenges classical Reformed doctrines by asserting the sufficiency of the gospel and the capability of all individuals to respond to God's call. While it remains outside the bounds of traditional Reformed orthodoxy, it offers a perspective that aligns closely with many Southern and Independent Baptist beliefs, promoting a theology that underscores the universal offer of salvation and eternal security for believers.

I don't have time to address specific issues---it is very deceptive in that it sounds right and logical---so for now I will just say that in arriving at its positions it steps away, as in does not take into account, a solid doctrine of God that is consistent with what he reveals of himself in the Bible.

 

[Carbon]

I don't have time to address specific issues---it is very deceptive in that it sounds right and logical---so for now I will just say that in arriving at its positions it steps away, as in does not take into account, a solid doctrine of God that is consistent with what he reveals of himself in the Bible.

Agreed!

 

[fastfredy0]

Premise 1: Vicarious atonement: Christ's atoning sacrifice provides a way for anyone to be saved.
Premise 2: Salvation Instruments: It posits that external instruments like the gospel message are sufficient for salvation,
Premise 3: Not everyone hears the gospel during their lifetime
Conclusion: Either premise 1 or premise 2 is false

Premise 1: Foreknowledge: God’s definite foreknowledge is accepted, but its basis remains unknown and is not grounded in divine being,
Premise 2: From nothing, nothing comes
Premise 3: Before time was created there was God alone
Conclusion: God must determine all things. Note: "the basis remains unknown" of premise 1 is shown to be false but provisionism doesn't have and answer so they go to the old stand by "it's a mystery / it unknown"

Premise 1: Eph. 2:8-9 salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ, not by one's own works
Premise 2: Work is defined as a physical or mental activity to accomplish a purpose
Premise 3: Open door: Anyone may enter by faith; whosoever will may come to God’s open arms. (where I assume saving faith is
self-generated; not a gift of God and would therefore by defined as a 'work')
Conclusion: Premise 1 and 3 are in conflict ... I doubt it's Premise 1

 

[Arial]

Core Tenets of Provisionism​

Provisionism can be summarized by the acrostic PROVIDE:

• People sin: Sin has separated all from fellowship with God.

It has more than separated us from fellowship with God. A doctrine of God is "In the beginning God created....." Everything belongs to him and he is sovereign over it. We were made in his image and likeness. Therefore our number one responsibility is to care for creation and one another always morally in line with his moral character. In that condition, he dwelt with us. It was not just about fellowship, it was about duty. It was Adam's breach of that responsibility that separated us from the source of life itself. We live, but everything under the sun is vanity and then we die, utterly condemned by the one who made us. Unless....... And the whole of creation was subjected to futility because of it. The "P" of Provisionism does not consider the holiness of God or how great the degree of our treason.

Responsible: Humans are able to respond to God's appeals for reconciliation.

They have the natural capacity to do so, but they are unwilling and they cannot accept the things of God. The Provisionist view is in direct contradiction to a number of scriptures.
1 Cor 2:14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because the are discerned only through the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is not given to everyone. He indwells the believer, one who has been reborn of the Spirit. (John 3) Jesus says no one can enter the kingdom of heaven unless and until he is born again of the Spirit.

Also God does not make appeals for reconciliation. That would undermine a sound doctrine of God. He demands loyalty and obedience. He is not a beggar who would appeal to us to please, please, please love and obey him. As though in that one place he is powerless. It is those who preach the gospel who are appealing to those who hear it to be reconciled to God.

More later.

 

[Carbon]

Premise 1: Vicarious atonement: Christ's atoning sacrifice provides a way for anyone to be saved.
Premise 2: Salvation Instruments: It posits that external instruments like the gospel message are sufficient for salvation,
Premise 3: Not everyone hears the gospel during their lifetime
Conclusion: Either premise 1 or premise 2 is false

And your answer is?

 

[Carbon]

Premise 1: Vicarious atonement: Christ's atoning sacrifice provides a way for anyone to be saved.

I disagree with that. By ignoring many explicit truths in God's word, one could come to this conclusion however.

Premise 2: Salvation Instruments: It posits that external instruments like the gospel message are sufficient for salvation,
Premise 3: Not everyone hears the gospel during their lifetime
Conclusion: Either premise 1 or premise 2 is false

Now I believe we agree, that there is no deficiency in the gospel. But the presentation of the gospel message does not of itself compel faith.

 

[ElectedbyHim]

Does everyone know what Provisionism is? It is good to get familiar with it, it can be very deceptive.​

​

I believe it is heresy.​

I used this article from Monegism.

​

Understanding Provisionism: A Theological Perspective​

Provisionism is a relatively new theological stance within Christian circles, gaining prominence through the work of theologian Leighton Flowers and adopted by many Southern and Independent Baptists. Though it bears similarities to Arminianism and Semi-pelagianism, it also has distinct differences, particularly regarding views on eternal security and prevenient grace. At its core, Provisionism emphasizes the sufficiency of the gospel—God’s Word empowered by the Holy Spirit—to enable a response from all who hear the call to be reconciled with God (John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12).

Core Tenets of Provisionism​

Provisionism can be summarized by the acrostic PROVIDE:

• People sin: Sin has separated all from fellowship with God.
• Responsible: Humans are able to respond to God's appeals for reconciliation.
• Open door: Anyone may enter by faith; whosoever will may come to God’s open arms.
• Vicarious atonement: Christ's atoning sacrifice provides a way for anyone to be saved.
• Illuminating grace: God's grace reveals truth clearly so that all can know and respond in faith.
• Destroyed: Those who do not believe and resist the Holy Spirit face destruction.
• Eternal security: True believers are secure in their salvation eternally.

Differences from Classical Reformed Theology​

Provisionism diverges significantly from classical Reformed theology on several key points, particularly concerning total depravity, irresistible grace and limited atonement.

1. Total Depravity and Irresistible Grace: While Reformed theology posits that humanity is so corrupted by sin that they willfully reject Christ and salvation apart from God's merciful intervention to renew their hearts (John 3, 6:63. 65, 37) Provisionism asserts that all people, though sinful, are responsible and capable of responding to God's universal call to salvation (Titus 2:11).
2. Limited Atonement: Reformed theology teaches that Christ died with the intent to save the elect, those predestined by God for salvation, as indicated in passages like John 17 and Revelation 5:9. Provisionism rejects this, holding that Christ’s atonement was for all humanity, as indicated in passages like 1 John 2:2 and Romans 10:11-13.

Theological Implications​

Provisionism’s stance leads to several theological positions that differentiate it from both Calvinism and traditional Arminianism:

• Moral Nature Post-Fall: Provisionism maintains that the Fall did not fundamentally alter human moral nature but rather removed humanity from the light of God, which, if accessed, humans can still perceive. Unlike Arminianism, it denies a complete loss of ability that needs to be restored through prevenient grace.
• Salvation Instruments: It posits that external instruments like the gospel message are sufficient for salvation, rejecting the necessity of any supernatural internal work, including the non-effectual prevenient grace espoused by Arminians.
• Atonement’s Scope: The atonement did not purchase a change of heart prerequisite to faith for anyone, not even the elect. This contrasts with the Calvinist view that the atonement is effective for the elect and with Arminianism, which holds that prevenient grace enables a faith response.
• Sin Imputation: Adam’s sin is not immediately imputed to humanity. People are deemed sinners only after personal sin, inheriting non-condemnatory consequences rather than a sinful nature.
• Election: There is no individual election unto salvation; rather, it is the concept that people may be saved by faith, indefinite regarding specific individuals.
• Foreknowledge: God’s definite foreknowledge is accepted, but its basis remains unknown and is not grounded in divine being, foresight, or choices between possible worlds.
• Distribution of Salvation: The uneven distribution of saved individuals across time and geography underscores ultimate self-determination and libertarian free will.
• Equal Desire for Salvation: God desires all individuals to be saved equally but does not grant equal access to the gospel, which influences the probability of salvation.
• Open Theism: Provisionism does not view open theism as heretical, instead advocating for a sympathetic and inclusive stance toward open theists within the church community.

Conclusion​

Provisionism presents a distinct theological framework that emphasizes human responsibility and the universal scope of Christ's atonement. It challenges classical Reformed doctrines by asserting the sufficiency of the gospel and the capability of all individuals to respond to God's call. While it remains outside the bounds of traditional Reformed orthodoxy, it offers a perspective that aligns closely with many Southern and Independent Baptist beliefs, promoting a theology that underscores the universal offer of salvation and eternal security for believers.

A lot of crazy in that teaching and heresy.

 

[Arial]

Open door: Anyone may enter by faith; whosoever will may come to God’s open arms.

Depends on what they mean by "anyone". If they mean everyone can of their own volition and desire, which I am pretty sure they do, then it violates the doctrine of God and the scriptures. No one does enter except through faith, and by grace, but that faith is not of ourselves, it is a gift of God, so that no one can boast. So saying that the faith is not a gift but the person's own volition apart from God, is boasting.

It violates the doctrine of God, because it pictures God subject to the whims and will of fallen, sinful humans; standing aside powerless to save, his grace impotent, a lonely old man longing to embrace all sinners. God says differently.

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Is 55:10-11) Therefore grace accomplishes what he sends it to do.

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. (John 6:35-37) (44) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. (64-65) "But there are some of you who do not believe." (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him." And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father."

So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father , who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. (John 10:24-29)

"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:14-15)

For those whom he foreknew he also predestines to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those who he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

 

[Carbon]

Depends on what they mean by "anyone".

Amen to that!

 

[fastfredy0]

Re: Premise 1: Vicarious atonement: Christ's atoning sacrifice provides a way for anyone to be saved.

I disagree with that. By ignoring many explicit truths in God's word, one could come to this conclusion however.

I'm not sure if you're saying that Premise 1 is false or you are disagreeing with me when I imply Premise 1 is false.

Where's Kamala to sort out this word salad. *giggle*

Now I believe we agree, that there is no deficiency in the gospel. But the presentation of the gospel message does not of itself compel faith.

Agreed. But my point is that the lack of the presentation of the Gospel ensures one goes to hell. (skip 'age of accountability' possibility)

 

[Arial]

Vicarious atonement: Christ's atoning sacrifice provides a way for anyone to be saved.

Again, the language is very deceptive. It is a true statement in one sense and a false statement in another.

It is true that no persons are excluded on grounds of ethnicity, nation, station in life, number or degree of sins, occupation etc. And it is also true that it is possible in only one way---Christ atoning work of Christ.

It is false if it asserts that anyone can choose to have faith or have it in themselves without a work of God in them first. (John 3) It is false if it asserts that everyone can have a desire for Christ. The Bible says the opposite. No one can because they are dead in their trespasses and sins and happy to be there. They are in that condition until and unless God brings them to life. (Eph 2:1-9)

Illuminating grace: God's grace reveals truth clearly so that all can know and respond in faith.

It isn't grace that reveals truth clearly, it is the Holy Spirit. It is grace that sends the Holy Spirit. And he is not sent to all. 1 Cor 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. That is not in a letter written to everyone, but to those who already believe. And it is a question begging statement of Provisionism. If all can clearly know the truth when they hear/read it, then they already believe it. And isn't believing what gives eternal life? There is no option of response in that other than believing.

 

[Carbon]

Re: Premise 1: Vicarious atonement: Christ's atoning sacrifice provides a way for anyone to be saved.

I'm not sure if you're saying that Premise 1 is false or you are disagreeing with me when I imply Premise 1 is false.

Where's Kamala to sort out this word salad. *giggle*



Agreed. But my point is that the lack of the presentation of the Gospel ensures one goes to hell. (skip 'age of accountability' possibility)

I disagree with premise 1: "Christ's atoning sacrifice provides a way for anyone to be saved."

As far as I am concerned, this statement points to man's sovereign ability. Christ provided a way, now all that has to happen is man making the right decision because it is up to him.

 

[Carbon]

Again, the language is very deceptive.

Indeed.

 

[Carbon]

Where's Kamala to sort out this word salad. *giggle*

Ahh, she went bye bye.

 

[Carbon]

It isn't grace that reveals truth clearly, it is the Holy Spirit.

Amen to that!

 

[fastfredy0]

I disagree with premise 1: "Christ's atoning sacrifice provides a way for anyone to be saved."

As far as I am concerned, this statement points to man's sovereign ability. Christ provided a way, now all that has to happen is man making the right decision because it is up to him.

Agreed.

 

[makesends]

Does everyone know what Provisionism is? It is good to get familiar with it, it can be very deceptive.​

​

I believe it is heresy.​

I used this article from Monegism.

​

Understanding Provisionism: A Theological Perspective​

Provisionism is a relatively new theological stance within Christian circles, gaining prominence through the work of theologian Leighton Flowers and adopted by many Southern and Independent Baptists. Though it bears similarities to Arminianism and Semi-pelagianism, it also has distinct differences, particularly regarding views on eternal security and prevenient grace. At its core, Provisionism emphasizes the sufficiency of the gospel—God’s Word empowered by the Holy Spirit—to enable a response from all who hear the call to be reconciled with God (John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12).

Core Tenets of Provisionism​

Provisionism can be summarized by the acrostic PROVIDE:

• People sin: Sin has separated all from fellowship with God.
• Responsible: Humans are able to respond to God's appeals for reconciliation.
• Open door: Anyone may enter by faith; whosoever will may come to God’s open arms.
• Vicarious atonement: Christ's atoning sacrifice provides a way for anyone to be saved.
• Illuminating grace: God's grace reveals truth clearly so that all can know and respond in faith.
• Destroyed: Those who do not believe and resist the Holy Spirit face destruction.
• Eternal security: True believers are secure in their salvation eternally.

Differences from Classical Reformed Theology​

Provisionism diverges significantly from classical Reformed theology on several key points, particularly concerning total depravity, irresistible grace and limited atonement.

1. Total Depravity and Irresistible Grace: While Reformed theology posits that humanity is so corrupted by sin that they willfully reject Christ and salvation apart from God's merciful intervention to renew their hearts (John 3, 6:63. 65, 37) Provisionism asserts that all people, though sinful, are responsible and capable of responding to God's universal call to salvation (Titus 2:11).
2. Limited Atonement: Reformed theology teaches that Christ died with the intent to save the elect, those predestined by God for salvation, as indicated in passages like John 17 and Revelation 5:9. Provisionism rejects this, holding that Christ’s atonement was for all humanity, as indicated in passages like 1 John 2:2 and Romans 10:11-13.

Theological Implications​

Provisionism’s stance leads to several theological positions that differentiate it from both Calvinism and traditional Arminianism:

• Moral Nature Post-Fall: Provisionism maintains that the Fall did not fundamentally alter human moral nature but rather removed humanity from the light of God, which, if accessed, humans can still perceive. Unlike Arminianism, it denies a complete loss of ability that needs to be restored through prevenient grace.
• Salvation Instruments: It posits that external instruments like the gospel message are sufficient for salvation, rejecting the necessity of any supernatural internal work, including the non-effectual prevenient grace espoused by Arminians.
• Atonement’s Scope: The atonement did not purchase a change of heart prerequisite to faith for anyone, not even the elect. This contrasts with the Calvinist view that the atonement is effective for the elect and with Arminianism, which holds that prevenient grace enables a faith response.
• Sin Imputation: Adam’s sin is not immediately imputed to humanity. People are deemed sinners only after personal sin, inheriting non-condemnatory consequences rather than a sinful nature.
• Election: There is no individual election unto salvation; rather, it is the concept that people may be saved by faith, indefinite regarding specific individuals.
• Foreknowledge: God’s definite foreknowledge is accepted, but its basis remains unknown and is not grounded in divine being, foresight, or choices between possible worlds.
• Distribution of Salvation: The uneven distribution of saved individuals across time and geography underscores ultimate self-determination and libertarian free will.
• Equal Desire for Salvation: God desires all individuals to be saved equally but does not grant equal access to the gospel, which influences the probability of salvation.
• Open Theism: Provisionism does not view open theism as heretical, instead advocating for a sympathetic and inclusive stance toward open theists within the church community.

Conclusion​

Provisionism presents a distinct theological framework that emphasizes human responsibility and the universal scope of Christ's atonement. It challenges classical Reformed doctrines by asserting the sufficiency of the gospel and the capability of all individuals to respond to God's call. While it remains outside the bounds of traditional Reformed orthodoxy, it offers a perspective that aligns closely with many Southern and Independent Baptist beliefs, promoting a theology that underscores the universal offer of salvation and eternal security for believers.

Occurs to me to mention, and I hope this isn't taken as Off Topic, the quote from, I think, an old Puritan, something along the lines that to add, in worship, to what God says about himself, is to detract from his glory. To me, that is what Provisionism does. It is an attempt to combine some scripture to non-scripture by human means. It is equivocation and sophistry at best, but more like, heresy.

I think it was @Arial that expressed the deceptiveness of it. It feels to me like wolves among the flock. I'm glad it has a name, so that people might be skeptical of the whole of it, it being relatively new on their horizon, and not just skeptical of individual tenets that are hard to pin down. Maybe most believers in my acquaintance want to worship and not be discerning or careful. If it sounds good, they are all for it.

 

[Carbon]

Occurs to me to mention, and I hope this isn't taken as Off Topic, the quote from, I think, an old Puritan, something along the lines that to add, in worship, to what God says about himself, is to detract from his glory. To me, that is what Provisionism does. It is an attempt to combine some scripture to non-scripture by human means. It is equivocation and sophistry at best, but more like, heresy.

I think it was @Arial that expressed the deceptiveness of it. It feels to me like wolves among the flock. I'm glad it has a name, so that people might be skeptical of the whole of it, it being relatively new on their horizon, and not just skeptical of individual tenets that are hard to pin down. Maybe most believers in my acquaintance want to worship and not be discerning or careful. If it sounds good, they are all for it.

I believe it was Leighton Flowers who came up with it. He also has a hatred for reformed theology. He is good to steer clear of.

 

[makesends]

I believe it was Leighton Flowers who came up with it. He also has a hatred for reformed theology. He is good to steer clear of.

Lol, sometimes my conscience gets after me for my biases, but sometimes not. I can't stand the sight of his face. Just feels off kilter somehow (to put it nicely).