"Calvinist Manichean Gnostics" well your'e "Provisionist Pelagains": Even Scales?

             Sigh...

•            If you have been involved in the soteriological debate over the past few years, you have heard among the academic and scholarly discussion "Calvinism has some foundational  doctrines that originated in Manichean Gnosticism" I admit I say that, and believe it to be true. Though, neither I, or any apologist worth their salt call our Calvinist brothers "Manichean Gnostics" That would be uncharitable and not true. There are some folks who are vitriolic heresy hunters outright saying "Calvinism is Gnosticism" I have no interest in such irresponsible language. And those who align themselves with Provisionistic soteriology have not got that from our teaching, or mannerism. As a matter of fact they desparage any such behavior.

            In recent years Provisionists, like myself, have been called straight "Pelagian" and that Provisionistic Soteriology is "blatantly Pelagian" not the lesser evil: "Provisionism has some Pelagian over tones" or "Provisionism has some of its roots in Pelagainism" though better language, still untrue on all fronts. Our offence, and strong language, towards the Calvinistic and Lutheran scholars who say these things is immediately challenged with "you call Calvinists: Manichean Gnostics". And it seems that we have a double standard with quite a bit of special pleading.

Now this would be a heavy blow and a exposition of our hypocrisy if the "you do it too" fallacy, had equal scales. Equal scales meaning:

Left side of the scale:

 Is accusing Calvinists of being Manichean Gnostics because some of the Manichean philosophy agrees with some portions of Manicheanism.

Right side of the scale: 

Lutherans and Calvinists are calling Provisionists Pelagian because some of Pelagain teaching about the nature of man agrees with Provisionist doctrine.

Though seeming childish, atleast the scale measures even.

        Now, if the premise of this contention was true, then we would equally be ignorant and Provisionists especially would be extra hypocritical for being offended and calling people dishonest who say "we are Pelagian".

The problem is the premise is not the same, the scales are not equal, and one side is correct, in their argumentation, while the other is actually hypocritical for calling the other hypocritical.

1. No Provisionist scholar engaging in this says "Calvinism is Manichean Gnosticism" or "Calvinists are Gnostic" We maintain Calvinists as brothers, while we objectively prove; through peer reviewed scholarship; deterministic philosophy of Calvinism is rooted in Manichean Gnostic teaching. And not within the Church fathers for the first 400 years of Christendom.

2. The academic information brought forth about the philosophical deterministic Manichean teaching, finding it's way into Christianity, then defining Calvinisms basis (the sovereign decree; All things are predetermined; You have no free will; Your fate is sealed before your birth ect ect..) All are foundational in Calvinism, and all find their origin in Augustine who was a Manichean Gnostic for 10 years prior to being converted to Christ. These things are factual.

3. Our statements are rooted in actual data, thoroughly respected Reformed scholars affirm. Prior to this debate. We do not attribute to Calvinism nor Calvinistic scholars anything they do not teach, and have not taught with intentional documentation. Sources sited, sermons played, Confessions read out loud, debates time stamped.

This is contrasted with:

1. Calvinists and Lutherans have called Provisionism out right "Pelegain"; have called our scholars Pelagians; have used the term "Pelagian" to discredit and gaslight Provisionist scholars without any appeals to history, nor even a low level authority or the topic of Pelagianism.

2. Calvinists and Lutherans give no factual data on how Provisionistic understanding of Soteriology correlates with anything historically defined as Pelagian, nor any quotations from the names sake Pelagius. Because by definition; demonstrably; there is no Pelagain doctrine within our soteriology.  They have simply just said Provisionism is Pelagain. While admitting no knowledge of Provisionism; and or: "I do not listen or read your scholars" in regards to Provisionism.

3. Calvinists and Lutherans are saying that we teach specific Pelagian doctrines that we do not, have not, and even have rejected. These things are being said either ignorantly, or willfully, which either or is not responsible, nor even Christian apologetics. They have said we reject doctrines, or do not believe doctrine essential to Christian orthodoxy. Specifically that we deny grace is needed prior to faith. That is and has been demonstrated to be a false testimony against Provisionistic Soteriology.

       Right now I know one of my young Calvinistic brethren are objecting or thinking we are lying. Not heaven or hell could change your mind on that. Though, I am not lying. As a matter of fact I wish I was lying, so I could clear this up simply by saying "I am so sorry for misrepresenting your theology and calling you heretics, I was just passionate, and I did not know what I was talking about. I repent and apologize for any misrepresentation I put forth" I absolutely wish it was that easy. Because among Christians IT REALLY IS THAT EASY. I would hop on my repentance soap box so quickly to show I am a Christian who confesses, and asks for forgiveness when I speak in damaging ignorance.

But alas I can not do that for my Calvinistic brethren. Though I would do it for myself, for I know I can be wrong often.

Provisionist Apologist 

Kevin Kdot/Kevlar Henderson

Student at Trintiy College of the Bible and Theological Seminary

Provisionist Soteriology

Provisionist Soteriology

       The label "Provisionism" expresses the soteriology in one word. The term was coined by the Southern Baptist Traditionalist Dr. Leighton Flowers. It stems from the Southern Baptist Traditionalist Statement written by Dr. Eric Hankins. Because not all Provisionists hold to the Baptist Faith and Message, or are within the convention, the term Provisionism was coined to give a basis for the broad doctrinal distinctions, but united soteriology, outside of the SBC. 

       Provisionism is the soteriology that teaches God has "provided" the means of salvation for all people, through the Life, Death, and Resurrection of the Son of God. All who confess their sin trusting Jesus is Lord, are saved through faith in the Gospel. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

Article 1. The Nature of man: 

       Provisionists teach we are born fallen (psalm 51) sons and daughters of Adam. Though, by no means guilty of Adams sin (Romans 5:14) all are born with a nature, as such, that we will inevitably sin, and all do sin. We affirm original sin but as to its nature; Provisionists teach that judgement is only incurred by ones own sin, no one pays for the sin of their father, that includes our father Adam.  (Ezekiel 18:20) To be consice: We are born in Adam (Roman's 5:12-19) in his post fall nature. We affirm the original sin in the fall rendered men incapable to fulfill the Law, and effected all of humanity.  (Romans 3:23-15:22; Genesis 3) We deny one is born guilty of Adam's sin. We deny the fall rendered mans will incapable of 'responding positively' in faith to Gods initiation of reconciliation. We emphatically deny that anyone is empowered from birth to take the first step towards salvation. 

Article 2. Provisionism teaches Sola Fida "Faith Alone i.e., "Monergism" 

(We deny ones responsibility to believe equals "Synergism")

       Biblically, faith is not a work. It is in fact contrasted with works. Therefore, if defined Biblically: All who believe in faith alone are indeed "Monergists". This is in counter distinction to those who claim Monergism but require anything; including communion, baptism, and any keeping of the Law to acquire, or maintain salvation. (Romans 3:28; John 3:16; Ephesians 1:13)
Those who say they are Monergistic; yet say one must be baptized or take communion; adding anything to a positive faith in the Messiah are outside of Monergism and have redefined Monergism to mean Synergism.

Article 3. The Bible:

       Provisionism holds to Sola Scriptura and Prima Scriptura "Scripture Alone; Primary Scripture"
Scripture is the sole infallible source of authority for Christian faith and practice. Though, God is revealed in nature by all things proclaiming His glory and attributes (Roman's 1:20; Psalm 19) "Prima Scriptura" means Scripture is His "primary" source of revelation. There is no contradiction within God's mind and His Word. God's mind conforms with and reflects unequivocally what He has revealed in His Word. 

(Matthew 5:16; 1 Timothy 3:16; Romans 1)

(We reject that there is a secret will, that contradicts His revealed will in Scripture)

Article 4. The Atonement in Regards to Soteriology: 

(This doctrine does not negate any other natural or supernatural Biblical aspect of the Atonement, such as Christus Victor).

       
         By Christs substitutionary work on Calvary, God has provided the means of salvation to every single individual by being sacrificed for their sin, in fulfillment and the perfection, of the sacrificial statues defined in the Old Testament (Refrence: Leviticus 16) All the sins, of all the sons of Israel, were confessed over and laid upon the sacrifice. In the New Testament this is applied "to the world and whole world" (John 1:29; 1 John 2:2) Provisionism holds to what is titled "Provisional Atonement". All men are provided for but it is only applied to those who put their faith in the Son of God, receiving the provision willingly. (Revelation 22:17 Whosoever Will) We deny a Limited extent of the Atonement.

Theological Provisional Atonement Aspects:

The Extent: For the whole world (1 John 2:2)

The Intent: To save those who believe (John 3:16)

The Application: To the those who follow. e.g. "The Sheep"  (John 10:11)

Article 5. The Ordo Salutis:

      Provisionism teaches that grace is necessary prior to coming to faith. We deny this grace is "regeneration" prior to faith. The grace may be termed as "provided graces" plural, because there are multiple graces in Gods love for the world, and in Provisionistic Soteriology. These graces defined by Scripture::

Provided Graces 

• 1. The Law, for without it one would not know what sin was. (Romans 7:7;  Galatians 3) 
• 2. The Word of God, which cuts internally (1 Corinthians 14:24; Hebrews 4). 
• 
  
• 3. The Holy Spirits conviction of sin. (John 16:8 )
• 
  
• 4. The drawing of God. (John 12:32;  John 6:44; 6:45) 
• 
  
• 5. The Gospel itself. (Romans 1:16.)

Article 6.  Free Will and Divine Sovereignty: 

        Provisionism teaches that God in His free will has sovereignly decreed man should be free to exercise moral choice (Deuteronomy 30:15), and man from the beginning has fulfilled that decree by making his choice between good and evil. (Genesis 3:6-6:5) When he chooses to do evil, he does not thereby countervail the sovereign will of God but fulfills it, inasmuch as the eternal decree decided not which choice the man should make but that he should be free to make it. (Jeremiah 9:5)
-AW Tozer
We deny Gods sovereignty nessecitates our choices are determined and/or caused by God.

       Our free will is not outside of the realm of influence. We are influenced by good and evil, but the choice lays within the human. Because humans are created, uniquely, formed of dust; in the image of God, by God. (Genesis 2:7) While all other things in creation were spoken/decreed/commanded by the Word. The influences can only influence, these influences do not make decisions for the human. Provisionism defines "free will" as the ability to choose between avialible options. Though fallen, the fall did not result in ones ability to repent and have a positive faith in God. When presented with the prior provided graces as defined in the Ordo Salutis article.

Soteriology, Scripture, Predestination, and Interpretation.

For such a extreme doctrine that touches upon Soteriology, God's character, and the Church, simply providing 1 or 2, 3 or 4, 5 or even 6, proof texts that do not say "God predestines people to hell" but rather people interpret them that way will not do. As a non-Calvinist "Provisionist" here is my encouragement and thoughts about the title of this article.

       What we would need is just one text, interpreted thoroughly, within it's historical context, along with the whole context of the book it is being quoted out of, then down to the chapter and verse, then the Hebrew or Greek, and what did those words used meant to whom it was written too. What kind of text is it? is it narrative? is it poetic?,is it song? is it biographical?, Is it prophetic? is it Apocalyptic?, is it didactic? is it idiom? is it hyperbally? Is an enemy of God saying this? has it already been fulfilled? So many interpretive understandings need to be addressed. It is not as simple as quoting a verse to prove you theology.

        We need to know how to read the Bible, before we go on quoting texts, then interpreting them to mean something they do not say. Quote Scripture yes, there's simple truths in Scripture that are easily understood without going to deep into interpretation. But when it comes to what is called: "Double predestination, or the Decree of Reprobation, or Equal Ultimacy" This Reformed doctrine, John Calvin even called a "dreadful decree", which he could not comprehend, and made John Piper cry for months, you need to be well taught how to read and interpret Scripture before you quote verses saying that they teach such things.Many many cult leaders knew their Bible really well, and quoted it often. 

        Also, if Scripture indicates 1 certain event was predestined, like the crucifixion (Acts 2:23) that does not necessitate therefore everything is predestined, that would be going vastly beyond Scripture. God planning to send His Son to redeem men from sin does not equate that God predestined all the sins that His Son died for. That would make the cross meaningless. The actual practice of Sola Scriptura, not the creed, but actually adhereing to it in practice (though Sola Scriptura is a Creed itself) necessitates that when God has predestined 1 or 2 heck 5 or 6 events, that you should say God predestined those event's. 

       After reading a passage that says God has predestined one thing, you say, therefore; He predestined everything, that is going way beyond Scripture and telling folks God has predestined playboy, incest, murder, war everything. Nope, you can't do that. You need a passage of Scripture that actually undeniably says or teaches "God predestined all things before the foundation of the world" And it needs to actually say "before the foundation of the world" was when it was predestined, There are 1 or 2 passages that use use "before the foundation of the world" but they don't say "God predestined everything *before the foundation of the world" because somethings God makes a decision, in time, not before the foundation of the world, and predestines a event from that period in time. Critical reading brethren.

By: Kevin Henderson. 

John 17 Jesus prayer. Does Jesus only pray "for those given to Him"?

John Piper, Wayne Grudem, James White, and many more extremely influential Calvinists use John 17:9 

<<I am asking on their behalf; I am NOT asking on BEHALF of the WORLD, but on behalf of those whom you GAVE ME, because they are yours">>

They use the portion that says "I pray not on behalf of the world" to say that Jesus only ever prays for the "elect" given Him by the Father before the world was. But John 17 is a whole prayer, there is more things prayed for in John 17.

((If I was praying specific things for my wife alone. I would say "I'm praying these things for my wife, not other women" but then I went on a prayed for all other women, saying that I don't pray for other women because the first part of my prayer was for my wife, saying I don't pray for other women would be false right?))

That is what happens to John 17:9, lets look at the rest of the prayer to see if He only prays for "The elect" and not the "world"

John 17:20 “I ask NOT ONLY ON BEHALF OF THESE>> 

("THESE" are The 12 Apostles (minus Judas) who were there in the immediate context, He is only among the Apostles, the previous statements were in general, a prayer for them), (That contextual interpretation can be debated but you will loose😃😃😃)

<BUT ALSO on behalf of THOSE>> 

(making a distinction between the Apostles with Him at the moment, and the people who would come to believe, through the Apostles message)

<who will believe in me through "their word" 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, SO THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE SENT ME>>,

(That who may believe? "THE WORLD" And what is believing in Jesus? Salvation right? Believing in Jesus is always about salvation)

<. 22 The glory that You have given Me I have given "them">>

(What Glory? The power to cast out demons, to heal, to raise the dead, to do what Jesus did and more. Do we have the Glory of the Apostles? No, so clearly the intent of the author is directing this statement directly to the Apostles with Him, how that applies to us can be discussed, but contextually that is what is happening)

<So that they may be one, as we are one,
23 I in them and you in Me, that they may become completely one,SO THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW YOU SENT ME>>

(He prays for the Apostles, then for believers, then for the world 2 times)

<and have loved them even as you have loved Me>>. (end of prayer)

He prayed distinct things for all people. You see 2 times in John 17 Jesus goes on to pray for the "world" so when John 17:9 is quoted as a proof-text Jesus does not pray for the world, is a misinterpretation.

That is why the Scripture says "do not let many of you be teachers, for we all stumble in many ways" Because lots of people can (though well intending) have very wrong interpretations of Scripture. People need to be taught how to read Scripture like any other ancient document. You would not just pick up a old writing and take out sentences, and explain to people what the document means. So let's no do that with our most precious possession, our Bibles. -Kevin Henderson

Biblical refutation of "Limited Atonement"

      The reason why the doctrine of limited atonement is one of the most debated and contentious debates, is not because of emotion. It has been and always will be because Scripture. Scripture clearly teaches that Jesus died for the "sins" of all people. 

     Does Scripture teach Jesus died for everybody? Lets look at just one verse out of 12 that say yes He did.
"this is a trust worthy statement deserving of full acceptance, Christ came into the world to save sinners" -1 Timothy 1:15

The reason John Pipers Gospel begins with "Christ died for sinners" is because this verse. It begins with "this is a TRUSTWORTHY statement" so when Piper was asked about Limited Atonement, he was asked:"Can you tell anyone Christ died for YOU".He said;"That's not the New Testament Gospel. The New Testament Gospel is not Christ died for YOU, but Christ died for sinners"

      Now, within the same exact book of 1st timothy. 1st Timothy 4:9-10 we have the EXACT same terminology.

"9 This is a TRUSTWORTHY statement deserving of full acceptance 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe". -1st Timothy 4:9-10
   
Also within the book of 1st Timothy we get:

"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as ransom for ALL"- 1 Timothy 2:5-6


      A proper interpretive method is to interpret a verse first within the same book, (but only after you get the hermenutical context ie;. Historical context), then you broaden you theology to the rest of the Bible.Now many will say that this specific verse "who gave Himself a ransom for ALL" that this "all" means all without distinction, not all without exception. Now, even though the response "all without distinction, not all without exception" is semantically meaningless. And makes this "all" mean "some" because they mean "SOME of all kinds" which makes the term "all" meaningless.

Now, if we are to use proper interpretive methods and to be honest and submit to Scripture. We will look at how "all" is used within 1st Timothy:.

All people are either unbelievers or believers. That statement I just said can not mean "all people without distinction, not all without exception, are either unbelievers or believers".No. Clearly I am saying "ALL PEOPLE WITHOUT EXCEPTION ARE EITHER UNBELIEVERS OR BELIEVERS"

Now when 1st Timothy 4:9-10 says "who is the Savior of ALL PEOPLE especially of believers". Paul, is making the only universal distinction between unbelievers and believers, so that he can encompass all people without exception. 

So, clearly within 1st Timothy Paul means "all people" when He says "all, all men, all people" within 1st Timothy. 

Back to my initial point. Because 1 Timothy 1:15 says "this is a TRUSTWORTHY statement deserving of full acceptance, Christ died to save sinners" since we take that strongly and hold it with force because of the force with which Paul uses TRUSTWORTHY. We need to be consistent and also believe that it is just as TRUSTWORTHY and deserving of full acceptance that Jesus is the Savior of all people especially of believers" as it says in 1st tim 4:9-10 in the same book, with the same writer, with the same force. 
And the reason being He is the savior of ALL PEOPLE is because He gave Himself as a RANSOM FOR ALL, meaning He died for the sins of ALL, Like John 1:12 says, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of "the world" 

This does not necessitate universalism, it only necessitates that Jesus died for the sins of all people, and if you believe He rose from the dead and confess Him as Lord you will be saved.Jesus died for YOUR sins, believe and be ye saved.

Mormon beliefs Christian Apologetics.

   An Outline on LDS

Basic LDS apologetics/evangelism

1. What do Mormons believe about Jesus?

           1. Mormons have a very different view about Jesus but they affirm basic things Christians do.

                  a) LDS believe Jesus is the Son of God.

                  b) LDS believe Jesus was crucified for our sins.

                  c) LDS believe that Jesus rose from the grave.

                 

           2. What are the distinctives that separate them from being Christians?

                 a) LDS believe Jesus is the brother of Lucifer.

                 b) LDS do not believe Jesus is the only son of God there are many sons of God like Jesus.

                 c) LDS do not affirm Jesus as being equally God as the Father.

                d) LDS deny the Trinity.

                 e) LDS do not believe Jesus was from eternity uncreated.

                 f) LDS believe Jesus is the literally only begotten son of God the Fathers seed.

        

            3. What do LDS believe about God?

         (though the standard Mormon who knocks at your door doesn’t know these things his elders do. These are things    that should not be brought up while evangelizing a Mormon)

                 a) While they affirm there is only one God what they mean is there is only one God for this world.

                 b) LDS believe there are many gods.

                 c) LDS believe in eternal progression that they will become gods of there own worlds.

                 d) LDS believe the heavenly father "Elohim" has a body of flesh and blood like us.

                 e) LDS believe God was once a man like us and progressed to God hood.

                

1. What do LDS believe about the Bible?

 1. Mormons are beginning to defend their faith using the Bible.

      a) Mormons believe in the Bible as far "as it is translated correctly".

      b) Mormons do not believe the Bible is inerrant.

      c) Mormons do not believe it is the final Word of God.

      d) They believe "The Book of Mormon" is the final testament of Christ.

2. What kind of typical conversations will you have with a Mormon.

      a) They will speak of LDS being the "one true Church"

      b) They will speak of the Gospel being restored by Joseph Smith.

      c) They will speak of the priesthood being restored.

      d) They will not be confronting or on the offence.

      e) They will try to convince you they are Christians just a different denomination.

       f) They will talk about "The Gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ".

      g) They will tell you to pray and ask God if the LDS is the one true Church, you will feel a burning in you stomach.

Example of a apologetic

Problem: They are beginning to use the Bible much more and having answers for their faith. They are being able to predict what a Christian will say to them. They have standard answers for many of our arguments. We must take this matter in a extremely spiritual way beyond academic study. We must be full of the Spirit of God.

The academic problem is what they believe about the Bible. "its true as far as it is translated correctly" Therefore if something contradicts the Book of Mormon they can brush it of as a mistranslation. I have had that happen many times. For instance when you quote verses that proclaim the LORD is God and there is no other (Isaiah 44:6, Duet 4:35, psalm 86:10) They will respond that what it means is "the only God for this world"

Solution: In saying you desire to be like Christ you have to say Jesus believed the Torah was the perfect Word of God and not one jot or title would pass away. Therefore giving credence to the Torah. You must have some knowledge of the transmission  and preservation of the Bible. But Christ Himself says Heaven and earth will pass away but His Words will never pass away. (Matt:24-35 Luke 21:33) denoting the truth of the New Testament.

In truth Mormonism is Gnosticism with different terms.

The main focus about evangelizing a Mormon is recognizing the presence of God. While you speak acknowledge the Lord. Mormonism is demonic. Any faith saying the same lie Satan did in the garden "ye will be as gods" is demonic. The difference between JW's who use the Bible, and Mormons who use the Bible, is that we have the Spirit of God, who quickens our mind, and puts a blade on our words. Have a strong desire to prophecy even just in conversation so that the secrets of their heart is revealed and they will be cut to the heart and acknowledge God is with you (1 Corinthians 14:1, 14:24)

{HERE IS A EXAMPLE YOU CAN TAKE WHEN EVANGELIZING MORMONS)

We are told we need to defend the faith and preach the Gospel.

  

Theres good methods where you can guide the conversation to the Gospel.

Example #1 Say you work with a Mormon and sometimes you guys speak on spiritual matters.

One simple direct way to lead a conversation to the Gospel is simple asking "what is the Gospel?" to the Mormon you work with. Chances are he will speak of Joseph Smith restoring the Church and the priesthood.

Then you, as a Christian can say "well, for us our Gospel stems from 1 Corinthians 15. You should have this memorized and on the tip of your tongue always this is our foundation.

1 Corinthians 15:

Now I would remind you, brothers,1 of the gospel gI preached to you, which youreceived, hin which you stand, 2 and by which iyou are being saved, if you jholdfast to the word I preached to you—kunless you believed in vain.

3 For lI delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ diedmfor our sins nin accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raisedoon the third day pin accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that qhe appeared to Cephas,then rto the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time,most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared tosJames, then tto all the apostles. 8

From <https://www.esv.org/1+Corinthians+14/>

Since now you are leading the conversation you can say why this is so important to Christians and all men. This is the Gospel and it is the power of God for salvation. If the conversation keeps going you should show them why the importants of this Gospel, the Life, Death Burial and Resurrection is central to all men. By memorizing and sighting Romans 1:16

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

From <https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/rom/1/1/s_1047001>

John Wesley on Reformed Theology....

I have been charged with being divisive often over the issue of Calvinism. I know I may say some harsh things. But many modern Calvinists who have only become Calvinists because of charasmatic intellegent men like John Piper and James White have no idea that men they revere have said about Calvinism. Here one of the greatest preachers of all time who is said to have road over 200,000 miles on his horse for the Gospel thus gives his opinion of the Calvinist doctrines. You may think I am harsh but I am am putting lotion on a baby compared to John Wesley

-John Wesley
"
Thus manifestly does this doctrine tend to overthrow the whole Christian Revelation, by making it contradict itself; by giving such an interpretation of some texts, as flatly contradicts all the other texts, and indeed the whole scope and tenor of Scripture; — an abundant proof that it is not of God. But neither is this all: For, Seventhly, it is a doctrine full of blasphemy; of such blasphemy as I should dread to mention, but that the honour of our gracious God, and the cause of his truth, will not suffer me to be silent. In the cause of God, then, and from a sincere concern for the glory of his great name, I will mention a few of the horrible blasphemies contained in this horrible doctrine. But first, I must warn every one of you that hears, as ye will answer it at the great day, not to charge me (as some have done) with blaspheming, because I mention the blasphemy of others. And the more you are grieve with them that do thus blaspheme, see that ye “confirm your love towards them: the more, and that your heart’s desire, and continual prayer to God, be, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!”

1. This premised, let it be observed, that this doctrine represents our blessed Lord, “Jesus Christ the righteous,” “the only begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth,” as an hypocrite, a deceiver of the people, a man void of common sincerity. For it cannot be denied, that he everywhere speaks as if he was willing that all men should be saved. Therefore, to say he was not willing that all men should be saved, is to represent him as a mere hypocrite and dissembler. It cannot be denied that the gracious words which came out of his mouth are full of invitations to all sinners. To say, then, he did not intend to save all sinners, is to represent him as a gross deceiver of the people. You cannot deny that he says, “Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden.” If, then, you say he calls those that cannot come; those whom he knows to be unable to come; those whom he can make able to come, but will not; how is it possible to describe greater insincerity? You represent him as mocking his helpless creatures, by offering what he never intends to give. You describe him as saying one thing, and meaning another; as pretending the love which his had not. Him, in “whose mouth was no guile,” you make full of deceit, void of common sincerity; — then especially, when, drawing nigh the city, He wept over it, and said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, — and ye would not;” EthelEsa — kai ouk EthelEsate. Now, if you say, they would, but he would not, you represent him (which who could hear?) as weeping crocodiles’ tears; weeping over the prey which himself had doomed to destruction!

2. Such blasphemy this, as one would think might make the ears of a Christian to tingle! But there is yet more behind; for just as it honours the Son, so doth this doctrine honour the Father. It destroys all his attributes at once: It overturns both his justice, mercy, and truth; yea, it represents the most holy God as worse than the devil, as both more false, more cruel, and more unjust. More false; because the devil, liar as he is, hath never said, “He willeth all men to be saved:” More unjust; because the devil cannot, if he would, be guilty of such injustice as you ascribe to God, when you say that God condemned millions of souls to everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels, for continuing in sin, which, for want of that grace he will not give them, they cannot avoid: And more cruel; because that unhappy spirit “seeketh rest and findeth none;” so that his own restless misery is a kind of temptation to him to tempt others. But God resteth in his high and holy place; so that to suppose him, of his own mere motion, of his pure will and pleasure, happy as he is, to doom his creatures, whether they will or no, to endless misery, is to impute such cruelty to him as we cannot impute even to the great enemy of God and man. It is to represent the high God (he that hath ears to hear let him hear!) as more cruel, false, and unjust than the devil!

3. This is the blasphemy clearly contained in the horrible decree of predestination! And here I fix my foot. On this I join issue with every assertor of it. You represent God as worse than the devil; more false, more cruel, more unjust. But you say you will prove it by scripture. Hold! What will you prove by Scripture? That God is worse than the devil? It cannot be. Whatever that Scripture proves, it never proved this; whatever its true meaning be. This cannot be its true meaning. Do you ask, “What is its true meaning then?” If I say, ” I know not,” you have gained nothing; for there are many scriptures the true sense whereof neither you nor I shall know till death is swallowed up in victory. But this I know, better it were to say it had no sense, than to say it had such a sense as this. It cannot mean, whatever it mean besides, that the God of truth is a liar. Let it mean what it will, it cannot mean that the Judge of all the world is unjust. No scripture can mean that God is not love, or that his mercy is not over all his works; that is, whatever it prove beside, no scripture can prove predestination.

4. This is the blasphemy for which (however I love the persons who assert it) I abhor the doctrine of predestination, a doctrine, upon the supposition of which, if one could possibly suppose it for a moment, (call it election, reprobation, or what you please, for all comes to the same thing) one might say to our adversary, the devil, “Thou fool, why dost thou roar about any longer? Thy lying in wait for souls is as needless and useless as our preaching. Hearest thou not, that God hath taken thy work out of thy hands; and that he doeth it much more effectually? Thou, with all thy principalities and powers, canst only so assault that we may resist thee; but He can irresistibly destroy both body and soul in hell! Thou canst only entice; but his unchangeable decrees, to leave thousands of souls in death, compels them to continue in sin, till they drop into everlasting burnings. Thou temptest; He forceth us to be damned; for we cannot resist his will. Thou fool, why goest thou about any longer, seeking whom thou mayest devour? Hearest thou not that God is the devouring lion, the destroyer of souls, the murderer of men? Moloch caused only children to pass though the fire: and that fire was soon quenched; or, the corruptible body being consumed, its torment was at an end; but God, thou are told, by his eternal decree, fixed before they had done good or evil, causes, not only children of a span long, but the parents also, to pass through the fire of hell, the ‘fire which never shall be quenched; and the body which is cast thereinto, being now incorruptible and immortal, will be ever consuming and never consumed, but ‘the smoke of their torment,’ because it is God’s good pleasure, ‘ascendeth up for ever and ever.’ ”

5. O how would the enemy of God and man rejoice to hear these things were so! How would he cry aloud and spare not! How would he lift up his voice and say, “To your tents, O Israel! Flee from the face of this God, or ye shall utterly perish! But whither will ye flee? Into heaven? He is there, Down to hell? He is there also. Ye cannot flee from an omnipresent, almighty tyrant. And whether ye flee or stay, I call heaven, his throne, and earth, his footstool, to witness against you, ye shall perish, ye shall die eternally. Sing, O hell, and rejoice, ye that are under the earth! For God, even the mighty God, hath spoken, and devoted to death thousands of souls, form the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof! Here, O death, is they sting! They shall not, cannot escape; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Here, O grave is thy victory. Nations yet unborn, or ever they have done good or evil are doomed never to see the light of life, but thou shalt gnaw upon them for ever and ever! Let all those morning stars sing together, who fell with Lucifer, son of the morning! Let all the sons of hell shout for joy! For the decree is past, and who shall disannul it?”

6. Yea, the decree is past; and so it was before the foundation of the world. But what decree? Even this: “I will set before the sons of men ‘life and death, blessing, cursing.’ And the soul that chooseth life shall live, as the soul that chooseth death shall die.” This decree whereby “whom God did foreknow, he did predestinate,” was indeed from everlasting; this, whereby all who suffer Christ to make them alive are “elect according to the foreknowledge of God,” now standeth fast, even as the moon, and as the faithful witnesses in heaven; and when heaven and earth shall pass away, yet this shall not pass away; for it is as unchangeable and eternal as is the being of God that gave it. This decree yields the strongest encouragement to abound in all good works and in all holiness; and it is a well-spring of joy, of happiness also, to our great and endless comfort. This is worthy of God; it is every way consistent with all the perfections of his nature. It gives us the noblest view both of his justice, mercy, and truth. To this agrees the whole scope of the Christian Revelation, as well as all the parts thereof. To this Moses and all the Prophets bear witness, and our blessed Lord and all his Apostles. Thus Moses, in the name of his Lord: “I call heaven and earth to record against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that thou and thy seed may live.” Thus Ezekiel: “choose life, that thou and thy seed may live;” Thus Ezekiel: (To cite one Prophet for all) “The soul that sinneth, it shall die: The son shall not bear” eternally, “the iniquity of the father. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” (18:20) Thus our blessed Lord: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.” (John 7:37) Thus his great Apostle, St. Paul: (Acts 17:30) “God commandeth all men everywhere to repent; — “all men everywhere;” every man in every place, without any exception either of place or person. Thus St. James: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5) Thus St. Peter: (2 Pet. 3:9) “The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” And thus St. John: ” If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father; and he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1, 2)

7. O hear ye this, ye that forget God! Ye cannot charge your death upon him! “‘Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?’ saith the Lord God.” (Ezek. 18:23ff.) “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions where by ye have transgressed, — for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God. Wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked. — Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11)

Source (John Wesley Exegeting 1 timothy 2:4)