"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). 
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• 3. The Holy Spirits conviction of sin. (John 16:8 )
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• 4. The drawing of God. (John 12:32;  John 6:44; 6:45) 
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• 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.