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)
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.
Provided Graces
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::
Article 6. Free Will and Divine Sovereignty:
-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.
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