Thursday, July 27, 2023

Soteriology101 and the Necessity of Grace

 A twitter user with the handle, The Arminians, provided a quotation from Ryerson, (citation and link added, and wording of the quotation updated to reflect the original by TF, original is shown in the screenshot below):

... they differ ... from the Pelagians, by holding the doctrine of human depravity—the natural corruption of the human heart, and human inability, without Divine grace, to turn from sin to holiness—teaching at the same time, that a sufficient measure of grace is given to every man to profit withal ... 

-Ryerson 1882 (The Canadian Methodist Magazine, "Canadian Methodism; Its Epochs and Characteristics," "Essay III: the Supernatural Character of Canadian Methodism," p. 221)

Soteriology101 responded:

Provisionists would agree with this statement but only with the caveat that “divine grace” would include all the means God employs to call sinners to reconciliation, most especially including the inspiration and dispersion of his gospel appeal. 

Some have pushed back on this caveat saying that is not the “normal meaning” of divine grace in these historical discussions. I understand that, but it is our contention that this IS the problem. Speaking of the aid of divine grace while presuming the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing the gospel isn’t included as a necessary and sufficient divine grace is a huge and unbiblical omission. 

If nothing else, for clarity sake, one holding to this position should say, “Despite all of the divine grace that brought us both general and special revelation (ie creation, the conscience, the law written upon our heart, the incarnation, the death burial and resurrection, the inspiration of scripture, the dispersion of the gospel, the Holy Spirit indwelling of the bride of Christ, etc) making Himself abundantly clear and all men without excuse, the corruption of men is so great that even more divine grace is needed than what has been provided in all the divine graces listed above.

Notice the clear admission: "that is not the “normal meaning” of divine grace in these historical discussions. I understand that, but it is our contention that this IS the problem." 


A second is like unto it:

Soteriology101 wrote (copy of now-current version of the tweet, with a screenshot below):

Calvinist: God decided all will be born unable to believe but will effectuate faith in some. 

Arminian: God decided all will be born unable to believe but He will give that ability back to everyone. 

Provisionist: That premise ☝️was introduced into the church in the 5th century and cannot be established by the Scriptures. 

God graciously created us in His image with the capacity to accept or reject His revealed truth. He didn’t determine or even allow for all humanity to lose this innate capacity to believe divine revelation only to reestablish it.

Notice the clear denial of the necessity of grace to restore man's ability in preparation for faith. 





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