Frequently Asked Questions # 16

ARE THESE TWO FACTS CONTRADICTORY?

FACT Number 1— The so-called "universalistic" texts speak of a certain-to-be-realized salvation as Calvinists have consistently maintained, and they do so in terms of all persons as Arminians have always affirmed (see Chapter 1).

FACT Number 2 — All persons, except Jesus Christ, are liable for and polluted by the imputed sin of Adam (inherited sin). However, the Scriptures neither teach nor imply that anyone is consigned to eternal damnation solely on the basis of their sin in Adam apart from actual, willful, and persistent sin on the part of the person so consigned (see Chapter 2).

     I received this question from an highly regarded internationally known theologian. There is reticence on the part of many to agree with the premise of Evanngelical Inclusivism because the first two Biblical Facts that I offer to support this view (see INTRODUCTION) are contrardictory.

Dear Neal,

As to the reticence, it may be due to a feeling that what you are proposing is not coherent. The two biblical facts are contradictory. If the first is true, all must be saved. But according to the second they are not. It is repugnant to believe contraries. Would this explain the reticence?

God Bless,     (signed)

 

My Response: The two facts' are not contradictory. I invariably I refer to the passages (e.g. Romans 5:18) as the "SO-CALLED" universalistic passages because they are not universals. They are generalizations. A generalization is a universal declaration that has known exceptions. Therefore it is not so that 'If the first is true, all must be saved.'

     The three major theological traditions have made the error of viewing these passages as "true universals" having no exceptions:

ABSOLUTE UNIVERSALISTS — salvation is for all persons without any exception.

ARMINIANS — say there is a potential or possible salvation for all persons without any exception.'

TRADITIONAL CALVINISTS — have made the same error. They say those passages refer to 'All elect persons without any exception.'

     We make a very serious error either if we do not accept what these passages say or if we refuse to recognize the exceptions that are found in the broader context of the bible. The clearest example of the Bible using generalizations is I Cor. 15:27 "For he 'has put everything under his feet.'  Now when it (the Bible) says that 'everything' has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself who put everything under Christ."

      This principle must be applied to Hebrews 2:8 "In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him." Even in the Scriptures universal statements may have exceptions (see Posting #3).

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