Provisionism
A view held among orthodox Christians
A view, common among some Baptists, that God has provided salvation for all through Christ and that every person is able to respond to the gospel without a prior regenerating work.
Also called: Provisionist, Traditionalist soteriology, Traditional Baptist soteriology
What it means
Provisionism, sometimes called Traditionalism, holds that God loves every person, that Christ died for every person, and that salvation is provided for all. Through the gospel itself, the Spirit enables any hearer to respond in faith. Unlike classical Arminianism, it usually does not speak of a special prevenient grace; the gospel's own power is the enabling grace. Many Provisionists hold to eternal security once a person believes. Election is usually understood as God choosing Christ, and in Him all who believe, or as God choosing people for service.
Holders appeal to the universal offers of Scripture, God's pleading with sinners to turn and live, and Jesus' lament over Jerusalem's unwillingness. They believe this best protects God's love and justice and the reality of human responsibility.
The Reformed confessions differ sharply here. They teach that fallen people are unable to believe until God renews their hearts, and that faith is God's gift to the elect. Critics have argued that Provisionism's view of human ability comes close to semi-Pelagianism; Provisionists reject that charge, saying that God's grace through the gospel is necessary for any response.
In Scripture
God takes no pleasure in anyone's death and calls all to repent and live.
Jesus longed to gather Jerusalem's children, but they were not willing.
God sets life and death before His people and urges them to choose life.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Faith comes by hearing the message about Christ, which holders see as the means of enabling.
The Reformed reply cites Jesus' teaching that no one can come unless the Father draws him.
Where it comes up
On this site: Sovereignty & human responsibility
Related terms
ArminianismA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that God, by grace, enables every person to respond to the gospel, and elects to salvation those He foresees will freely believe.
CalvinismA view held among orthodox Christians
The teaching that salvation is wholly God's work, from His choosing of sinners before creation to His keeping them to the end.
Total depravityHistoric orthodoxy
Sin has affected every part of fallen human nature, so that no one can turn to God or please Him without His grace.
Semi-PelagianismSerious error
The teaching that sinners can take the first step toward God by their own power, after which God's grace helps them the rest of the way.