Leighton Flowers' book, "The Potter's Promise," represents a key text in Provisionist theology, outlining a case against Reformed theology and advocating for a framework that emphasizes human autonomy and a universal provision of salvation. However, a closer examination reveals several significant flaws in this approach, both exegetically and systematically. This critique aims to address these issues, contrasting them with the robust theological foundations of Reformed theology.
Lack of Exegetical Depth
One of the primary criticisms of Provisionism, as presented by Flowers, is its superficial engagement with Scripture. Rather than grounding his arguments in thorough exegesis, Flowers often assumes his premises—namely, that Reformed theology is inherently flawed and that human autonomy must be upheld—without substantial scriptural support. This approach is evident throughout "The Potter's Promise," where scriptural passages are frequently reinterpreted to fit pre-existing assumptions rather than allowing the text to speak for itself.
In contrast, Reformed theology, as exemplified by commentators like Charles Hodge, deeply engages with the biblical text. Hodge's commentary on Ephesians 1, for instance, provides a comprehensive exegesis that upholds the doctrines of election and predestination within the broader context of God's sovereignty and grace. Hodge meticulously examines the text, demonstrating how Paul's language and theological framework affirm God's sovereign choice in salvation.
Systematic Inconsistencies
Provisionism also suffers from a lack of systematic coherence. As noted, its theological framework often resembles a "buffet" approach, picking and choosing doctrines to create a system that aligns with desired conclusions rather than a cohesive theological whole. This piecemeal method results in significant gaps and inconsistencies, particularly in relation to theology proper and Christology.
Flowers' argument can be summarized as follows:
- God is love.
- Therefore, God cannot help but love His creation.
- Therefore, God must provide salvation for all humans.
- Therefore, God respects human choice.
This sequence of logic is flawed in several respects. Firstly, it abstracts the concept of God's love from the broader context of His nature and attributes, leading to a sentimentalized and speculative understanding. Reformed theology maintains that God's love is intrinsic to His triune nature and directed towards His glory. By making God's love an abstract principle, Provisionism diverts it from its biblical and theological foundation.
Moreover, the transition from God's universal provision of salvation (step 3) to the necessity of human choice (step 4) lacks a clear logical connection. Provisionists fail to address why, if God's love necessitates a provision of salvation for all, it would inherently require human autonomy in the process of salvation. This disconnect reveals an underlying assumption that human freedom must be preserved at all costs, even if it compromises the coherence of the theological system.
The Problem of Fallen Angels
An often overlooked but significant issue is the Provisionist failure to address the status of fallen angels. If God's love and provision necessitate a universal offer of salvation for all rational beings, then, logically, this should extend to fallen angels. However, Scripture makes it clear that no such provision exists for them. Jude 1:6 states, "And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day." This selective application of God's salvific will exposes a critical inconsistency in the Provisionist argument.
Misunderstanding God's Sovereignty
Provisionists often operate under the assumption that God's will necessarily displaces human will, thereby making genuine human freedom impossible if God is truly sovereign. This perspective implicitly reduces God to a creaturely status, as it suggests that God's actions must compete with human actions in a zero-sum game. However, Reformed theology posits that God's sovereignty and human responsibility are compatible. God's will operates on a different plane of existence and does not negate human will; rather, it ensures the fulfillment of His purposes through human actions.
Corporate and Individual Aspects of Election
Provisionism tends to emphasize the corporate aspect of election to the exclusion of individual election. This perspective can lead to an impersonal view of God's relationship with His people, where God's love is directed toward an abstract group rather than individual believers. Reformed theology, particularly through its covenantal framework, harmonizes the corporate and individual aspects of election. God's covenantal dealings with humanity encompass both the community of believers and the specific individuals within that community.
Romans 5:8 states, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This verse highlights that God's love and Christ's atoning work are directed towards individuals in their sinful state, affirming both the personal and communal dimensions of God's redemptive plan.
Conclusion
Provisionism, as articulated by Leighton Flowers in "The Potter's Promise," fails to provide a robust, coherent theological system. Its lack of exegetical depth, systematic inconsistencies, and flawed assumptions about God's nature and sovereignty reveal significant weaknesses. In contrast, Reformed theology offers a well-rounded, biblically grounded framework that upholds God's sovereign grace and the meaningful responsibility of human beings within the context of divine election and predestination. As such, it provides a more faithful and comprehensive understanding of God's redemptive work in Christ.