Provisionism is a relatively new theological stance within Christian circles, gaining prominence through the work of theologian Leighton Flowers and adopted by many Southern and Independent Baptists. Though it bears similarities to Arminianism and Semi-pelagianism, it also has distinct differences, particularly regarding views on eternal security and prevenient grace. At its core, Provisionism emphasizes the sufficiency of the gospel—God’s Word empowered by the Holy Spirit—to enable a response from all who hear the call to be reconciled with God (John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12).
Core Tenets of Provisionism
Provisionism can be summarized by the acrostic PROVIDE:
- People sin: Sin has separated all from fellowship with God.
- Responsible: Humans are able to respond to God's appeals for reconciliation.
- Open door: Anyone may enter by faith; whosoever will may come to God’s open arms.
- Vicarious atonement: Christ's atoning sacrifice provides a way for anyone to be saved.
- Illuminating grace: God's grace reveals truth clearly so that all can know and respond in faith.
- Destroyed: Those who do not believe and resist the Holy Spirit face destruction.
- Eternal security: True believers are secure in their salvation eternally.
Differences from Classical Reformed Theology
Provisionism diverges significantly from classical Reformed theology on several key points, particularly concerning total depravity, irresistible grace and limited atonement.
Total Depravity and Irresistible Grace: While Reformed theology posits that humanity is so corrupted by sin that they willfully reject Christ and salvation apart from God's merciful intervention to renew their hearts (John 3, 6:63. 65, 37) Provisionism asserts that all people, though sinful, are responsible and capable of responding to God's universal call to salvation (Titus 2:11).
Limited Atonement: Reformed theology teaches that Christ died with the intent to save the elect, those predestined by God for salvation, as indicated in passages like John 17 and Revelation 5:9. Provisionism rejects this, holding that Christ’s atonement was for all humanity, as indicated in passages like 1 John 2:2 and Romans 10:11-13.
Theological Implications
Provisionism’s stance leads to several theological positions that differentiate it from both Calvinism and traditional Arminianism:
Moral Nature Post-Fall: Provisionism maintains that the Fall did not fundamentally alter human moral nature but rather removed humanity from the light of God, which, if accessed, humans can still perceive. Unlike Arminianism, it denies a complete loss of ability that needs to be restored through prevenient grace.
Salvation Instruments: It posits that external instruments like the gospel message are sufficient for salvation, rejecting the necessity of any supernatural internal work, including the non-effectual prevenient grace espoused by Arminians.
Atonement’s Scope: The atonement did not purchase a change of heart prerequisite to faith for anyone, not even the elect. This contrasts with the Calvinist view that the atonement is effective for the elect and with Arminianism, which holds that prevenient grace enables a faith response.
Sin Imputation: Adam’s sin is not immediately imputed to humanity. People are deemed sinners only after personal sin, inheriting non-condemnatory consequences rather than a sinful nature.
Election: There is no individual election unto salvation; rather, it is the concept that people may be saved by faith, indefinite regarding specific individuals.
Foreknowledge: God’s definite foreknowledge is accepted, but its basis remains unknown and is not grounded in divine being, foresight, or choices between possible worlds.
Distribution of Salvation: The uneven distribution of saved individuals across time and geography underscores ultimate self-determination and libertarian free will.
Equal Desire for Salvation: God desires all individuals to be saved equally but does not grant equal access to the gospel, which influences the probability of salvation.
Open Theism: Provisionism does not view open theism as heretical, instead advocating for a sympathetic and inclusive stance toward open theists within the church community.
Conclusion
Provisionism presents a distinct theological framework that emphasizes human responsibility and the universal scope of Christ's atonement. It challenges classical Reformed doctrines by asserting the sufficiency of the gospel and the capability of all individuals to respond to God's call. While it remains outside the bounds of traditional Reformed orthodoxy, it offers a perspective that aligns closely with many Southern and Independent Baptist beliefs, promoting a theology that underscores the universal offer of salvation and eternal security for believers.