Comparing The Dominant Doctrines Of Calvinism, Arminianism, Provisionism, Open Theism, Molinism And Biblicism

Critics say it is heretical because it is works-based and diminishes the grace of God and is actually inconsistent universalism that teaches the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not sovereign enough and not powerful enough to save and keep those who become Born-Again even though God desires to save all and the death of Jesus atones for the sins of all (1 Timothy 2:4,6; John 1:20; James 5:19-20; 1 John 2:2).

PROVISIONISM

Within Arminianism, there is a rapidly growing school of thought known as Provisionism that agrees with the Arminian view of free will and salvation yet holds a positive belief in eternal security and agrees that the Gospel is the Word of God, which is sufficient in itself, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to enable a response in all who hear God's appeal to be reconciled to Him (John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12).

The Provisionist disagrees with the doctrines of total depravity, irresistible grace, and limited atonement and believes that all people are sinful and responsible for their sins and for answering God's universal call for a person to be saved because the Bible teaches that Jesus died for all people and He desires all of humanity to be saved which is why God promises to save any who come to Him in faith (Luke 5:32, 19:10; Romans 10:11–13; 1 John 2:2; 1 Timothy 2:4-6; Titus 2:11; Revelation 22:17).

Provisionism can be summarized with the acrostic PROVIDE.

P - People Sin

This separates all from fellowship with God; therefore, a divine provision became necessary. (Gen 3:15-24; Isa 59:2; Rom 5:12; Heb 9:22)

R - Responsible

Everyone is able to respond to God's appeals for reconciliation because a divine provision will be heard and understood. (Deut 30:11-19; Matt 23:37; Luke 8:12; Rom 2:4; Heb 3:7-8)

O - Open Door

Divine provision is offered impartially to all, for anyone to enter through faith, for whoever may come to the open arms of Jesus. (Isa 55:1-7; John 3:16; Rom 10:12, 1 Tim 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9)

V - Vicarious Atonement

This is the divine provision given of sufficient value for the sins of the whole world and provides a way for anyone to be saved based on the shed blood of Jesus. (Isa 53:1-12; John 12:32-33; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Tim 2:5-6; 1 John 2:2)

I - Illuminating Grace

The Divine provision is offered sufficiently to all and provides clearly revealed truth so that people can know and respond in faith. (Job 33:12-30; John 1:9; Rom 1:16-2:10-12; Heb 10:39)

D - Destroyed

For unbelief and resisting the drawing of the Holy Spirit to God's mercy will be the divine provision for justice. (John 3:18,12:48; 2 Thess 1:6-9,2:10-12; Heb 10:39)

E - Eternal Security

Is the divine provision that everlasting life is for all who are Born-Again (John 3:3, 5:24; Romans 8:38-39; 2 Cor 1:20-22; Eph 1:13-14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)

Critics say that Provisionism is not Arminianism but is closer to Semi-Pelagianism because it denies original sin (guilt) and says that humans are not charged with sin until they actually start sinning and then are granted sufficient grace (prevenient grace) to be able to believe the Gospel. They deny a prior work of grace is needed, and God merely provided a way of salvation, so it is up to the person to choose salvation. The Provisionist cannot proclaim that God absolutely accomplishes all He desires and saves all He desires to save.