Does God Love All or Some? Comparing Biblical Extensivism and Calvinism’s Exclusivism
Ebook
The term "extensivism" describes my position regarding the doctrine of salvation. Specifically, extensivism believes that man was created in the image of God with otherwise choice; God's salvation plan involves an all-inclusive unconditional offer of salvation to every person, reception of which is conditioned upon grace-enabled faith rather than Calvinism's exclusive plan of a limited actual offer of salvation to only the unconditionally elected. Generally, it replaces the term "non-Calvinism." These are the five primary objectives of the book: First, my considerations would result in a deeper understanding of God. Second, I will demonstrate that God salvationally loves every single person. Third, I intend to offer a precise and respectful critique of Calvinism's internal and biblical inconsistencies (these are largely due to its commitment to compatibilism and unconditional election). Fourth, I will demonstrate that God's free choice to endow man with libertarian freedom is a more biblical perspective. Fifth, because a significant percentage of people who become Calvinists do not actually understand Calvinism, I seek to present Calvinism and extensivism in language that is precisely and consistently reflective of the commitments of each perspective regarding God's sovereignty, salvific love, foreknowledge, and man's freedom; this so a person can make an informed choice about Calvinism.
“From the pen of a seasoned pastor and thoughtful former
Calvinist—this book peels back the layers of obfuscation that often
encrust the hard realities of what is entailed in Calvinistic
theology. This is probably the most penetrating summary critique of
the biblical, theological, logical, and practical incongruences
inherent in Calvinistic theology I have read. Rogers goes beyond
the surface level of criticism to the deeper layers of
contradictions, exposing the soft underbelly of much of Reformed
theology. Irenic, respectful, yet thoroughly probing, this is a
must read for all who want to understand the issues more
deeply.”
—David L. Allen, Dean, School of Preaching, Southwestern Baptist
Theological Seminary
“Does God Love All or Some? should be required reading for
all students preparing for ministry. Ronnie Rogers covers an array
of topics that, unfortunately, are all-too-often neglected in
theological education and personal conversations. From persuasively
correcting the mythical narrative that one must be either an
Arminian or a Calvinist to tackling the illogical fallacy of
compatibilism, the author, with wit and balance, shares his
personal theological journey and works through the maze of biblical
complexities. I wish such a volume was available when I attended
seminary years ago.”
—Emir Caner, President, Truett McConnell University, Professor of
History and Christian Studies
“I highly recommend this latest work by Ronnie Rogers to you. The
ministry the Lord has worked through this man (his church, his
other writings, and most obvious to me in my work at Criswell
College, the people he has influenced) is truly remarkable and
itself merits paying attention to his writings. But his treatment
of the extensive nature of the atonement also deserves attention
because he has written it as a person formerly ensconced in the
doctrines of grace. His familiarity with the issues relevant to
those who really are trying to work their way through Scripture,
theology, and ministry is apparent in individual chapters dealing
with so many of the nuances involved in addressing the question. I
am grateful he has shared the gleanings of his own journey with the
Christian community.”
—Barry Creamer, President, Criswell College
- Title: Does God Love All or Some? Comparing Biblical Extensivism and Calvinism’s Exclusivism
- Authors: Ronnie W. Rogers, Adam Harwood
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2019
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781532681790, 9781532681776, 9781532681783, 1532681798, 1532681771, 153268178X
- Resource ID: LLS:9781532681790
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T14:54:08Z
Ronnie W. Rogers is the pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in
Norman, Oklahoma. He has presented at the Oxford International
Round Table Symposiums and has authored five other books. He has
also served as president of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention;
chairman of the Board of Trustees at Midwestern Baptist Theological
Seminary; and chairman of the Nominating Committee of the Southern
Baptist Convention. He interacts with current events at
ronniewrogers.com. He is married with two married daughters and
five grandsons.