inclusionism

The Myth of Exclusionism

February 26, 2018 // 65 Comments

I know what you’re thinking. “Clear my diary because I’ve been waiting for someone to write about exclusionism. Finally!” No, you’re probably not thinking that at all. You’re thinking, “What’s exclusionism?” Exclusionism, in the context of grace, is a myth, a yeti. It’s a fake gospel. And [...]

Is humanity righteous? (Romans 5:18-19)

June 27, 2015 // 109 Comments

If I gave you a million dollars, how would you react? If you were poor, you’d be thrilled. You’d thank me and tell all your friends how awesome I am. But if you were Bill Gates you might say, “Meh. Add it to the pile.” How you react to a gift reflects your need for that gift. Which is why I am dismayed [...]

50 scriptures inclusionism can’t explain

December 12, 2014 // 70 Comments

“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” (Heb 2:1) Being careless with God’s word can cause people to drift away. This is why I am opposed to the doctrine of inclusion for it distorts and twists scripture and, as a result, some have drifted away. [...]

Inclusionism – What harm is it?

July 16, 2014 // 83 Comments

When I wrote about the dangers of inclusionism two years ago, few people cared. When I wrote again last year, everybody did. In this high-speed world, much can change in a short time. You probably know by now that inclusionism teaches that everyone – whether they believe it or not – was included in Christ’s [...]

10 Reasons Why the Doctrine of Inclusion is not Good News

September 27, 2013 // 82 Comments

I love the gospel. It’s the best message I’ve ever heard. But to appreciate the positive, sometimes you have to highlight the negative. To help people understand the good news, sometimes you have to tell them what the good news is not. And inclusionism is not the good news. If you’ve just joined us, [...]

First Adam vs Last Adam

September 19, 2013 // 198 Comments

Universalism and inclusionism are twin towers built on the same foundation, which is this: When Adam fell, he took all of us with him. We had no choice in the matter. If Jesus only saves those who meet certain conditions – those who repent, believe, etc. – then first Adam is greater than last Adam. Since that [...]

12 ways the doctrine of inclusion misleads

September 17, 2013 // 106 Comments

We have been called to preach the gospel of God’s grace and no other gospel. Why grace? Because only grace can save those who trust in it (Eph 2:8). The gospel is true whether you believe it or not but it won’t benefit you unless you believe it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they [...]

Grace is inclusive but inclusionism is not grace

August 22, 2013 // 161 Comments

One of these claims is not like the others. See if you can spot the difference… “Believe and be saved” ~Jesus (Mk 16:16, Luk 8:12) “Believe and be saved” ~Paul (Acts 16:31, Rom 10:9) “You are saved. Believe it.” ~Inclusionism Do you know the difference between the gospel of grace and the doctrine of [...]

Everybody responds

August 12, 2013 // 86 Comments

In the film The Wedding Singer, there’s a scene that captures the story of God’s relationship to us. A waitress called Julia is preparing for marriage but she’s marrying the wrong guy. We know it and eventually Julia begins to realize it too. What she doesn’t know is that the right guy is closer than she [...]

Jesus and the Starfish

October 1, 2012 // 70 Comments

A starfish lay dying on the burning sand. A universalist walked by and saw the starfish’s plight. “What’s up little starfish?” “I’m dying on the burning sand. If only someone could throw me in the cool, cool ocean.” “I’ve got good news for you little starfish. No one dies on the burning sand,” [...]

Is Adam greater than Jesus?

April 2, 2012 // 39 Comments

“Are you saying that Adam is greater than Jesus?” This is a comment I often hear from those who preach universal salvation. It usually comes at the end of a conversation like this: Me: Jesus died and rose again so that we might have new life, His life. Repent and believe the good news! They: No, everyone is [...]

Did all die with Christ? (And what does it matter?)

March 24, 2012 // 44 Comments

One of the most profound revelations of the gospel is that “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20). Watchman Nee called it the Gospel for Christians: “The self you loathe is there on the Cross in Christ.” If the average believer could grasp hold of this [...]

Forgiven, reconciled, and saved?

March 13, 2012 // 38 Comments

The world sure is a strange place. Just when you think you’ve seen everything, something new hits you on the side of the head. When I was growing up, the number one theological question was this one: “Once saved, always saved?” People who asked this question wanted to know whether it is possible for a [...]

Is Jesus the savior of the world?

March 7, 2012 // 72 Comments

I know, it’s a dumb question. And yet among Christians this question – Is Jesus the Savior of the world? – leads to two radically different answers: (1) Yes – all can be saved (2) Yes – all are now saved Between these two answers lies one of biggest debates raging on Gracebook, sorry [...]