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Exclusivism vs. Inclusivism

Exclusivism vs. Inclusivism. An Introduction to the Dilemma. Drawn From: Paradigms in Conflict by David Hesslegrave, 2005 Christian Mission in the Modern World by John Stott, 1975. BASIC POSITIONS AND SPECULATIONS. Tuneberg’s Ten Positions Flow out of three sources Emotional grounds

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Exclusivism vs. Inclusivism

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  1. Exclusivismvs. Inclusivism An Introduction to the Dilemma Drawn From: Paradigms in Conflict by David Hesslegrave, 2005 Christian Mission in the Modern World by John Stott, 1975

  2. BASIC POSITIONS AND SPECULATIONS • Tuneberg’s Ten Positions • Flow out of three sources • Emotional grounds • Deductive grounds • Exegetical grounds

  3. BASIC POSITIONS AND SPECULATIONS • Tuneberg’s Ten Positions • Inclusivism • Qualified universalism • Extended probation • General revelation as an avenue to saving faith • Extraordinary applications of the atonement • “Faith that would have been” [middle-knowledge] • Agnosticism • Traditionalism (restrictivism) • Annihilationism and conditional immortality • Degrees of punishment in hell

  4. Defining Basic “Types” • Restrictivism (Exclusivism) • The un-evangelized (in this life) are unquestionably, eternally lost • Nuanced Exclusivism • Degrees of punishment • Special revelation beyond scriptural proclamation

  5. Defining Basic “Types” • Inclusivism • Salvation accessible w/o special evangelization • Universally accessible in this life (mercy advocates) • The virtuous un-evangelized person may “wake up, as it were, on the other side of the grave, to worship the One in whom, without understanding, he had found the mercy of God.” (J.N.D. Anderson) • “Wider Hope” perspective (C. Pinnock) • “Grace-filled post-mortem encounter” with Christ

  6. Defining Basic “Types” • Universalism • All will ultimately be saved • God’s enduring love and eternal purposed enfold all in final salvation

  7. Extra-biblical modes of special revelation The “acceptability” of God-fearers Grace-filled postmortem encounter Equivalence of all calls for salvation Y / N Y / N Y / N Y / N Eight Perspectives onFate of Un-evangelized VALID BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE?YES / NO

  8. The “Melchizedek Factor” Implicit Christians / Implicit Faith Annihilationism / Conditionalism Agnosticism Y / N Y / N Y / N Y / N Eight Perspectives onFate of Un-evangelized VALID BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE?YES / NO

  9. CLEAR FACTS / IRENIC CLAIM • Facts • All are sinners worthy of judgment • People are responsible for the light God has given them • God is both loving and just • Irenic Claim of Kenneth Kantzer • Every person might be immortal until such time as that person chooses to turn their back on the light God gives

  10. Five Scriptural Teachings • The True Light enlightens everyone: everyone has heard • People love darkness more than God’s light: turn deaf ear to God’s voice

  11. Five Scriptural Teachings • Judgment is proportionate to intensity of light seen and clarity of Word heard • What God does is just by definition • God judges on what we do with what we have, not what have not • People will be judged on basis of what they have done with divine revelation

  12. Five Scriptural Teachings • Missionary calling to proclaim gospel is vital (not essential) to plan of God • Paul’s“Silver Chain” of Exclusivism – Rom 10:13-16 • Everyone who calls on Lord will be saved • How will they call on one they have not believed in • How can they believe in one they have not heard of • How can they hear without someone proclaiming message • How can they proclaim without someone being sent • Possible that grace may be effective apart from typical Gospel proclamation • God may save for the sake of Christ, those who never heard, but responded fully and faithfully to light they had – in obedience to truth known

  13. Five Scriptural Teachings • Only by hearing and believing in Christ during this life can we be saved • Lord’s commission leaves believers with no alternative • Must proclaim • Lord’s command leaves unbelievers with no alternative • Must hear and believe

  14. The Case of CorneliusActs 10:1 – 11:18 • Was Peter’s trip to Caesarea to preach to the God-fearing Cornelius “necessary”? • Some scholars say NO • Mercy arguments for un-evangelized righteous • Some scholars say YES • Cornelius already “saved” in some sense, but lesson for Peter and Church • As opportunity to affirm age of Holy Spirit • Cornelius still lost, as God-fearing Gentile (vs. 13-14 )

  15. The Case of AtheniansActs 17:16-34 • Was Paul’s sermon necessary in Athens? • Don Richardson • All religions shine considerable spiritual light on the character of true God • Tite Tienou • Discounts the spiritual and ethical currency in non-Christian traditions • Sermon is clear on point of need of salvation message • In day of ignorance, God winked… now commanding repentance • Men must respond to as much light as God has given or lose the light.

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