A recent formal doctrinal statement on the nature of salvation (or in technical theological terms, soteriology, or the study of salvation) signed on to by none other than Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (as one example), amongst others, like Emir Caner, is making quite the stir, even amongst classical Arminians (click to read). The statement was meant to counter what they view as the “threat” of Calvinism spreading in the SBC. At best, it is theological and historical sloppiness. At worst, it is theological and historical revisionism and an open slide toward heresy as it relates to the nature of man’s will as a result of the transmission of the sin of Adam to mankind.
The authors and signers claim they are speaking for the traditional view of the SBC on the issue of salvation. However, as Tom Ascol from Founders Ministries points out, this is hardly the case. Hopefully this will bring to light some issues that have been brewing for quite some time. They have drawn a line in the sand and either need to repent or split in my opinion. Yes, it’s that serious. These issues go beyond Calvinism versus Arminianism into the issues of Original Sin and the nature of the will, pre/post-fall, no less. In addition, I’ve included Tom Ascol’s response. Read on:
First of all, here’s the original doctrinal statement in question
Part 1 – Tom Ascol (Beginning of Response)
Part 2 – Tom Ascol
Part 3 – Tom Ascol
Could W.A. Criswell have signed this statement? – Tom Ascol
Part 4 – Tom Ascol
Part 5 – Tom Ascol
Part 6 – Tom Ascol
Part 7 – Tom Ascol
Part 8 – Tom Ascol
Part 9 – Tom Ascol
Part 10 – Tom Ascol
Part 11 – Tom Ascol
Part 12 – Tom Ascol
Part 13 – Tom Ascol
Semi-Pelagian/Pelagian Point in Question: The Recent SBC Statement on Salvation: A Point of Concern – John Aloisi
The Traditional Southern Baptist View of Salvation? – James White (MP3)
And finally, for a historical, theological background on what the early church concluded pertaining to not only Pelagianism but Semi-Pelagianism, you just have to read the Canons of Orange from 529 AD.