Skip to content

Add your phone number?

Optional. Nothing is sent unless you choose it.
The Historic Faith
Sign in
All Questions
Question 5
The chapter lists specific “free will” Scriptures (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 22:17; Deuteronomy 30:19); how do those passages shape the early Christian assumption about who can come to Christ, and what would they say to the idea that salvation is not genuinely offered to all?
Another way to ask: How do those “free will” verses shape the early Christian belief about who can come to Christ? What would they say to the idea that salvation isn’t truly offered to everyone?

Direct Answer Based on Bercot’s presentation, these passages led early Christians to assume the invitation is truly open—“whoever believes,” “all should come,” “whoever desires”—so they would reject the claim that salvation is not genuinely offered to everyone.

Support from Transcript:

  • John 3:16 is quoted: “whoever believes in Him should not perish,” implying an open offer tied to believing.
  • 2 Peter 3:9 is quoted: God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
  • Revelation 22:17 is quoted: “whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
  • Deuteronomy 30:19 is quoted: “choose life,” presenting a real choice set before people.
  • Bercot contrasts this with Luther’s “arbitrary” predestination where God gives faith only to some, and says those who teach the offer is open to everyone “contradict a basic Reformation doctrine.”
Discussion Follow-ups If Scripture uses “whoever” and “all,” what does it require us to believe about human ability to respond to grace?

Jumpstarter 5 of 10
Back Questions Next