The danger of Inclusivism
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Image via WikipediaWhat is inclusivism, how is it different than pluralism and exclusivism, and why is it important for Christians to think biblically about this issue?Like exclusivism, inclusivism rejects pluralism, the view that all religions lead to God. Also like exclusivism, inclusivism holds that Jesus is the only Savior of humankind. But unlike exclusivism, inclusivism does not hold that one must trust Jesus as Lord and Savior in this life to be saved.
Inclusivists have a variety of reasons for this position, although not all inclusivists hold to all of the reasons. It is important for Christians to think biblically about this issue because the necessity of unsaved persons hearing the gospel in this life is at stake.
Who are the major players in each camp?
There are three major inclusivists: (1) Clark Pinnock (A Wideness in God’s Mercy, now deceased) and (2) John Sanders (No Other Name) defended inclusivism as open theist Arminians. (3) Terrance Tiessen (Who Can Be Saved?) defends inclusivism as a Calvinist.
Who are the major players in each camp?
There are three major inclusivists: (1) Clark Pinnock (A Wideness in God’s Mercy, now deceased) and (2) John Sanders (No Other Name) defended inclusivism as open theist Arminians. (3) Terrance Tiessen (Who Can Be Saved?) defends inclusivism as a Calvinist.
Daniel Strange answered Clark Pinnock’s inclusivism in The Possibility of Salvation among the Unevangelised. Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson co-edited Faith Comes by Hearing: A Response to Inclusivism, in which nine contributors answered the inclusivism of Terrance Tiessen.
How does Scripture answer the question, “Must a person explicitly believe the gospel of Christ in order to be saved?”
Scripture’s answer: Yes, especially based on key biblical texts such as John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:17- 18. For example, Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Likewise, Peter says in Acts 4:12, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
What about those who never hear the gospel?
They are lost and therefore we need to get them the gospel.
How does Scripture answer the question, “Must a person explicitly believe the gospel of Christ in order to be saved?”
Scripture’s answer: Yes, especially based on key biblical texts such as John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:17- 18. For example, Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Likewise, Peter says in Acts 4:12, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
What about those who never hear the gospel?
They are lost and therefore we need to get them the gospel.
Is there a category for “holy pagans” in the Bible?
No. Inclusivist Terrance Tiessen admits that all the biblical figures others have claimed to be “holy pagans” (that is, people somehow saved apart from special revelation) actually had special revelation according to scriptural witness.
What role does general and special revelation play in the debate?
Exclusivists claim that special revelation, even the gospel, is necessary for salvation. All inclusivists claim that it is possible for unsaved persons to be saved through a positive response to general revelation. The problem is Scripture does not indicate that there is such a response, e.g., in Romans 1.
Does inclusivism damage the biblical understanding of evangelism and missions?
Some inclusivists support evangelism and missions. But I am concerned that if inclusivism continues to grow, it will indeed harm evangelism and missions. Why should believers risk their lives or their children’s lives if unsaved persons do not need to hear the gospel to be saved?
No. Inclusivist Terrance Tiessen admits that all the biblical figures others have claimed to be “holy pagans” (that is, people somehow saved apart from special revelation) actually had special revelation according to scriptural witness.
What role does general and special revelation play in the debate?
Exclusivists claim that special revelation, even the gospel, is necessary for salvation. All inclusivists claim that it is possible for unsaved persons to be saved through a positive response to general revelation. The problem is Scripture does not indicate that there is such a response, e.g., in Romans 1.
Does inclusivism damage the biblical understanding of evangelism and missions?
Some inclusivists support evangelism and missions. But I am concerned that if inclusivism continues to grow, it will indeed harm evangelism and missions. Why should believers risk their lives or their children’s lives if unsaved persons do not need to hear the gospel to be saved?
How has inclusivism impacted evangelicalism today and will such a view be around in the future?
Inclusivism has indeed impacted evangelicalism today as many Christians have found it attractive. It will grow in the future as more and more people base their faith on what they want to be true rather than on the teaching of Scripture, which is sometimes hard.
What advice would you give to pastors and students as they, in the words of Jude, “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints”?
Inclusivism has indeed impacted evangelicalism today as many Christians have found it attractive. It will grow in the future as more and more people base their faith on what they want to be true rather than on the teaching of Scripture, which is sometimes hard.
What advice would you give to pastors and students as they, in the words of Jude, “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints”?
Work hard to consistently and deliberately base their beliefs on Scripture rather
than on their desires. Love inclusivists and to treat them as they would want to be treated. Invest your life in promoting the gospel of Christ at home and abroad.
than on their desires. Love inclusivists and to treat them as they would want to be treated. Invest your life in promoting the gospel of Christ at home and abroad.
