In The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God, D.A. Carson makes a profound statement that often stirs deep discussion in theological circles:
“If Christ died for all people with exactly the same intent… then the ultimate distinguishing mark between those who are saved and those who are not is their own decision, their own will. That is surely ground for boasting.”
Carson, coming from a Reformed (Calvinist) tradition, raises an important question about the relationship between divine grace and human decision. His concern is clear: if salvation depends in any way on human choice, then perhaps we contribute something to our own redemption, and that would undermine the glory of God.
But how does a Reformed Arminian (sometimes called “Wesleyan-Arminian”) respond?
God’s Grace Takes the First Step
Reformed Arminians affirm, without hesitation, that salvation begins with God. Human beings, corrupted by sin, cannot and would not come to God on their own. This is why Scripture teaches that grace must first awaken the heart:
“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.”— John 6:44
This drawing of the Spirit called prevenient grace is God’s loving initiative that enables all people to respond freely to His offer of salvation. It does not guarantee belief, but it restores the ability to respond.
Therefore, when someone believes in Christ, it is not an act of proud independence, but a response made possible by grace itself.
Faith Is Not a Work, It Is Surrender
Carson worries that if salvation depends on our decision, then we have reason to boast. But the Arminian response is simple: faith is not a work; it is the opposite of work.
Paul writes,
“For by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9
Faith is not something we perform to earn salvation; it is the empty hand that receives what Christ has already accomplished. In Asian culture, this can be beautifully compared to the act of bowing when receiving a gift; it is not a boastful act but a gesture of humility and gratitude.
Thus, when a sinner believes, they are not saying, “Look at what I did,” but “Lord, I can do nothing without You.”
The Scope of the Cross: Sufficient for All, Efficient for the Believer
Reformed Arminians hold that Christ’s atonement is universal in provision but conditional in application. That is, Jesus’ death is sufficient for all humanity, yet it becomes effective only for those who trust in Him.
“He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”— 1 John 2:2
This view honors both God’s justice (since He does not force salvation) and His love (since He genuinely offers salvation to all). The cross stands as an open invitation, not a limited transaction.
Grace and Human Freedom: Cooperation, Not Competition
Reformed Arminian theology seeks to maintain balance. God’s sovereignty and human free will are not enemies; they operate in harmony. God initiates; humans respond. This is what theologians call synergism, but not in the sense of equal contribution; rather, it is a relationship where the Creator empowers the creature to say “yes” or “no” to His offer.
This does not diminish God’s glory; it magnifies it. For what greater display of divine power can there be than to move human hearts freely toward love and faith?
The Real Ground for Boasting
Carson concludes that if salvation depends on one’s decision, it leads to boasting. But Scripture reminds us that the only legitimate boast for the believer is in the Lord:
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”— 1 Corinthians 1:31
The believer’s faith is itself a testimony of God’s grace at work. The only difference between the saved and the lost is not human superiority, but the response of humility to divine love.
Conclusion
D.A. Carson’s challenge pushes us to think deeply about grace and human response. Yet from the Reformed Arminian lens, faith is never a cause for pride. It is a humble acceptance of what God has already done through Christ.
The distinction between the saved and the unsaved is not found in willful boasting, but in grace received versus grace resisted. Every “yes” to God is made possible by God Himself.
So, the glory still belongs to Him alone.
“To God be the glory, great things He has done.”
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