Richard J. Mouw

Summary: A discussion from a Calvinist perspective of how widely God’s saving mercy extends.

There is a perception of Calvinism that believes that relatively few people will be saved and that the vast majority of humanity will be consigned to everlasting condemnation. In this concise, scholarly and accessible discussion, Richard J. Mouw makes a case for a broad, though not universal, extension of God’s saving mercy.

First of all, Mouw makes it clear that he is not a universalist, not even a hopeful one. Along with N.T. Wright, Mouw holds to the importance of an accountability before God of the persistently unrepentant, including those responsible for cruelties and injustices. He also points out the dehumanizing effects of persistent rejection of God, that there is a directional character of spiritual life where the persistently unrepentant reach the point where God says “thy will be done.” Personally, I’ve thought that the outer darkness is the mercy of God to those for whom being in the immediate presence of God would be unspeakable torture.

That addressed, Mouw turns to the question of how wide may we hope for God’s mercy to be, and what sources might be drawn upon in Calvinist theology. He engages the ideas of Hoeksema and Engelsma that God’s love is restricted to the elect by drawing upon both Benjamin Warfield and Geerhardus Vos who cite biblical examples for the love of God for the non-elect. He questions whether it is hate God has when he commands Jacob return to Esau, who welcomes with open arms and forgives Jacob.

The extent of mercy broadens further with the question of unbaptized infants, showing that from the Westminster Confession, chapter ten, “that all dying in infancy are included in the election of grace, and are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit.” Shedd and Warfield also note that the article on infants allows for adults who are “regenerated and sanctified immediately by God without use of means.” He notes evidence from the papers of W.G.T. Shedd, Charles Hodge and Benjamin Warfield that there would be a large number who would be saved. He cites the work of Amos Yong that many may be In Christ who have not had “epistemic access” to the preaching of Christ. Mouw goes on to consider his encounters with both devout Muslims and Mormons. While leaving judgment to God, he urges that our response not be to express doubt about their testimony. He explores the biblical examples of those who believe on behalf of others, and raises questions of how this may be done, including in the case of ancestors of believing persons in Asian cultures.

Mouw is clear in all these instances that salvation is through the Spirit’s regenerating work, and through the justifying and sanctifying work of Christ. It is not a result of good works or devotion. What he does is uphold both God’s justice and the greatness of God’s mercy without undercutting the importance of Christian proclamation. He avoids going beyond scripture, allowing God to be God and acknowledging mystery where it exist. And along the way, he retrieves some surprising writings of W.,G.T. Shedd as well as the 19th century “Princeton theologians” who support an expansive view of divine generosity as consistent with confessional faithfulness.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.… (meer)

This book was received as part of Early Reviewers. Dr. Mouw valiantly attempts to be the voice of reason in an unreasonable time. While the concepts are worthy, and easy to follow, I fear that those who really do need to be reminded of them willl fail to grasp the intent. Those on either side of the spectrum may feel that he is failing to push one way or another, rather than seeing the fine line he is attempting to straddle. Definitely a worthy read, and one that would make a great starting place for discussion. Sadly, I doubt those who read it will be inspired to open their mind to possible overlap in beliefs.… (meer)

An expert in analyzing the intersection of religion and politics, Dr. Mouw has many worthwhile points for the modern American context. However, despite his expertise, it does seem that he's holding back in this book. While worth a quick read, it would be wonderful to read the author's true, full feelings without worry of offending. But that may just be the point, Dr. Mouw makes sure that all can read his book through without slamming it down in disagreement. However, it does leave a bit of a lukewarm taste in the mouth as the volume is truthful, yet not overly forceful, in its arguments.… (meer)