God is now calling a firstfruits; others called in Millennium and Great White Throne judgment
Armstrongism teaches a distinctive view of predestination and election that differs from both classical Calvinism and Arminianism. God is not arbitrarily predestining individuals but rather calling a 'firstfruits' group in this age—those whom He allows to hear and respond to the Gospel. The vast majority of humanity is simply 'not called' in this age but will be offered salvation in future resurrections.
Specifically, after the Millennium, all those who never heard the true Gospel will be raised in the Great White Throne judgment and given their first real opportunity to respond to God. This framework denies both the universality of calling and strict predestination of individuals to damnation. Instead, predestination refers to God's predetermined plan of multiple resurrections and multiple opportunities for salvation across history.
Key Distinctions
- Election model:
- firstfruits now; all others called later; universal opportunity through multiple resurrections
- Double predestination:
- denied — God's plan encompasses all humanity eventually
- Free will teaching:
- free will affirmed; God chooses timing of calling, not eternal destiny of individuals
Scripture References
Sources
- Herbert W. Armstrong, Mystery of the Ages
- United Church of God doctrinal papers