Varies
God's sovereignty affirmed; Baptist views on election range from Calvinist to Arminian
Southern Baptist theology reflects diverse views on Romans 9:18-21 and election. The BFM2000 affirms that God has 'chosen those who are the objects of His grace for salvation' but explicitly rejects double predestination. However, the Convention includes both Calvinist Baptists (who affirm unconditional election) and Arminian Baptists (who affirm conditional election based on God's foreknowledge).
Baptist congregational polity allows for theological diversity on this point. The shared conviction is that God's sovereignty and human free will both obtain, though Baptist theologians disagree on how to systematize their relationship.
Key Distinctions
- Divine sovereignty:
- affirmed; God's decree is certain
- Human freedom:
- affirmed; double predestination rejected; views vary on systematization
- Election type:
Scripture References
Sources
- Baptist Faith and Message 2000, Article V (God's Purpose of Grace)