Anyone Can Be Saved: A Defense of Traditional Southern Baptist Soteriology

Anyone Can Be Saved articulates a biblical-theological explanation of the doctrine of salvation in light of the rise of Calvinistic theology among Southern Baptist churches in the United States. Ten scholars, pastors, and leaders advocate for the ten articles of the Traditional Statement by appealing to Scripture, the Baptist Faith and Message, and a variety of biblical, theological, and philosophical writings. Although many books address the doctrine of salvation, these authors consciously set aside the Calvinist-Arminian presuppositions that have framed this discussion in western theology for centuries. The contributors are unified in their conviction that any person who hears the gospel can be saved, a view that was found among earlier Baptists as well as other Christian groups today. This book is not meant to be the final word on Southern Baptist soteriology, but is offered as a peaceable contribution to the wider conversation on the doctrine of salvation. ""Anyone Can Be Saved critically underscores the world's mission efforts. This book shows why God's sovereignty is left unaffected by the doctrine of the freedom of man and establishes the regeneration of the sinner as a result of repentance and faith. David Allen's chapter, 'The Atonement of Christ, ' is again, in my estimation, an unanswerable argument for anybody who takes the Great Commission as a serious mandate from God. This book is essential reading."" --Paige Patterson, President, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX ""At last a scholarly treatise of soteriology that clearly defines salvation as held and believed by the vast majority of Southern Baptists. I am so grateful that all are savable. I will keep this book close in order to pass it on to lots of seekers of truth. Thank God, Jesus saves all that repent and believe the gospel."" --Johnny Hunt, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Woodstock GA; Former President, Southern Baptist Convention ""American Evangelicals have long required a presentation of personal salvation regulated neither by dogmatic Calvinism nor its venerable combatant Arminianism. However, this requisite system must also be permanently grounded in Scripture while manifesting roots in Christian history, philosophy, and experience. Anyone Can Be Saved dares and succeeds in explicating a traditional Baptist soteriology that offers all Evangelicals just such a thoughtful, worshipful, and fruitful way forward. Highly recommended!"" --Malcolm B. Yarnell III, Author of God the Trinity; Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary David L. Allen (PhD, University of Texas at Arlington) is dean of the School of Preaching at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth. His publications include Hebrews (2010), Lukan Authorship of Hebrews (2010), Text-Driven Preaching (2010), Whosoever Will (2010), 1-3 John (2013), and The Extent of the Atonement (2016). Eric Hankins (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is pastor of First Baptist Church, Oxford, Mississippi. He is the primary author of A Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God's Plan of Salvation (2012). Adam Harwood (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of theology, McFarland Chair of Theology, and editor of Journal of Baptist Theology & Ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His publications include The Spiritual Condition of Infants (2011) and Born Guilty? (2013).Read less