Is the saving grace of God resistible?

Abstract

This article compares two infuential accounts concerning whether the saving grace of God is resistible, one offered by theologians following the Synod of Dordrecht, and the other the 'Middle Knowledge' account. I argue that Dort's account is inconsistent with the love of God as manifested by the extent of the atonement, but this problem does not arise on the 'Middle Knowledge' account. I show that the 'Middle Knowledge' account is consistent with what the Scriptures say concerning human depravity, the atonement, as well as divine sovereignty, omnipotence, freedom, election, love and grace. I conclude that the 'Middle Knowledge' account is to be preferred.