The Crux of the Free Offer: A Biblical, Confessional, and Theological Explanation and Defense of the Well-Meant Offer of the Gospel

by Sam E. Waldron

Does God have a genuine desire for the salvation of all men? In The Crux of the Free Offer, Sam Waldron provides a scriptural and historical analysis of the Well-Meant Offer of the Gospel. Waldron not only provides a biblical defense of the Well-Meant Offer, he also looks at many of the important implications of this doctrine, shows the way the Reformed confessions affirmed it, answers important theological and soteriological objections, and applies this doctrine to the Christian and the preacher. "I am thrilled that Dr. Waldron has taken up this vital subject. Those like myself who share Dr. Waldron’s commitment to the Well-Meant Offer may not agree on every detail of every one of his arguments, but here they will find a clear-thinking, informed, thorough, and convincing treatment of the subject to be reckoned with. This book leaves few, if any, stones unturned or objections unaddressed. With the resurgence of Calvinism in our day, we should be greatly concerned that the kind of Calvinism promoted and proclaimed is of the true, historical, warmly-evangelical and biblical kind, not a distortion of it. Here is a book pointing the way. May it be read widely and greatly used of God to that end!" Jeffery Smith, Pastor of Emanuel Baptist Church, Coconut Creek, Florida "I am once again indebted to Sam Waldron for his precise exposition of the Scriptures regarding this critical issue facing the church. As always, he stands upon the Word of God and in the very center of the historical Reformed faith. This work not only substantiates the Free Offer of the gospel to all, but it will inspire the reader to be more diligent in the gospel ministry." Paul Washer, Director of HeartCry Mission Society "Can a Christian rightly say that God sovereignly determines whom he will save and sincerely offers Christ to everyone who hears the gospel? Sam Waldron gives us a solid basis to say ‘Yes!’ His outline of sophisticated theological arguments makes constant reference to the Holy Scriptures to embolden preachers to preach unconditional election, particular redemption, and the Free Offer of the gospel." Dr. Joel R. Beeke, President of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan "The Free Offer of the gospel defines a vital truth in the Reformed system of theology. As with his other writings, Sam Waldron explains and defends this doctrine with a lucid clarity and a compelling Scriptural argument. For any with concerns regarding the Free Offer, Waldron lays out its biblical necessity and theological coherence. This book will perform a great service in defending the church’s offer of Christ to all the world and will bless our Lord by unleashing through our passionate lips his cry for sinners to be saved." Richard D. Phillips, Senior Minister of Second Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina

Genres: Theology

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2019

Reviews

[George Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waldron presents a concise, yet thoroughly detailed defense of the "Free" or "Well Meant" offer of the Gospel. On the one hand he defends against the Hyper-Calvinistic view, which rejects the Free Offer, and on the other hand he argues for the Free Offer against Arminianism's charge that particular redemption negates the need for such an offer. Waldron gives strong evidence from a plethora of scripture showing that God both desires the salvation of all (His preceptive will) and also only effectually saves the elect (God's decretive will). It's good to be reminded of this, but it's even better to be challenged by it. For as he writes: "We must not merely be committed to affirming that there is a Free and Well-Meant Offer of the gospel, but we must actually offer the gospel freely and regularly to sinners" (p.142).

[Stephen Lay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Waldron does a good job demonstrating that throughout Christian history, saints have believed something like what he here defends: that God desires the salvation of men he does not intend to save.

The two best parts of this text are (1) the comprehensive analysis of the Greek words behind "will, desire, plan, purpose" which lets us see the semantic domains of each word, and (2) his comments on archetypal vs ectypal theology when considering the Scripture's use of anthropomorphism and anthropopathism.

However, all things considered I don't think Waldron successfully carried his argument, because it's weakest chain is also its most crucial: the four or so texts he cites to demonstrate that God sincerely and genuinely desires the salvation of those who will ultimately perish did not bear the weight he wanted them to, in my reading.

In ways I did not expect and am yet grateful for, I learned a lot in this book, and would definitely recommend it to any person, Christian or not, who is engaging with the concept of God's will; both the things he effectually brings to pass, and those that he commands and yet do not occur.

[Brandon Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really connected a lot of dots for me. Such clarity and balanced theology on historically divisive issues.

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not as good as his works on eschatology, but does give an adequate defense of the free-offer of the Gospel according to God's will. I found some of the discussion at the beginning of the book repetitive and a bit long winded, but after Mr. Waldron established his thesis and provided thorough biblical citation of the will/will of God the pace and interest of the book picked up. I found it an enjoyable read. I really enjoyed his closing arguments and would recommend this to anyone wrestling with God's sovereignty and man's responsibility or the false assertion that Reformed theology is a hindrance to the promotion and spread of the proclamation of the Gospel.

[James Ruley · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this work, Waldron presents a defense of the free or well-meant offer of the gospel. He attempts to distinguish the Calvinist belief in the free offer both from hyper-Calvinism and Arminianism. His points were solid and generally well-reasoned, but sometimes his arguments were obscured (at least to me) by technical jargon and assumed knowledge. A solid introduction to the topic, but not incredibly helpful for someone without extensive theological (and to some extent linguistic) background. His section reconciling particular atonement and the free offer, however, was especially good.

3.5/5.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The question of the free offer of the gospel inevitably becomes a question for Calvinist with practical implications in our living and gospel presentation.

Waldron sets a good foundation in understanding this issue, what's at stake, and how to navigate the difficulties surrounding the teaching of God's election alongwith God's will or desire for the salvation of man.

Can God desire something, but not decree it?

The length of the book is good as a primer to have an understanding of the general issues and argument, and those wishing to go deeper can read some of the sources cited.

[Ryan Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Christ himself in his saving power is the gospel and its offer."

There are many ways Dr. Waldron lays out the importance of a free and well-meant offer of the Gospel. Carefully addressing exegetical and historical objections, he lays the foundation that the Gospel, that is Christ, is offered to all, that God's love extend to all, and that only some will be saved. The balance is struck with care and precision and encouragement for those proclaiming the gospel.

[Troy Nevitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Waldron does an excellent job and clear-case for why we can preach joyfully and confidently that "Jesus died for you, come and believe". It's exhaustive theologically, logically, and biblically. I highly recommend this resource. There are two chapter that go into the Greek, but he walks you through it.

[Andrew Pressnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say that I disagree with Waldron’s assessment of Particular Redemption within the free Gospel offer.

However, this book is excellent. Extremely helpful, and overall, correct. I’m indebted to this book for the thoughts which it brought up in me.

If I could leave 6 stars, I would.

[Daniel]

I have been reading this book for a review, so no rating or further comment for the time being.