Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertations Graduate Research 2014 The Sin Against the Holy Spirit in the Writings of G. C. Berkouwer and E. G. White: a Comparative Study and Ethical Implications Michael Davey Pearson Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Comparative Methodologies and Theories Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Pearson, Michael Davey, "The Sin Against the Holy Spirit in the Writings of G. C. Berkouwer and E. G. White: a Comparative Study and Ethical Implications" (2014). Dissertations. 124. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations/124 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in the Andrews University Digital Library of Dissertations and Theses. Please honor the copyright of this document by not duplicating or distributing additional copies in any form without the author’s express written permission. Thanks for your cooperation. ABSTRACT THE SIN AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE WRITINGS OF G. C. BERKOUWER AND E. G. WHITE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY AND ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS by Michael Davey Pearson Adviser: Miroslav M. Kiš ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: THE SIN AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE WRITINGS OF G. C. BERKOUWER AND E. G. WHITE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY AND ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS Name of researcher: Michael Davey Pearson Name and degree of faculty adviser: Miroslav M. Kiš, Ph.D. Date completed: July 2014 While compatibilists claim that divine sovereignty either elects individuals to salvation or inevitably consigns them to damnation without the involvement of human response, non-compatibilism claims that divine love requires both human choice along with a behavioral response. This dissertation examines these respective dilemmas in the context of the sin against the Holy Spirit with the purpose of ascertaining how these views impact the sovereignty and character of God and the resulting ethical implications. Compatibilism is examined through the writings and theology of G. C. Berkouwer, while non-compatibilism is appraised through the writings and thought of Ellen G. White. This dissertation embraces the idea that God imposes self-limitations on His sovereignty in respect of the integrity and sanctity of human free will. It also recognizes that neither compatibilism nor non-compatibilism is free of theological difficulties; yet arrives at a solution to both systems in Ellen G. White’s understanding of perfection in the context of God’s call for mankind’s return to the image (character) of God. This occurs, as by beholding, man can become changed. By beholding, compatibilism’s dilemma of non-human response and non-compatibilism’s undercurrent problem of works-based religion are resolved: for the solution is discovered in the empowerment of Christ as we behold and become changed. Therefore, man’s personal accountability for damnation is maintained without man being credited with salvation by works. The first chapter provides an historical survey of the unpardonable sin as it is described in the synoptic texts (Matt 12:31, 32; Mark 3:28-30; and Luke 12:10). This includes an overview of Calvin and Arminius, the recognized founding fathers of compatibilism and non-compatibilism. The second chapter examines the most immediate antecedents to G. C. Berkouwer and Ellen G. White as they address the sin against the Holy Spirit. The third chapter looks at G. C. Berkouwer’s theological presuppositions that inform his understanding of the unpardonable sin, his understanding of the doctrine of sin, and his explanation of the sin itself. In turn, chapter 4 surveys the writings of Ellen G. White by dealing with her corresponding theological presuppositions and perspectives regarding the sin against the Holy Spirit. Much of White’s positions appear in narrative form. The fifth chapter of the dissertation highlights and then contrasts the theological presuppositions and doctrines of the unpardonable sins of G. C. Berkouwer and Ellen G. White. In so doing it is demonstrated that both are consistent within their respective theologies. Yet both are confronted by a certain weakness. Berkouwer’s weakness is found in God’s total sovereignty and mankind’s absence of response, while White’s weakness is discovered present in that many who embrace her teachings find an opening for a works-oriented salvation. The last chapter provides a final summary and conclusions and looks at the ethical implications of both systems of thought. The chapter also discusses the sovereignty dilemma of compatibilism and the works orientation of non-compatibilism. The chapter then provides a possible solution in White’s theme of the restoration of the character of God, as by beholding individuals become changed. The dissertation then concludes by affirming that God voluntarily places Himself under limitations of sovereignty in His choice to win our free-will devotion through Calvary. Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary THE SIN AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE WRITINGS OF G. C. BERKOUWER AND E. G. WHITE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY AND ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy by Michael Davey Pearson July 2014 ©Copyright by Michael Davey Pearson 2014 All Rights Reserved THE SIN AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE WRITINGS OF G. C. BERKOUWER AND E. G. WHITE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY AND ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS A dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy by Michael Davey Pearson APPROVAL BY THE COMMITTEE: Faculty Adviser, Director, PhD in Religion Miroslav Kiš Thomas Shepherd Professor of Ethics Denis Fortin Dean, SDA Theological Seminary Professor of Theology Jiří Moskala Darius W. Jankiewicz Professor of Theology Merlin D. Burt Professor of Church History Alberto Timm Date approved Associate Director, Ellen G. White Estate, Inc. Silver Spring, Maryland TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . vii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . viii Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION . 1 Background to the Unpardonable Sin . 3 Synoptic Texts. 3 Matthew: Context and perspective . 3 Mark: Context and perspective . 6 Luke: Context and perspective . 8 Major Interpretations . 9 Augustine . 10 Roman Catholic theology . 11 Martin Luther . 11 John Calvin . 12 James Arminius . 14 Contemporary scholarship . 17 Representatives of compatibilism and non-compatibilism 17 Statement of the Problem . 19 Purpose . 19 Justification . 19 Methodology . 21 Scope and Delimitations . 22 2. ANTECEDENTS TO BERKOUWER AND WHITE ON THE UNPARDONABLE SIN . 23 Antecedents to G. C. Berkouwer on the Unpardonable Sin . 24 Abraham Kuyper . 28 Herman Bavinck . 29 Antecedents to Ellen G. White on the Unpardonable Sin . 32 John Wesley . 33 Use of the Biblical Text . 33 Biographical Examples . 34 Hophni and Phineas . 34 Esau and Judas . 35 iii Facilitators of the Unpardonable Sin . 35 Role of Conscience . 35 Safeguards against the Unpardonable Sin . 35 Adam Clark . 36 Use of the Biblical Text . 36 Grieving the Holy Spirit . 36 Role of Conscience . 37 Albert Barnes . 39 Conclusions . 40 3. THE UNPARDONABLE SIN: G. C. BERKOUWER . 45 Theological Assumptions and Suppositions . 46 Nature of Scripture . 46 Human Nature: Ontology of the Unpardonable Sin . 49 Man in Union with God . 50 Man as a Unitary Whole . 51 Corruption of Human Nature . 52 The Ontic Problem . 54 The Decrees of God: Divine Election and Rejection . 54 The Human Will . 58 The Role of Faith . 61 Justification . 63 Sanctification . 64 The Imitation of Christ . 65 Obedience to the Law . 66 Perfection . 66 Perseverance . 68 Role of the Holy Spirit . 70 Judgment and Reward . 73 Sin . 74 Origin of Sin . 75 Nature of Sin . 78 Seduction . 80 Privatio . 80 Categories of Sin . 82 Gradation and Fullness of Sin . 84 Resolving Sin . 85 The Unpardonable Sin . 87 Definitions . 88 Biographical Examples . 91 Pharaoh . 91 Pharisees . 93 Judas . 94 Facilitators . 95 Indications For and Against the Unpardonable Sin . 96 iv Steps in the Sin (Falling Away) . 97 Role of Conscience . 98 Safeguards . 100 General Summary and Conclusions . 100 4. THE UNPARDONABLE SIN: ELLEN G. WHITE . 103 Theological Assumptions and Presuppositions . 103 Nature of Scripture . 103 Human Nature: Ontology of the Unpardonable Sin . 107 Image of God . 110 After Our Likeness . 113 Restoration to God’s Image and Likeness.