14 - Appendix 2: Are Gospel Invitations to All?

Although, as I have explained, I do not wish to explore preparationism in this book, it is necessary to glance at a closely-connected issue: Are gospel invitations1 universal – that is, indiscriminate to all sinners? or are they restricted to sensible sinners? The latter, says the hyper-Calvinist.2 Reader, I remind you of Meney’s words: ‘The “free offer preacher” presumes to invite all sinners to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, promising them salvation if they do’. The implication is clear – universal invitations are wrong. But we do not have to rely on implication. Ella was unequivocal: ‘Does the Bible invite all men indiscriminately and everywhere to believe...? No, says the Bible’