This paper critiques the method and central argument of Richard Mouw’s new book, “Divine Generosity” (Eerdmans, 2024). Mouw uses the Westminster Confession and Presbyterian theologians (W. G. T. Shedd, Charles and A. A. Hodge, and Benjamin Warfield) to argue there is reason to believe that many more people will be saved than damned.
Mouw argues from pneumatology. He separates the Spirit’s work of regeneration from the means of regeneration, saying the Spirit may regenerate those who do not show signs of conversion or have “epistemic access” to Jesus. He applies this first to deceased infants, then to cognitively impaired adults, then to unevangelized adults in unreached cultures, and finally to adults who have access to the gospel but for various reasons have not responded in faith. Evangelical theologians typically agree with the first two groups while expressing reservation about the last two.
I will examine Mouw’s arguments (1) biblically: does he engage Scriptural texts that counter his view?; (2) historically: is he rightly reading the Westminster Confession and the Presbyterians?; (3) theologically: does he lean too heavily on what amounts to a welcome exception (the regeneration of dying infants)?; and (4) practically: how does his “generous” view influence personal evangelism and missions (note his Muslim, Mormon, and agnostic examples in the book). I conclude with a more biblically, theologically, and pastorally helpful way to think about God’s generous grace.