What was the John 3:16 Conference?
The John 3:16 Conference was a theological conference held in 2008 (with a follow-up conference in 2013) to examine and critique five-point Calvinism (TULIP) from a conservative, non-Calvinist Southern Baptist perspective. It was never intended to argue against Calvinists as fellow Christians, but rather to discuss important doctrinal differences within the SBC.
The conferences were organized primarily through the leadership of Jerry Vines, pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida.
Sponsors included
Several well-known Baptist institutions supported the original conference, including:
- Jerry Vines Ministries
- New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
- Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
- Luther Rice Seminary
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Why was it called “John 3:16”?
The organizers intentionally chose John 3:16 because they believed it expresses the universal offer of salvation:
“For God so loved the world…that whoever believes in Him should not perish…”
Their concern was that some expressions of Calvinism (particularly Limited Atonement) were difficult to reconcile with the straightforward reading of this verse.
Jerry Vines emphasized that:
- God loves the whole world.
- Christ died for the sins of the whole world.
- The invitation to salvation is genuinely offered to every person.
The Five Major Topics
The conference largely followed the five points of TULIP.
1. Total Depravity
The speakers generally affirmed that humanity is deeply fallen and incapable of saving itself.
However, they rejected the Calvinist conclusion that people are unable even to respond to God’s gracious call.
Instead, they argued:
- God initiates salvation.
- The Holy Spirit convicts.
- People still retain the God-given ability to respond in faith.
2. Unconditional Election
The conference rejected the Calvinist idea that God chose certain individuals for salvation apart from any response of faith.
Instead they emphasized:
- Election is consistent with God’s foreknowledge.
- God’s desire is that all be saved.
- Salvation is genuinely available to everyone.
3. Limited Atonement
One of the strongest presentations came from David Allen.
His basic argument was:
Christ died sufficiently for everyone and intentionally provided salvation for the whole world.
Allen even pointed out that several respected Calvinists throughout history rejected Limited Atonement.
4. Irresistible Grace
The speakers argued that:
- The Holy Spirit powerfully draws people.
- Yet people may resist God’s gracious call.
They believed Scripture repeatedly portrays people rejecting God’s invitations.
5. Perseverance of the Saints
This was handled somewhat differently.
Most speakers still affirmed eternal security, which is common among Southern Baptists.
The disagreement was not over whether believers are secure, but over how salvation occurs.
Major Speakers
Some of the best-known participants included:
- Jerry Vines
- David L. Allen
- Steve Gaines
- Eric Hankins
- Adam Harwood
- Emir Caner
- Richard Land
- Johnny Hunt
Many of these names are familiar because they have written extensively on the debate over Calvinism in the SBC.
The 2013 Conference
The second conference shifted away from simply walking through TULIP.
Instead it addressed questions such as:
- For whose sins did Christ die?
- Does faith precede regeneration?
- Who are the elect?
- What did early Southern Baptists believe?
- Is the sinner’s prayer biblical?
The Book that Came From It
The conference papers were expanded into an influential book:
Whosoever Will: A Biblical-Theological Critique of Five-Point Calvinism, edited by David L. Allen and Steve Lemke.
This book became one of the primary scholarly responses to Calvinism from a Traditional Southern Baptist perspective.
Why it Matters
Historically, the John 3:16 Conference became one of the defining moments in the modern discussion over Calvinism in the Southern Baptist Convention. It gave voice to pastors and theologians who believed the SBC had always included both Calvinistic and non-Calvinistic traditions, and who wanted to defend a theology emphasizing:
- Christ died for all people.
- Salvation is genuinely offered to everyone.
- Faith precedes regeneration.
- Human responsibility and God’s sovereignty are both taught in Scripture.
Contact Adam
07/18/26