Decisionism is viewed as a deception because it promotes the idea that salvation is based solely on human choice rather than God's sovereign grace.
Decisionism, popularized by figures such as Charles Finney and Billy Graham, can be misleading as it emphasizes human decision-making over the sovereignty of God in salvation. The issue lies in the belief that individuals can 'decide' for Christ without recognizing their need for divine intervention. This approach undermines the biblical teaching that regeneration and faith are gifts from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). By promoting a system where salvation is conditional upon human actions, decisionism detracts from the grace of God, suggesting that individuals have the power to manipulate their relationship with God, thereby missing the essence of salvation as a work of divine grace.
Scripture References:
Ephesians 2:8-9, John 1:12-13
Commentary