04-Preamble

Following the publication of my book The Gospel Offer is Free – my reply to George M.Ella's The Free Offer & The Call of the Gospel – I received some friendly correspondence from Alan Clifford, including a copy of his Amyraut Affirmed. The point at issue was this: How could I believe in both a free offer and particular redemption? And why, in my book, had I not dealt with those biblical texts which (seem to) speak of universal redemption? My reply was twofold. First, since Ella had not raised the issue with me, I had not delved into the matter. Secondly, I do not think the extent of the atonement has any bearing on the free offer, and I had said as much in my book.
But on reflection, I see I was remiss. There was more than enough in Ella's book for me to have tackled the issue, and I should have done so. I now put the matter right. One benefit of the delay, however, is that I am now able to engage with Clifford's work