Calvinism

The posts below are about the theology of Calvinism as opposed to Arminianism and other positions.

The Predestinating Work of God the Father by Andy Hynes

Guest blogger Andy Hynes is a PhD candidate at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. Follow him @ABHYNES on Twitter. The predestinating work of God the Father carried a variety of thoughts. There were the old pelagians who said it was the work of man alone to call upon God for salvation. There was also the idea that God chose men to be saved based on foreseeing their decisions and rejected everyone else to damnation. However, William Perkins taught, “the cause of the execution of God’s predestination is his mercy in Christ in them which are saved, and in them which perish, the fall …keep reading »

Different Gospel Presentations: Who Gets Saved?

The following hypothetical conversations take place when evangelist A shares Jesus with unbeliever A while evangelist B shares with unbeliever B. The reason for this exercise are the recent assertions that Calvinists and non-Calvinists are promoting different gospels. Let’s see…. A B Evangelist A (EA) and Unbeliever A (A):EA: A, I’m glad we could meet today so I can share Jesus with you and explain how to be saved – how to be right with God. A: I told you I would listen to what you have to say about Jesus so here I am! EA: First, I want you …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for Interesting Tidbits on John Calvin and Preaching

Interesting Tidbits on John Calvin and Preaching

I recently live blogged the G3 Conference. One of the pastors, Dr. Steve Lawson, gave a presentation on John Calvin’s preaching and what we can learn from it. I found a few items about Calvin fascinating. First, note that Lawson scaled down his material from 30-something points (as I recall) to the following six points. Authority of Biblical Truth Priority of Sequential Exposition The Accuracy of Sound Exegesis Committed to the Energy of Lively Preaching Necessity of Gospel Defense Fervency of Evangelistic Passion I agree with Lawson when he said that no man more loved or more hated or more …keep reading »

On Theological Fighting: Proclaim Christ Instead of Grinding Out Your Theology

During the recent G3 Conference I live blogged there was a panel discussion Q&A. Questions were submitted months in advance of the conference. The first question was for Paul Washer. The question was on substitutionary atonement pitting limited atonement against general atonement. Washer’s answer modeled a great way to think in terms of Christian unity through all of our internal, and often public, theological battles. Brother Paul gave a wise answer. The submitted question. If substitutionary atonement is the true biblical doctrine, does it provide any room for a universal or general atonement as many Free-Will Baptists believe – that Jesus …keep reading »

Calvinism Undermines Evangelism, Right?

If I have heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times: “A Calvinist evangelist? Isn’t that an oxymoron? Calvinism undermines evangelism.” This accusation has been repeated so many times that few make the effort to argue it. Instead, it is simply assumed. Never mind that some of the church’s greatest evangelists have been Calvinists. One need only be reminded of men such as George Whitefield, David Brainerd, or “the father of modern missions,” William Carey. “Yes,” we are told, “these men were great evangelists and Calvinists, but that is because they were inconsistent.” But is this true? The fact of …keep reading »

Reformation Day Video: Post Tenebras Lux

Thumbnail image for Heroes in Black and White: Precious Puritans Vs. Martin Luther King Jr.

Heroes in Black and White: Precious Puritans Vs. Martin Luther King Jr.

Christians are not immune to racial, cultural, or theological bias and blindness. Those types of bias and blindness may be more apparent in Christendom for the Puritans and Martin Luther King, Jr. – cultural and theological heroes to many Christians. Precious Dust Up The dust up over Christian rapper Propaganda’s lyrics in his song “Precious Puritans” recently brought some of these issues to the surface. Propaganda charged the Puritans, broadly defined, with certain racial moral failures charging white privilege against some pastors who quote the Puritans. Some Christians argued that Propaganda defined the Puritans too broadly and unfairly charged them. …keep reading »

Will the Southern Baptist Convention Dissipate in the Smoke of Reformed Theology?

“Shall the Southern Baptist Convention which was born in the fires of evangelism dissipate in the smoke of Reformed Theology?” Southern Baptist Pastor Steve Brumbelow asks.1 This question was stated in an letter sent to discourage Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) trustees from approving presidential candidate Dr. Jason Allen. However, Brumbelow’s assuming question is historically inaccurate. Union University president David Dockery notes the strong presence of Calvinistic (Reformed) theology at the birth of the Southern Baptist Convention. At the founding of the Southern Baptist Convention in May 1845, it would have been difficult to find leaders who were not Calvinistic in their …keep reading »

Dear Southern Baptists, the Calvinistic Roots of Dispensationalism

Warning shots against Calvinistic influence in Southern Baptist churches is all the rage today. While some anti-Calvinist Southern Baptists have been involved in end times conferences promoting Dispensationalism, they do not seem to fear its Calvinistic roots. To be fair, many Southern Baptists may not know the Calvinistic history of Dispensationalism. Dr. Thomas Ice of Liberty University (hardly a pro-Calvinist institution) is here to help with his article – The Calvinistic Heritage of Dispensationalism. Dr. Ice explains the systematization, history and growth of Dispensationalism. He begins: If systematic Dispensationalism is rightly understood it logically makes sense only within a theocentric …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for Anti-Calvinist Movement at Southern Baptist Louisiana College Raises Concerns

Anti-Calvinist Movement at Southern Baptist Louisiana College Raises Concerns

I was sent a message that some folks have started a blog over concerns of an anti-Calvinist movement at Louisiana College, a Southern Baptist College. I’m not sure if the blog – Blow the Whistle L.C. – was started by students, professors, or other concerned Louisiana Baptists. Blow the Whistle L.C. was obviously started by someone concerned about theological divisiveness at Louisiana College (LC). The blog’s tagline is: “Blowing the Whistle on issues at Louisiana College.” Unlike the recent appearance of “Traditionalists” – what some Southern Baptists are calling themselves – who blew the whistle at all things Calvinist in …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for Wisdom from Francis Schaeffer for Baptist Infighting

Wisdom from Francis Schaeffer for Baptist Infighting

Some Southern Baptists are heavy weight champs at theological infighting. Maybe it’s time for Baptists to step outside the ring and consider another way to disagree. A quote from Francis Schaeffer below offers wisdom on how Baptists might better engage each other. In 1845, at the founding of the Southern Baptist Convention, most leaders were Calvinistic while the laity were less so.[1. Andrew Walker. Dockery: Calvinism has roots in SBC history. bpnews.net] Today, most Southern Baptists are not Calvinists though there is a rise in Calvinistic theology in leadership and laity. Southern Baptists have worked together with Calvinist leaders and with …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for Observations on Ralph Green’s Criticisms of Lifeway’s Gospel Project

Observations on Ralph Green’s Criticisms of Lifeway’s Gospel Project

I recently asked where Southern Baptist Pastor Ralph Green’s evidence was against LifeWay that their new Sunday School curriculum, The Gospel Project, is a tool for Calvinist indoctrination.1 Twenty days later, SBC Today has provided Green’s evidence.2 I am grateful Pastor Green finally posted the evidence for his charges. Does Green’s evidence make the case that The Gospel Project is a Calvinist indoctrination tool? Theological preferences may have a lot to do with whether or not Green’s case is convincing. What follows are observations on Green’s evidence against LifeWay using selected quotes from his recent article. [3.Unless otherwise footnoted, all …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for Where are the Charges Against The Gospel Project by Ralph Green via SBC Today?

Where are the Charges Against The Gospel Project by Ralph Green via SBC Today?

On August 1, 2012, Southern Baptist Pastor Ralph Green was allowed a post on SBC Today. Green charged LifeWay’s new Sunday School curriculum, The Gospel Project, with being a tool to indoctrinate churches with Calvinism. No evidence was given by Green on the SBC Today blog though blog readers were told the proof was forthcoming. No evidence has been given in attempt to substantiate the charges made against The Gospel Project by Green. I hope these types of accusations are not what is to come in Southern Baptist life. Or is it too late? I digress. Chris Roberts, another SBC …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for The Gospel: Must We Say Jesus Died for ‘You’?

The Gospel: Must We Say Jesus Died for ‘You’?

A charge laid on Calvinist Christians who hold to particular redemption or limited atonement is that they cannot tell an unbeliever that Jesus died for that particular unbeliever. Aside from the debate on whether Jesus died generally for all, but only atoned particularly for the elect – must Christians say that “Jesus died for you” when sharing the gospel? My answer is no. Some object and ask how the gospel can be shared without the particular for you language. Below are two examples of The Father of Modern Missions sharing the gospel without the particular language about Jesus’ death. I …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for Video: Pelagian Captivity of the Church by RC Sproul

Video: Pelagian Captivity of the Church by RC Sproul

Thumbnail image for The Extent of the Atonement and Baptist Ecclesiology

The Extent of the Atonement and Baptist Ecclesiology

Dr. Stephen Wellum recently gave Southern Seminary’s Faculty Address entitled, “What does the Extent of the Atonement have to do with Baptist Ecclesiology: an Experience of Doing Theology.” John Meade has posted a downloadable mp3 of Wellum’s talk at his site, LXX Studies.1 Dr. Wellum addresses the issue of the extent of the atonement and Baptist eccesiology in the following two points. Making a case for a definite atonement Using the priestly argument answering,”For whom did Christ die?” The implications of the priestly argument for understanding the nature of the church (New Covenant community). The case Wellum attempts to make …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for Baptist College President Offers Calvinist Vision?

Baptist College President Offers Calvinist Vision?

Breaking News: Southern Baptist College President Offers Calvinist Vision! Imagine if that were a real headline. Surely, that college president would be universally welcomed by Baptists with open arms and a warm embrace. Call me a skeptic, but I doubt it. The very presence of Calvinists seemed to set off alarms for Christian Index editor Gerald Harris who penned “The Calvinists are here.”1 Harris’ article brought much attention and several replies, including my own.2,3 Two weeks after Harris’ article was published a Georgia pastor sent in the following comment which was published by the Christian Index. ‘Heartbroken’ over Calvinism taught …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for Letter to the editor of ‘The Christian Index’ by Marty King

Letter to the editor of ‘The Christian Index’ by Marty King

Editorial not worthy of editor or Index Dear Gerald, As a former Georgia Baptist, I appreciate you and your service as Index editor. But, your Feb. 10 editorial was not your best. The level of research, organization, and writing are simply not up to what Georgia Baptists have come to expect. Let me share with you three concerns. 1. The editorial seems intent on fear-mongering, and is poorly sourced and organized. Although you admit in the article that “many great preachers and theologians have embraced Calvinism through the years,” you imply readers should be afraid of Calvinists, as evidenced by …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for The Calvinists: a Reply to Gerald Harris Part II

The Calvinists: a Reply to Gerald Harris Part II

The following is part II of a reply to Gerald Harris recently published the article “The Calvinists are here.” The article was published in The Christian Index, the Georgia Southern Baptist newspaper, of which Harris is the editor. If you have not read part I, follow this link to do so: The Calvinists: a Reply to Gerald Harris Part I. Part II begins below by interacting with Harris’ article where part I ended. The average Baptist who sits in a Sunday School class or a small Bible study group has depended on LifeWay to provide Bible study materials that are …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for The Calvinists: a Reply to Gerald Harris Part I

The Calvinists: a Reply to Gerald Harris Part I

Gerald Harris, editor of the The Christian Index, the Georgia Southern Baptist newspaper, recently published the article “The Calvinists are here.”1 There have been two immediate responses to Harris’ piece including one by former Calvinist William Birch2 and an article in the Baptist Press in which some of the people mentioned by Harris answered his concerns.3 Harris’ article seems to be pieced together without a thesis. The article seems strung together by insinuations built upon a connect-the-dots type of guilt by association. In short, there is a lot to untangle in Harris’ article. In the following response, which has been …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for A Response to Jerry Vines on Calvinism and Southern Baptists

A Response to Jerry Vines on Calvinism and Southern Baptists

Friend and fellow Southern Baptist Joshua Breland has responded to Jerry Vines’ recent comments that Calvinism is one of the biggest challenges confronting the Southern Baptist Convention in his article: Maybe the Mayan Calendar Was Marking the End of the Southern Baptist Convention. One of the claims Joshua addresses is Vines’ charge that a move toward five-point Calvinism would be a move away from the gospel. If this claim is correct, then there are a lot of Southern Baptists serving the Lord who are further away from the gospel than those non-Calvinists with whom they serve. (I suppose that’s what …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for Servetus Asked for Calvin’s Death

Servetus Asked for Calvin’s Death

Geoff Ashley of The Village Church recently wrote an article on John Calvin’s role in the death of Michael Servetus.1 Ashley gives seven points to consider before “harshly judging Calvin a heartless tyrant.” While not absolving Calvin of any and all wrong doing for his role in Servetus’ trial it may be pointed out that Servetus did call for Calvin’s arrest and possible death for making false accusations against him. In a second letter from prison Servetus wrote the following. Honrable Seigneurs. I am detained for the criminal charges made by lehan Calvin who falsely accuses me saying that I …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for Calvinistic Methodist Influence on Early American Baptists

Calvinistic Methodist Influence on Early American Baptists

I recently shared an excerpt on Southern Baptist doctrinal conditions from a book by Victor Irvine Masters, D.D. (1867-1954).1 Masters was a past Superintendent of Publicity of the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. In the last sentence of the section on doctrinal conditions Masters states, “The Baptists of 1815 in the South, barring certain minor sects, were everywhere Regular Baptists.” He then directs the reader “See Appendix A.” What follows is Appendix A where Masters points out some of the theological differences among early American Baptists including praise for two Calvinistic Methodists. One of those Methodists is …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for A 1915 Perspective on Southern Baptist Doctrinal Conditions

A 1915 Perspective on Southern Baptist Doctrinal Conditions

Victor Irvine Masters, D.D. (1867-1954) was the Superintendent of Publicity of the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. In 1914 at the Southern Baptist Convention, Masters was asked by the Corresponding Secretaries of the State Boards to write a mission study book.1 He offered an interesting observation about Southern Baptists and their history in the foreword of his study book. It is often asserted that Southern Baptists will not read their own history, that they have been too busy making history to read it. It would be truer to say that they have been most influentially busy making …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for Free: Online Video Teaching Series by RC Sproul

Free: Online Video Teaching Series by RC Sproul

Ligonier Ministries is offering several free online video teaching series by R.C. Sproul. Below is the first video from each series that are available to watch for free. The Holiness of God 1. The Importance of Holiness 2. The Trauma of Holiness 3. Holiness and Justice 4. The Insanity of Luthe Chosen By God 1. Everyone Believes this Doctrine 2. God’s Sovereignty 3. What is Free Will? 4. Man’s Radical Fallenness What Is Reformed Theology? 1. Introduction 2. Catholic, Evangelical, and Reformed 3. Scripture Alone 4. Faith Alone (part 1) There are more free online teachings by Dr. Sproul at …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for The SBC and Calvinism: Three Reviews of Whosoever Will

The SBC and Calvinism: Three Reviews of Whosoever Will

The Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry, Spring 2010, is out. This issues deals with “Baptists and the Doctrine of Salvation.” There are three reviews of two recent books by Southern Baptists dealing with salvation. Whosoever Will: A Biblical-Theological Critique of Five-Point Calvinism, editors David L. Allen and Steve W. Lemke, reviewed by: Gregory A. Wills (I’m partial to Dr. Wills review.) J. Matthew Pinson C. Fred Smith Salvation and Sovereignty: A Molinist Approach by Kenneth Keathley reviewed by: Deidre Richardson Steve W. Lemke Steven W. Ladd

Thumbnail image for Amazing Grace: The History & Theology of Calvinism – DVD Giveaway

Amazing Grace: The History & Theology of Calvinism – DVD Giveaway

I’m giving away the DVD set – Amazing Grace: The History & Theology of Calvinism. Check out the description below from Monergism Books. You can also read the reviews on Amazon. Description: Rich in graphics, dramatic vignettes, and biblical analogies, Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism features many of the finest reformed thinkers and pastors of our time: Dr. R.C. Sproul, Dr. D. James Kennedy, Dr. George Grant, Dr. Stephen Mansfield, Dr. Thomas Ascol, Dr. Thomas Nettles, Dr. Roger Schultz, Pastor Walt Chantry, Dr. Joe Morecraft, Dr. Ken Talbot, Pastor Walter Bowie and Dr. R.C. Sproul, Jr.. Part …keep reading »

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Calvin the Evangelist

Reprinted by permission of Reformed Theological Seminary. This article was first published in the Reformed Quarterly Magazine Fall 2001. There are many popular misconceptions about John Calvin. Who is the true Calvin behind the image? Will Durant, the famous author of the eleven-volume series on the History of Western Civilization, said of Calvin: “We shall always find it hard to love the man, John Calvin, who darkened the human soul with the most absurd and blasphemous conception of God in all the long and honored history of nonsense.” Even the defrocked TV evangelist, Jimmy Swaggart, has something to say about …keep reading »

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Real Calvinism

Update: One of my facebook “friends” commented (seemingly at random): If a Pentecostalist, Arminian, Charismatic, Revivalist, or Anabaptist, please defriend or delete me. Or send me your name. I’ll help you. That is the unhelpful attitude the articles below address. There are two recent articles for the Calvinist to consider. The first is from the recent WSC Monthly features an article by W. Robert Godfrey, Ph.D. entitled Real Calvinism: A Head and Heart Religion. Dr. Godfrey begins “Strong on doctrine and scholarship, but weak on life, evangelism and passion.” Too frequently this is the popular image of Calvinism. Contemporary Calvinists …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for Quote on Southern Baptist Cooperation

Quote on Southern Baptist Cooperation

Matt over at SBCVoices wrote an interesting post called Arminio and Calvinito: Best Friends? In light of the recent Great Commission Resurgence, he lays out where some unnecessary Southern Baptist infighting takes place. Of course, the ultimate solution is the gospel. I was reminded of a quote that grabbed my attention from a book I recently read. Baptists have certainly held differing views on the nature of salvation, with some holding more of a conviction that God is sovereign in salvation while others gave greater emphasis to man’s role in the process. But when they have been at their best,

Thumbnail image for Could Molinism Support Universalism

Could Molinism Support Universalism

Dr. William Lane Craig has an article called A Middle Knowledge Perspective on Biblical Inspiration. In this article he offers Molinism as the answer of how God can work with man to write inspired Scripture. This preserves man’s freedom while still giving God a level of control of the outcome. If this position is satisfactory for the inspiration of written Scripture, why is it not satisfactory for other areas in which God works in peoples’ lives? Taking Craig’s conclusion built upon Molinism

Thumbnail image for Michael Horton Interviews Robert Schuller

Michael Horton Interviews Robert Schuller

A Conversation with Dr. Robert Schuller* The following are highlights from a two hour discussion between Dr. Robert Schuller and Dr. Michael Horton on the White Horse Inn radio broadcast, Nov. 1992. Michael Horton: Would you be willing to address your congregation as a group as sinners? Robert Schuller: No I don’t think I need to do that. First of all, my congregation is a very mixed audience. MH: But our Lord’s audiences were mixed with disciples and unbelievers both. RS: Oh yes, but I’ll tell you, the audience is quite different that I talk to than what the Lord …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for Southern Baptist Disclosure and Unity

Southern Baptist Disclosure and Unity

So what do you do believe pastor? Do you hold to X-theology or Y-theology? Which is it Xism or Yism? If you hold to Xism we must have full disclosure! OK, those aren’t exactly real questions. Though it’s been said more than once in Southern Baptist life that if a pastor holds to X-theology, he should offer full disclosure to the search committee.

Thumbnail image for Happy 500 John Calvin

Happy 500 John Calvin

Today is John Calvin’s 500th birthday. (See cake at left) Whatever our disagreements with Calvin it cannot be denied that Protestants (everyone?) owe much to his theological study. God certainly gifted him in areas many of us only wish our minds could go. Calvin was more than a mind though. He had deeds along with his creeds. Check out these two articles to learn more:

IssuesEtc on Free Will

This is an interesting discussion by some Lutheran pastors on free-will and salvation. They even discuss Roman Catholic and Protestant differences. One of the questions at about the 20 minute mark by email was concerning God’s foreknowledge. It was along the lines of if God knows what you’re going to eat for dinner is it possible for you to eat something contrary to what God knows you will have. I think this is slightly the wrong question. The answer given was that God’s foreknowledge does not determine what you’ll eat. That wasn’t the question though. The right question is this: …keep reading »

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Advance09 Day One

I’m having a great time at the Advance09 Conference. A great time of learning and conviction. I’m rooming with a brother named Kris from NC who also put some notes up. I’m going to give you today’s line-up and some highlights from my notes. You can go over to DesiringGod.org and download The First Three Advance09 Messages. The Line-Up Mark Driscoll – What is the Church? Tyler Jones – Decline and Resurge Bryan Chapell – Communicating the Gospel Through Preaching Matt Chandler – Preaching the Gospel to the De-Churched Q&A Panel

Thumbnail image for Unchangeable Free Will

Unchangeable Free Will

I know that yesterday I am going to eat chocolate chip ice cream. That can’t change. It cannot change. It already happened. I ate the ice cream, and even though that’s not going to change, I had free will to not eat the ice cream. Even though I am telling you today that that I ate the ice cream and that can’t change I still have free will concerning the ice cream. Does this make sense? The person in my recent post used a similar analogy to describe foreknowledge and election as found in 1 Peter 1:2. 1 Peter 1:1 …keep reading »

Thumbnail image for Divine Rape and Forced Love

Divine Rape and Forced Love

I recently heard a sermon by an SBC pastor. He was speaking on TULIP. One of his points was against irresistible grace. He basically calls the doctrine irresistible predestination. Then, goes on to say the following. Forced love is rape. And God is not a divine rapist. God offers His love. He desires that we come to Him. But He doesn’t force us to come to Him. Aside from this not being what Calvinism teaches there are several things wrong with these statements. Briefly, I have three points of disagreement. The charge 1. in general, 2. within this man’s own …keep reading »

Irresistible Prevenient Grace

Motivated by C. Michael Patton’s post: A Brief Rejection of Arminianism or “Why Arminianism Does Not Work” I’m reposting one of my old articles below. I may be about a week late to the game, but Pastor Gary L. W. Johnson over at the Teampyro blog finishes his three part post entitled Arminianism: Semi-Pelagianism? I am not here to argue that Arminianism equals semi-pelagianism either directly or practically. I think Greg Welty [Dr. Welty's article on this has been moved.] argued well and reasonably that it doesn’t. I am here to argue, in the spirit of the Arminian/non-Calvinist objection that …keep reading »

A Song For A Calvinist Wife

Michael Dewalt posted a performance of the song I Think My Wife’s A Calvinist by its author Brandon Milan. Too funny! I’ve transcribed the lyrics below and here is an mp3 download of the song. I’m going to play it for my wife without telling her about the song. I can’t buy my wife roses She doesn’t care a thing for them Instead she likes Tulips Cause they’re approved by John Calvin She doesn’t read that Beth Moore book I bought her She’d rather read St. Augustine If she wasn’t a Baptist preacher’s daughter I think she’d be Presbyterian I …keep reading »

My Awesome Wife At Christmas

My awesome wife got me Richard Muller’s Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics for Christmas! Now, my wife isn’t awesome because she got me these volumes. It’s because she is awesome in more ways than I can count that she got them for me! What a great gift. For those not familiar with this set here’s the description from Monergism Books which still has them for the great price of only $79. Description: Contending that the theology of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries is often misrepresented in church histories and scholarly treatments, Richard Muller has undertaken this exhaustive study of specific doctrines to …keep reading »

Christless Christianity Q and A With Michael Horton

On October 31 Michael Horton appeared live on washingtonpost.com’s Viewpoint. Horton was answering questions about his new book Christless Christianity that was released on November 1. The book has been doing well selling over 7,000 copies and the live chat at Viewpoint was the best so far. This is great news! It would be nice if a book like this would have some impact in the same way Warren’s Purpose Driven Life. For some reason though, I just don’t think I will be driving by various churches with Christless Christianty Study displayed on their signs. If you’re unsure about getting …keep reading »

Curt Daniel A Hardshell, Hybrid Or Hypo-Calvinist?

Dr. Curt Daniel, pastor of Faith Bible Church in Springfield, IL. is known for his book The History and Theology of Calvinism. This book is massive, unattractive and presently purely for geeks who want to read historical theological research. Daniel’s material was recently referenced in the blog world in order to clarify charges of hyper-Calvinism that were made at the John 3:16 Conference. Which brings us to Blob Loss and his side-kick Chattering Charles. Okay, I will stop there rather than continue in the spirit in which Bob Ross calls the Founders Ministry “Flounders.” Mr. Ross calls those Calvinists who …keep reading »

A Seminary Student’s Thoughts on the John 3:16 Conference-Update

Update: Todd Burus shares a great letter written prior to the conference. Read it: Calvinism in the SBC- An Open Letter to Johnny Hunt and Jerry Vines One of the people I was at the John 3:16 Conference with is a seminary student working towards an M.Div. He attends an SBC seminary and was asked to give his thoughts on the conference for one of his classes. He’s allowed me to post his brief thoughts below. Note: Thanks to Peter for influencing me to make this clarification. The paragraphs below are a brief overview of my friend’s initial thoughts that …keep reading »

John 3:16 Conference 60 minute Q&A

John 3:16 Conference live blogging links in order Welcome Part 1 Part 2 (T) Part 3 (U) Part 4 (L) Part 5 (I) Part 6 (P) Part 7 And the downloadable handout from Dr. Allen with updated cleaner charts thanks to Tony Byrne. UPDATE: James White and Phil Johnson have answered David Allen concerning the charge that James White is a hyper-Calvinist according to Phil Johnson’s definition. —————————————————————————- Paige Patterson had to leave early so Malcom Yarnell is sitting in for him on the panel. The format is one question for TULIP from a Calvinist and a non-Calvinist. 1. Total …keep reading »

John 3:16 Conference Charles Stanley – John 3:16 to the World

Dr. Stanley starts telling that he grew up in a pentecostal holiness church. He wasn’t raised with the belief that we can have assurance of salvation. He then came to understand in the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. Stanley doesn’t like this new move of talking about raising up “leaders” and such. Instead we need to grow godly men. He tells the story of his salvation and that he just loved Jesus. He didn’t have a theological description. He asks, how can you be saved and be lost? Referencing those who don’t believe in eternal security. The world is looking for …keep reading »

John 3:16 Conference Ken Keathley – Perseverance of the Saints

Quote from I.H Marshall – 2 Tim. 1:12 – Two components – One is presently saved – you can know that you are saved – One who in a state of grace will remain in the state of grace –>This is the perseverance What is the basis for assurance? Asahel Nettleton says “I think it possible I may get to heaven.” – Quotes D.A. Carson WTJ. 54. 21. – “Arminianism and Calvinism meet in strange and sad ways.” Three views on knowing if we are genuinely saved? Roman Catholic: Assurance is not possible; Canon 15 at the Council of Trent; …keep reading »

John 3:16 Conference Steve Lemke – Irresistible Grace

Desires to go forward in unity. Those these discussions are appropriate. References Dordt and it being a response to the Remonstrance. Reads some long quotes of God’s grace that man has not saving grace within himself, etc. that we can’t do anything that is good. All good deeds must be ascribed to the grace of God in Christ. Then, tells everyone that this was the Remonstrance and what the Calvinists were reacting against. We should not confuse hyper-Calvinists and Calvinists just as we should not call Arminians pelagian. We should all do better with these labels. SBCer’s are not Pelagians …keep reading »

John 3:16 Conference David Allen – Limited Atonement

Dr. Allen starts with John 3:16. He plans on quoting only Calvinsts to prove his case against limited atonement. Calvinists are going to be “shocked.” What two things to these men have in common – Calvin, Bunyan, Bullinger, Watts, Brainerd, Hodge, Edwards, Shedd, Barnes, Strong, etc. etc.? (I couldn’t get them all) Dr. Allen wants to be firm but fair. Answering the questions of must a Calvinist hold to the L, did they all hold to it and does Scripture teach it. He mentions Tony Byrne at theologicalmeditations.com who is a four-point Calvinist. Dr. Allen gave a six page hand-out. …keep reading »

John 3:16 Conference Richard Land-Unconditional Election

Dr. Vines starts the morning explaining that disagreeing is not a bad thing. He has many Calvinist friends with whom he disagrees. He claims man can still make a choice and that though depraved not so much to as to say our capacity to chose is ruined. He does not mention God’s grace and how He acts in our “choice” in salvation. (He mentions that Ergun Caner might be here.) Dr. Land Congruent Election: Understanding Salvation from An Eternal Now Perspective We believe in an infallible word of God that does not contradict itself. We must seek knowledge and insight …keep reading »

John 3:16 Conference Paige Patterson-Total Depravity

The most hated doctrine in the world today is the exclusivity of Christ. The second is total depravity. He says thank God that our Calvinistic brethren for preaching the word of God. We have so much total depravity in our churches today because the word of God is neglected in preaching today. Dr. Patterson starts with reading Romans 1 through 3:26. He says you won’t hear this preached in this post-modern world. What does depravity mean? There is not a single human being on the face of the earth that is right with God. None, not one regardless of religion …keep reading »

John 3:16 Conference Jerry Vines-John 3:16

Dr. Vines, as far as I can tell, is preaching the same message on John 3:16 that he preached at SBTS chapel earlier this year. You can listen here: “The Inexhaustible Love of God” (John 3:16). Since you can go and listen I may not say too much on this. We’ll see. From what I remember there is nothing contrary to what a Calvinist would believe in Dr. Vines sermon. God’s love is global. If you’ve not heard this sermon Vines goes through the greek and some historical understandings of love, world, God, etc. He does mention that some hyper-Calvinists …keep reading »

John 3:16 Conference Welcome Message by Johnny Hunt

As I blog through the John 3:16 Conference I will try to follow the schedule. Jerry Vines introduces the conference and Johnny Hunt. He says this conference is designed to be a biblical and theological response to five point Calvinism. Johnny Hunt gets a show of hands and about 90% of the attendance are pastors and the rest lay people. He starts with reading Psalm 119:33-40. He emphasizes the “teach me” and “make me” in the verses. We come to hear and obey the word of God. Not intellectually, but to learn and apply it. God grants the content and …keep reading »

John 3:16 Conference Questions

As many of you know (or maybe not) I will be attending the John 3:16 Conference this week. The very last item on the schedule is a 60 minute Q&A. So… I’d love to hear from blogdom out there as to what questions you’d like answered. Maybe, just maybe I could get to ask or submit some of them for you. I don’t know the set-up for everything yet so we’ll see. I may also get the chance to live blog the conference. Hopefully, this conference will build rather than tear down. Mark p.s. I recently reviewed a sermon from …keep reading »

Reformation Radio

Friend and co-blogger James Swan will be on Chris Arzen’s Iron Sharpens Iron radio show. Schedule and Topics James will be on the show Wednesday (today), Oct. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 30 from 3-4pm. Wednesday James will cautiously tackle the problem of Martin Luther’s Antisemitism. Thursday’s topic will be: Martin Luther: Madman, Heretic, Prophet, or Reformer? Listen You can listen by going to the Iron Sharpens Iron website and get the live stream. Participate You can call in to try and stump James during the show by calling 1-631-321-9694. In case you miss a show they will be recorded and …keep reading »

Calvinism or Just a John 3:16 Kind of Guy III

Calvinism or Just a John 3:16 Kind of Guy Part III This is the third and final installment of this series. This will finish up part I and part II and my review of Dr. John Compton’s sermon “What is Calvinism?” I want to take a look at Dr. Compton’s three concerns, his theology of salvation on John 3:16 and offer some final thoughts. Three Concerns Dr. Compton, referencing again the Founders “Movement,” shares three concerns about going back to Calvinism. Those are 1. anti-missionary movements, 2. de-emphasis on evangelism and 3. full disclosure by pastors with the search committee. …keep reading »

Calvinism or Just a John 3:16 Kind of Guy II

Calvinism or Just a John 3:16 Kind of Guy Part II This is a continuation of the previous post. We start this section with the claim of the over-emphasis of God’s sovereignty above man’s free-will. An assertion based on what? We aren’t told. A side observation is that rarely are objections raised when a preacher counts words and verses to make his point. For example, you might hear that money is talked about by Jesus x hundred times in Scripture as a way to validate the importance of money. Usually, people say that is a good point not an over-emphasis. …keep reading »

Calvinism or Just a John 3:16 Kind of Guy I

Calvinism or Just a John 3:16 Kind of Guy Part I Fellow SBC blogger Timmy Brister linked to a sermon telling us why it’s important to combat false representations of Calvinism within the Southern Bapitst Convention. Note: If you want to see why it is so necessary to publicly debunk errors by Lemke and others, go to this page and listen to the “What Is Calvinism?” sermon by a “John 3:16 Baptist” (warning, you will be bombarded with falsehoods). That page takes you to First Baptist Clinton Mississippi to the sermon page of her pastor, Dr. John Compton. When Bro. …keep reading »

Calvinism, Hyper-Calvinism and Arminianism

I thought this might be a good suggestion for the week with the continuous talk of Calvinism and Hyper-Calvinism, etc. This is a revised and updated version of this book written in 1985. Description: Confused about the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism? Tired of uneducated clergy and layman confusing “classical Calvinism” with the error of hyper-Calvinism? Would you like to know how to answer the false Arminian charges often brought up in a discussion like “Calvinism makes God the author of sin?” or “Why evangelize?” Learn how the sovereignty of God does not relieve man from his duty or responsibility. …keep reading »

T4G 2008 MP3s – Together for the Gospel

T4G 2008 wishing I were there… Session I – Ligon Duncan MP3 Sound Doctrine: Essential to Faithful Pastoral Ministry: A Joyful Defense and Declaration of the Necessity and Practicality of Systematic Theology for the Life of Church Session II – Thabiti Anyabwile MP3 Bearing the Image: Identity, the Work of Christ, and the Church Session III – John MacArthur MP3 The Sinner Neither Able Nor Willing: The Doctrine of Absolute Inability Session IV – Mark Dever MP3 Improving the Gospel: Exercises in Unbiblical Theology Session V – RC Sproul MP3 The Curse and Motif of the Atonement Session VI – …keep reading »

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Become A Better Calvinist

Joel Osteen has decided to help Calvinists, especially, the ones who miss the big picture. —————————————————— Question: For Calvinists, what is your advice for how they can slow things down and find peaceful moments and smile? Answer: What Calvinists need to realize is that their predestination is the key. See, what Victoria and I have realized is that when you pronounce the word “predestination” your mouth starts to naturally form a smile. They just need to learn to hold that smile throughout the whole word, claim it and take the smile with them where ever they go. It’s that easy!

Dr. Hargrave addresses Southern Baptists & Calvinism

An astute reader informed me of this video. As the screen shots tell us, yet again, Calvinism and hyper-Calvinism must be distinguished from one another for SBCers. Gene Bridges recently addressed this same issue. Dr. Hargrave gives an important message to consider in the SBC. Dr. Hargrave talks about labels and being honest about them. I will just give one quote from the video. What works has become more important than what is true in our pulpits and in our congregations. We have become less theological in our denomination. Good stuff! Mark

Calvinism, Arminianism and John 6:44

I’ve been a little busy lately, but I wanted to share some food for thought with some folks. Brian Bosse has written on his blog A Logical Analysis of John 6:44. He also provides a link to the .pdf file of his paper which is here. It’s a very interesting and maybe a somewhat difficult read. He concludes: given the Arminian understanding of universal atonement one is left with Universalism, while the Calvinistic understanding of a limited atonement is consistent. Enjoy! Mark

Extra: Baptists to Debate Calvinism at Liberty!

A debate on Calvinism is scheduled to be held in a month at Liberty University. You read right, at Liberty! Is this the debate we’ve been waiting for between James White and Ergun Caner? Well…no, unfortunately, it won’t be. However, it will be between two Liberty students who are good friends and hold each other as brothers in the Lord. How are they going to pull this one off you ask? Well… And now from our secret bunker deep beneath Liberty University – where no one would think to look -A Calvinism Forum at Liberty University! The debate is supposed …keep reading »

Southern Baptists Building Bridges: Reflections

The Building Bridges Conference was a great experience. By now most people probably know that the audio is online at Lifeway.com and presentations are available at Ed Stetzer’s blog. I would have gotten to this sooner, but I could not get my friends router to connect with my wireless card. I decided not to try to live blog once I found out the audio would be available online. I am thankful for this since I could not do justice to the actual presentations. Not to mention the limited space that I needed to keep my laptop plugged in. I know …keep reading »

Piper responds to Witherington

John Piper responds to Ben Witherington about God being a narcissist. Piper says that Witherington’s conclusion is “astonishing for five reasons”. Read it. God’s Loving Self-Exaltation: A Response to Ben Witherington It’s encouraging that pastors like John Piper take time to respond to criticism such as this. Mark

What some fear about Southern Baptists and Calvinism

What am I talking about? The fear that there is a movement of sorts in the Southern Baptist Convention to remove those who hold to the Doctrines of Grace from serving. Just as Calvary Chapel did with Daniel Cassady in which his embracing of the DoG resulted in his Ordination Removal. It’s a very interesting and sad response letter to read. Brother Cassady even lays out his answers to Calvary Chapel’s 31 Doctrinal Questions & Answers which if I understand that these were answered prior to ordination, etc. it’s a terrible situation that his answers weren’t read more closely. Now …keep reading »

Are Southern Baptists more Arminian than Calvinist?

I came across this quote below from an Arminian. In his book, The Trouble With Tulip, Page argues that Baptist need to embrace a biblical theology that is not labeled with either Calvinism or Arminianism. In essence though, Page takes what he likes from Calvinism (which would be total depravity and perseverance of the saints, eternal security) and what he likes from Arminianism (which would be free will, unlimited atonement, resistible grace). A hybrid of both is what Page would like but what he ultimately does is he basically becomes a four point Arminian. I am happy with his position …keep reading »

The T in TULIP

This is not a pleasant story to read. Just the word “castration” gives me the creeps, but a ring of this kind of homebased activity? I don’t know what is more disturbing; that something like this exists or that the participants were wanting, willing and then some. And some say there is no such thing as Total Depravity. Mark

What are the most common objections to Calvinism?

For imformational purposes I’d like to get some of your input. I am not looking for a debate though. A. Total Depravity B. Unconditional Election C. Limited Atonement D. Irresistible Grace E. Perseverance of the Saints And if you would like to add these additional items that would be great too. – Brief Presentation of Salvation – Bibliography for Further Reading This information will be used to help dialogue through some issues and I will try and keep you all posted in due time. I appreciate the input. Mark

Please welcome the Reformed Baptist Fellowship

This new blog features contributors Richard Barcellos • Mark Chanski • Bob Gonzales • James Renihan • Jim Savastio • Geoffrey Thomas • Sam Waldron • James White. I look forward to reading and learning from these men. This is a welcomed addition to the blogosphere. Thanks guys, Mark

George Bryson, Doug Wilson & Calvinism: Selective Quoting

I just finished listening to James White on The Dividing Line webcast. He was reviewing audio of George Bryson speaking against Calvinism. At one point Bryson quotes a person whom wrote approvingly of Bryon’s book The Five Points of Calvinism. This theologian, Bryson said, was touted by R.C. Sproul as one of the sharpest minds in the reformed community. Who was this person? It was Douglas Wilson who is a sharp-minded theologian. Not that my opinion holds much weight either way. Some may say this lends credibility to Bryon’s book as if others in the Calvinist community cannot disagree with …keep reading »

A Conversation on Calvinism

I was talking to an old friend from high school recently and we talked of many things about church. I’ve run into this old friend in the church we now attend which is some 250+ miles away and 15+ years ago from High School. We caught up a little bit on old friends and old times. We talked theology and evangelism a bit and the “C” word came up. Yes, Calvinism came up. I expressed my disappointment with such folks in the SBC who continuously take unjustified swipes at Calvinism. I mentioned the recent LifeWay study to my friend that …keep reading »

Calvinists are Evangelical

Below is a response I sent to The Christian Index in reply to a reader’s recent submission entitled Evangelical Calvinism is an oxymoron. Let’s see if it gets published. Calvinists are Evangelical I can’t believe some who professes to be Protestant know all that the original Protestants professed. If Southern Baptists wish to continue to call themselves Protestant and embrace the five solas shouldn’t they embrace infant baptism? No, and this is not a good position from which to argue. Much the same approach was used in a previous letter from Nelson Price arguing that Calvinists don’t know all John …keep reading »

Dear Emir and Ergun Caner: A Calvinist History Lesson

To Emir and Ergun and those who fall inline with their anti-Calvinist, I’m a Southern Baptist not a Calvinist position. It’s been a long weekend and I’m tired so I won’t write much. Someone from my local state SBC paper wrote out some factual points very well. So please read Baptist Identity and Calvinism. Since SBC Executive Committee Chairman Bill Harrell has expressed that “our Convention leaders need to make a more definitive statement about … who we are as Southern Baptists” – let me say that I couldn’t agree more. It’s a good one. Short, sweet and to the …keep reading »

Politically Liberal Calvinist

Yes, I can certainly hear it now from the anti-Calvinist Southern Baptists like Falwell and whosoever else shall speak. Calvinists may now be put in the party of the liberal democrats in an attempt to further discredit our theology. Below is a quote from one of Eric Sapp’s posts in which he claims his Calvinism. Sapp formerly worked for Sen. Edward Kennedy. I’m not giving my opinion of Sapp one way or the other just pointing out where I see, with humor, some false accusations could arise. There are those who might say I’m a starry-eyed idealist to imagine we had any option …keep reading »

Prevenient Grace is Irresistible

I may be about a week late to the game, but Pastor Gary L. W. Johnson over at the Teampyro blog finishes his three part post entitled Arminianism: Semi-Pelagianism? I am not here to argue that Arminianism equals semi-pelagianism either directly or practically. I think Greg Welty argued well and reasonably that it doesn’t. I am here to argue, in the spirit of the Arminian/non-Calvinist objection that irresistable grace isn’t a biblical concept, that they too believe in a irresistable grace. That is, prevenient grace is irresistable. Let’s start by looking at article 4 of the Remonstrance and there understanding …keep reading »

Blog bites: Emir Caner vs. Apostle John

Emir Caner recently spoke at Thomas Road Baptist Church. You can download it at – A Gospel Worth Preaching. Paraphrasing Emir he said that God doesn’t send people to hell for their sins, but for their rejection of Christ. John wrote at 16:8-9 “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin,because they do not believe in Me” People are sent to hell for their sins of which even unbelief is. Mark

Blog Bites: Appealing to Free Will

I was flipping channels the other day and came across something on Daystar. I think it was Daystar. Anyways, it was some sort of Bible teaching and I was just thankful that it was the ole health and wealth stuff that is often on as Bible teaching. Well, I hear a statement that went something like, “Well, God gives us a will….a free will and we must use it to decide.” I thought (and I mean this) in the gentlest way possible, “So what?” As far as the Gospel, what does it solve or help in appealing to free will? …keep reading »

Frank Page: Calvinism Manmade Not Bible-based

Just scroll down to the bottom of the article Frank Page discusses SBC theological issues. Many felt that Dr. Page would be a great moderate voice towards the Calvinists in the SBC despite his book The Trouble with TULIP (reviewed here). You can read an interview with Dr. Page in which he states, I have attempted to be kind to all groups. As I have said in another interview, I have Calvinists within my church with whom I work well. One of my dearest friends in this state is a five-point Calvinist. I can work with almost anyone if they …keep reading »

Sovereign Over Sovereignty?

I read that Roger Olson has a new book out called Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities. (Not to be confused with Gordon Olson who I’ve blogged about.) I searched and found in The Baptist Standard an article written by Roger Olson entitled God is sovereign over his sovereignty. What does that even mean? Is this like saying “God is in control of what He controls” or “God in His omnipotence controls His omnipotence”? Mr. Olson says, “Sovereignty has to do with God’s governance of all things; the Christian doctrine of God’s sovereignty is that God is in charge of the …keep reading »

James Swan responds to Ray’s comment from this blog

I posted one of James’ articles before he pleasantly suprised us by starting his own blog. The article was essentially about Norman Geisler, Gordon Olson and Calvinism. Someone named Ray commented on my original post of James’article and now James has responded on his blog.

Blogging issues etc.?

I really don’t understand Todd Wilken who hosts the Issues, Etc. radio show. Recently, on one of Paul McCain’s anti-calvinist blog posts Wilken shared a few of his anti-calvinist ideas. “Jesus” When you read that word, a picture popped into your mind, right? The iconoclastic Calvinist or Zwinglian cannot escape THAT image. Lutherans are comfortable with art, because we are comfortable with the Incarnation. The incarnation still makes a few Calvinists and all Zwinglians squirm. Is it any wonder that they deny the body and blood of Jesus in the sacrament? “Jesus” See, I made you do it again! Posted …keep reading »

Beyond Geisler & Olson by James Swan

This guest article is posted with permission by friend James Swan. All I came up with was the clever title. I thought about this article which James emailed me a while back after the recent talk about Gordon Olson on atleast one or two blogs. James has also written some other good articles definately worth checking out. He deals a bit with Calvinism, but mostly with Luther and Luther’s theology. Good stuff! Thank you, Jim. Now on with it… Most Christians are familiar with the name Norman Geisler. He is considered a leading author, apologist and Christian philosopher. With the …keep reading »

The Mohler – Patterson “discussion”

When I first read that Al Mohler and Paige Patterson were going to “debate” Calvinism I was excited. I was glad a prominent Calvinist was finally going to correct and properly represent the Calvinists positions and all of its misrepresentations. I thought, “Finally, an answer!” The more I thought about it the more I wonder what kind of answer. What is actually going to take place during this debate? Will the misrepresentations be corrected? On what exactly will Patterson be challenged? The questions could go on and on. Well, later on that day the following comment was posted about this …keep reading »

Thanks Dave Hunt. Glad I was a Calvinist afterwards! Whew!

In Dave Hunt’s recent Berean Call newsletter we find the question and the end of the answer below. Question: In the July ’05 Letters section,“TF of Ireland,” a self-proclaimed “Calvinist,” acknowledged that Tom and Dave are saved. Is it possible for someone who believes only in the soteriology of Calvin to be saved? Specifically, that God has to first change a person’s heart. Then…with the gift of grace, faith and salvation in Ephesians 2:8-9,man afterwards, by God’s decree, will come to Him (John 6:37), and fulfill God’s requirement for him to believe and repent. Again, assuming that the fruits and …keep reading »

Sharing an email I sent to Kelly Powers

Below is a quick email I sent to Kelly Powers of http://www.afcministry.com/ due to his recent interest in Calvinism and the positive acceptance of being called a young Dave Hunt. First I sent him a link to an open letter I wrote to him then jotted down a few more things. Anyways, below is the email I sent him on Sunday, December 19, 2004. First, I have a few questions for you and an assessment of your situation with Dr. White at Doubles Standards Mr. Powers. You said in one of your broadcasts that “since Calvinists claim to be Calvinists …keep reading »

God is merely trying to save everyone?

These are some quick thoughts I had in the past that I typed out, saved and just found again. I was thinking about how some people view God as trying to save people rather than actually saving them. This thought process lead me think of God being a failure since He tried to save all, but all aren’t saved. Below I put forth some common Evangelical beliefs of people who think God is just trying to save everyone with the potentiality Christ’s sacrifice actually redeeming. Premises: 1. God unequivocally wants all people to be saved. (referring to God’s decretive will …keep reading »

Double standards, Mr. Powers?

I guess I just had to reply due to a most glaring double standard. Kelly Powers runs a website linked in the title above called Apologetics For Christians Ministry. This all started when all of us #pros geeks were in channel chatting and such, as ususal, when someone named “John” came in and dropped a link to Kelly Powers’ website. I had heard the name before somewhere on Paltalk, but had no idea he had a website and was responding to Calvinism or James White at all. I left Paltalk long ago. I admit I used to frequent Paltalk, but …keep reading »

Quote of the Day

“But let me ask: If it be so very absurd, to worship the work of other men’s hands what must it be, to worship the works of our own hands? Perhaps, you may say, “God forbid that I should do so.” Nevertheless, let me tell you, that trust, confidence, reliance, and dependence, for salvation, are all acts and very solemn ones too, of divine worship: and upon whatsoever you depend, whether in whole or in part, for your acceptance with God, and for your justification in his sight, whatsoever, you rely upon, and trust in, for the attainment of grace …keep reading »

Poisoning Calvin’s Well

The attempted argument against Calvinism goes something like this, “Was the burning of Michael Servetus a justified, godly thing to do?” The person making this argument is usually trying to blame John Calvin as a person who single-handedly convicted, tied-up and lit the match that started the burning of Servetus. Then, the conclusion which is trying to be drawn is that Calvin wasn’t a Christian nor a godly man, therefore, none of his understanding of doctrine is valid. This is akin to Dave Hunt’s opening arguments in the second half of the book Debating Cavlinism where Hunt basic thesis is …keep reading »

Ponderings on William Lane Craig’s molinist position

On Dr. William Lane Craig’s website he has an article called A Middle Knowledge Perspective on Biblical Inspiration. Taking Craig’s conclusion on the inspiration of the Bible and applying it salvation seems to offer no valid reason why all are not saved. The first paragraph below are Craig’s actual words. The second is my re-written paragraph using Craig’s position, but applying it to salvation. In conclusion, it seems to me that the traditional doctrine of the plenary, verbal, confluent inspiration of Scripture is a coherent doctrine, given divine middle knowledge. Because God knew the relevant counterfactuals of creaturely freedom, He …keep reading »

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Mark is a Christian, husband and father. A businessman by day; he attends seminary in the off hours working toward an M.Div. More...

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