Answering Calvinism

Answering CalvinismAnswering Calvinism
Dr. John OakesDr. John Oakes
ManilaManila
Jan 23, 2016Jan 23, 2016

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions
Is predestination biblical? What scriptures would you use?Is predestination biblical? What scriptures would you use?
Is God absolutely sovereign?Is God absolutely sovereign?
Is God’s will always done?Is God’s will always done?
Are human beings born guilty of the sin of Adam (and Eve)?Are human beings born guilty of the sin of Adam (and Eve)?
Is “the fall of man” a biblical concept? If so, what is theIs “the fall of man” a biblical concept? If so, what is the
nature of that fall, and what are the implications for us asnature of that fall, and what are the implications for us as
individuals?individuals?
Is the idea of free will biblical? Scriptures?Is the idea of free will biblical? Scriptures?

What is Calvinism?What is Calvinism?
Def: The “reformed” theologicalDef: The “reformed” theological
system most commonly associatedsystem most commonly associated
with the reformer John Calvin.with the reformer John Calvin.
Better: The theological systemBetter: The theological system
based on the assumption of thebased on the assumption of the
absolute sovereignty of God andabsolute sovereignty of God and
the concept of total depravity ofthe concept of total depravity of
mankind.mankind.
Was John Calvin a Calvinist?

OutlineOutline
I. The history of Calvinistic thinking.I. The history of Calvinistic thinking.
II. Implications on Christian theology,II. Implications on Christian theology,
doctrine and practice.doctrine and practice.
III. Biblical teaching on free will, the fall ofIII. Biblical teaching on free will, the fall of
man, predestination and perseverance.man, predestination and perseverance.
IV. Refuting Calvinism and Calvinist proof-IV. Refuting Calvinism and Calvinist proof-
texts.texts.

But First… Total DepravityBut First… Total Depravity
Def: When Adam (and Eve) rebelled and sinned, theDef: When Adam (and Eve) rebelled and sinned, the
result was the “fall” of mankind, which means thatresult was the “fall” of mankind, which means that
all subsequent humans arecompletely depraved. Weall subsequent humans arecompletely depraved. We
genetically inherit the sin of Adam and are born ingenetically inherit the sin of Adam and are born in
sin. As a result, we are absolutely powerless, not onlysin. As a result, we are absolutely powerless, not only
to stop sinning but to decide to respond to God’sto stop sinning but to decide to respond to God’s
love, to obey him, to repent and put our faith in him.love, to obey him, to repent and put our faith in him.

I. The History of Calvinistic ThinkingI. The History of Calvinistic Thinking
Where did all this originate? Augustine!Where did all this originate? Augustine!
Augustine of Hippo (354-430) “The City of God”Augustine of Hippo (354-430) “The City of God”
Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Martin Luther (1483-1546): an Augustinian monk.Martin Luther (1483-1546): an Augustinian monk.
Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) Reformed Churches.Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) Reformed Churches.
John Calvin (1509-1564) “Institutes of the ChristianJohn Calvin (1509-1564) “Institutes of the Christian
Religion”Religion”

Augustine of Hippo (354-430)Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
The City of GodThe City of God: God’s Sovereignty: God’s Sovereignty
Total depravityTotal depravity
Monergism (only God)Monergism (only God)
Double Predestination?Double Predestination?
Original SinOriginal Sin
Infant baptism required forInfant baptism required for
salvationsalvation
Former Manichaean (dualism)Former Manichaean (dualism)
ConfessionsConfessions
Opposed PelagiusOpposed Pelagius
Augustine of Hippo (from 6th century)

Augustine on Free WillAugustine on Free Will
““Tiny babies are not weighed down by their own sin, but theyTiny babies are not weighed down by their own sin, but they
are being burdened with the sin of another.”are being burdened with the sin of another.”
““A man’s free will avails for nothing except to sin.”A man’s free will avails for nothing except to sin.”
"It is, therefore, in the power of the wicked to sin; but that in"It is, therefore, in the power of the wicked to sin; but that in
sinning they should do this or that by that wickedness is notsinning they should do this or that by that wickedness is not
in their power, but in God's, who divides the darkness andin their power, but in God's, who divides the darkness and
regulates it; so that hence even what they do contrary to God'sregulates it; so that hence even what they do contrary to God's
will is not fulfilled except it be God's will.“will is not fulfilled except it be God's will.“
““Men’s evil wills are prepared by God and predestination.Men’s evil wills are prepared by God and predestination.
God, in his timeless wisdom had decided to prepare only theGod, in his timeless wisdom had decided to prepare only the
will of a few.”will of a few.”
Calvinism isCalvinism is, in essence, in essence Augistinism.Augistinism.

Pelagius AD c. 354-430
Works Salvation?
Affirmed the existence of free will.
“Evil is not born with us, and we are
procreated without fault.” Rejected
infant baptism. Taught that we
become holy through our own effort.
“Since perfection is possible for man,
it is obligatory.”
We did not sin in Adam. We sinned
like Adam.

Augustine’s Response to PelagiusAugustine’s Response to Pelagius
1. Death came from sin, not man's physical nature.1. Death came from sin, not man's physical nature.
2. Infants must be baptized to be cleansed from2. Infants must be baptized to be cleansed from
original sin.original sin.
3. No good works can come without God's grace.3. No good works can come without God's grace.
4. Children dying without baptism are excluded from4. Children dying without baptism are excluded from
both the Kingdom of heaven and eternal life.both the Kingdom of heaven and eternal life.
Conclusion: We should be cautious against lettingConclusion: We should be cautious against letting
what we believe be a response to our opponents.what we believe be a response to our opponents.

Julian of Eclanum (c. 386-c. 455)Julian of Eclanum (c. 386-c. 455)
• ““You [ie. Augustine] think that your Lord is capable ofYou [ie. Augustine] think that your Lord is capable of
committing a crime against justice such as is hardlycommitting a crime against justice such as is hardly
conceivable even among the barbarians.”conceivable even among the barbarians.”
• Accused Augustine of Manicheism and of making God theAccused Augustine of Manicheism and of making God the
creator of both good and evil.creator of both good and evil.
““We maintain that men are the work of God, and that no one isWe maintain that men are the work of God, and that no one is
forced unwillingly by His power either into evil or good, butforced unwillingly by His power either into evil or good, but
that man does either good or ill of his own will; but that in athat man does either good or ill of his own will; but that in a
good work he is always assisted by God’s grace, while in evilgood work he is always assisted by God’s grace, while in evil
he is incited by the suggestions of the devil.”he is incited by the suggestions of the devil.”

Thomas Aquinas
1225-1274
Disciple of Aristotle
Scholasticism
Arguments for existence of
God
Synergism?

Thomas Aquinas:
“God, therefore, is the first cause, who moves causes both natural
and voluntary. And just as by moving natural causes He does not
prevent their actions from being natural, so by moving voluntary
causes He does not deprive their actions of being voluntary; but
rather is He the cause of this very thing in them, for He operates
in each thing according to his own nature.”
In other words, Aquinas believed in free will and not a strict
monergism.

Martin Luther 1483-1541
Augustinian Monk
Faith Alone
Grace Alone
Scripture Alone
Predestination

Martin Luther:
“Away with James… His authority is not great enough to
cause me to abandon the doctrine of faith [alone] and to
deviate from the authority of the other apostles and the
entire Scripture.” St. James’ epistle is really an epistle of
straw, compared to these others [Romans, Galatians,
Ephesians, Colossians] for it has nothing of the nature of
the gospel about it.”
Also questioned canonicity of Hebrews because of its
teaching on perseverence of the saints.

Luther and Free WillLuther and Free Will
““Free will is an empty term whose reality is lost and aFree will is an empty term whose reality is lost and a
lost liberty is not liberty at all”lost liberty is not liberty at all”
““Free will is really a fiction… everything takes placeFree will is really a fiction… everything takes place
by absolute necessity.” Luther, Assertio, 36by absolute necessity.” Luther, Assertio, 36

Luther and Double PredestinationLuther and Double Predestination
"All things whatever arise from, and depend on, the"All things whatever arise from, and depend on, the
divine appointment; whereby it was foreordained whodivine appointment; whereby it was foreordained who
should receive the word of life, and who shouldshould receive the word of life, and who should
disbelieve it; who should be delivered from their sins,disbelieve it; who should be delivered from their sins,
and who should be hardened in them; and whoand who should be hardened in them; and who
should be justified and who should be condemned."should be justified and who should be condemned."
Melanchthon and the Lutheran Concord taught singleMelanchthon and the Lutheran Concord taught single
predestination. Luther left it as a mystery.predestination. Luther left it as a mystery.

Ulrich Zwingli
1484-1531
Opposed baptismal
regeneration
Double Predestination
Reformed Theology
“Those individuals who
end up damned forever in
hell are also eternally
determined by God for
that fate.”

John Calvin 1509-1564
Institutes of Christian
Religion
His emphasis: the
sovereignty of God
TULIP

Calvin on PredestinationCalvin on Predestination
We call predestination God’s eternal decree, by whichWe call predestination God’s eternal decree, by which
he determined with himself what he willed to becomehe determined with himself what he willed to become
of each man. For all are not created in equalof each man. For all are not created in equal
condition; rather, eternal life is foreordained forcondition; rather, eternal life is foreordained for
some, eternal damnation for others. Therefore, assome, eternal damnation for others. Therefore, as
any man has been created to one or the other of theseany man has been created to one or the other of these
ends, we speak of him as predestined to life orends, we speak of him as predestined to life or
death.”death.”
Uses Eph 1:4, John 17:6 and 6:37 and Romans 9Uses Eph 1:4, John 17:6 and 6:37 and Romans 9

Calvin on Total DepravityCalvin on Total Depravity
(Institutes 1.15.4) “Even though we grant that God’s(Institutes 1.15.4) “Even though we grant that God’s
image was not totally annihilated and destroyed in himimage was not totally annihilated and destroyed in him
[Adam], yet it was so corrupted that whatever remains[Adam], yet it was so corrupted that whatever remains
is frightful deformity.”is frightful deformity.”
““What remains in men? They are only vermin andWhat remains in men? They are only vermin and
rottenness”rottenness”

Theodore Beza (1519-1605)Theodore Beza (1519-1605)
Successor to Calvin inSuccessor to Calvin in
GenevaGeneva
Created what now calledCreated what now called
CalvinismCalvinism
TULIPTULIP
Supralapsarianism (asSupralapsarianism (as
opposed toopposed to
infralapsarianism)infralapsarianism)

TULIPTULIP
• TTotal depravityotal depravity
• UUnconditional electionnconditional election
• LLimited atonementimited atonement
• IIrresistable gracerresistable grace
• PPerseverence of the saint (once saved, always saved)erseverence of the saint (once saved, always saved)
• This entire system is:This entire system is:
– Logical andLogical and
– Built on the doctrine of Original Sin/Total Depravity.Built on the doctrine of Original Sin/Total Depravity.

Student of Beza
Opposed Reformed
idea of predestination.
Synergism: God works
together with our free
will to bring about
salvation
Are we Arminians?
Jacob Arminius (1560-1609)

Arminius and “Prevenient Grace”Arminius and “Prevenient Grace”
Arminius: "the grace sufficient for salvation is conferred onArminius: "the grace sufficient for salvation is conferred on
the Elect, and on the Non-elect; that, if they will, they maythe Elect, and on the Non-elect; that, if they will, they may
believe or not believe, may be saved or not be saved.“believe or not believe, may be saved or not be saved.“
A human being cannot, on his or her own, turn to God. GodA human being cannot, on his or her own, turn to God. God
grants all sinners prevenient grace (prevenient meaninggrants all sinners prevenient grace (prevenient meaning
"coming before"). With this prevenient grace (or with its"coming before"). With this prevenient grace (or with its
effects on the fallen human), a person is able to freely chooseeffects on the fallen human), a person is able to freely choose
to place faith in Christ or reject his salvation. If the personto place faith in Christ or reject his salvation. If the person
accepts it, then God justifies him and continues to give furtheraccepts it, then God justifies him and continues to give further
grace to spiritually heal and sanctify him.grace to spiritually heal and sanctify him.

English and American
Puritanism
Jonathan Edwards 1703-1758
“A Sinner in the Hands of an
Angry God.”
How do we know we are of
the elect?

John Wesley (1703-1791) and MethodismJohn Wesley (1703-1791) and Methodism
"The will of man is by nature free"The will of man is by nature free
only to evil. Yet... every man has aonly to evil. Yet... every man has a
measure of free-will restored tomeasure of free-will restored to
him by grace." "Natural free-willhim by grace." "Natural free-will
in the present state of mankind, Iin the present state of mankind, I
do not understand: I only assert,do not understand: I only assert,
that there is a measure of free-willthat there is a measure of free-will
supernaturally restored to everysupernaturally restored to every
man, together with thatman, together with that
supernatural light whichsupernatural light which
'enlightens every man that comes'enlightens every man that comes
into the world.'”into the world.'”

1800’s America: Happy Calvinism1800’s America: Happy Calvinism
Once Saved, Always SavedOnce Saved, Always Saved
• Revivalism on the FrontierRevivalism on the Frontier
• Barton Stone rejects CalvinismBarton Stone rejects Calvinism
• Mourner’s Bench Charles Finney 1835Mourner’s Bench Charles Finney 1835
• Once God saves you, in is impossible to lose yourOnce God saves you, in is impossible to lose your
salvation, no matter what.salvation, no matter what.
• Billy Sunday Early 1900s “The Sawdust Trail”Billy Sunday Early 1900s “The Sawdust Trail”

Evangelicalism: Soft CalvinismEvangelicalism: Soft Calvinism
1950s Billy Graham Bill Bright1950s Billy Graham Bill Bright
Four Spiritual LawsFour Spiritual Laws
Sinner’s PrayerSinner’s Prayer
"Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for"Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for
my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as mymy sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my
Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and givingSavior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving
me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make meme eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me
the kind of person You want me to be."the kind of person You want me to be."

II. Implications of CalvinismII. Implications of Calvinism
a. Rejection of baptismal regeneration.a. Rejection of baptismal regeneration.
b. Lack of motivation toward repentance and effortb. Lack of motivation toward repentance and effort
toward righteousness.toward righteousness.
c. Strange ideas about creation.c. Strange ideas about creation.
d. Once saved, always saved.d. Once saved, always saved.
e. Lack of intrinsic motivation for evangelisme. Lack of intrinsic motivation for evangelism
f. Arrogance toward the lost.f. Arrogance toward the lost.
g. Intellectualism.g. Intellectualism.
h. Lack of assurance of salvation.h. Lack of assurance of salvation.

III. Biblical teaching on free will, the fall ofIII. Biblical teaching on free will, the fall of
man, predestination and perseverance.man, predestination and perseverance.
• Q: Scriptures which appear to support theQ: Scriptures which appear to support the
doctrine of predestination?doctrine of predestination?
• Q: Is a believer in this false doctrine lost?Q: Is a believer in this false doctrine lost?
• Q: Scriptures which prove free will andQ: Scriptures which prove free will and
refute predestination?refute predestination?
• Q: Where do we go first to learn whatQ: Where do we go first to learn what
happened at the Fall?happened at the Fall?

The Fall of MankindThe Fall of Mankind
Genesis 3:1-13 Adam and Eve give in to temptation and eatGenesis 3:1-13 Adam and Eve give in to temptation and eat
the fruit.the fruit.
What were the immediate consequences? Gen 3:21-14What were the immediate consequences? Gen 3:21-14
1. They lost their innocence.1. They lost their innocence.
2. They “became like one of us, knowing good and evil.2. They “became like one of us, knowing good and evil.
They gained a propensity toward sin—a “sinful nature.”They gained a propensity toward sin—a “sinful nature.”
3. They lost access to the tree of life. Did they lose physical3. They lost access to the tree of life. Did they lose physical
immortality or did they die spiritually or both?immortality or did they die spiritually or both?
But… They did NOT become totally depraved.But… They did NOT become totally depraved.

Did Adam and Eve, and did we lose our freeDid Adam and Eve, and did we lose our free
will in the Fall?will in the Fall?
• They (and we) still had “free will”!!!They (and we) still had “free will”!!!
It is God’s sovereign will that we have free willIt is God’s sovereign will that we have free will because hebecause he
loves usloves us..
Love gives a choice. By definition, it is impossible toLove gives a choice. By definition, it is impossible to
make someone love someone else. If the decision to lovemake someone love someone else. If the decision to love
is not free then it is not love.is not free then it is not love.
Deut 30:19-20Deut 30:19-20
Joshua 24:15Joshua 24:15
Ezekiel 18:19-20Ezekiel 18:19-20

Before Romans 5 and 8-10,Before Romans 5 and 8-10,
Q: Is God’s Will Always Done?Q: Is God’s Will Always Done?
• Matthew 6:10. Your will be done….Matthew 6:10. Your will be done….
• Matthew 23:37 ..but you were not willing.Matthew 23:37 ..but you were not willing.
• Ezek 18:31-32 I take no pleasure in theEzek 18:31-32 I take no pleasure in the
deathdeath

Is Faith Alone Biblical?Is Faith Alone Biblical?
James 2:14-26James 2:14-26
Galatians 5:6 Faith expressing itself in loveGalatians 5:6 Faith expressing itself in love
John 6:29 The works God requires? To believe inJohn 6:29 The works God requires? To believe in
him.him.

Is Baptism a Work for Salvation?Is Baptism a Work for Salvation?
Baptism is passive. It is done to us.Baptism is passive. It is done to us.
Coll 2:12-13 If baptism is a “work” it is a work ofColl 2:12-13 If baptism is a “work” it is a work of
God, not of us.God, not of us.

Adam and Jesus are both very similar and very different.
Romans 5:12, 17, 18 The central question: What was the
effect of Adam’s sin?
Does this passage support
“Original Sin”?
Zwingli: “In Adam’s fall,
we sinned all.”

a. Sin entered the world.
b. Death came to all (physical or spiritual or
both?)
c. All sinned
We are not guilty of Adam’s sin, but because of
what he did, all of us will sin. We have “fallen.”
5:13 Sin is not taken into account when there is
no law… Romans 5:20, Romans 7:13
Q: Do you see sin as utterly sinful?

5:15 The gift is not (exactly) like the tresspass.
The gift: Jesus
The tresspass: Adam similar but different.
One act let to many sins vs.
The many sins led to one act.
The gift followed many sins, while the
condemnation followed one sin.
v. 18-19 condemnation for all and life for all….

1 Cor 15:20-23 This is about the physical
resurrection, to he is discussing the physical
results of Adam’s sin. NOT the same subject as
Romans 5.
1 Cor 15:45-49 A difficult passage, but the same
topic. Again, talking about physical things and
the resurrection.

Romans 8:28 Q: Is God’s will always done?
Even the things that are NOT according to his will he
can use for our benefit.
Romans 8:29 Does foreknowledge = predestination?
Paraphrase: Those who God, in his foreknowledge,
knew would be saved by the blood of Jesus, he
predestined the possibility of that salvation.

Does Romans 8:29-30 give support for Calvinism/TULIP?
T Total depravity
U Unconditional Election
L Limited Atonement
I Irresistible Grace
P Perseverance of the Saints (once saved, always
saved)
In a word: No!
1 Tim 2:4, Deut 30:19-20, 2 Cor 5:15

Paraphrase of Romans 8:30 (in a sense) all are
predestined, but not all those who are predestined are
called (hear the message), and not all those who are
called are justified (saved) , and not all those who are
justified are glorified (make it to heaven).
But… For those whom God foreknows, all of these are
true of all of them.
Who is predestined, called, justified and glorified?
Calvin and Zwingli: a tiny minority who God chooses.
All others were created in order to go to hell.
Paul: Those God foreknew would be saved.

Does this passage support “once saved, always
saved”? (also John 10:27-29)
Answer: No! Nothing ourside ourselves can
separate us, and nothing can snatch us out of
Jesus’ hand, but we can walk away.
The point: We can and should feel very
confident in Christ.
Q: Do you feel this way?

Romans 9:1-5 Paul is getting really emotional here.
Why? Because he REALLY loves the Jews, but he is
about to deliver some news they do not want to hear.
God has rejected (physical) Israel and has chosen the
Gentiles.
The context: There are some Jewish Christians who are
jealous and upset with God (and maybe with Paul) that
he is allowing Gentiles into the kingdom so easily.

Romans 9:6 Not all Israel are Israel (in two
senses)
Romans 9:7 “It is through Isaac that your
offspring will be reckoned” (Gal 4:21-31)
9:8 In other words, the children of promise, who
walk by faith (not physical children) will be
reconciled.
Q: What should we rely on? The promise.

Q: What is God’s predestination like? TULIP?
9:12-14
The older will serve the younger (Genesis 25:19-26)
Jacob have I lived, Esau I hated (Malachi 1:2-3
I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy (Exodus
33:19)
In all three cases, God chose Israel. Did they complain
when that happened?
Answer: It is about God trying to bless his people.

Romans 9:17 Did God predestine that Pharaoh would go
to hell? What about Judas?
The purpose in both cases: to free God’s people from
slavery, physical and spiritual.
9:19 Jews: Fine. If so, then I am not responsible for my
own sin.
9:20 Who are you, O man, to talk back to God.
9:22 God: If I use the stubbornness of the Jews in order to
help the Gentiles be saved, you should be happy about
that!

Romans 8:21 I am the potter.
Other potter/clay examples:
Jeremiah 18:1-10
God chooses Moses, Isaac, Jacob, David,
Solomon, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Daniel and Jonah.
All chosen for “special duty.”

God is sovereign and his will can trump our
will, but:
1. He only intervenes in order to predestine
salvation for his people, “first for the Jews,
then for the Gentiles.”
2. Even when he “jerks people around” God
never steals their ability to choose whether,
ultimately, to serve God and to be saved.

Hebrews and Falling Away/PerseveranceHebrews and Falling Away/Perseverance
• They shall never enter my rest 3:11, 4:5They shall never enter my rest 3:11, 4:5
• We have come to share in ChristWe have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the endif we hold firmly to the end
the confidence we had at first.the confidence we had at first. 3:143:14
• They were not able to enter because of their unbelief 3:19They were not able to enter because of their unbelief 3:19
• Be careful not to be found to have fallen short of it. 4:1Be careful not to be found to have fallen short of it. 4:1
• Some… did not go in because of their obedience 4:6Some… did not go in because of their obedience 4:6
• Let us make every effort to enter that restLet us make every effort to enter that rest so that no one willso that no one will
fall by followingfall by following their example of disobedience 4:11their example of disobedience 4:11
• Do you get the point?Do you get the point?

Historical type/antitype in the Exodus
OLD TESTAMENT
TYPE
NEW TESTAMENT
ANTITYPE
SLAVERY IN
EGYPT
LOST, SLAVE TO
SIN
WANDERING IN
THE WILDERNESS
SAVED, BUT
LIVING THE LIFE
OF A DISCIPLE
ENTERING THE
PROMISED LAND
ENTERING
HEAVEN

Hebrews 6:4-6 Who is he talking to?Hebrews 6:4-6 Who is he talking to?
• a. been enlightened (NT church “enlightened” =a. been enlightened (NT church “enlightened” =
baptized)baptized)
• b. tasted the heavenly gift (salvation?)b. tasted the heavenly gift (salvation?)
• c. shared in the Holy Spiritc. shared in the Holy Spirit
• d. tasted the goodness of the wordd. tasted the goodness of the word
• e. tasted the coming age (saved)e. tasted the coming age (saved)
• Yes, you can fall away! Conclusion: You had betterYes, you can fall away! Conclusion: You had better
move on toward maturity in Christ.move on toward maturity in Christ.

Hebrews 6:4-8Hebrews 6:4-8
• It isIt is impossibleimpossible… if they fall away, to be brought back to… if they fall away, to be brought back to
repentance.repentance.
• They are crucifying the Son of God all over again.They are crucifying the Son of God all over again.
• Land that produces thorns… will be burned.Land that produces thorns… will be burned.

Falling Away Hebrews 10:26-31Falling Away Hebrews 10:26-31
• Crucifying the Son of God all over again.Crucifying the Son of God all over again.
• Subjecting Jesus to public disgraceSubjecting Jesus to public disgrace
• Trampling the Son of God under foot. (Heb 10:29)Trampling the Son of God under foot. (Heb 10:29)
• Insulted the Holy Spirit (Heb 10:29)Insulted the Holy Spirit (Heb 10:29)
• Blasphemed (spoken against) the Holy Spirit (Matt 12:32)Blasphemed (spoken against) the Holy Spirit (Matt 12:32)
• Committed the unforgivable sin (1 John 5:16 )Committed the unforgivable sin (1 John 5:16 )
• What is the “unforgivable sin?” To willfully, deliberatelyWhat is the “unforgivable sin?” To willfully, deliberately
continue in sin. (Hebrews 10:26)continue in sin. (Hebrews 10:26)

God’s Assurance: Hebrews 6:9-20
Two unchangeable things:
God’s Word
God’s Oath (Genesis 22:16-18)
Jesus, your anchor, is behind the veil with the
Father

God’s Assurance: Hebrews 10:19-23
We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place
Let us draw near to God… in full assurance of
faith.
For he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:35-36 Do not throw away your
confidence; it will be richly rewarded…. You will
receive what he has promised.

More Passages on PerseveranceMore Passages on Perseverance
James 5:19-20 Whoever turns a sinner… will saveJames 5:19-20 Whoever turns a sinner… will save
him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Phil 2:12 Work out your salvation with fear andPhil 2:12 Work out your salvation with fear and
trembling.trembling.
Romans 11:19-22 (to Gentile Christians) providedRomans 11:19-22 (to Gentile Christians) provided
that you continue in his kindness.that you continue in his kindness.
Matthew 25:1-13 Parable of the VirginsMatthew 25:1-13 Parable of the Virgins
Matthew 24:13 …but he who stands firm to the endMatthew 24:13 …but he who stands firm to the end
will be saved.will be saved.
Also: 1 Pet 4:17-18 2 Cor 5:10 Romans 2:5-6John 15:6Also: 1 Pet 4:17-18 2 Cor 5:10 Romans 2:5-6John 15:6
2 Tim 2:10-112 Tim 2:10-11

IV. Questions for CalvinistsIV. Questions for Calvinists
and Calvinist proof-texts.and Calvinist proof-texts.

Questions for Calvinists #1Questions for Calvinists #1
Question: What is the difference between electionQuestion: What is the difference between election
and salvation in this case? If election has nothing toand salvation in this case? If election has nothing to
do with our faith, then what is the role of faith indo with our faith, then what is the role of faith in
salvation?salvation?
Article XIV of the Canons of Dort (1619) “Faith is therefore toArticle XIV of the Canons of Dort (1619) “Faith is therefore to
be considered as a gift of God, not on account of its beingbe considered as a gift of God, not on account of its being
offered by God to man, to be accepted or rejected at hisoffered by God to man, to be accepted or rejected at his
pleasure, but because it is in reality conferred, breathed andpleasure, but because it is in reality conferred, breathed and
infused into him; … he… produces both the will to believeinfused into him; … he… produces both the will to believe
and the act of believing also.and the act of believing also.

Saved by faith or by election?Saved by faith or by election?
A modern Calvinist, Boettner says: “A man is notA modern Calvinist, Boettner says: “A man is not
saved because he believes in Christ; he believed insaved because he believes in Christ; he believed in
Christ because he is saved.” What about Acts 16:31,Christ because he is saved.” What about Acts 16:31,
John 6:28-29, Romans 10:9-10John 6:28-29, Romans 10:9-10
Calvinists: If we are saved by us believing, then weCalvinists: If we are saved by us believing, then we
are saving ourselves and grace is meaningless!are saving ourselves and grace is meaningless!
Illustration: A man in a burning building….Illustration: A man in a burning building….

Question #2 for a CalvinistQuestion #2 for a Calvinist
Q: Why do we exist and why did God put the tree inQ: Why do we exist and why did God put the tree in
the garden?the garden?
Genesis 2 We exist because God wanted to love us,Genesis 2 We exist because God wanted to love us,
for us to love him and to love one another.for us to love him and to love one another.
Love gives a choice.Love gives a choice.
That is why the tree was in the garden.That is why the tree was in the garden.

Question #3 For a CalvinistQuestion #3 For a Calvinist
Q: Why are the lost not saved? Because they sinned?Q: Why are the lost not saved? Because they sinned?
Calvinist: No! Because they were not elected byCalvinist: No! Because they were not elected by
God.God.
This means God does not want us to be saved.This means God does not want us to be saved.
Then what about 1 Tim 2:3-4. Does this mean God’sThen what about 1 Tim 2:3-4. Does this mean God’s
will is not done?will is not done?

Question # 4 For a CalvinistQuestion # 4 For a Calvinist
Q: Why do we love God?Q: Why do we love God?
Answer: Because he decided we would love him.Answer: Because he decided we would love him.
Then what about 1 John 4:19 We love him because heThen what about 1 John 4:19 We love him because he
first loved us.first loved us.
God took a great risk when he created us, but inGod took a great risk when he created us, but in
Calvinism God takes no risks.Calvinism God takes no risks.

Were Adam and Eve free to choose to eat from theWere Adam and Eve free to choose to eat from the
tree or not to eat from the tree?tree or not to eat from the tree?
If so, then were they literally the only humans whoIf so, then were they literally the only humans who
have ever had a choice?have ever had a choice?

(Given total depravity) Q: What about little babies(Given total depravity) Q: What about little babies
who die? (If you believe in infant baptism, thenwho die? (If you believe in infant baptism, then
what if the infant is not baptized?)what if the infant is not baptized?)
a. Trained Calvinists: Elect babies are saved, unelect babiesa. Trained Calvinists: Elect babies are saved, unelect babies
go to hell.go to hell.
b. Unelected babies never die before old enough to beb. Unelected babies never die before old enough to be
accountable. Only elect babies die.accountable. Only elect babies die.
Westminister Confession “Elect infants dying in infancy areWestminister Confession “Elect infants dying in infancy are
regenerated and saved by Christ, through the Spirit, whoregenerated and saved by Christ, through the Spirit, who
works when and where and how he pleases.”works when and where and how he pleases.”

If limited atonement is true, then how do you explain theseIf limited atonement is true, then how do you explain these
passages:passages:
1 John 2:2 He is the atoning sacrifice… for the sins of the1 John 2:2 He is the atoning sacrifice… for the sins of the
whole world.whole world.
Luke 2:10 Good news… that will be for all the people.Luke 2:10 Good news… that will be for all the people.
2 Cor 5:14 For we are convinced that one died for all.2 Cor 5:14 For we are convinced that one died for all.
John 12:32 When I am lifted up, I will draw all men to myself.John 12:32 When I am lifted up, I will draw all men to myself.
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God which brings salvation hasTitus 2:11 For the grace of God which brings salvation has
appeared to all men.appeared to all men.
1Tim 2:3-6 God desires all men to be saved….1Tim 2:3-6 God desires all men to be saved….
2 Pet 3:9 not wanting any to perish, but everyone to repent2 Pet 3:9 not wanting any to perish, but everyone to repent
Also Heb 2:9, Rev 22:17, 1 John 4:14, 2 Pet 3:9Also Heb 2:9, Rev 22:17, 1 John 4:14, 2 Pet 3:9

Last Question for a CalvinistLast Question for a Calvinist
If God is love (1 John 4:16) and God is just (2 ThessIf God is love (1 John 4:16) and God is just (2 Thess
1:6), and everything God has made is very good1:6), and everything God has made is very good
(Genesis 1:31). How, then, do you explain that God(Genesis 1:31). How, then, do you explain that God
can be good, loving and just, yet predestine the vastcan be good, loving and just, yet predestine the vast
majority of humans to be unrepentant sinners and tomajority of humans to be unrepentant sinners and to
go to hell? How can God be the author and cause ofgo to hell? How can God be the author and cause of
evil?evil?

Answering Calvinist Proof-Texts for TotalAnswering Calvinist Proof-Texts for Total
DepravityDepravity
Calvinist Proof-text #1 Exodus 20:4Calvinist Proof-text #1 Exodus 20:4
This is about temporal/physical consequences.This is about temporal/physical consequences.
Ezekiel 18 The soul who sins is the one who will die.Ezekiel 18 The soul who sins is the one who will die.
We cannot use Ezekiel 18 to disprove Exodus 20:4 orWe cannot use Ezekiel 18 to disprove Exodus 20:4 or
vice versa. We should ask, how can they both bevice versa. We should ask, how can they both be
true?true?

Calvinist Proof-text #2 Psalm 51:5Calvinist Proof-text #2 Psalm 51:5
Psalm 51:5 Surely I was sinful at birth….Psalm 51:5 Surely I was sinful at birth….
Answer: This is poetry, not a doctrinal statement.Answer: This is poetry, not a doctrinal statement.
David is using hyperbole.David is using hyperbole.
Is Psalm 51:4 literally true?Is Psalm 51:4 literally true?
Psalm 58:3 is similar.Psalm 58:3 is similar.

Calvinist Proof-text #3 Romans 3:9-12Calvinist Proof-text #3 Romans 3:9-12
Romans 3:9-12 None are righteous. None seek God.Romans 3:9-12 None are righteous. None seek God.
True, but we must observe the whole balance ofTrue, but we must observe the whole balance of
scripture. Paul does not expect us to take this in its mostscripture. Paul does not expect us to take this in its most
literal possible sense.literal possible sense.
Matthew 13:17 Many prophets and righteous men longed to see…Matthew 13:17 Many prophets and righteous men longed to see…
Psalm 63:1 [David says] “O God, you are my God. Earnestly IPsalm 63:1 [David says] “O God, you are my God. Earnestly I
seek you.seek you.
2 Chron 34:3 He began to seek the God of his father David.2 Chron 34:3 He began to seek the God of his father David.
Parallel: Ecclesiastes 7:20Parallel: Ecclesiastes 7:20

Calvinism Proof-text(s) #4Calvinism Proof-text(s) #4
Acts 13:48, 1 Pet 2:8Acts 13:48, 1 Pet 2:8
Arguably, the best “proof-texts” for total depravity andArguably, the best “proof-texts” for total depravity and
unconditonal election.unconditonal election.
Acts 13:48 All who were appointed to eternal life believed.Acts 13:48 All who were appointed to eternal life believed.
1 Pet 2:8 They stumble… because this is what they were1 Pet 2:8 They stumble… because this is what they were
destined for.destined for.
These are two sides of a coin—Acts 13:8 is about the savedThese are two sides of a coin—Acts 13:8 is about the saved
and 1 Pet 2:8 is about the lost.and 1 Pet 2:8 is about the lost.
Are these passages about aAre these passages about a generalgeneral rather than arather than a specificspecific
election? Debatable. Which means that these passages areelection? Debatable. Which means that these passages are
debatable.debatable.

Calvinist Proof-text #5 1 Cor 2:14Calvinist Proof-text #5 1 Cor 2:14
1 Cor 2:14 The man without the Spirit cannot understand God.1 Cor 2:14 The man without the Spirit cannot understand God.
True, but Paul is addressing the Corinthians (1 Cor 1:2) and toTrue, but Paul is addressing the Corinthians (1 Cor 1:2) and to
the extent we are unspiritual, it is true of us, even as savedthe extent we are unspiritual, it is true of us, even as saved
people.people.
We are saved, already, but not yet.We are saved, already, but not yet.
We are spiritual, already, but not yet.We are spiritual, already, but not yet.
This passage is addressing relative depravity, not totalThis passage is addressing relative depravity, not total
depravity, and to that extent it applies both to the lost and todepravity, and to that extent it applies both to the lost and to
the saved.the saved.

SummarySummary
Calvinism is a theological system which was invented by Augustine, not byCalvinism is a theological system which was invented by Augustine, not by
John Calvin. It came not from scripture, but either from his inherentJohn Calvin. It came not from scripture, but either from his inherent
dualism/Manichaeism or as a means to explain infant baptism or both. Indualism/Manichaeism or as a means to explain infant baptism or both. In
any case, although the system is logical—indeed perhaps more “logical”any case, although the system is logical—indeed perhaps more “logical”
than the truth—it is based on circular reasoning and on patently falsethan the truth—it is based on circular reasoning and on patently false
assumptions about God. It is based on the assumption that if God gives usassumptions about God. It is based on the assumption that if God gives us
the choice of whether to accept his free gift or not, then this makes null andthe choice of whether to accept his free gift or not, then this makes null and
void his sovereignty. It is to be strongly rejected on multiple grounds. First,void his sovereignty. It is to be strongly rejected on multiple grounds. First,
because it makes God the author of evil. Second, because it makes both thebecause it makes God the author of evil. Second, because it makes both the
“love” of God for us and of us for Him to not be genuine love. Third,“love” of God for us and of us for Him to not be genuine love. Third,
because it gives a theological basis for the twin false doctrines of prayingbecause it gives a theological basis for the twin false doctrines of praying
Jesus into our hearts for salvation and once-saved-always-saved. TheJesus into our hearts for salvation and once-saved-always-saved. The
salvation of many millions of souls is at stake here. We cannot let this falsesalvation of many millions of souls is at stake here. We cannot let this false
theology remain unchallenged and we must inoculate the believers in ourtheology remain unchallenged and we must inoculate the believers in our
churches against this pernicious theological system.churches against this pernicious theological system.

Answering Calvinism

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Answering Calvinism