The One

[The following is an expanded version of a devotional I wrote for a friend's ministry newsletter] "For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering." (Heb 2:10) In 1999, the blockbuster film, The Matrix …

The Cancer in Calvinism

From the outset I want to make it clear that I'm not asserting that Calvinism is heresy, as I consider most Calvinists to be genuine brothers and sisters. This post is rather about a serious error that has subtly crept up in the teachings of many Reformed Theology proponents and teachers. It is not one …

Loraine Boettner Defending the Negative Inference Fallacy

“Furthermore, when it is said that Christ gave His life for His Church, or for His people, we find it impossible to believe that He gave Himself as much for reprobates as for those whom He intended to save. Mankind is divided into two classes and what is distinctly affirmed of one is impliedly denied …

The Transfer of Nonsense Principle (Concise Version)

I wrote an article some years back on the Transfer of Necessity Principle (TNP), an idea which some have used as an argument against free will. Looking back, my only real regret writing it was that it was too long, and probably inaccessible to someone who hasn't studied the issue. With that in mind, I purposed …

Innate vs Self-Imposed Dependencies

Does God depend upon anything in creation? Everyone agrees that God has no need of things like food, water, shelter, rest, etc. We often refer to this as God’s aseity –His independence of His creation. So God has no innate need of these things, and is utterly self-sufficient. But can God take on a need …

Tackling Calvinist Errors on Omniscience & Aseity (Plus a Deductive Proof)

In our last post on Calvinists who talk past the debate, we handily disposed of the fallacious arguments of a Calvinist objector insists on misrepresenting the issue. He tries to salvage his rapidly-crumbling narrative with yet more proof that he is simply talking past what is being discussed without understanding it. Still Missing the Point I've been pretty …

Calvinist Debate: Talking Past the Argument

In reply to my post on Calvinism’s Inconsistencies on God’s Attributes, our dear objector has given us another demonstration of missing the point entirely. As is all too common when discussing theological issues, most 'cage-stage' Calvinists have a dreadful habit of trying to define what you believe for you rather than actually listening to or …

Calvinism’s Inconsistencies on God’s Attributes

Some years after writing this article on God's aseity, I was pointed to a reply by 'TheSire' (hereafter, 'the objector') that more or less misses the point of my original post. It's not very long or well-conceived, but I'll address his main points.   Lack of Explaining Power The first of his objections involves people 'explaining' …

Great Quotes: J.C. Thibodaux on Faith and Boasting

Whether you freely believe in Christ or not makes a difference only in what you obtain, not what you deserve. But since what you obtain is only what you’ve freely received from God, the One who makes you differ from those with no hope is God, for without His grace and mercy, you’d be no …

Highlighting an Important Series Critiquing The Calvinist Interpretation of Romans 9

Back in 2010 J.C. Thibodaux started what would eventually become a four part series on Romans 9, with special focus on the problems inherent in the typical Calvinist interpretation of Romans 9. This short series was slow going as it did not conclude until 2012.  For that reason it can be hard to follow the …

Limited Atonement and the Divine Command to Believe Falsehood

(Revised 11/30/2014, removed a paragraph with little relevance and revised/expanded the conclusion. Much thanks to members of the Society of Evangelical Arminians for their feedback) When Christians who aren't from a Calvinist tradition hear about limited atonement, something usually seems entirely wrong about the idea. Indeed, in the face of having no clear biblical data …

Double-Talk From a Double Predestinarian

Dr. John Piper recently responded to the question, "What did the death of Jesus on the cross accomplish for the non-elect? Anything?" His reply, oddly, raises more questions than it answers. Despite his views on unconditional election and reprobation, Piper frames his answer in terms of God giving those who aren't chosen a "chance" at …

The Fallacies of Calvinist Apologetics – Fallacies #14: Conditional Election Makes God a Respecter of Persons?

Related Fallacies: Equivocation John Hendryx, who we've noted has employed numerous fallacies in defense of Calvinism and distortions against Arminianism, is at it yet again. This time he's trying to prove that it's conditional election, not unconditional election, that makes God into a "respecter of persons." Before I address his points, I believe that the …

Where Calvinism Gets Romans 9 Wrong: Proof-Texting From a Translation Choice

So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. (Romans 9:16 ESV) Romans 9:16 is often cited by Calvinists to prove that who is saved is in no way connected with free will or any kind of "human effort." The problem with this claim is that the wording …

Where Calvinism Gets Romans 9 Wrong: “Not of Works” means “No Conditions”

10 And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac 11 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), 12 it was …

Where Calvinism Gets Romans 9 Wrong: Prerogative Equals Unconditionality

Continuing with the series on Romans 9, we'll now address the issue of God's prerogative in saving who He wishes and how Calvinists often misinterpret its implications. God's Prerogative Reaffirmed When speaking to zealous Calvinists, especially those who are very young and/or "educated" by internet echo chambers, the strawmen abound. It's not uncommon to hear …