The Calvinist Non-Answer Highlighted: What if my Children are Not Elect?

(See Updated material at bottom) Someone named Tim Kimberley wrote a post at Credo House asking, “What if my Children are not Elect?”   The post is a response to an inquirer who is struggling with the horrific implications of Calvinist determinism with regards to the predetermined destiny of his or her children.  Kimberley offers an answer, …

Finally “Submitting” to Calvinism

I highly recommend this  article by Chris Chapman.  It seems especially relevant in light of my recent responses to C Michael Patton on his "The Irrationality of Calvinism" post.  While portions of Chapman's post may seem offensive to some, it still illustrates a compelling narrative for why many end up turning to Calvinism.  I have often gotten the same vibe …

How Can God’s Glory be “Diminished” in Calvinism?

Calvinist John Mac Arthur in his article, Why Every Calvinist Should be a PreMillennialist, writes:  It is impossible to fully understand biblical teaching about the end times apart from understanding the future of Israel, the future of ethnic Jews in God’s plan. And if you don’t get Israel right, then your eschatology is confused and you …

Sanctification by Works?

I have mentioned this in posts and comment threads in the past, but thought I would bring it up in its own post and get some thoughts on it.  Many Calvinists insist that if there is a synergsitic element in man's initial salvation (i.e. conversion) then it amounts to salvation by "works".  Synergism in coversion apparently equals conversion by works.  …

Does the Gospel According to Calvinism Offer Salvation to Anyone At All?

Dr. Picirilli thinks not.  After making the point that Calvinists believe that those reprobates who hear the gospel cannot truly respond to the offer of salvation, he further observes that, Furthermore, in the Calvinistic system, the gospel is not really offering salvation to any, since neither the elect nor the non-elect can accept the offer …

Addressing Dominic’s Response to the Purpose of Regeneration in Calvinism

Below is an answer offered by "Dominic" to my post on the purpose of regeneration in the Calvinist scheme, with my response to his answer interspersed.  He also touches on my post concerning the Arminian ordo.  I was originally going to leave my response in his combox, but since it became very long, and since it deals with a …

What Purpose Does Regeneration Serve in Calvinism?

Calvinists make a big deal out of the need for regeneration before one can believe.  For them this is the primary function of regeneration.  Regeneration irresistibly causes a faith response, and without this regeneration, faith would be impossible.  I have explained in numerous posts why I disagree with this Calvinist ordo salutis, but I am …

What Does God “Fore-love” According to Calvinism?

Many Arminians see God's election of individuals as based on God's foreknowledge of faith.  They see that primary election passages make reference to foreknowledge and even suggest that election is based on foreknowledge.  They also see that faith is the primary condition for salvation found in the Bible.  One is saved, and therefore elected, by …

What Brings the Most Glory to God?

More from Grace Gate.  I recently e-mailed the person who runs Grace Gate and let him (or her) know that I responded to one of his (or her) posts.  A few days ago I noticed that this person left another link in a different combox again asking me to check out his (or her) site.  …

Robert Shank on Rev. 2:20-22 and Monergism

Consider the words of Christ to the church at Thyatria [sic.] concerning the prominent woman referred to as 'Jezebel' and His servants, who were practicing immorality and pagan customs, doubtless in a religious context after the manner of the cults: "I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself …

What Say You Calvinist?

Kyle over at Preach Faith has written some very engaging posts at his blog lately and is not afraid to challenge Calvinists to defend their views in light of Scripture.  He has written three open challenges to Calvinism in the last several weeks.  Personally, I think he makes some very strong points concerning problems that have plagued …

Calvinism and Job: Something to Think About

Most Christians are familiar with the story of Job.  Job endured severe trials but did not curse God (though he did question God).  The emphases of the book are many.  It is probably mainly concerned with a faulty theology which claimed that bad things don't happen to good people.  But how does any of this …

Those in Glass Ivory Towers Shouldn’t Throw Stones

I would like to get some opinions on the following two quotes by James White. The first comes from his debate with Dave Hunt and the second comes from his website. Maybe I am wrong, but I detect a bit of inconsistency here. It seems to me that he is quite comfortable using virtually the …

Dealing With a Libertarian Determinist?

JC recently directed my attention to this website where a certain Adam Murrell decided to make some comments concerning a previous post of mine. He decided I needed a lesson in Calvinism by providing an impressive list of "proof texts" that he feels, if I would only take the time to read them, would make …

Sacrifice And The Nature Of Human Freedom

The word of God commands people to submit and surrender their wills to the will of God. This is inherent in the nature of sacrifice. Paul tells us to offer ourselves to God as a living sacrifice. What does this mean? My Pastor used to put it this way: “When our will comes in conflict …

Got Free Will?

My recent post [Struggling with Regrets] has caused quite a stir. Many have chimed in to attack the notion that man can have the God given power of self-determination. I am, quite honestly, surprised by the amount of interest this subject has generated. I am also surprised by the lack of answers to the questions …