We stated in the introduction that Calvinism has its roots in the views of St. Augustine. This man was also largely responsible for the acceptance of amillennialism into mainstream Christianity, and the Roman Catholic doctrine that the Catholic Church is now God’s Kingdom on earth. Prior to his conversion in the fourth century, Augustine was … Continue reading Free Will & the Early Church – Calvinism – Part 11
The idea that God gives a mystical enlightenment only to a preordained number of individuals is completely foreign to the Scriptures, and to God’s integrity. Yes, the Spirit draws people to God. But, many people resist the Spirit. The power that leads people to repentance and experiencing the grace of God, is not mystical at … Continue reading The Power of the Gospel – Calvinism Series – Part 8
The system known as “Calvinism” (or Reformed Theology) has its roots in the writings of St. Augustine in the 4th century. Church historian, Philip Schaff, documents St. Augustine’s beliefs in his introduction to the works of St. Augustine. “Augustin…asserts that divine grace is not conditioned on human worthiness, and maintains the doctrine of absolute predestination, … Continue reading Calvinism – Part 1
1 Peter 1:20 NASB 20 For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you This passage is often cited by Unitarians in support of the idea that the Son only preexisted in the mind and plan of God, but not in reality. … Continue reading How was the Son “Foreknown before the Foundation of the World?” – 1 Peter 1:20
God is sovereign, but that doesn't lead to the philosophy of St. Augustine or John Calvin. God chooses to limit His sovereignty in the case of man's free will. He has established a framework of natural laws and spiritual laws. His natural laws include the laws of physics. Everything in the universe obeys God's natural … Continue reading 8. The Coexistence of Sovereignty and Free Will – Calvinism Series
The idea that God gives a mystical enlightenment only to a preordained number of individuals is completely foreign to the Scriptures, and to God's integrity. Yes, the Spirit draws people to God. But, many people resist the Spirit. The power that leads people to repentance and experiencing the grace of God, is not mystical at … Continue reading 7. The Power of the Gospel – Calvinism Series
We stated in the introduction that Calvinism has its roots in the views of St. Augustine. This man was also largely responsible for the acceptance of a-millennialism into mainstream Christianity, and the Roman Catholic doctrine that the Catholic Church is now God's Kingdom on earth. Prior to his conversion in the fourth century, Augustine was … Continue reading 10. Free Will & the Early Church – Calvinism
God's will is that believers obstain from fornication. Paul wrote, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no … Continue reading 6. God’s Will – Calvinism
When the philosophy that drives Calvinism is projected to its logical conclusion, even Satan's activity is an extension of God's sovereignty. God sovereignly controls Satan's every move. This makes God the author of everything evil, and the most wicked sinner of all. Some Calvinists actually admit this, and seek to defend it from Scripture. If … Continue reading 9. Where Calvinism Leads
Grace According to CalvinistsCalvinists do not deny that God's grace is given to the non-elect. Everything good is from God. Jesus said that God makes the sun to shine on both the wicked and righteous. Everything good in this world is because of the grace of God. However, Calvinists distinguish between what they call "common … Continue reading 4. Irresistible Grace – Calvinism
Living as a Christian in this World 