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Compiled by the Faith Newsletter editor: Burt Pearson
Contents:
From your Pastor
Calvinism Verses Arminianism
New Addresses
What to Say to the Depressed, Doubting, Skeptical, Confused & Angry
The Death of a Nation
Christ 's Christmas Wish List
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From your Pastor |
This month I want to briefly deal with a term that describes a theological paradigm that we “Calvinists” should guard against. That term is “hyper-Calvinist” or “hyper Calvinism.” Personally, I really struggle with terms that label certain groups. I don’t even like to use the term “Calvinist,” or “Calvinism,” because for those who are not familiar with church history, it almost sounds like someone came up with a theology and introduced it to the church. I even hesitate, depending upon my audience, to use the term “Reformed.” Not that I am ashamed of these terms; in fact I have dedicated my life to teach the tenets represented by these terms. My hesitation comes from the reality that sometimes people on the outside, (and even people on the inside) who hear those terms think they/we know all the theological tenets behind the terms—but actually do not. (I have made that same mistake in many areas of life, not just theology.) That is why I prefer most of the time to just simply call our doctrine, “biblical,” because I truly believe that “Reformed,” and “Calvinist” accurately represent biblical Christianity, and the biblical gospel. At the same time, in our world today, and in the religious circles in which we exist, we still need these terms to distinguish our doctrines. (In fact next month I am going to talk about the term “Reformed.”) —Okay—enough! I get all that.
So what is “hyper-Calvinism,” and why am I writing about it? (Don’t worry, I’m not saying this term describes us—just hear me out.)
As you know, the prefix "hyper" is used to refer to anything that is considered "extreme" or which goes beyond the accepted norm. However, the term "hyper-Calvinism" has a technical meaning. Consequently, a legitimate understanding of hyper-Calvinism, in its technical sense, appears to be lost today. It seems as if anyone to the right of one’s own theological position is fair game to be labeled a hyper-Calvinist. For example, Arminians regard any who hold to unconditional election as hyper-Calvinists. The four-point Calvinist, (actually I don’t see how you can legitimately be a four-point Calvinist, although I have read the arguments—but that’s another discussion,) views the five-point Calvinist as "hyper" because he holds to a limited atonement.
However, true hyper-Calvinism is rejection of historic Calvinism. Hyper-Calvinism entails a denial of what is taught in both Scripture and the major Calvinistic creeds, substituting instead an imbalanced and unbiblical notion of divine sovereignty.
Hyper-Calvinism comes in several flavors, so there is no simple, pithy definition.
One broad definition to consider: “Hyper-Calvinism is a system of theology framed to exalt the honor and glory of God and does so by acutely minimizing the moral and spiritual responsibility of sinners. It emphasizes irresistible grace to such an extent that there appears to be no real need to evangelize. Furthermore, Christ may be offered only to the elect.”
A more comprehensive five-fold definition: A hyper-Calvinist is someone who either:
1. Denies that the gospel call applies to all who hear, OR
2. Denies that faith is the duty of every sinner, OR
3. Denies that the gospel makes any "offer" of Christ, salvation, or mercy to the non-elect (or denies that the offer of divine mercy is free and universal), OR
4. Denies that there is such a thing as "common grace," OR
5. Denies that God has any sort of love for the non-elect.
All five varieties of hyper-Calvinism undermine evangelism or twist the gospel message.
Many modern hyper-Calvinists soothe themselves by thinking their view cannot really be hyper-Calvinism because, after all, they believe in proclaiming the gospel to all. However, the "gospel" they proclaim places an undue emphasis on God's decree as it pertains to the reprobate. Namely, the good news about Christ's death and resurrection is replaced by a message about election and reprobation—usually with an inordinate stress on reprobation. In practical terms, the hyper-Calvinist "gospel" often reduces to the message that God simply and single-mindedly hates those whom He has chosen to damn, and there is nothing whatsoever they can do about it. Deliberately excluded from hyper-Calvinist "evangelism" is any pleading with the sinner to be reconciled with God. Sinners are not told that God offers them forgiveness or salvation. In fact, most hyper-Calvinists categorically deny that God makes any offer in the gospel whatsoever. The hyper-Calvinist position at this point amounts to a denial of the very gist of Second Corinthians 5:20 (NAS):
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
The whole thrust of the gospel, properly presented, is to convey an offer (in the sense of a tender, offer, or proposal) of divine peace and mercy to all who come under its hearing. The apostle Paul's language is even stronger, suggesting the true gospel preacher begs sinners to be reconciled to God—or rather he stands "in Christ's stead," pleading thus with the sinner. Of course God must regenerate a person before they will respond to the gospel. However, hyper-Calvinism in essence denies the concept of human responsibility, and so it must eliminate any such pleading, resulting in a skewed presentation of the gospel. So what’s the point?
We need to be careful, in our attempt to study and present the “meat” of God’s word, and the weighty doctrines of Scripture, that we do not become prideful in our theological understanding. Biblical Christianity, biblical theology, and the biblical gospel when truly understood, produces broken, humble, authentic worshipers of God and passionate lovers of people, resulting in passionate evangelism.
Furthermore, we are not saved by propositions (as important as they are)—we are saved by the Person—Jesus Christ. If our theology does not produce doxology, a growing love for our Savior, and passion for worshiping, obeying and serving our Great King, while we genuinely love people, then we don’t have the right theology. Or maybe I should say, we haven’t understood the theology of the bible.
If you have never read, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, by J.I. Packer, it is a great little book that touches this very issue.
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Grace and peace,
Pastor Adams |
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Calvinism Verses Arminianism |
There is a subtle controversy in the midst of many evangelical Christian Churches in our day. For example, one of the hymns written in the Protestant Hymnal titled, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” (376), is sung without the singer realizing that the implication of these words will either support or contradict what he believes. One who holds the position of a Calvinist would strongly disagree with the writer of this hymn, whereas, one who holds the position of an Arminianist would be in agreement with the writer of this hymn. Does one decide to follow Jesus? In making a decision one either says yes or no. On the road to Damascus, did the apostle Paul take time to make a decision when Jesus suddenly appeared to him and instructed him to do his will (Acts 9:6)? The differences in these two belief systems have been, and still continue to be, a major controversy between Christians.
This controversy began when Jacob Arminius, a professor at the University of Leyden in Holland, was in conflict with his colleague, Francis Gomarus, a Calvinist (one who believes in the “Five Points of Calvinism” derived from the teachings of French reformer, John Calvin). When Arminius died in 1609, his successor, Simon Episcopius, rallied the followers of Arminius to publish their major opposing views in five articles named “The Five Articles of Remonstrance”. When the Calvinists countered, and no compromise or agreement was reached, the question was before the Synod of Dort from November 13, 1618 to May 9, 1619. In conclusion of the Arminian debate, the five articles of the Remonstrance were condemned and then translated into the five Canons of Calvinism now known as the “Five Points of Calvinism”(derived from but not written by John Calvin).
The five points of Calvinism thoroughly lays out God’s salvation plan through His divine election. In retrospect, the Five Articles of Remonstrance insists that God first chooses all men and then each individual man has the free will to either receive or reject God’s salvation. The Calvinistic view is supported by several scriptural references from the Bible that speak directly to God’s divine election. In contrast, the Arminian view is not supported by scriptural references. The few scriptures that are claimed to support the Arminian view are misinterpretations which will be evident once both views are thoroughly contrasted.
The first point on the side of Calvinism is titled “The Total Depravity or Total Inability of Man.” This title supports the many scriptural references referring to man’s inability to believe the gospel in order to be saved. The sinner is dead, and thus blind and deaf to the things of God because of his fall into sin (Romans 3:10-11). His will is in bondage to evil because his heart is deceitful and desperately corrupt and therefore not free to choose good over evil in the spiritual realm (Jeremiah 17:9). By the divine work of regeneration, the sinner is made alive by the Holy Spirit and given a new nature (Philippians 2:13). Faith in God is not the sinner’s gift to God, but God’s gift to the sinner (Ephesians 2:8-9).
In contrast, the first point on the side of Arminianism is titled “Free Will.” God has decreed to save all who would believe in Jesus Christ and to condemn all who continue to refuse. Man is able to choose good over evil because Arminians believe that the fall of man was not total and there was enough good left in him to will to accept Christ.
If this Arminian doctrine of free will is correct, then there would be no restraint on man’s evil heart. In reference to Jeremiah 17:9 (which supports the Calvinistic doctrine of the “Total Depravity of Man”), “the heart of man is desperately wicked” and therefore men would destroy one another without the restraint of God. As a result, the entire human race would perish (Pink 34).
The second point on the side of Calvinism is titled “Unconditional Election.” By the sovereign will and grace of God, He chose certain individuals to be saved before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). God gives faith and repentance to each individual whom He selected (Romans 9:15). His choice of particular sinners was not based on any foreseen response or obedience on their parts such as faith, repentance, etc. (John 15:16).
The second point on the side of Arminianism is titled “Conditional Election.” Arminians believe that Christ died for all men, thus obtaining for them all redemption and the forgiveness of sins. Only those who choose to believe are forgiven of sins. Arminius taught that election was based upon the foreknowledge of God as to who would believe. Man’s act of faith is the condition for his being elected to eternal life, since God foresaw him exercising his free will in positive volition toward Christ.
The scriptural verse that the Armenians hold to in support of their theory that Christ died for all men, is John 3:16, which states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” To come to a correct interpretation of scripture, you must compare scripture with scripture for God never contradicts himself (Sproul 47). According to the Old Testament, there is no account that God loved the Babylonians, the Egyptians, or the Canaanites (Pink 160), and according to Romans 9:10-13, God says, “As it is written, Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated.” Also, finding the meaning of each word that is used in its contents in the Hebrew and the Greek, are how you come to a correct interpretation. For example, the word “world” in John 3:16, is used in contrast to Israel and is a general term. Israel believed that God only loved them and that His love could and would not extend beyond the boundaries of Israel to embrace His elect from the other nations (Pink 161). God elected men out of every nation, but not all nations as a whole.
The third point on the side of Calvinism is titled “Limited Atonement.” The verse of John 3:16, supports this doctrine rather than supporting the Arminian theory of Conditional Election. Christ’s redeeming work secured salvation for the elect only (Matthew 26:28). His death, in the place of certain specific sinners, was a substitutionary endurance for the penalty of sin (Hebrews 9:28). Christ’s redemption secured everything necessary for the salvation of His people, which includes the faith that unites them to Him (John 10:26).
The third point on the side of Arminianism is titled “Universal Atonement.” God loves everybody and Christ died for everyone. The death of Christ provided grounds for God to save all men and each man must exercise his free will to accept Christ.
The Arminians use many verses that claim that Christ came to give His life as a ransom for many and that His blood was shed for many. What they fail to recognize is that many does not mean all, and that Christ explicitly said that He laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:26). If Christ laid down His life for everyone and not just His sheep (those who were elected and scattered among the nations), then why would He make a point of excluding them (Boettner 156)?
The fourth point on the side of Calvinism is titled “Irresistible Grace.” There are two calls, the external call and the internal call, which are made to everyone who hears the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 1:9). The external call can be and is often rejected (John 10:26). This call is made to all people without distinction (Daniel 4:35). The internal call cannot be rejected and always results in conversion. This call is only made to the elect of God, and by this call, the Spirit irresistibly calls sinners to Jesus Christ (John 6:37). God’s grace is invincible and never fails to result in the salvation of those to whom it is extended (John 6:44).
The fourth point on the side of Arminianism is titled, “Obstructable Grace.” They believe that the Holy Spirit draws all men to Christ. Man then has the ability to exercise his free will and resist Christ. First, man exercises his free will, and then he is born again. God’s will to save all men can be frustrated by the finite will of man on an individual basis.
The difference in the doctrines concerning the fourth point is that Calvinists believe that God’s grace cannot be resisted where as Arminians believe it can be. If man can resist God then his God is not the God of the Bible. God would be equal to man and can no more save man from evil than He can save himself (Beck 39).
The fifth point on the side of Calvinism is titled, “Perseverance of the Saints.” The saints’ (the elect) salvation is preserved by the continuous operation of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 4:5). For this reason they can never be lost (John 10:38). Their salvation is eternal and secure (John 6:39). By the power of the Almighty God, they are kept in faith and preserved to the end (2 Timothy 1:12).
The fifth point on the side of Arminianism is titled, “Falling from Grace.” If man cannot be saved by God, unless it is man’s will to be saved, then man cannot continue in salvation (lose his salvation) unless he continues to will to be saved?
Whether a person who is redeemed by God can then be lost depends on how well you know God’s character. One of the many scriptural verses that best describes his unfailing love for his elect is Isaiah 54:10. God says “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” This sums up God’s character and that is His love is unfailing. The peace He gives you cannot be removed and His election of you stems from His compassionate nature. If God would extend all these attributes to the elect and then remove them, then He is not who He claims to be. Furthermore, His beloved Son’s attributes (which He appointed to be the sacrifice for the elect’s sins), would be discredited (Beck 65).
The doctrine of “The five points of Calvinism” relates perfectly to the Scriptures, however, it is evident that the "Five Points of Arminiansim” are contrary to the Scriptures. Arminianism is a humanist doctrine. The doctrine of election had to be perverted in order to be opposed. Ignorance of the Scriptures is due to the lack of proper study. Only when the scriptures are studied by comparison to other scriptures, will you find the doctrine of election to be a grand and glorious one. God was, and continues to be, under no obligation to redeem man. It would be righteous for God to leave man in his sinful state and show no mercy to him.
In the article “The Redemption of Man”, by R.C. Sproul, he sums up this controversy by writing, “God is the only source of salvation. We deceived ourselves and decided to create our own religion which holds that salvation is ultimately the decision of man, not the decision of God. In so doing, we have directly declared ourselves to be sovereign” (Sproul 2). In his futile thinking man has thrown God off the throne, but in reality man does not have the power to do so. God claims that He will share His glory with no one. It is God who is faithful to elect and redeem the sinner, not man.
This controversy is very much alive today as it was during the Reformation. Relativism has weakened the church which caused it to cease from standing firm on biblical doctrine. Calvinists are accused of being rigid and unloving, thus causing division in the church, which is why some Calvinists shrink from standing firm and continue to sing “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.” Whether they conform or not, it is certain, as it has been revealed and proven by His holy word, that God will enable them to persevere, regardless.
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Submitted by,
Diane Perez |
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New Addresses |
SPC. Smith, Alik B.
5TH Maint Co., 524TH CSSB
Task Force Lighting Support
APO, AE 09354
Bob and Marie Murfin
2601 Montvale Dr.
Apt. 314, Springfield, IL 62704
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What to Say to the Depressed, Doubting, Skeptical, Confused & Angry |
I was particularly impacted by what John Piper wrote below; basically about what to say to those we have the opportunity to witness to, how Jesus loves us so much. Don’t know about you, but I have friends and acquaintances that I come into contact with daily, that are searching and lost in this world, without faith or hope. I pray that our Lord gives me the courage and words to witness as John describes below….in compassion and in love.
In Christ’s Love,
Steve Caylor
What to Say to the Depressed, Doubting, Skeptical, Confused & Angry
By John Piper, Author of “Desiring God”
If you care about people and risk talking to the depressed, the doubting, the skeptical, the confused, and the angry, you will soon run into a person who says to your counsel: I’ve tried that. Whatever you say, they will minimize it and say it doesn’t work. Do not be surprised at this response. This is what it means to be depressed, doubting, skeptical, confused, angry. It means that whatever they hear sounds useless. So I want to offer some suggestions for what you say in a conversation that is about to be cut off like that.
1. Don't be offended.
First, resist the temptation to be offended. Don’t pout or take your ball and go home. That’s what you may feel like. They wanted to talk, and here they are throwing my suggestions back in my face with a dismissive attitude. Don’t leave. Not yet. “Love suffers long” (1 Corinthians 13:4, NKJV).
2. Listen.
Second, listen to their responses. Part of your power is not only what you say, but how they feel about the way you listen. If your truth produces empathetic ears, it will feel more compelling. This listening will be a witness. In 2 Timothy 2:24-26, Paul describes the kind of engagement that may set people free from sin and error. One feature is “patiently enduring evil.”
3. End with hope.
Third, when you have spoken all the experiential counsel you can think of, and they seem to have demeaned it all, don’t let them have the last word of despair. You leave the last word of hope. I suggest that you do it something like this. Say . . . I know that you don’t feel very helped by what I have said. I think I understand some of what that’s like. I don’t mean to be offering a quick fix, as though your problems or doubts can be turned around that easily. But I have more hope than you do that God’s truth is powerful and will have its good effect in due time. May I share one more thing before you go? I simply want to make sure you hear the best news in the world. Jesus said he spoke so that we would have peace (John 16:33). And Paul said that faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). You don’t feel this right now. But God says peace and faith come from hearing.
In other words, moving from not seeing and feeling the reality of Christ to seeing and feeling the reality of Christ happens through hearing news about Christ. Something happens. At one moment, you are not seeing him as beautiful and satisfying and compelling. Then in the next moment, you are.
In the moments leading up to this experience, listening to God’s word seems empty and futile. That doesn’t put me off. If you doubt what I am saying, you are the very person who needs to hear what I am saying.
So let me tell you this spectacular news. This comes from Colossians 2:13-15. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Paul is talking about what God offers to everyone and what those who believe in Jesus experience. There are five mind-blowing things here:
1. God makes you spiritually alive.
2. God forgives all your sins.
3. He does this because he canceled the record of debts that stood against you. You owed God what you could never pay because of all your sins. And he cancelled the debt.
4. How could he do that? He set it aside by nailing it to the cross. But the nails that went into the cross didn’t go through parchment. They went through Jesus’ hands and feet. That’s the heart of everything I have to say to you. Christ became our substitute and bore our debt.
5. When that happened, the devil was disarmed. Why? Because the weapon of accusation was taken out of his hand. He always waved that record of debt in our face and God’s court. But now that’s canceled. The devil is disarmed. He can huff and puff, but he cannot damn you.
I leave you with this news. I will pray that the obstacles to peace-filled faith in your mind will be overcome by these truths. Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Meditate on these verses. May the Lord give you light.
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By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: www.desiringGod.org. Email: mail@desiringGod.org. Toll Free: 1.888.346.4700.
Used with permission. |
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The Death of a Nation |
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
America once believed that, but then we got bored,
We lived our lives for fortune and joys,
To pledge• allegiance to pleasure, and play with our toys.
We rose up early and worshiped the god of things,
To pray for wealth and the power it brings.
We took God's blessings and gobbled them down,
But when it was time to give thanks, we weren't around.
We turned our head to the sins of our lands,
We said, "It's O.K., God understands."
We laughed at the blasphemings on our T.V. sets,
We went to the big cities to party, dance, and make bets.
We cheered whilst the harlots led us astray,
Like lambs to a slaughter, we walked in their way.
We murdered our babies and put perverts on parades,
We kicked God out of our schools, and lowered the grades.
We elected our kings without a thought for God's plan,
We asked, "Who'll give us more money? He'll be our man!"
We forced from our memory the thoughts of God,
We put faith in our might, and the power of our sword.
We served ourselves like gluttonous fools,
We'd forgotten that in heaven, there's a God who rules,
Until the day, when His blessings went dry
We tried to pray, but got no reply.
We then begged for mercy, and begged for more grace,
But like Israel before us, we waited too late.
God brought swift judgment, and humbled our land,
We ran for cover from the power of His hand.
Our wallets went empty, and our shelves were bare,
Our soldiers fell dead, and our joy turned to despair.
If you are troubled by the words of this rhyme,
Then join with us and seek God while there's time!
Let us pray for our country and seek God's face,
If we can spread the word, just maybe, we can find grace
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Written by, Dr. Russell C Riggs
Submitted by, Dan Acker |
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Christ 's Christmas Wish List |
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth, here is my wish list. Choose something from it.
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to those who are away from home and lonely. I know; they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need
to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year? Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them
that I love them.
5. Pick someone who has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season
because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it
could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line; they talk with people like that every day.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with
the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas", that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.
9. There are individuals and whole families in your town who will have no presents to give or
receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't), buy some food and a few gifts, and
give them to a charity that believes in Me. They will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then support it with your actions. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Words are cheap. Your actions will reveal
your level of commitment.
P.S. Don't forget; my Father
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From the Fishwrapper
Submitted by, Marian Sweigart |
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