John CalvinJohn Calvin(1509-1564)(1509-1564)

FOUNDERFOUNDERofof

The Presbyterian ChurchThe Presbyterian Church(Switzerland, 1536 AD)(Switzerland, 1536 AD)

A Number of ChurchesA Number of ChurchesTeachTeach

His Fundamental Doctrine. His Fundamental Doctrine.

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

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otal Hereditary Depravityotal Hereditary Depravity

nconditional Electionnconditional Election

imited Atonementimited Atonement

rresistible Gracerresistible Grace

erseverance of the Saintserseverance of the Saints

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

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otal Hereditary Depravityotal Hereditary Depravity

nconditional Electionnconditional Election

imited Atonementimited Atonement

rresistible Gracerresistible Grace

erseverance of the Saintserseverance of the Saints

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

THE FOUNDATION OF HIS DOCTRINETHE FOUNDATION OF HIS DOCTRINE(Misconception of God’s Sovereignty)(Misconception of God’s Sovereignty)

““Scriptures clearly prove…that God by his eternal Scriptures clearly prove…that God by his eternal and immutable counsel determined once for all those and immutable counsel determined once for all those who it was his pleasure one day to admit to salvation, who it was his pleasure one day to admit to salvation, and those whom, on the other hand, it was his and those whom, on the other hand, it was his pleasure to doom to destruction.”pleasure to doom to destruction.”

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian ReligionJohn Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

THE FOUNDATION OF HIS DOCTRINETHE FOUNDATION OF HIS DOCTRINE(Misconception of God’s Sovereignty)(Misconception of God’s Sovereignty)

““Scriptures clearly prove…that God by his eternal Scriptures clearly prove…that God by his eternal and immutable counsel determined once for all those and immutable counsel determined once for all those who it was his pleasure one day to admit to salvation, who it was his pleasure one day to admit to salvation, and those whom, on the other hand, it was his and those whom, on the other hand, it was his pleasure to doom to destruction.”pleasure to doom to destruction.”

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian ReligionJohn Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion

Ezk. 33:11Ezk. 33:11, “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, , “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wickedI have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; ; but that but that the wickedthe wicked TURNTURN from his way and livefrom his way and live: : TURN YETURN YE, , TURN YETURN YE from your evil waysfrom your evil ways; ; for why will ye diefor why will ye die, O , O house of Israel?” house of Israel?” Cf. I Tim. 2:4 (Jn. 8:31-32)Cf. I Tim. 2:4 (Jn. 8:31-32); ; II Pet. 3:9II Pet. 3:9

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

THE FOUNDATION OF HIS DOCTRINETHE FOUNDATION OF HIS DOCTRINE(Misconception of God’s Sovereignty)(Misconception of God’s Sovereignty)

““Scriptures clearly prove…that God by his eternal Scriptures clearly prove…that God by his eternal and immutable counsel determined once for all those and immutable counsel determined once for all those who it was his pleasure one day to admit to salvation, who it was his pleasure one day to admit to salvation, and those whom, on the other hand, it was his and those whom, on the other hand, it was his pleasure to doom to destruction.”pleasure to doom to destruction.”

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian ReligionJohn Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion

Deut. 30:19Deut. 30:19, “I call heaven and earth to record this day , “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that against you, that I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU LIFEI HAVE SET BEFORE YOU LIFE andand DEATHDEATH, , BLESSINGBLESSING andand CURSINGCURSING: therefore : therefore CHOOSE CHOOSE LIFELIFE, that , that BOTH THOUBOTH THOU and and THY SEED MAY LIVETHY SEED MAY LIVE.” .”

Cf. Josh. 24:15Cf. Josh. 24:15; ; Rom. 6:16-18Rom. 6:16-18,, 23 (Acts 10:34-35) 23 (Acts 10:34-35)

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

THE FOUNDATION OF HIS DOCTRINETHE FOUNDATION OF HIS DOCTRINE(Misconception of God’s Sovereignty)(Misconception of God’s Sovereignty)

““God, from all eternity, did, by the most wise and God, from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass.”unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass.”

Presbyterian Confession of Faith, Chapter 3, Section 1Presbyterian Confession of Faith, Chapter 3, Section 1

Absolute Predestination of Absolute Predestination of AllAll Human Events Human Events

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

Calvin’s Presumptions AnsweredCalvin’s Presumptions Answered

– ““Now, if the doctrine here set forth is true, we think it Now, if the doctrine here set forth is true, we think it impossible for man to err. Whatever he does is in keeping impossible for man to err. Whatever he does is in keeping with and brought about by God’s fore-ordination or decree, with and brought about by God’s fore-ordination or decree, and therefore cannot be wrong. If he does anything—it and therefore cannot be wrong. If he does anything—it matters not what—whether good or bad—if God has ordained matters not what—whether good or bad—if God has ordained every thing, He has ordained that thing. If it comes to pass every thing, He has ordained that thing. If it comes to pass that a man that a man lieslies, God has not only ordained that he should lie, , God has not only ordained that he should lie, but He has unchangeably ordained it.”but He has unchangeably ordained it.”

T.W. Brents, Gospel Plan of Salvation, p. 8T.W. Brents, Gospel Plan of Salvation, p. 8

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

Calvin’s Presumptions AnsweredCalvin’s Presumptions Answered

God Ordained That Hezekiah Shall Die (God Ordained That Hezekiah Shall Die (II Kings 20:1II Kings 20:1), Yet ), Yet Later Added 15 Years To His Life (Later Added 15 Years To His Life (II Kings 20:5-6II Kings 20:5-6).).

• The Prayer and Tears of Hezekiah Changed the Decree of The Prayer and Tears of Hezekiah Changed the Decree of God. Does Prayer Make A Difference? God. Does Prayer Make A Difference? Cf. Jas. 4:2Cf. Jas. 4:2

• Did God Deceive Hezekiah Knowing That He Had Really Did God Deceive Hezekiah Knowing That He Had Really Pre-ordained That He Would Pre-ordained That He Would NOTNOT Die? Die?

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

Calvin’s Presumptions AnsweredCalvin’s Presumptions Answered

God Ordained That In 40 Days Nineveh Shall Be OverthrownGod Ordained That In 40 Days Nineveh Shall Be Overthrown (Jonah 3:4Jonah 3:4), But Changed His Mind ( But Changed His Mind (Jonah 3:10Jonah 3:10).).

• Did God Deceive Jonah Knowing That He Pre-ordained Did God Deceive Jonah Knowing That He Pre-ordained NOTNOT To Destroy Nineveh? To Destroy Nineveh?

• Is It Not More Harmonious With The Text That God Was Is It Not More Harmonious With The Text That God Was Going To Destroy Nineveh Unless By Free Will They Chose Going To Destroy Nineveh Unless By Free Will They Chose To Repent?To Repent?

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

Calvin’s “Proof” TextsCalvin’s “Proof” TextsEph. 1:3-7Eph. 1:3-7,, 11 11, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord , “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in heavenly places IN CHRISTIN CHRIST: 4 According as : 4 According as he hath he hath chosenchosen usus ININ HIMHIM beforebefore thethe foundationfoundation ofof thethe worldworld,, thatthat we we should should be holybe holy and and without blamewithout blame before him before him IN LOVEIN LOVE: 5 : 5 HavingHaving PREDESTINATEDPREDESTINATED USUS untounto thethe adoptionadoption ofof children children by Jesus Christby Jesus Christ to himself, to himself, according to the good pleasure according to the good pleasure of his willof his will, 6 , 6 ToTo the praisethe praise of of the glory of his gracethe glory of his grace, , whereinwherein hehe hathhath mademade usus ACCEPTEDACCEPTED ININ THETHE BELOVEDBELOVED. . 7 7 IN WHOMIN WHOM we have we have redemptionredemption through his blood, the through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his gracethe riches of his grace.”.”

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

Calvin’s “Proof” TextsCalvin’s “Proof” TextsEph. 1:3-7Eph. 1:3-7,, 11 11, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord , “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in heavenly places IN CHRISTIN CHRIST: 4 According as : 4 According as he hath he hath chosenchosen usus ININ HIMHIM beforebefore thethe foundationfoundation ofof thethe worldworld,, thatthat we we should should be holybe holy and and without blamewithout blame before him before him IN LOVEIN LOVE: 5 : 5 HavingHaving PREDESTINATEDPREDESTINATED USUS untounto thethe adoptionadoption ofof children children by Jesus Christby Jesus Christ to himself, to himself, according to the good pleasure according to the good pleasure of his willof his will, 6 , 6 ToTo the praisethe praise of of the glory of his gracethe glory of his grace, , whereinwherein hehe hathhath mademade usus ACCEPTEDACCEPTED ININ THETHE BELOVEDBELOVED. . 7 7 IN WHOMIN WHOM we have we have redemptionredemption through his blood, the through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his gracethe riches of his grace.”.”

v. 11. 11, “, “IN WHOMIN WHOM also also we have obtained an inheritancewe have obtained an inheritance, , being being PREDESTINATEDPREDESTINATED according to the purpose of him according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after who worketh all things after the counsel of his own willthe counsel of his own will.”.”

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

Calvin’s “Proof” TextsCalvin’s “Proof” Texts

Rom. 8:29-30Rom. 8:29-30, “For , “For WHOM HE DID FOREKNOWWHOM HE DID FOREKNOW, he , he also did also did PREDESTINATEPREDESTINATE TOTO BE CONFORMED TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SONTHE IMAGE OF HIS SON, that he might be the firstborn , that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover among many brethren. 30 Moreover WHOM HE DIDWHOM HE DID PREDESTINATEPREDESTINATE, , THEM THEM he alsohe also CALLED CALLED: and : and whom whom hehe calledcalled,, themthem hehe alsoalso JUSTIFIEDJUSTIFIED:: andand whomwhom hehe justifiedjustified, , themthem hehe alsoalso GLORIFIEDGLORIFIED.” .” Cf.Cf. IIII Thess.Thess. 2:142:14 (Rom.(Rom. 12:1-2)12:1-2)

This Is This Is WHATWHAT God Has Done - The Question Is God Has Done - The Question Is HOWHOW??

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Calvin’s “Proof” Texts ExaminedExamined

I Cor. 2:7I Cor. 2:7, “But we speak , “But we speak THE WISDOM OF GODTHE WISDOM OF GOD in a in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained which God ordained before the worldbefore the world UNTO OUR GLORYUNTO OUR GLORY.” .” Cf. Eph. 3:3-5Cf. Eph. 3:3-5

IIII Tim.Tim. 1:9-101:9-10,, “Who“Who hathhath savedsaved usus,, andand calledcalled usus withwith anan

holy callingholy calling,, NOTNOT accordingaccording toto ourour works,works, BUTBUT accordingaccording toto

hishis ownown purposepurpose andand grace,grace, whichwhich waswas givengiven usus ININ CHRISTCHRIST

JESUSJESUS before the world beganbefore the world began, 10 But is , 10 But is now now mademade manifestmanifest byby thethe appearingappearing ofof ourour SaviourSaviour JesusJesus Christ,Christ, whowho hathhath

abolishedabolished death,death, andand hathhath broughtbrought lifelife andand immortalityimmortality toto lightlight

throughthrough thethe gospelgospel.”.” Cf.Cf. Heb.Heb. 5:95:9 (Rev.(Rev. 22:17)22:17);; Eph.Eph. 2:8-102:8-10

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Calvin’s “Proof” Texts ExaminedExaminedEph. 3:8-11Eph. 3:8-11, “Unto me, who am less than the least of all , “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christthe unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And ; 9 And to make to make all men SEE what is THE FELLOWSHIP of THE all men SEE what is THE FELLOWSHIP of THE MYSTERYMYSTERY, , which from the beginning of the world hath which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in Godbeen hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 , who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intentTo the intent that that NOWNOW unto the principalities and powers unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places in heavenly places might be known BY THE CHURCHmight be known BY THE CHURCH the manifold wisdom of Godthe manifold wisdom of God, 11 , 11 According to THE According to THE ETERNAL PURPOSE which HE PURPOSED IN ETERNAL PURPOSE which HE PURPOSED IN CHRIST JESUS our LordCHRIST JESUS our Lord.” .” Cf. vv. 3-5 (I Jn. 1:5-7)Cf. vv. 3-5 (I Jn. 1:5-7)

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Calvin’s “Proof” Texts ExaminedExaminedI Pet. 1:2-5I Pet. 1:2-5, “, “ElectElect according to the foreknowledge of God according to the foreknowledge of God the Fatherthe Father, , through sanctification of the Spiritthrough sanctification of the Spirit, , unto unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christobedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ : : Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 3 Blessed be the Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercyhis abundant mercy hath hath begotten usbegotten us again unto a lively again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, not away, reserved in heaven for youreserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are , 5 Who are KEPTKEPT by by the power of Godthe power of God through faiththrough faith unto salvationunto salvation ready to be ready to be revealed in the last time.” revealed in the last time.” Cf. Rom. 1:16 (Jas. 1:18)Cf. Rom. 1:16 (Jas. 1:18)

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Calvin’s “Proof” Texts ExaminedExaminedI Pet. 1:18-23I Pet. 1:18-23, “Forasmuch as , “Forasmuch as YE KNOWYE KNOW that ye were that ye were NOTNOT redeemedredeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 fathers; 19 BUTBUT with the precious blood of Christ, as of a with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 WhoWho verily was verily was foreordained before the foundation of the worldforeordained before the foundation of the world, but was , but was manifest in these last times manifest in these last times for youfor you, 21 Who by him do , 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 22 him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 22 SeeingSeeing yeye havehave purifiedpurified youryour soulssouls inin OBEYINGOBEYING the truth the truth through the Spiritthrough the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren…” unto unfeigned love of the brethren…”

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Calvin’s “Proof” Texts ExaminedExamined

Mt. 25:34Mt. 25:34, “Then shall the King say unto them , “Then shall the King say unto them on his right on his right handhand, , ComeCome, , ye blessedye blessed of my Father, of my Father, inherit the kingdominherit the kingdom preparedprepared forfor youyou fromfrom thethe foundationfoundation ofof thethe worldworld.” .” Cf. v. 41Cf. v. 41

Eph. 1:4Eph. 1:4, “According as , “According as HE hath CHOSEN USHE hath CHOSEN US IN HIMIN HIM before the foundation of the worldbefore the foundation of the world, that we , that we shouldshould be holybe holy and and without blame before him IN LOVEwithout blame before him IN LOVE.”.”

Rev. 13:8Rev. 13:8, “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship , “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the the book of life of the LambLamb SLAINSLAIN fromfrom thethe foundationfoundation ofof thethe worldworld.”.” Cf.Cf. Ex.Ex. 32:3332:33

CalvinismCalvinismAn IntroductionAn Introduction

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Calvin’s “Proof” Texts ExaminedExaminedGal. 3:24-29Gal. 3:24-29, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to , “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might bebring us unto Christ, that we might be JUSTIFIED by faith JUSTIFIED by faith. . 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For schoolmaster. 26 For YE ARE ALL THE CHILDREN OF YE ARE ALL THE CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH IN CHRIST JESUSGOD BY FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS. 27 For as many of . 27 For as many of you as have been you as have been BAPTIZED INTO CHRISTBAPTIZED INTO CHRIST have have put on put on ChristChrist. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither . 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for YE ARE YE ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUSALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, . 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and then are ye Abraham’s seed, and HEIRS ACCORDING TO HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISETHE PROMISE.” .” Cf.Cf. Gen.Gen. 22:1822:18 (Acts(Acts 2:38-392:38-39;; Rom.Rom. 6:3)6:3)