Category: Calvinism

God’s Sovereignty & the Means of Grace

The sovereignty of God is displayed in the diverse effects of the application of the gospel, showing His absolute freedom and control. The gospel’s impact varies, with some immediately responding, others taking longer, and still only hardening others. This demonstrates God’s dominion in guiding and determining the outcomes—highlighting the need for our humble acceptance, gratitude, and reliance on Christ for His sovereignty and grace.… Read More God’s Sovereignty & the Means of Grace

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Theodicy & The Concurrence of Primary & Secondary Causes

God ordains all events freely and unchangeably, without authoring sin or impeding free will. God’s concurring power sustains and governs all actions without tainting His holiness. Actions are distinct from their sinfulness, and God’s concurrence with the substance of an action does not corrupt His nature. Actions have separate causes from their sinfulness, and God’s intention differs from man’s intention.… Read More Theodicy & The Concurrence of Primary & Secondary Causes

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Theodicy & God’s Permission of Sin

God’s holiness is not tainted by his permitting of sin. Although God has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass, he does not will or cause sin. God allows sin to occur for a greater purpose, namely the manifestation of his own glory through the triumph of grace over sin in Christ. God’s permission is not the cause of sin, but rather a means to demonstrate his wisdom and goodness.… Read More Theodicy & God’s Permission of Sin

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Cessation of the Miraculous Gifts | John Calvin

Miracles were promised only for a time, in order to give luster to the gospel, while it was new and in a state of obscurity… The true design for which miracles were appointed was, that nothing which was necessary for proving the doctrine of the gospel should be wanting at its commencement. And certainly we see that the use of them ceased not long afterwards. … Read More Cessation of the Miraculous Gifts | John Calvin

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The Gospel Call Binds The Conscience

God in the gospel generally reveals two points unto us: the first, that there is perfect righteousness and life everlasting to be obtained by Christ; and the second, that the instrument to obtain righteousness and life eternal is faith in Christ. Moreover, when this gospel is dispensed and preached unto us, God reveals unto us two points more: the first, that He will make us particularly to be partakers of true righteousness and life everlasting by Christ; and the second, that He will have us without doubting to believe thus much of ourselves. And for this cause, every man to whom the gospel is revealed is bound to believe his own election, justification, sanctification, and glorification in and by Christ.… Read More The Gospel Call Binds The Conscience

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Predestination and the Free Offer of the Gospel

David Dickson (1583-1663)Therapeutica Sacra, pp. 124-127 Objection. But some there are who maintain the decree of Redemption and Covenant between God and Christ (which in substance, is one with the decree) to be absolute concerning the powerful and invincible conversion, perseverance, and salvation of the elect; but concerning the rest of the world, they tell… Read More Predestination and the Free Offer of the Gospel

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