Comments on: Cowardly Calvinists

By: Kehrhelm Kröger

Kehrhelm Kröger — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:08:48 +0000

Folks, salvation is NOT by works!! It is by faith!!

By: Timmy Brister

Timmy Brister — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:15:22 +0000

Eboli,

Care to give you reason why you believe Calvinism is heresy? Certainly you have good grounds, both biblically and historically.

By: Eboli

Eboli — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:23:34 +0000

Calvinism is heresy !

By: calvin lite

calvin lite — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 03:20:17 +0000

Paul Washer: Calvinism is Good Theology

More at:
http://ecothearcy.blogspot.com/2007/12/paul-washer-calvinism-is-good-theology.html

By: Timmy Brister

Timmy Brister — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:06:13 +0000

If I can remember correctly, Edwards considered Arminianism in a broader light than we do today (perhaps leading to universalism). I find it remarkable that Edwards, who was so strong and uncompromising in matters of orthodoxy would be succeeded by his son and other disciples who would usher in the New Divinity that would attempt to overthrow everything Edwards believed. In less than a 100 years, the theological landscape drastically changed. I think that is a good historical warning and lesson to be learned.

By: Mark Rogers

Mark Rogers — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:11:22 +0000

Yes, I wonder that as well. It just doesn’t seem there were many evangelical Arminians to cooperate with in New England at the time. Most that were embracing Arminianism were moving toward Anglicanism. All of his interactions I have seen with Arminians and their ideas have been negative. And the way he thought the gospel and the glory of God was at stake in any compromise on man’s absolute dependence on God in salvation, makes me think he would not have been real cooperative.

It seems there was a different mind set back then. There was one orthodoxy, and it was defined much more narrowly than our “essentials.” And any decline from that orthodoxy was dangerous to the health of the churches and the future of the colonies. I think more cooperation is good, definitely. Unlike Edwards I would not be so harsh toward separatists like myself. But reading someone with a different mind set may help remind us what is at stake in some of these ‘non-essential’ doctrines, and move us to be more courageous in proclaiming them.

By: Timmy Brister

Timmy Brister — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:19:10 +0000

Mark,

You’re right. Even from the beginning of “The Surprising Work of God,” Edwards set out that one of the major problems and reasons why revival was needed was the pervasive Arminianism in his day. Yet I have to wonder if Edwards was altogether separate from cooperating with any evangelical Arminians.

By: Mark Rogers

Mark Rogers — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 04:29:16 +0000

Timmy,
Thanks for drawing our attention to Paul Washer once again. Every time I hear him I am challenged and desire more holiness and courage.

You wrote in a comment, “It is worth noting that Edwards testified that the messages that God used most significantly to bring about revival were those on sovereign grace and regeneration.” Yes, and Edwards went even further saying that part of the nature of saving faith consists in a realization of one’s total and complete inability and dependence on God for redemption. He preached this in 1731, “For there is included in the nature of faith, a sensibleness, and acknowledgment of this absolute dependence on God in this affair [salvation]. ‘Tis very fit that it should be required of all, in order to their having the benefit of this redemption, that they should be sensible of and acknowledge the dependence on God for it.” I just read this in his sermon “God Glorified in the Work of Redemption . . . .” I am not sure what I think of his argument, and will need to think it through more. But it is clear from Edwards’ preaching and polemics that he saw the doctrines of grace to be foundational to God’s work of redemption and His glory. Edwards didn’t build any bridges toward Arminian thought (see Original Sin and Freedom of the Will). I don’t know if he was right but it is interesting to think of a different perspective on these issues from outside our time and place.

By: Timmy Brister

Timmy Brister — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 23:23:25 +0000

For those interested, or perhaps you have never heard of Paul Washer and would like to know more, I have a post with almost 100 sermons by Washer, several videos, and HeartCry’s statement of faith. That post is located here:

http://timmybrister.com/2007/05/11/the-sound-of-heartcry-missionary-society/

By: JamesL

JamesL — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:55:31 +0000

I do want to add that yes, it’s my wicked heart that need to hear such and not just “those people.” Mnay thanks for the thought provoking posts.

James L