“We must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.”       A. W. Tozer

Explained

  1. “Calvinism vs. Arminianism – Which View is Correct?” – https://www.gotquestions.org/Calvinism-vs-Arminianism.html

TENETS, THEOLOGY, or DOCTRINE

Calvinism

Arminianism

The theology of Calvinism has been immortalized in the acronym TULIP

Total depravity: This doctrine asserts that as a result of the Fall, humanity is completely corrupted by sin and incapable of choosing God or doing anything good on its own.

Partial depravity: Every aspect of humanity is tainted by sin; but not to the extent that human beings are unable to place faith in God of their own accord.

Unconditional election: According to this doctrine, God unconditionally chooses certain individuals for salvation based on His sovereign will, not on any merit or foreseen faith on their part.

Conditional election: God elects individuals to salvation based on His Foreknowledge of who will believe in Christ.

Limited atonement: Also known as "particular redemption," this doctrine teaches that Jesus' atonement was intended only for the elect, not for all people.

Unlimited atonement: the belief that Jesus died for all, but that His death is not effectual until a person receives Him by faith.

Irresistible grace: This doctrine states that the grace of God is effectively applied to the elect, ensuring their salvation, and they cannot resist or reject it.

Resistable grace: an individual can resist the grace of God.

Perseverance of the saints: Also called "once saved, always saved," this doctrine asserts that those whom God has chosen and saved will persevere in faith and good works until the end.  A person who God elects will persevere in faith and will not permanently deny Christ or turn away from Him

Conditional salvation: an individual can resist the grace of God.  A believer in Christ can, of his/her own free will, turn away from Christ and thereby lose salvation. Note: many Arminians deny "conditional salvation" and instead hold to "eternal security."

Calvinist Or Reformed Theology

  1. John Piper: A well-known pastor, author, and theologian, John Piper is recognized for his influential teachings on Calvinism and Reformed theology. He founded Desiring God, a ministry aimed at promoting Christian hedonism, which emphasizes finding joy in God.
  2. Tim Keller: Timothy Keller is a prominent pastor, theologian, and author who has had a significant impact on contemporary Christianity. He founded Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City and has written numerous books exploring Calvinist theology in a modern context.
  3. R.C. Sproul: Although he passed away in 2017, R.C. Sproul’s teachings continue to influence many in the Calvinist tradition. He was a theologian, author, and founder of Ligonier Ministries, which seeks to educate Christians about theology and promote Reformed theology.
  4. Kevin DeYoung: Kevin DeYoung is a pastor, author, and theologian known for his articulate defense of Reformed theology. He has written several books exploring topics such as the sovereignty of God and the authority of Scripture.
  5. Albert Mohler: As the president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Albert Mohler is a leading figure in the Southern Baptist Convention and is known for his Reformed theological views. He is a prolific author, speaker, and commentator on cultural and theological issues.
  6. Charles Stanely: Charles Stanley, the American pastor and founder of In Touch Ministries, identifies as a Calvinist. He is associated with the Southern Baptist Convention and holds to the theological doctrines commonly associated with Calvinism, such as the doctrines of grace, predestination, and perseverance of the saints.
  7. Andy Stanley: Andy Stanley, an influential pastor, author, and speaker, is not typically identified as a Calvinist. He is known for his non-denominational approach to Christianity and his emphasis on practical teachings that are relevant to modern life. While he may share some theological perspectives with Calvinism, such as the belief in God’s sovereignty, his overall theological framework tends to be more broadly evangelical rather than strictly Calvinist.

Non-Calvinist

 

  1. Leighton Flowersis an esteemed Professor of Theology at Trinity Seminary and the engaging host of the widely acclaimed theological broadcast, Soteriology 101. He is an author, with three notable books to his name: The Potter’s Promise, God’s Provision for All, and his latest release, Drawn by Jesus.
  2. John Lennox: Lennox holds a DPhil in Mathematics from the University of Oxford and has authored numerous books, including “God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God?” and “Can Science Explain Everything?” He has also participated in debates with prominent atheists like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens.
  3. William Lane Craig: William Lane Craig is an American analytic philosopher, Christian apologist, author, and Wesleyan theologian who upholds the view of Molinism and neo-Apollinarianism. He is a professor of philosophy at Houston Christian University and at the Talbot School of Theology of Biola University.
  4. S. Lewis: He held academic positions at both Oxford University and Cambridge University, where he specialized in literature, medieval and Renaissance literature, and literary criticism. His apologetic works, such as “Mere Christianity,” “The Problem of Pain,” and “The Screwtape Letters,” remain influential in Christian literature and apologetics circles.
  5. Arminius: Jacobus Arminius (1560–1609) was a Dutch theologian whose teachings laid the foundation for Arminianism, which emphasizes free will and prevenient grace, opposing some of the tenets of Calvinism, particularly the doctrine of unconditional election.
  6. John Wesley: Founder of Methodism, John Wesley (1703–1791) was influenced by Arminian theology. He emphasized the possibility of salvation for all and believed in resistible grace, which contrasts with the Calvinist notion of irresistible grace.
  7. Charles Finney: An American Presbyterian minister and leader in the Second Great Awakening, Charles Finney (1792–1875) rejected certain Calvinist doctrines such as total depravity and unconditional election. He advocated for free will and moral agency in salvation.

 

 

Non-Calvinist Videos

Leighton Flowers/John Lennox on Calvinism on Free Will and Determinism

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXYP37p6oT4

Leighton Flowers/John Lennox rejects Determiminism and You Should Too

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoxwubA0cog

 

 

Debates

Leighton Flowers vs James White

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8hFJJawS2M&t=30s

Flowers:  Piper vs William Lane Craig on Romans 9 (Romans 9, specifically verses 6 – 33 are the primary scripture used by Calvinists

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEa9Fut-ma8

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