Tackling Tradition 81: Non-Calvinist Talking Points

 

By way of reply…..

1. Denies free will!   Affirms that we follow our own desires into sin, condemnation, & death &  — unlike libertarian free will — leaves no room for the possibility that we might not follow our own desires into any choice we make. 

2. Interprets Scripture according to confessions.  How many Presbyterian elders, Reformed Baptists & others can you name who look to the WCF or 2LBCF or similar documents before they exposit the Bible?  

You believe in libertarian freedom. Where can we find that in the Bible? 

3. It states God hates most people! 

According to Boettner, there is no reason for us to believe that the number of the elect is less than that of the reprobate.   Matthew 22 is very clear that the majority are called & fill the wedding hall.  The few are chosen for being cast into Outer Darkness. 

4. It claims that Yeshua only died for a few!   No, it claims that the atonement is effectual for as many as the LORD chooses to redeem.   As Boettner said, there’s no reason to believe the reprobate outnumber the elect.  

5: It says God’s grace is irresistible!  Actually the term “Irresistible Grace” is just another name for regeneration.    Calvinists affirm that the mind set on the flesh is unable to please God & that this includes the exercise of saving Faith & repentance.    Regeneration precedes saving faith, ensuring the desired result when God applies it. 

6.  It tells people that God will either sovereignty choose you or NOT!  Unless you are an Open Theist, you believe the same thing.  After all, God knew who would believe & who would not prior to creation.    

In fact, you sound like you think that number if the elect is less than the reprobate yourself.   Why is that? 

7. It’s a complete false system of beliefs! 

Really?  All it really takes to undo Arminian & Semi-Pelagian soteriology is one question: Where does the Bible teach the existence of libertarian free will?  Without LFW, Arminianism & its sisters aren’t able to operate.