Augustine

I have read some blogs and listened to some podcasts1 regarding Augustine. They seem to assert that he is the first to introduce the Reformed view of total depravity and unconditional election, as later popularised by Calvin, Luther and Zwingli. The church fathers prior to Augustine never held his view. Augustine, who was previously a […]

Earning Salvation

Some Calvinists provide a philosophical rebuttal to Non-Calvinists, though perhaps genuinely trying to honour God, and they say something like “Salvation is all of God, so you Non-Calvinists are trying to earn your salvation claiming you come to him first”. The Calvinists claim the non-Calvinists view means they are in some way earning their salvation […]

Acts 13:48

“…as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” This passage in Acts is interpreted by Calvinists1 to teach their doctrine of Unconditional Election and Irresistible Grace. They read it to mean that God has chosen/predestined individuals (the elect) from eternity past, and through God’s irresistible drawing, brings them to an effectual belief. When […]

Romans 9

Romans 9 is used in Reformed theology1 to defend the Unconditional Election of individuals to salvation, while others are passed by. However in studying this passage with Romans chapters 1-12 in view, we find something else is being taught in this passage. First, I need to clarify the definition of the word “Sovereignty”, so as […]

Romans 8:28-30

“28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30and […]

Ephesians 1

Ephesians 1 is used by Calvinists1 to support Unconditional Election. This is their belief that God has picked only certain individuals to believe the gospel and to be saved, before the foundation of the world. Thus inferring that all others, whom God has not chosen, will remain in their sin and are incapable of believing […]