Calvinism/Extensivism

Calvinism’s decretal theology and commitment to compatibilism create a host of conundrums that result in Calvinists’ frequent visits to the storehouse of mysteries. One of which is the idea that even though God has unconditionally elected only some to have any meaningful opportunity to experience the forgiveness of salvation, we are to have hope for…

Calvinists are prone to characterize God as passive if he did not predetermine everything, but such a conclusion is misguided. God sovereignly chose to create a world populated with humans who are created in his image with libertarian moral freedom, thereby creating a world in which some events are determined by him (definite events), and…

There are variations of Christian perspectives on aspects of the Bible, Creation, End Times, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and, of course, Salvation. Can a person lose their salvation? What is the evidence of salvation? What is the gospel, and who is it for? This last one, what is the gospel (good news for whom),…

According to God’s wisdom, Paul knew all Christians are unified and of Christ. Yet, the Corinthians are thinking according to human wisdom, which causes division (1 Cor 1:9–13). Paul answered their carnality with the wisdom of God, saying, For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of…

John 10:16 I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. John 10:25–29 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name,…

John Piper says of the two calls, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:23–24, “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Notice the two kinds of “calls” implied in this…

The first mention of the scope of the saving power of the gospel in John 6 is presented in John 6:27 when Jesus commands the people, “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him…

The Calvinist Westminster Shorter Catechism (WSC) was approved and adopted in 1648.[1] Its stated purpose is “to be a directory for catechizing such as are of weaker capacity.”[2] This refers to children, youth, and others who may lack basic religious understanding. It is written in a question-and-answer format. While it has some admirable aspects, it…

Salvation begins with God revealing Himself to man. Man cannot find God unless He reveals Himself to man. God’s love for His creation is the reason there is a way for people to be saved from their just desert (John 3:16). Christ came into the world to save mankind, which means He had to pay…