Replies

Dr. E: This spectacular gift, this wondrous peace, is available to all. Everyone. All over the world. For all time.

the808bass: Nevermind, maybe it's just me. But I thought that was OUR line.

Nah, that's just Christianity. Show me an alleged Christian who doesn't believe in a universal, free offer of the gospel extended to all men in good faith, and I'll show you someone who's systematic theology has made a cruel parody of the truth.

Most Calvinists don't deny the universal offer of salvation. The question centers upon the efficaciousness of the atonement -- are the sins of every man, without exception, expiated? The Calvinist says, of course not, some are judged on the basis of those works. A catchphrase we've used is "sufficient for all, applied to the elect." If "elect" scares you, substitute "Christians" or "believers."

Calvinists don't believe the gospel is only offered to the elect, just that only the elect could choose to accept it. It all stems back to "total depravity."

Calvinists don't believe the gospel is only offered to the elect, just that only the elect could choose to accept it.

And the difference is? Syntax, not semantics. Light years of difference between only the elect "could" choose to accept and only the elect "will" choose to accept it.

It all stems back to "total depravity."

Romans 2:14ff

When the Gentiles, who do not posess the law, do instinctively what the law requires, these, though not having the law, are a law to themselves. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, to which their own conscience also bears witness; and their conflicting thoughts will accuse or perhaps excuse them on the day when, according to my gospel, God, through Jesus Christ, will judge the secret thoughts of all.

Calvinists don't believe the gospel is only offered to the elect, just that only the elect could choose to accept it. It all stems back to "total depravity."

Hey Jude

Maybe I'm missing something here but this doesn't make sense to me. God would offer this gift to all but then only allow some to accept it? Isn't that kind of like offering candy to children but jerking it back when they reach for it?

Show me an alleged Christian who doesn't believe in a universal, free offer of the gospel extended to all men in good faith, and I'll show you someone who's systematic theology has made a cruel parody of the truth.

Um, Calvinists?

Unless "in good faith" means something different to you.

Calvinists don't believe the gospel is only offered to the elect, just that only the elect could choose to accept it.

And didn't the soverein God decide that the reprobates would be unmoved? Is this a good faith offering to you?