Category: Calvinism

Thomas Schreiner and Bruce Ware: The Calvinists’ False Dichotomy

            Calvinists Thomas Schreiner and Bruce Ware edited a book in which prominent Calvinists contributed chapters on the various difficulties that plague their Calvinism. The book is titled Still Sovereign: Contemporary Perspectives on Election, Foreknowledge, and Grace.1  Schreiner and Ware wrote the preface and introduction. In the introduction, they write, “…we are convinced that the … Continue reading Thomas Schreiner and Bruce Ware: The Calvinists’ False Dichotomy →

The Matter of Western v. Eastern Logic: Thomas Schreiner Affirms and Denies Logic

Introduction Calvinist Thomas Schreiner wrote an essay titled, “Does Romans 9 Teach Individual Election unto Salvation?”[1]  In it, Schreiner demonstrates on the one hand that he affirms the authoritative role of logic in human thought and biblical interpretation, yet denies its role in assessing his own theology. Allow me to explain. In a section of … Continue reading The Matter of Western v. Eastern Logic: Thomas Schreiner Affirms and Denies Logic →

Helm, Calvin, and Castellio: The Battle for Reason and Common Sense in Interpretation

Here is a clickable outline of the sections in this post. IntroductionCalvin on 'Two Wills in God' and Castellio's ResponseWhat Do You Think of Calvin's 'Two Wills in God' Explanation?Calvin Bans Reason, Moral Intuition, and Common Sense From His HermeneuticCalvinism is Exegetically and Philosophically FlawedCalvin: 'Particular Providence' and More On The 'Two Wills in God'Helm … Continue reading Helm, Calvin, and Castellio: The Battle for Reason and Common Sense in Interpretation →

Acts 18:10 : Pastor Josh Howerton’s Confusion Concerning Predestination / PART 2

In PART 1 of this paper, I provided the reasons why Josh Howerton's Calvinist interpretation of Acts 18:10 could not be the meaning of this text. It could not be referring to the Calvinist definition of predestination, which was Howerton's explanation of this verse. Here, I want to provide what I believe is the correct … Continue reading Acts 18:10 : Pastor Josh Howerton’s Confusion Concerning Predestination / PART 2 →

Acts 18:10: Pastor Josh Howerton’s Confusion Concerning Predestination / PART 1

Introduction In his June 30, 2025, "Soteriology 101" podcast, Leighton Flowers critiqued a sermon by Josh Howerton, the senior pastor of Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, TX. The podcast is titled, "Acts 18:10 is NOT teaching Calvinism." To establish the context for my remarks below, I encourage you to take time to listen to Leighton's podcast … Continue reading Acts 18:10: Pastor Josh Howerton’s Confusion Concerning Predestination / PART 1 →

A Brief Critique of Wayne Grudem’s Reformed Calvinist Theistic Determinism and Doctrine of Unconditional Election

In his book on basic Christian doctrine titled Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know, Wayne Grudem makes the following statements which lay out a theology of God and man and the nature of the relationship between them. “Not only does God exist, he exists in such a way that we can know things … Continue reading A Brief Critique of Wayne Grudem’s Reformed Calvinist Theistic Determinism and Doctrine of Unconditional Election →

A Theological Response to G. K. Beale’s Article: “An Exegetical and Theological Consideration of the Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart in Exodus 4-14 and Romans 9”

By Stephen Marcy, March 2008 / Revised March 2010, Oct. 2022 Beale’s Method and Purpose We need to state up front that Beale is a Calvinist,[1] and we also need to be clear that Calvinists believe in universal divine causal determinism.[2] I have demonstrated this as a fact in many places on this website, and here … Continue reading A Theological Response to G. K. Beale’s Article: “An Exegetical and Theological Consideration of the Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart in Exodus 4-14 and Romans 9” →

According to His Own Criteria, Is Erwin Lutzer’s Calvinist Soteriology Heretical?

Introduction Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, pastor emeritus of the Moody Church in Chicago, emphatically states the following. “There are many doctrines over which we can be charitable and simply say that we do not have to agree. But the Gospel is one that we need to agree on.” [1] He also states that “the Gospel … Continue reading According to His Own Criteria, Is Erwin Lutzer’s Calvinist Soteriology Heretical? →

“My Hope America” – Reflections on Two Incompatible Gospels

On November 7, 2013 the Fox News Channel aired the “My Hope America” special in which Billy Graham confidently proclaimed the gospel message.[1]  A key element of his message was “God loves you.”  If this is truly a proclamation of God’s Word, then it expressed the truth about God’s disposition of love to all who … Continue reading “My Hope America” – Reflections on Two Incompatible Gospels →

1 Timothy 2:4-6: Leighton Flowers, Charles Spurgeon and the Hermeneutical Divide

The Christian Standard Bible translates 1 Timothy 2:4-6 in the immediate context as follows:                “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and … Continue reading 1 Timothy 2:4-6: Leighton Flowers, Charles Spurgeon and the Hermeneutical Divide →