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 →

Eric Hankins and Leighton Flowers: Logic Demands We Reject Calvinism

Reprobation: 'A Horrible Decree' According to Calvinism, unconditional election is God’s predetermination of who will be saved. The logical corollary to this is called the doctrine of reprobation or preterition. The reprobate are all those who are not unconditionally elected to salvation and therefore will not be saved. Calvinist R. C. Sproul describes reprobation as … Continue reading Eric Hankins and Leighton Flowers: Logic Demands We Reject Calvinism →

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 →