That is a bit of a conundrum. And I think there is also lots of misunderstandings around terms like omnipotence and sovereignty. There is also a difference between power came from God and his will what should be done with his power.
@@AlyssaDDani There is some reformed teachings on the Holy Spirit that are rather weird, though. Also der radical determinism that everything that happens is micro-managed by God exactly how it is. Predestination taken to it's humane max. Essentially what they say is that God makes people sin. And then deduct that the bigger sinners go to hell, while the smaller sinners go to heaven or something like that. Or at least those that believe though. But to be clear Calvinists differ on the issue among themselves as well. Calvinism is late Scholasticism applied to reformed Catholicism. That makes it a bit more intellectual than e.g. Lutheranism. But the arguments run also in circles there. It can easily turn into a game of of sophistry.
@@AlyssaDDani He is referring what Calvanists teach as Predestined Detetmenism. 5 Point Calvanist teach that God has predestined every single thought and action. Hence, they also believe in the doctrine of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit predestined sin.....It's insane what Calvanists believe.
James 1:13 is a scripture I always refer back to when discussing this topic. Why can God not be tempted with evil? Well, because He has never been dependent on or addicted to evil like mankind. Every individual has within them, “their own lust” for one thing or another. It’s up to us to “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” or not resist and suffer the consequences of our sin. Caleb, your efforts to explain these topics are a blessing, thank you!
Proverbs 16:1 “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
If we can recognize that the most heinous evil of all, the crucifixion, was decreed by God, then no other evil should compare to this. God can and does decree sin without being the author of it. People can sin and do bad things while God is doing something good by decreeing it.
Sin is the transgression of the law. GOD punishing JESUS because of our sin wasn't evil, sin or wrong. It was an act of love. GOD will not trangress HIS own law. HE is holy!
@erickimatu2082 HIM using sinful acts is not the same as causing them as Calvinism suggest. To transgress and rebel is to go against what GOD has prohibited. If HE ordained for it to be done then by definition it's not a transgression. It's obedience. HE preordained before the world began that CHRIST would be slain for our sins. So even that was an act of righteousness and he used the sinful acts of men that acted upon their own will for HIS purpose. That's sovereignty. Not making everyone do things even against their will.
Is not the death of Jesus Christ the most horrific and obscene rebellion against God? Was the death of the Son of God not determined before the foundations of the earth?
”I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.“ Isaiah 45:7 and ”As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,“ Romans 9:13-23
that is absolutely true. Read the New Testament in Ancient Greek and translate right. If you know someone who can translate you from Ancient Greek to modern English do so ... Also study the life of the first martyrs of the One Church like St George & St Demetrius of Thessaloniki where I come from. In our Lord's love. George
@jeffouellette9946 Unfortunately, we all are wicked until God through the Holy Spirit changes our hearts. Our lives change when we genuinely accept Jesus as our personal savior.
I saw this in my feed and felt that I had to respond to this as it shows a clear misunderstanding of 1) The biblical teaching of Predestination (I believe) 2) Piper's thoughts on Predestination 3) God's Sovereign Reign It's easy, in my understanding of Scripture, to show that God has predestined every single thing to come to pass that has and will come to pass, from dust particles to crimes. "In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works ALL things according to the counsel of His will" Ephesians 1:11 It clearly states that everything that comes to pass is worked out (very active word) by the counsel of God's will. In plain terms, if something happens, it's because God ordained it to happen. And that even supports his argument in the verse because he is arguing that the basis of our confidence that we have been predestined is that God predestines all things. So it only makes sense that our salvation is also predestined as it falls within God's Sovereign will. Now, does that mean that if God ordaines something He actively does the act? Of course not. He ordained the death of His Son. And yet He didn't actually hit the nails into His own Sons Hands. No! However he did ordain, and that is as far as we can pry into God's Will, that those exact acts come to pass. Even though the act of His Son getting crucified was and always will be evil, it was God's intent that meant it wasn't sin. God intended it for good, but Satan intended it for evil. Both planning that the act would come to pass but with totally different motives. That is why it is important to let God be God. He is Sovereign and there is nothing we can do about that. We should not let pride bring God to our level as if He has to explain all of His ways to us. God owes noone an explanation of His ways and we should not expect God's ways to fit neatly into our logical explanation of why He cannot act the way He has revealed in His Word. That is not humility. We should humble ourselves before God and trust His Sovereign rule.
God doesn't owe us an explanation, but He has given us plenty to know about Him, and God does not go back on His Word. Defending false doctrine by saying "God is sovereign" and "God can do whatever He wants" is the Calvinist way. And, it's false. Even the apostle Paul spoke of his own freedom to make his own choices for his life, such as saying he could have married if he wanted to. God expects us to make choices in our life. Whether Paul had married or not, God would have been pleased. He is pretty specific about saying he made the choice himself because he wanted to give all his efforts to the ministry.
@@graftme3168have you ever heard Piper or similar Calvinists say we have no responsibility in decisions we make? Literally you are putting words into his mouth deal with the actual belief that the Bible teaches God decrees all things including that people are responsible for our choices, beliefs, and decisions.
@@joshuafield8224 They double talk. They say God has decreed or predestined what choices we make, but that we are responsible for them. Then, they call it "sovereignty" because they can't explain the contradiction.
@@graftme3168 I don't think that is a contradiction, but appreciate that you framed the belief more accurately this time. I do think it is impossible to comprehensively explain God or how He works, indeed He would not be God could I comprehend. My job is to accept the plain teaching of His word even when I cannot fully comprehend. The Bible clearly teaches God predestined and is in control of all things, the Bible clearly teaches man bears the full weight of responsibility for the decisions. Rom 9:19-20
Oh boy this is going to be a long one. I appreciate your videos but this really doesn't hit the nail on it's head. Calvinists believe that God is the primary cause of all things. That all happens because of Him. He sustains all life. Without sustaining the life of the criminal there is no more crime. Without sustaining the life of the any immoral sinner(like you and me) that sinner will not exist and sin. He doesn't just 'allow' people to sin. He gives them life to do it every second. He upholds them. He keeps them by the word of his power. If he didn't want them to exist He could get rid of them any second. Even in the act of sin and prevent that sin. 2:05 Calvinists do believe in God's sovereignty and our creaturely autonomy. This doesn't mean that men's hearts do not willingly sin. Sin has its origin in God's plan AND our hearts and will. Both scenarios exist. Remember this is a logical order not a temporal one. It's God's purpose before our purpose logically. This doesn't mean that Calvinists believe that since it's in God's plan he'll force people to do things they don't want. They do what they please unless stopped by him. Even then - they do the second best. 4:20 You are majorly missing the point about the lot. The lot is cast but every decision from it is from God. He determined the decision. That's the whole point. What we think is random chance is God's plan. That's the point. Not whether this was done by priest or in a casino. It's a very good example by John Piper. 8:35 The Bible states that the crucifixion was predestined to occur. According to your logic the people who crucified him are going to say "but at the end of the day God you did predetermine for me to sin" and you think that's a good excuse for sin? 8:40 Romans 1 says men are without excuse because God's invisible attributes are clearly seen through what has been created. It doesn't say people are without excuse if they are predetermined to sin. That's subversion of the scriptures. 9:15 the verse doesn't mention anything about allowing. It says predetermined. It's not like God was saying "Well since these people are so hostile towards Jesus I might as well allow then to kill him and I'll take that as payment for their sins". It was planned by God. It pleased God to do it. Jeremiah 32:35 You should really be careful with what you say about that verse. Unless you don't believe that God knows the future you believe that God knew that this would happen. It's a requirement to believe that he knew. Unless you want to persist that this really didn't come across God's mind. The clue is in commanding. God never commanded them to sacrifice their kids to Molech nor did it enter his mind to command that. Any other interpretation of this leads to the denial of God's omniscience. Isaiah 65:1-2 "according to their own thoughts not according to God's plan". That's reading into the scripture. Not only that but it's heaping unknown beliefs on Calvinists. Calvinists have no conflict between God's plan and men's evil thoughts and intentions. Isaiah 5: 3-5 God's lamentations are not the same as ours. His grieving is not the same as ours. We grieve/lament because we can't change anything. God can absolutely change everything. He could easily make Abraham's descendants out of rocks as easily as he could change their hearts. Calvinism is not wrong because God didn't change people's hearts. God not predetermining something you want Him to have predetermined is not proof that Calvinism is wrong. Matthew 23:37 I'm glad that there is an identification that the "you were not willing" is for the religious leaders not the people(they're the chicks in this analogy). The leaders were not willing. End of story. It doesn't say that they overpowered God. It says they were not willing. I'm not sure where you get that idea. Isaiah 46:09-10 Is the argument that God declares stuff through his prophets to prove that he knows the future without acknowledging the other part of the verse? How about the part that says "he declared the end from the beginning as his counsel shall stand". Will his counsel only stand if he declares it through the prophets? That's laughable. People who deny that God knows the future are not orthodox Christians. They are not the same as people who believe that God is the primary cause of all things. You must reorder your priorities on that one.
I was a bit reluctant to listen to this video, however i am extremely glad i did and want to thank you Caleb for putting them out! In a world where people have a tendency to selectively believe certain portions of scripture, it’s comforting for me to find someone who considers ALL scripture!!
This is a simplistic misrepresentation of Calvinist doctrines. Casting John Piper and calvinist doctrine as crazy and unbiblical is not helpful for people to understand the issues. The Armenian viewpoint has just as many problems and could be called "crazy" as well. But that's not helpful. The question of whether God has decreed all sin is an important one to answer,. But in my opinion there is a much bigger and fundamental question that we all have to ask ourselves. And it is this: "Why would God choose to create a world in the first place if he knew all of the sins and rapes and murders and evils that were going to happen?" So even if you hold to the doctine that says God is not sovereign over all things, you would still have to admit that he set the world in motion with full knowledge of the evils that were to befall it. This too is a problem for you when considering God's responsibility in allowing evil. The only solution to this is for you to say that God had no idea what would happen when he created the perfect world and all of the perfect angels. But scripture does not allow for that solution... Thoughts?
You make some good points brother. You can in fact believe God is sovereign in the sense that you mention that he set up the world and has full control over how it was established and even that he foreknew people would kill, rape etc. That though in my mind poses a problem but a much lesser one that if God directs evil, rather than just allows or permits it. The answer most would give is that the only way he couldn't permit it would be to restrict human and even Satan's free will and that would take away something wonderful in and of itself. Also, by allowing sin, he could show his grace and mercy through Christ. Adam knew God as creator, but we can through his sin, and the coming of Christ, know God as Savior too.
@@leehighland5435These are assertions you are making with no biblical backing. These are conclusions you have come to, I assume, from reading the text. Which Calvinist do you know that states that as human beings we cannot choose and make choices? No Calvinist will deny that we choose. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the “will” that God gave us. What is corrupted is the person who possesses this “will”. See Romans 3. There is no one good, not one. But in your view, we have that “spark” of goodness that is in everyone that allows them to choose God( which according to the Bible is not in our nature…) and that freely chooses Him when you are presented with the Gospel. This instance is grounds for boasting. “Look God!… I chose you of my own free will, now reward me with salvation!” Israel was a microcosm, a representation of the whole of humanity. Even with God dwelling in their midst, they still did not choose God. What makes us Christians today think we are so different or better? Food for though.
I think you make some good points about those verses in Acts 4 and John Piper's Calvinist interpretation of them. Firstly there is a difference some theologians would point about between God's directive versus his permissive will. He allowed evil men to kill the Lord Jesus but he didn't direct them to. For instance we read that Judas betrayed Jesus once Satan entered him. So I agree with you. Despite this though I don't think Calvinists would use this as an excuse for sin. That may be logically consistent but they dont believe that. So I think we need to be careful. I love John Piper. I am not a Calvinist and this doesn't make sense but he is a Godly man.
Calvinists affirm creaturely free will and God’s sovereignty. They are not incompatible but complementary. God is not the author or perpetrator of evil, creatures are. Yet even those evil acts of creatures God sovereignly works for good. “God from all eternity did by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass; yet so as thereby neither is God the author of sin; nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.”
But free will to a Calvinist means that God predestined them to desire evil and then they “freely” choose to do evil. That’s just stupid and it’s not really free will.
@@iThinkBiblically You are charging calvinists with teaching what you think is an implication from their view but which none of them hold. It’s very childish and uncharitable. God created creatures and the universe in such a way that people are morally responsible for their actions. Sin is subsumed under God’s will, not as something God actively works or wants in and of itself, but as something we choose that God permits with a view to a greater good (His glory). But maybe not. Maybe I’m just too stupid to find the part of the Bible where it says man works all things according to the counsel of his will. Maybe God is just trying really hard to save people right now and just can’t do it. 😐
Thanks Caleb, I couldn't agree more. Calvinism's roots are planted in the gnostic concepts Augustine brought with him into the church. Those who held to previous scriptural beliefs held by those of the earliest Christians were labelled heretics. You have to take small samples of scripture out of context to make the Calvinist understanding of concepts like predestination work. For anyone reading this that is struggling with it, I suggest attempting to read the scriptures without Calvinist concepts in mind, journalling tough passages and asking yourself who these passages were written by, who they were intended for, and what the cultural understanding of the passages would have been when written. If you grew up Calvinist this will not be easy but remember we serve the Almighty God and He doesn't fit into our tiny theological boxes we try to put Him in.
The moral of this video is, between two individuals one who submits and humbles themselve to the complete sovereignty of God. And on the other hand, one who wants to be sovereign over God. Guess who is who
You need to be more honest and use “divine determinism” instead of “sovereignty”. You are acting like a cultist when you change the definition of words.
Could you please explain Isaiah 10:5-19 5“Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger, in whose hand is the club of my wrath! 6 I send him against a godless nation, I dispatch him against a people who anger me, to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the streets. 7 But this is not what he intends, this is not what he has in mind; his purpose is to destroy, to put an end to many nations. 8 ‘Are not my commanders all kings?’ he says. 9 ‘Has not Kalno fared like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad, and Samaria like Damascus? 10 As my hand seized the kingdoms of the idols, kingdoms whose images excelled those of Jerusalem and Samaria- 11 shall I not deal with Jerusalem and her images as I dealt with Samaria and her idols?’” 12 When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes. 13 For he says: “‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, because I have understanding. I removed the boundaries of nations, I plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued[a] their kings. 14 As one reaches into a nest, so my hand reached for the wealth of the nations; as people gather abandoned eggs, so I gathered all the countries; not one flapped a wing, or opened its mouth to chirp.’” 15 Does the ax raise itself above the person who swings it, or the saw boast against the one who uses it? As if a rod were to wield the person who lifts it up, or a club brandish the one who is not wood! 16 Therefore, the Lord, the Lord Almighty, will send a wasting disease upon his sturdy warriors; under his pomp a fire will be kindled like a blazing flame. 17 The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame; in a single day it will burn and consume his thorns and his briers. 18 The splendor of his forests and fertile fields it will completely destroy, as when a sick person wastes away. 19 And the remaining trees of his forests will be so few that a child could write them down. In a nutshell God sends him to punish Israel Verse 6, and Verse 7 clearly tells us that he is not even aware that God punishing Israel by his hand is what's happening, he is simply on a prideful rampage, and verse 12 tells us that after God has used him in punishing Israel God will punish him. I am also curious to hear what you will say about God hardening Pharaoh's heart. Going by what you are saying the hardening of Pharaoh's heart was not a sin because God clearly says he did it. Your explanation about the casting of lots is also erroneous, it wasn't limited to the Priests. In the story of Jonah, we see the sailors casting lots, these were pagans, now if God doesn't have a say in the tiniest of details, how did the lot cast by pagans fall on the one who had angered God and brought about the calamity? The apostles who were not Priests also cast lots to determine who would replace Judas, it fell on Matthias and he was added to the eleven. I feel that your view of God's sovereignty is determined more by your feelings and personal views than by scripture.
@@iThinkBiblically Firstly you were wrong about casting lots. Secondly, I'd like to hear what you have to say about God hardening Pharaoh's heart, were the actions of Pharaoh as a result of the hardened heart sinful or not? Were they used by God to display his power in a way that would have been impossible without that hardened heart? Thirdly, God made the King of Assyria achieve his purpose in punishing Israel through his sinful and prideful heart and actions and judged him for his actions. You really need to see God in the scriptures for who He is and not create one in your own image, God can and does achieve His glorious and Holy purposes through the sinful actions of men.
@matu2082 How was I wrong about casting lots? It was limited to the priests among the children of Israel. Those who cast lots were pagans praying to their own gods.
@@iThinkBiblically The apostles cast lots, yet they were not priests, the pagans sailors cast lots and it fell on Jonah, who did that? Their gods or God? May I also ask, were the Apostles wrong in casting lots? Do we have a clear instruction forbidding everyone else apart from the priests from casting lots? I'm glad we are having this conversation brother:)
”Micaiah said, “Therefore, hear the word of the Lord. I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left. The Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab to go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said this while another said that. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will entice him.’ The Lord said to him, ‘How?’ And he said, ‘I will go out and be a deceiving spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ Then He said, ‘You are to entice him and also prevail. Go and do so.’ Now therefore, behold, the Lord has put a deceiving spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; and the Lord has proclaimed disaster against you.”“ 1 Kings 22:19-23 NASB1995 Did God predetermine a sin here? And if so then to what end?
God did not force Ahab to sin. He just allowed the events to occur and Ahab did what he did of his own free will. Even Job went through some things that God allowed, but no one forced Job to maintain his integrity. That was his own free will.
Piper does say some iffy things … I don’t necessarily think this right here is one of them though… I think where Piper gets himself into trouble is with things like final justification… some calvanist don’t think this far out … so someone like me would say I don’t know but I do think this is very possibly and maybe even likely. The way calvanist view God, if you think it out to its fullest extent that you can then this is what you’ll get so I agree with you there. What I have against most those with an opposing view though is, it’s one thing to not hold to the same belief in this area of doctrine, but to be so adamant about there being no way that God is like this to the point where I’ve heard people claim to be believers and if they seen God and he told him that he indeed is like that, then they’ll tell him off basically.. that’s what annoys me
That is actually reassuring to hear, that many Calvinists DO NOT believe what Piper is saying is true (even tho I think he accurately represents Calvinism)
Actually the officially reformed position upholds both divine sovereignty and human responsibility, so in this case John Piper's position actually reflects hyper calvinism.
Calvinist here. So is God responsible for all our sinning? God is Sovereign. Meaning God IS in control. I don’t agree with my brothers teaching here. I tend to lean on the side of God being ALL powerful rather than limit Him. I picture it like this. God is in the center and strings hold us all to Him. Some strings are short keeping us close to Him, some are long. Perhaps God cut Satans string. But by God releasing a person from being close it does not mean God created evil in that person. That person created evil in themselves by making evil or Godless choices. In this analogy we have choice, God is in control, but He is not evil nor did He create evil and at the same time God has the power over the strings that hold us to Him. Given this way of thinking God wrote a story knowing our choices and involving His will. This is how my brain makes sense of it. The position of Calvinism verse Arminianism is very old and both sides have good arguments, but we should not teach 1 view for things like this that have good arguments for the other view. People should learn all arguments and prayerfully make up their own minds.
Hi crafters.... you have new version of "string" theory... one I haven't heard before! There are a few flaws that would take time to explain, suffice to say, in the book of Job we see God certainly puts boundaries on Satan (and implied on us) to limit our actions, but those actions are our, not (pre)determined by God. Also, re " rather than limit Him." I think reformed philosophy puts greater limits on God and denies how "Sovereign" God really is, in that He can be "Sovereign" without the need to control EVERYTHING. re "analogy we have choice", Have you heard the chess example? Q: Which is the greater chess master? One who plays against himself (plays both sides of the board) or one who plays against a stadium full of opponents and "wins" every game. [like every analogy there are flaws and limitations] "The position of Calvinism verse Arminianism is very old " and only exists in the " Calvinism/Arminianism" paradigm. Neither is theological or scripture based, or required, rather human philosophy debate.
I dislike theological labels for this very reason. I don't know anyone who self-identifies as Calvinist or reformed who believes this. We all know that within every belief system there are differences. Maybe just talk to individual Calvinist or reformed believers to determine what they believe rather than crying "witch!" and lumping all together as "The Calvinists". Most Calvinist leaders don't even support Piper's teachings. SMH.
Well done! I've always had problems with Calvinists and what they teach. I don't think Calvin would recognize Calvinism! God bless you brother Caleb and your ministry!
It's a false gospel, and yes Calvin would approve what they teach. Is basically the same thing he wrote and imposed on Geneva for 6 years turning the city into a hellhole.
How can you possibly believe that - just because he does not hold to the unbiblical doctrine of Calvinism. ALL Christians believe God is omniscient - that doesn't mean He has determined everything that happens!
Calvanism is being misrepresented. Scripture says that God does not tempt us to sin. Where he has mercy it is sovereignly predetermined, however when the creature sins , God withdraws his hand and lets us have the outworking of our choice which means we commit these sins against his perfect holy will. Otherwise there would be no command in Romans to be transformed. God predetermines that a creature gets raised to life. Everyone who is not saved is dead.
Yes he is misrepresenting, 95% here on the vid commenting don't understand Calvinism and i myself dont even identify with Calvinism but am all for upholding God's sovereignty. They think God's decreeing sin makes him the author of it which is false.
@@stevie6621 Is God not being evil when He chooses to send some sinners to hell (for no good reason) and other sinners to heaven (for no good reason)? And to do so by contradicting His own Word which says He is completely impartial! If He wants ALL men to be saved (and He says He does) - then why doesn't He save them? Could it be that His hands are tied by the gift of free will that He sovereignly granted to mankind?
If calvinism is being misrepresented then do a better job teaching calvinism so we know what to reject, it's not our fault you keep saying God decreed everything to come to pass, if that's true then you can't sidestep that with saying he doesn't
@@stevie6621it depends on the definition of sovereignty. Calvinism says God is Sovereign and cannot be God if he doesn’t control every single thing. There is no free will. Meaning you cannot choose God without God first regenerating you and then you can choose God. Completely backwards cannot find any scripture to back that up. Always faith comes first ALWAYS. Severing doesn’t mean controlling every single action or decision. sovereignty means he is always God always King and is and will be the Judge of all mankind and people can choose to obey Him or not to Obey the king doesn’t control all actions of his people. Calvinism completely changes the character of God. Nowadays “new” Calvinists want to say God predestines some to be saved from before the creation of the World and no He doesn’t predestine some to hell before the creation of the World. Well if he predestines some from before to go to Heaven by default he is predestining the others to go to Hell. And if God is Sovereign in the Calvinists idea of Sovereign that fits. But God does allow free will and does allow sinners to choose Him. calvinists say dead is dead and a dead man can’t talk or make decisions. And that 1 Corinthians 2:14 the natural man cannot accept the things that come from the Spirit of God…” means man cannot make a decision for God without God first regenerating him. Yet in 2 Timothy 4:3 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears;and turn their ears from the truth.” How can a dead man follow the truth? How can a dead man endure sound doctrine? Either these are believers who are now rejecting God or they were never saved. Either way not possible with Calvinism. Because dead man are incapable of making decisions for God or desiring God. And one saved always saved. Meaning you cannot fall away.
Why do Calvinist always say Calvinism is being misrepresented? Your explanation isn't true calvinism. You may think you are a calvinist, but your explanation is not what Calvin, Augustine or any other of the reformers actually advocated for. (NB: I agree with your general explanation) God determines many things, but never our sin. He is holy. I think the story of Job is a clear example. God certainly puts limits in place on the extent of evil, but is never the author or determiner. God does not determine or "elect" (before the foundation of the world) people to heaven, already condemning the majority of people to hell.
Cool video Brother, thank you! I seriously prayed yesterday, asked the Lord to guide me to a scripture, opened the online Bible and read a scripture containing the word "Urim", and that led me on a whole research path into Urim and Thummin. Our Holy Father is so amazing! I do agree with your point on this too!
Brother Caleb, please tell me, and be honest. Is there any possibility in your mind that you could be wrong about Calvinism ? Scripture does say that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, the creatures. And it is only by faith that our minds can receive such truths as The Trinity that is supra-rational for example. So please, tell me, do you have enough humility in your heart to accept the fact that you might be wrong about Calvinism, yes or no ?
@@lionoffirerawI don't think you can equate the two. All Christians agree Jesus died on the cross. Some Christians hold to Calvinism and some don't, and some are not sure, and some don't even know what that is.
so when he hadn't created anything who determined that what you're talking about would happen? you did? God? Did God determine that you'd determine it?
@@P-vv1or nope. You choose it but God foreknew what you chose. He knows the beginning from the end. He knows even what you are about to pray to Him before you even speak it. So, you decided your destiny by your choices but He already knew what you decided.
@@P-vv1or refer to Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 where God demonstrated his futuristic ability about 1000 years before the crucifixion of Christ. Look at His prediction of Cyrus 150 years before Cyrus was born. Just 2 examples of many. Revelation predicts the end times as well as Matthew 24. We chose it but He foreknew it.
While I do not agree that God decreed every sin that every person would committed , God allowed sin to enter the world. Everything that occurs in the world God allows it to happen. God hates sin and evil but He allowed sin to enter the world so as to accomplish His eternal purpose. John Piper might be wrong here, but he is a great Bible teacher. You don't have to agree with Calvinism, but it's teaching is rooted in scripture. You might not believe in the sovereignty of God, but we do. God is control of everything and that includes sin. Nothing is happening outside the divine sovereignty and providence of God. My brother do not throw out the baby with the bath water.
I agree John Piper has some other teachings that are good. I actually do believe in the sovereignty of God but I reject divine determinism. There is a difference.
I'm a "Calvinist", I suppose because I believe everything God says about predestination and His "choosing" His children, BUT in no way has God ever predetermined our sin! That's ridiculous. We are 100% accountable for that. I was raised Arminian and now see arrogance in me being able to hold on to salvation myself, but I also see arrogance of many on the Calvinist's side. We can't possibly understand God's super-logic that covers His predeterminism as well as our full accountability...so let's stop trying and just accept what the Bible says about BOTH and quit letting this divide us. What Piper said is heresy...don't associate it with all Calvinists. He's said a few things that make me not follow his guidance.
Appreciate your comment. As a Calvinist I'm more than happy to call Arminians my brothers but I keep being told by them that I'm in an evil cult meanwhile they don't understand it and misrepresent it to push their own agenda. I used to be Arminian myself and arrived at Calvinism simply by reading the Word of God.
When somebody who reformed in theology says something controverisal immediately calvinism is attacked. What about all the crazy statments made by armineans how come you never see people saying things about armineans like I see in this comment section about calvinism?
There are very few Arminian bible teachers. I think you have a wrong view of what an "Arminian" actually is. If you mean "non-calvinist" then obviously my whole channel attacks people who are "non-calvinists".
This looks more like a John Pipers error; I've never heard Calvinists teach this heresy. God predetermined all who are saved, Eph.1:4,5, Eph.1:11, Rom. 8:29, 1Pet.1:20, 1 Cor 2:7, and many, many more.
No it’s Calvinism. Most Calvinists don’t want people to know the dark side of Calvinism. That is God predetermined before the foundation of the world that some people would be created never being able to make a choice for God or against God they sphere created to go tot Hell. If God predetermines all who are saved he predetermines all who will be condemned,need by default. Piper is just being honest and consistent with the doctrine of Calvinism.
I do believe in predestination. But I dont believe hyper calvinism. So I dint believe God has to mechanically control everything in order to be sovereign. I think God can be in control of everything that happens without having to constantly control everything and still decide to save who He wants. I dont think God creates evil in our hearts, the flesh does that by itself along with the world, we need God to reveal His truth to us in order to then turn on sin and to God! Would love to hear your opinion on this?
A) John Piper was definitely wrong here. This is not the mainline Calvinist view. I would refer people to the Westminster catechism on the issue of sin. B) this attack on Calvinism- which John piper did not accurately represent-is a straw man. C) I love your content
The evil spoken of is disaster or punishment. Nehemiah 13:18 Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath Jeremiah 6:19 Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it Jeremiah 19:15 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words Jeremiah 32:42 For thus saith the Lord; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that All should come to repentance Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth All men every where to repent John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Isaiah 53 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us All. Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and Ye Would Not 2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. John 3:16 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things Matthew 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny
Thank you so much brother for taking this issue/subject/topic. Your explanation is short/concise, clear, straight to the point, and much better than some here on youtube who addressed this topic. Before I thought you were one of the calvinists discerning ministries. May I ask you if you could do some of verses used by calvinists as supporting verses. I've studied those verses, but it could help those who are struggling to defend their faith against calvinists. With gift, you'll be able to help them a lot. Thank you.
It is because God foreknew what they would each do and He foreknew how they would choose to live. Compared to the love for Jacob. Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple evil spoken of is disaster or punishment. Nehemiah 13:18 Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath Jeremiah 6:19 Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it Jeremiah 19:15 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words Jeremiah 32:42 For thus saith the Lord; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.
Job 2:10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
1st Corinthians 13:12 KJV: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. Maybe we can’t understand everything about God and His ways at this time?
There’s nothing more inconsistent than a consistent Calvinist. The problem is that Calvinists don’t actually understand Calvinism (and then ironically accuse others of not understanding it). Then they go on to speak and live day-to-day like non-Calvinists (because no one can live it out).
Madness. When i was a new Christian i used to listen to this arch-heretic... I thought all preachers taught the Bible, till i read the Bible. It was like Two slaps in the face
I cannot agree with this , why would God give us the commandments if he decides to have us break them ? So He said tho shall not kill but God makes us kill ?
Though I differ from Calvinism on some points, there is no simplistic explanation for the sovereignty of God. For instance Jesus told Judas "That thou doest, do quickly" John 13:27b. By saying so, Jesus still was God incarnate and sinless. Maybe you should have a teaching on the sovereignty of God I would like to see it. God bless you.
The actual calvinist position upholds both divine sovereignty and human responsibility, which John Piper rejects in his statement here. John Piper's statement in this video actually reflects hyper calvinism.
I am sorry John Piper is not saying that sin is done by God but is determined. Isaiah 46:10 In-Context 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. What John Piper is saying is that he has determined all men's sin right up until the end of this age. But he is in no way saying God is partaking in any of man's sin. God determines the outcome of the consequences made by the action of evil sinful men. Yes God does see the rape occur long before it happens but God does not will it it is us human beings who God has given us free will to act out our decisions whether evil or good but the outcome or consequence of our free will decision is determined by God not by us.
Calvinists do not believe or teach that the origin of sin is in the mind of God. You made a slight, but significant switch in terms. If God is Sovereign, but does not determine everything, then you are putting God in reaction to our actions. Also, casting lots is the same as dice. You can't add the Urrim and Thurrim into planes where a preist is not mentioned. The issue is the origin of evil, and we don't have that information. The truth is God is completely Sovereign and man is completely responsible. Its a paradox, but must be accepted. It is crazier to believe that there are things that God does not control. Careful of your cavalier attitude, as you're wading in deep waters. It is true that evil man desires to do evil, and God is the one who decrees what will and won't happen. As for the "come into my mind" passage, it means God would never command such actions in worship. It is also an example of God condescending to our understanding. It doesn't mean the sin surprised God. One thing to consider, Judas was clearly predetermined to betray Christ, yet Jesus offered him a chance by warning him and offering him the first morsel. You struggle with the paradox, which is normal, but you need to pause yourself in this. You are placing God into time like a created being. He knows the future because He forms and decrees all things. Also, you are advocating an open theist position because you're saying God isn't in control of everything by decree and that He's somehow Sovereign? That He knows the future, but doesn't stop the horrors? That He holds us responsible for sin because He has witheld Himself from stopping us in hopes that some will turn to Him? I'm afraid you do more damage to the character of God, my friend.
@JonJGuev91 I'm sorry, but attacking "Calvinists" is called an ad hominem attack. You read your Bible, so you are fully aware that it references the elect, and specifies that God foreknew them, which is to say intimately knew them before they were created. This is not something invented by Calvin in the 1500s or thereabouts. I'd encourage you to get past the Calvinist trope and really seek to understand our God's character, which is, admittedly, beyond full comprehension. It's not helpful or God honoring to deride the Biblical teaching of sovereign grace. So called "provisionism" is never mentioned in Scripture and is wholly blasphemous because it robs God of the glory in Salvation.
I always enjoy your videos. I used to think like you on this matter also. However, as I have continued in the word without a predetermined bias, I have switched to the Sovereignty of God. I could care less about Calvinism or any other man's teaching. But seeing God's hand in both good and evil. Through scripture and testimony, my view has changed. Either way, it is difficult to show anyone different without the Holy Spirit giving revelation.
But don’t you think God is proven to be more sovereign by knowing and anticipating everything, as well as knowing beforehand how he will respond, rather than having to preplan and control every detail?
@@ws775 God calls that divination in the scriptures. So, then it would make God some form of witch. The other argument would be God responding to our actions. Like a daycare worker chasing a bunch of out of control kids. I have considered and believed both of those scenarios. When I read scripture as a whole, I see circumstances that only God could have set up. The story of Samson for instance. When Samson took to the very women he wasn't supposed to, his parents became angry. But scripture says in Judges 14:4, that God put that on Samsons heart for an occasion against the Philistines. Joseph, Job, and Jonah all point to God controlling circumstances. I believe we have been taught that God is good based on our emotional standards. God's plan is way deeper than we can fathom in our tiny minds. Most people can't put a puzzle together, let alone make decisions that impact the Kingdom of God.
I believe God is sovereign but I don't believe in divine determinism. I don't think its right that Calvinists use the word "sovereignty" if that's not what they mean. They should be upfront and honest and just say "divine determinism".
Thank you again for exposing Piper, MacArthur and others who are leading folks astray. Thanks for making a distinction between God's Omniscience and God's Sovereignty. Yes God knows every sin one will commit but does not predestine or determine that that person will commit it.
If our God is not the God of confusion, then why we have so many different denominations and why there are so many disagreements on this board? Thank you.
Actually it's not saying that at all. More accurately a calvinist would say all those who are predestined as children of God will not continue in sin. The proof of your election is in the fruit of a life devoted to God in faith. Those who continue on in sin are not of faith and are not of the elect. That's what Calvinism actually teaches.
@mattmyer3408 that would be contradictory. You are predetermined meaning you were chosen by God period, so go on sinning as much as you want, since you have no free will if you are a calvanist.
@@jamesboone3678 you clearly haven't studied or understand the doctrines known commonly as calvinism. This is a common straw man argument and misrepresentation that you make. The scriptures are clear, and all Calvinists agree that those who go on sinning are not of faith. Please see first john, romans, and hebrews.
God is not committing the sin.... I dont see the problem here. We have free will and God is all knowing. That does not make God evil. I agree with alot of your views but from what im getting from this video is that it seems you deny that God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. Thats also a strawman to say that people are actually sinning and saying "well God, that is your will"... nobody says that. I believe God does try to prevent evil by giving us a conscience. People who do the worst evil things in the world know they are wrong because the Law is written in their hearts. God isnt predestinating the sin but has foreknowledge of the sin. He knows all. Just like God has precognition of the ones that will accept his grace and be born again. He knows us before we know him because it is foreknown. I think that is the calvanist stance but it gets conflicted with people saying that God only chooses certain people and others he sends to hell. That is just wrong.
God allows free choice as genuine love does. Even though God forknows the choices each person will make. That does not mean He plans it. Love is not real unless it is freely chosen. It is not real unless a person can choose not to. Hebrews 7 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And Whosoever Will, let him take the water of life freely Matthew 20:27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Mark 3:35 For Whosoever Shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever Will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me... Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall Seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart Mark 8:35 For Whosoever Will save his life shall lose it; but Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Mark 10:43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Mark 10:44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all Luke 9:24 For Whosoever Will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it James 2 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors Jeremiah 9 23 Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. 25 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised; James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore Will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God
Brother, this is THE BEST video I’ve heard from you! It’s exactly what I needed because I don’t agree with Calvinism. Do you have any recommended resources other the Bible?
Pastor Mike Winger is not a Calvinist and has produced some excellent talks on his UA-cam channel. Calvinism really does contradict the Bible wherever it is claimed.
Calvinism teaches you can't repent, you have to be regenerated first/born again, but God calls people to repent, John the Baptist called people to repent, do you think Calvinists know better than God or the Baptist? Don't struggle with Calvinism, stay clear of it.
Yeah, I realised how idolatrous so many Calvinists are (not all of them) when I saw the comments defending John MacArthur in my recent video on him. I realised that the only reason why people are Calvinists is because of prestigeous people like him.
Apparently according to Calvinism, if God gave us will, the ability to choose and respond then our actions will shock him every bit. But say this to Calvinists and they will rise to the ocassion to say, Nay! He knows all things. Then it is possible for God to remain sovereign regardless of our actions. What's more powerful? A God whose plans are brought to fruition regardless of our inputs? Or, God who needs to determine every course of action and thought and control them in order to bring to fruition his plans? The former makes me shudder in awe and wonder and makes me fearful of LORD GOD and go to him for counsel every step of the way. It is erroneous and dangerous. It also creates elitism like Mormonism and JW. Calvinists do not say this explicitly but what they do mean is unless you ascribe to their doctrine then you are perhaps not saved. In some ways, it is somewhat cultish.
The issue is not that God determined these things. He foresaw them. He knows the end from the beginning. He knows all that will happen. He does not intervene in man's choices that he makes though He knows what they will be. He knows the hearts of men.
This is actually an Islamic teaching. Allah the greatest deceiver actually wants you to sin so that he can supposedly "forgive you". David Wood has a good snippet on this subject, in a discussion with AP.
It may not be His supreme will, but it must obviously fall under His permissive will. Otherwise you do not believe in an omniscient & omnipotent & omnipresent God! The God of the Bible knew from before the foundation of the world what sins I would commit & still chose to create me. I am sure that’s what Piper was talking about.
@unitedstates3068 There is a reason why John feels what he believes is correct. God, through Piper, helped me a sinner come to know Christ. So I hear both of them. I believe both are brothers. We must all work out salvation with fear and trembling.
@@MatthewS307 Glad to hear JP helped you come to know Christ. Cross reference what JP says with channels like BeyondtheFundamentals/ Soteriology101/ FaithonFire/ GreatLightStudios/ IdolKiller or many others. I don't think any of these channels are 100% perfect but worth knowing about. Blessings
You didn't give him a chance to explain before you started deconstructing his "Yes." I don't agree with everything Piper says, and we can all disagree on some of this. But the quick refutation with any engagement on his accurate argument, plus the clickbait title and thumbnail, isn't your usual M.O.. I think a better approach would be for you to accurately explain his position in a way that he would agree with before you start taking it apart. Help us fully understand his position then help us understand your position. The way this is presented doesn't allow for that. Calling somethin "crazy" isn't engaging with his argument.
Brother, do you suppose we were always intended to be rescued from sin? Without the fall there is no need for a saviour? Or was Jesus' incarnation an after thought beyond the fall?
@iThinkBiblically thanks for your response. So following the fall, the plan for redemption was made? Is that in line with the trinity being co-eternal? Was Jesus always set to be our head or was it Adam? Is it right for me to say that means that Jesus was given an additional role after the fall?
As someone who believes in the doctrines of grace and in God's sovereignty, I would strongly disagree with Piper's assertion of God's foreknowledge of sin. Piper has promoted Christian hedonism and I believe he is a hyper-Calvinist. I believe that his beliefs make God the author of sin and that's just sinful to say. I don't believe in free will, but I do believe God gives us the ability to choose based upon a will bound to pre-regenerate sinful nature or our regenerate nature now bound to God the Father through the Holy Spirit. So as the process of edification begins we start to struggle with our sin and begin to draw closer to the Father. We will only be completely sinless when we are with God. I enjoy this channel and respect the opinions I read and I pray for all who are watching and for John Piper. God bless and keep you.
I cannot really understand the logic or illogic of John Piper's whole understanding of the sovereignty of God, and that is the one fruit of Calvinism which led me to become an Eastern Orthodox Christian instead of remaining a Presbyterian Christian.
Calvinists should know that God does not exist in time. He can see the beginning and the end to all things because He exists outside of time. He is the author of time and the lines we travel in. If looked at objectively, no where in the Bible does it state that He controls or wants to control all things. The Bible verses the Calvinists are using to make their points are not objectively looked at in comparison to other texts. It would seem that they are looking for excuses by subjectively interpreting selected verses for an agenda.
Hi Bro Caleb would you agree that all Pastors/Elders gets something wrong at some point? I listen to about 4 you-tube channels lead by men and all of them seem to misinterpret something at some point. Will they be punished or will God be gracious to them? Let me give you just 2 examples without naming them. One Pastor stated a divorced man can be a Pastor as long as he has a wife at the time of operating in that office. He did NOT say only if his first wife has died. He just said the divorce man has to have a wife. Another Pastor said hell isn't literally burning fire b/c Jesus used metaphors all the time and that he spoke of outer darkness when describing hell which is reserved for the wicked so how can there be darkness and fire at the same time? I disagree with both of them! God can make fire/smoke/darkness/ rain occur all at the same time. What do you think?
You make a good point that everyone is wrong at some point, excpet God because he alone is infallible. That's what we as Christians believe. And regarding hell, I think he is correct that 2 contradictory literal statements can't be correct but 2 different metaphors can. That's a big topic though that I think many get wrong. Jesus talked about destruction of soul and body in Gehenna (hell).
Jesus in John 6 51 talked about eating and drinking his blood for new life, so either all non Catholics are false teachers or some of what he is saying is parables. Plus I think what makes someone a false teacher is more of the heart of the man to guide people to follow God or to abandon him but not so much the specific scripture areas
Under Piper's precept, none of us are guilty of any sin, because God made us do them. Therefore, none of us are responsible for what we do, and punishment does not pertain to us. In absolute essence, Piper does away with the idea of hell in what he says here.
I sincerely hope that God has not predestined me to rape or murder anybody today. God is much more powerful than me. If God predestined me to do evil I would not have the power to refuse. If I could refuse to do God's will I would be more powerful than God.
The real problem and threat concerning the false doctrines of the Calvinism movement, is its discouraging message to those who figure what chance of redemption have they if God has predetermined the elect. Who knows how many potential converts turned away from the offer of redemption after hearing the Calvinist gospel of elitism. Calvinsts spend too much time thinking and not enough time trusting in God's word as it is written. Please pray for them and for those they influence.
Judas Iscariot was predetermined to betray Jesus. He could have ministered to Judas but he didn't because it was predetermined. So why does it work for Judas and not anybody else?
Caleb could you consider an interview with Dr James White and ascertain more clarity and perhaps address more of those differences. It would be great just like the interview or chat you add with Dr Brown.
Thanks and this is a great channel. We appreciate your love and concern of all believers especially those who are mislead and deceived by false teachers.
Ok Very Good Point!! But we do mess up from time to time to time to time to time ,just like we all sin from time to time to time to time ,but we must also Not arm ourselves up to be super judgemental on our pastors and leaders who are firmly leading us under the best of God's interest and speak to him privately about your concerns,if you treat everyone with contempt your also by the same measure, let's keep focused firmly on salvation
I would not call myself a calvinist, but I do believe in election. I just can't say with a definite explanation how that works. God is sovereign but there are different aspects of His will decretive, preceptive, and permissive will. God's knowledge of all things does not necessitate His causing of all things. I agree that the way John Piper responded would appear to make God the author of sin (which is obviously not the case). Gods will was an attribute of God that has helped me understand more, however I am still a finite creature trying to comprehend the infinite creator. Just thought I'd say that. I appreciate your videos. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for showing the folly of this but not all Calvinists believe this, some would call this hyper Calvinism. Piper also believes God created most people just to send them to hell to torment them forever for His own eternal glory. Again, hyper Calvinism since many Calvinists reject this. We should all agree that God knew everything, He knew before He created, God is powerful and could change things if He wanted but is able to work all things out together for the good of His people (Romans 8:28).
So God is SURPRISED when people sin or when something happens that He didn't KNOW ahead of time ?!?! Is God SURPRISED when someone gets saved OR did He KNOW it before the foundation of the world ?!?! When we refer to God's sovereignty , we are acknowledging God's knowing EVERY SINGLE THING about EVERY SINGLE THING before He laid the foundations of the world. To think otherwise is to propose that God is constantly surprised by what men choose to do...including getting saved...I find THAT ridiculous !! God KNOWING every sin or any other action AHEAD of time DOES NOT mean he is the AUTHOR of such things...it is that He KNOWS IT ALL BEFORE IT HAPPENS !!
There are many Calvinists that I like and listen to, just to get it out there. But what I don't understand is why Calvinists find fault when their system is being citied? Why find fault with what God has decreed, if we don't have free will and everything has been decreed by God that we do or say, then why find fault? we don't have any other choice as to believe what we do as it is all the will of God for us. So obviously then we should say, yes and neither do they, that is why they say what they do when we criticize their system. Thank God for freewill.
It''s silly to reject Calvinism on the accusation that it impugns God's character or makes Him responsible for sin. So long as you believe in divine foreknowledge, then even as an Arminian you believe that God foresaw all the evil that people would do, yet He still decreed to create the world and render it certain that those people would do what He foresaw they would do and then be punished for it. So under Arminianism, people could still raise the objection, "but why did you make me thus?" which is exactly the objection Paul addresses in Romans 9. But the Arminian will say "but God is not responsible for sin in our system!" Well that's exactly what Calvinists say too: "God from all eternity did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass; yet so as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established." - Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 3.1. The only difference is the Calvinist maintains the strong affirmation of God's absolute sovereignty found in Scripture on the one hand, as well as man's responsibility on the other, and accepts that the relationship between those is a divine prerogative incomprehensible to our finite minds. The Arminian, on the other hand, refuses to accept the incomprehensibility and thus demeans the former in favour of the latter.
James 4:7 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Respectfully, people often leave off, “Submit yourselves to God.” I’m confident that if we don’t f-i-r-s-t submit ourselves to the Lord, we won’t be able to resist the devil and he certainly won’t flee from us. May we all first, submit to the Lord, and His ways…
Isaiah 46:10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
lol... you think its a mic drop until you realize that its saying God declares the end from the beginning in the sense that he makes known through the prophets what will happen in the future. Jesus references this himself proving that he is God in John 13:19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I AM...
James 1:13-15…..my sin is MY fault. I am the problem, and Jesus is The solution
Amen 🙏
Amen and no Calvinist including Piper disagrees with you
If God is making us sin what was the purpose of Jesus coming to earth to die for our sins?
why would the holy spirit dwelling within us be grieved when we sin if indeed he was responsible for scheduling sin in our lives?
Their doctrine is very confusing. It's amazing Calvanists believe such distortion of God's loving character.
That is a bit of a conundrum. And I think there is also lots of misunderstandings around terms like omnipotence and sovereignty. There is also a difference between power came from God and his will what should be done with his power.
@@AlyssaDDani There is some reformed teachings on the Holy Spirit that are rather weird, though. Also der radical determinism that everything that happens is micro-managed by God exactly how it is. Predestination taken to it's humane max. Essentially what they say is that God makes people sin. And then deduct that the bigger sinners go to hell, while the smaller sinners go to heaven or something like that. Or at least those that believe though. But to be clear Calvinists differ on the issue among themselves as well. Calvinism is late Scholasticism applied to reformed Catholicism. That makes it a bit more intellectual than e.g. Lutheranism. But the arguments run also in circles there. It can easily turn into a game of of sophistry.
Piper is a false teacher? It is possible.
@@AlyssaDDani He is referring what Calvanists teach as Predestined Detetmenism. 5 Point Calvanist teach that God has predestined every single thought and action. Hence, they also believe in the doctrine of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit predestined sin.....It's insane what Calvanists believe.
James 1:13 is a scripture I always refer back to when discussing this topic. Why can God not be tempted with evil? Well, because He has never been dependent on or addicted to evil like mankind. Every individual has within them, “their own lust” for one thing or another. It’s up to us to “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” or not resist and suffer the consequences of our sin. Caleb, your efforts to explain these topics are a blessing, thank you!
When they sacrificed children to baal or Molech it's Jeremiah I believe God said it never entered into his mind to have them do that.
I made that comment early in the video glad to see you had it already
Proverbs 16:1
“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.”
Proverbs 16:9
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
God bless you brother by refuting all these false teachings.
If we can recognize that the most heinous evil of all, the crucifixion, was decreed by God, then no other evil should compare to this. God can and does decree sin without being the author of it. People can sin and do bad things while God is doing something good by decreeing it.
👏👏👏🤜
very well said!
Sin is the transgression of the law. GOD punishing JESUS because of our sin wasn't evil, sin or wrong. It was an act of love. GOD will not trangress HIS own law. HE is holy!
@@s4cakagospelgorillaz98 God doesn't transgress His own law but uses the sinful actions of sinful men to achieve His good purposes.
@erickimatu2082 HIM using sinful acts is not the same as causing them as Calvinism suggest. To transgress and rebel is to go against what GOD has prohibited. If HE ordained for it to be done then by definition it's not a transgression. It's obedience. HE preordained before the world began that CHRIST would be slain for our sins. So even that was an act of righteousness and he used the sinful acts of men that acted upon their own will for HIS purpose. That's sovereignty. Not making everyone do things even against their will.
Is not the death of Jesus Christ the most horrific and obscene rebellion against God? Was the death of the Son of God not determined before the foundations of the earth?
”I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.“
Isaiah 45:7
and
”As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,“
Romans 9:13-23
Not THAT kind of evil. Evil can mean bad stuff, you know. Like when God spared Nineveh?
God is not the author of evil.He allows it to happen.
that is absolutely true. Read the New Testament in Ancient Greek and translate right. If you know someone who can translate you from Ancient Greek to modern English do so ... Also study the life of the first martyrs of the One Church like St George & St Demetrius of Thessaloniki where I come from. In our Lord's love. George
And those that are evil, unrepented will be in hell. Salvation isn't granted to the wicked.
@jeffouellette9946
Unfortunately, we all are wicked until God through the Holy Spirit changes our hearts. Our lives change when we genuinely accept Jesus as our personal savior.
Faith is granted sir... philippians 1:29 and we must be drawn.. John 6:44
@@akeelmasih1110i want back. Satan tricked me. This was wrong. Help me. Jeff is rude.
I saw this in my feed and felt that I had to respond to this as it shows a clear misunderstanding of 1) The biblical teaching of Predestination (I believe) 2) Piper's thoughts on Predestination 3) God's Sovereign Reign
It's easy, in my understanding of Scripture, to show that God has predestined every single thing to come to pass that has and will come to pass, from dust particles to crimes. "In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works ALL things according to the counsel of His will" Ephesians 1:11
It clearly states that everything that comes to pass is worked out (very active word) by the counsel of God's will. In plain terms, if something happens, it's because God ordained it to happen. And that even supports his argument in the verse because he is arguing that the basis of our confidence that we have been predestined is that God predestines all things. So it only makes sense that our salvation is also predestined as it falls within God's Sovereign will. Now, does that mean that if God ordaines something He actively does the act? Of course not. He ordained the death of His Son. And yet He didn't actually hit the nails into His own Sons Hands. No! However he did ordain, and that is as far as we can pry into God's Will, that those exact acts come to pass. Even though the act of His Son getting crucified was and always will be evil, it was God's intent that meant it wasn't sin. God intended it for good, but Satan intended it for evil. Both planning that the act would come to pass but with totally different motives. That is why it is important to let God be God. He is Sovereign and there is nothing we can do about that. We should not let pride bring God to our level as if He has to explain all of His ways to us. God owes noone an explanation of His ways and we should not expect God's ways to fit neatly into our logical explanation of why He cannot act the way He has revealed in His Word. That is not humility. We should humble ourselves before God and trust His Sovereign rule.
Amen!! 💯
God doesn't owe us an explanation, but He has given us plenty to know about Him, and God does not go back on His Word. Defending false doctrine by saying "God is sovereign" and "God can do whatever He wants" is the Calvinist way. And, it's false. Even the apostle Paul spoke of his own freedom to make his own choices for his life, such as saying he could have married if he wanted to. God expects us to make choices in our life. Whether Paul had married or not, God would have been pleased. He is pretty specific about saying he made the choice himself because he wanted to give all his efforts to the ministry.
@@graftme3168have you ever heard Piper or similar Calvinists say we have no responsibility in decisions we make? Literally you are putting words into his mouth deal with the actual belief that the Bible teaches God decrees all things including that people are responsible for our choices, beliefs, and decisions.
@@joshuafield8224 They double talk. They say God has decreed or predestined what choices we make, but that we are responsible for them. Then, they call it "sovereignty" because they can't explain the contradiction.
@@graftme3168 I don't think that is a contradiction, but appreciate that you framed the belief more accurately this time. I do think it is impossible to comprehensively explain God or how He works, indeed He would not be God could I comprehend. My job is to accept the plain teaching of His word even when I cannot fully comprehend. The Bible clearly teaches God predestined and is in control of all things, the Bible clearly teaches man bears the full weight of responsibility for the decisions. Rom 9:19-20
Oh boy this is going to be a long one.
I appreciate your videos but this really doesn't hit the nail on it's head.
Calvinists believe that God is the primary cause of all things. That all happens because of Him. He sustains all life. Without sustaining the life of the criminal there is no more crime. Without sustaining the life of the any immoral sinner(like you and me) that sinner will not exist and sin.
He doesn't just 'allow' people to sin. He gives them life to do it every second. He upholds them. He keeps them by the word of his power. If he didn't want them to exist He could get rid of them any second. Even in the act of sin and prevent that sin.
2:05 Calvinists do believe in God's sovereignty and our creaturely autonomy. This doesn't mean that men's hearts do not willingly sin. Sin has its origin in God's plan AND our hearts and will. Both scenarios exist. Remember this is a logical order not a temporal one. It's God's purpose before our purpose logically.
This doesn't mean that Calvinists believe that since it's in God's plan he'll force people to do things they don't want. They do what they please unless stopped by him. Even then - they do the second best.
4:20 You are majorly missing the point about the lot.
The lot is cast but every decision from it is from God. He determined the decision. That's the whole point. What we think is random chance is God's plan.
That's the point. Not whether this was done by priest or in a casino. It's a very good example by John Piper.
8:35 The Bible states that the crucifixion was predestined to occur. According to your logic the people who crucified him are going to say "but at the end of the day God you did predetermine for me to sin" and you think that's a good excuse for sin?
8:40 Romans 1 says men are without excuse because God's invisible attributes are clearly seen through what has been created. It doesn't say people are without excuse if they are predetermined to sin.
That's subversion of the scriptures.
9:15 the verse doesn't mention anything about allowing. It says predetermined. It's not like God was saying "Well since these people are so hostile towards Jesus I might as well allow then to kill him and I'll take that as payment for their sins". It was planned by God. It pleased God to do it.
Jeremiah 32:35
You should really be careful with what you say about that verse. Unless you don't believe that God knows the future you believe that God knew that this would happen. It's a requirement to believe that he knew. Unless you want to persist that this really didn't come across God's mind.
The clue is in commanding. God never commanded them to sacrifice their kids to Molech nor did it enter his mind to command that. Any other interpretation of this leads to the denial of God's omniscience.
Isaiah 65:1-2
"according to their own thoughts not according to God's plan".
That's reading into the scripture. Not only that but it's heaping unknown beliefs on Calvinists. Calvinists have no conflict between God's plan and men's evil thoughts and intentions.
Isaiah 5: 3-5
God's lamentations are not the same as ours. His grieving is not the same as ours. We grieve/lament because we can't change anything. God can absolutely change everything.
He could easily make Abraham's descendants out of rocks as easily as he could change their hearts.
Calvinism is not wrong because God didn't change people's hearts. God not predetermining something you want Him to have predetermined is not proof that Calvinism is wrong.
Matthew 23:37
I'm glad that there is an identification that the "you were not willing" is for the religious leaders not the people(they're the chicks in this analogy).
The leaders were not willing. End of story.
It doesn't say that they overpowered God. It says they were not willing. I'm not sure where you get that idea.
Isaiah 46:09-10
Is the argument that God declares stuff through his prophets to prove that he knows the future without acknowledging the other part of the verse? How about the part that says "he declared the end from the beginning as his counsel shall stand". Will his counsel only stand if he declares it through the prophets? That's laughable.
People who deny that God knows the future are not orthodox Christians. They are not the same as people who believe that God is the primary cause of all things. You must reorder your priorities on that one.
I was a bit reluctant to listen to this video, however i am extremely glad i did and want to thank you Caleb for putting them out! In a world where people have a tendency to selectively believe certain portions of scripture, it’s comforting for me to find someone who considers ALL scripture!!
Thanks mate :)
This is a simplistic misrepresentation of Calvinist doctrines. Casting John Piper and calvinist doctrine as crazy and unbiblical is not helpful for people to understand the issues.
The Armenian viewpoint has just as many problems and could be called "crazy" as well. But that's not helpful.
The question of whether God has decreed all sin is an important one to answer,. But in my opinion there is a much bigger and fundamental question that we all have to ask ourselves. And it is this:
"Why would God choose to create a world in the first place if he knew all of the sins and rapes and murders and evils that were going to happen?"
So even if you hold to the doctine that says God is not sovereign over all things, you would still have to admit that he set the world in motion with full knowledge of the evils that were to befall it. This too is a problem for you when considering God's responsibility in allowing evil.
The only solution to this is for you to say that God had no idea what would happen when he created the perfect world and all of the perfect angels. But scripture does not allow for that solution...
Thoughts?
What about Molonism?
You make some good points brother. You can in fact believe God is sovereign in the sense that you mention that he set up the world and has full control over how it was established and even that he foreknew people would kill, rape etc. That though in my mind poses a problem but a much lesser one that if God directs evil, rather than just allows or permits it. The answer most would give is that the only way he couldn't permit it would be to restrict human and even Satan's free will and that would take away something wonderful in and of itself. Also, by allowing sin, he could show his grace and mercy through Christ. Adam knew God as creator, but we can through his sin, and the coming of Christ, know God as Savior too.
@@michaelnewzealand1888 I think I've heard that term but I'm not actually familiar with it. Going to have to look it up.
Love is not love if God forces people to love, his creation had to have free will and sin was going to be the result of it.
@@leehighland5435These are assertions you are making with no biblical backing. These are conclusions you have come to, I assume, from reading the text. Which Calvinist do you know that states that as human beings we cannot choose and make choices? No Calvinist will deny that we choose. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the “will” that God gave us. What is corrupted is the person who possesses this “will”. See Romans 3. There is no one good, not one. But in your view, we have that “spark” of goodness that is in everyone that allows them to choose God( which according to the Bible is not in our nature…) and that freely chooses Him when you are presented with the Gospel. This instance is grounds for boasting. “Look God!… I chose you of my own free will, now reward me with salvation!” Israel was a microcosm, a representation of the whole of humanity. Even with God dwelling in their midst, they still did not choose God. What makes us Christians today think we are so different or better? Food for though.
I think you make some good points about those verses in Acts 4 and John Piper's Calvinist interpretation of them. Firstly there is a difference some theologians would point about between God's directive versus his permissive will. He allowed evil men to kill the Lord Jesus but he didn't direct them to. For instance we read that Judas betrayed Jesus once Satan entered him. So I agree with you. Despite this though I don't think Calvinists would use this as an excuse for sin. That may be logically consistent but they dont believe that. So I think we need to be careful. I love John Piper. I am not a Calvinist and this doesn't make sense but he is a Godly man.
Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you" Psalm 119: 11
Calvinists affirm creaturely free will and God’s sovereignty. They are not incompatible but complementary. God is not the author or perpetrator of evil, creatures are. Yet even those evil acts of creatures God sovereignly works for good.
“God from all eternity did by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass; yet so as thereby neither is God the author of sin; nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.”
But free will to a Calvinist means that God predestined them to desire evil and then they “freely” choose to do evil. That’s just stupid and it’s not really free will.
@@iThinkBiblically You are charging calvinists with teaching what you think is an implication from their view but which none of them hold. It’s very childish and uncharitable. God created creatures and the universe in such a way that people are morally responsible for their actions. Sin is subsumed under God’s will, not as something God actively works or wants in and of itself, but as something we choose that God permits with a view to a greater good (His glory). But maybe not. Maybe I’m just too stupid to find the part of the Bible where it says man works all things according to the counsel of his will. Maybe God is just trying really hard to save people right now and just can’t do it. 😐
Thanks Caleb, I couldn't agree more. Calvinism's roots are planted in the gnostic concepts Augustine brought with him into the church. Those who held to previous scriptural beliefs held by those of the earliest Christians were labelled heretics. You have to take small samples of scripture out of context to make the Calvinist understanding of concepts like predestination work. For anyone reading this that is struggling with it, I suggest attempting to read the scriptures without Calvinist concepts in mind, journalling tough passages and asking yourself who these passages were written by, who they were intended for, and what the cultural understanding of the passages would have been when written. If you grew up Calvinist this will not be easy but remember we serve the Almighty God and He doesn't fit into our tiny theological boxes we try to put Him in.
God can't bless sin until it's actually removed from your heart
The moral of this video is, between two individuals one who submits and humbles themselve to the complete sovereignty of God. And on the other hand, one who wants to be sovereign over God. Guess who is who
You need to be more honest and use “divine determinism” instead of “sovereignty”. You are acting like a cultist when you change the definition of words.
Could you please explain
Isaiah 10:5-19
5“Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger,
in whose hand is the club of my wrath!
6 I send him against a godless nation,
I dispatch him against a people who anger me,
to seize loot and snatch plunder,
and to trample them down like mud in the streets.
7 But this is not what he intends,
this is not what he has in mind;
his purpose is to destroy,
to put an end to many nations.
8 ‘Are not my commanders all kings?’ he says.
9 ‘Has not Kalno fared like Carchemish?
Is not Hamath like Arpad,
and Samaria like Damascus?
10 As my hand seized the kingdoms of the idols,
kingdoms whose images excelled those of Jerusalem and Samaria-
11 shall I not deal with Jerusalem and her images
as I dealt with Samaria and her idols?’”
12 When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes. 13 For he says:
“‘By the strength of my hand I have done this,
and by my wisdom, because I have understanding.
I removed the boundaries of nations,
I plundered their treasures;
like a mighty one I subdued[a] their kings.
14 As one reaches into a nest,
so my hand reached for the wealth of the nations;
as people gather abandoned eggs,
so I gathered all the countries;
not one flapped a wing,
or opened its mouth to chirp.’”
15 Does the ax raise itself above the person who swings it,
or the saw boast against the one who uses it?
As if a rod were to wield the person who lifts it up,
or a club brandish the one who is not wood!
16 Therefore, the Lord, the Lord Almighty,
will send a wasting disease upon his sturdy warriors;
under his pomp a fire will be kindled
like a blazing flame.
17 The Light of Israel will become a fire,
their Holy One a flame;
in a single day it will burn and consume
his thorns and his briers.
18 The splendor of his forests and fertile fields
it will completely destroy,
as when a sick person wastes away.
19 And the remaining trees of his forests will be so few
that a child could write them down.
In a nutshell God sends him to punish Israel Verse 6, and Verse 7 clearly tells us that he is not even aware that God punishing Israel by his hand is what's happening, he is simply on a prideful rampage, and verse 12 tells us that after God has used him in punishing Israel God will punish him.
I am also curious to hear what you will say about God hardening Pharaoh's heart. Going by what you are saying the hardening of Pharaoh's heart was not a sin because God clearly says he did it.
Your explanation about the casting of lots is also erroneous, it wasn't limited to the Priests. In the story of Jonah, we see the sailors casting lots, these were pagans, now if God doesn't have a say in the tiniest of details, how did the lot cast by pagans fall on the one who had angered God and brought about the calamity?
The apostles who were not Priests also cast lots to determine who would replace Judas, it fell on Matthias and he was added to the eleven.
I feel that your view of God's sovereignty is determined more by your feelings and personal views than by scripture.
What is there to explain?
@@iThinkBiblically Firstly you were wrong about casting lots. Secondly, I'd like to hear what you have to say about God hardening Pharaoh's heart, were the actions of Pharaoh as a result of the hardened heart sinful or not? Were they used by God to display his power in a way that would have been impossible without that hardened heart? Thirdly, God made the King of Assyria achieve his purpose in punishing Israel through his sinful and prideful heart and actions and judged him for his actions. You really need to see God in the scriptures for who He is and not create one in your own image, God can and does achieve His glorious and Holy purposes through the sinful actions of men.
@matu2082 How was I wrong about casting lots? It was limited to the priests among the children of Israel. Those who cast lots were pagans praying to their own gods.
@@iThinkBiblically The apostles cast lots, yet they were not priests, the pagans sailors cast lots and it fell on Jonah, who did that? Their gods or God? May I also ask, were the Apostles wrong in casting lots? Do we have a clear instruction forbidding everyone else apart from the priests from casting lots? I'm glad we are having this conversation brother:)
@@iThinkBiblically could you also respond to God hardening Pharaohs heart and the account of the King of Assyria
”Micaiah said, “Therefore, hear the word of the Lord. I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left. The Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab to go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said this while another said that. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will entice him.’ The Lord said to him, ‘How?’ And he said, ‘I will go out and be a deceiving spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ Then He said, ‘You are to entice him and also prevail. Go and do so.’ Now therefore, behold, the Lord has put a deceiving spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; and the Lord has proclaimed disaster against you.”“
1 Kings 22:19-23 NASB1995
Did God predetermine a sin here? And if so then to what end?
Pls read 2 thessalonians 2-9,10..that will ans I believe
God did not force Ahab to sin. He just allowed the events to occur and Ahab did what he did of his own free will. Even Job went through some things that God allowed, but no one forced Job to maintain his integrity. That was his own free will.
Another excellent refutation of this unbiblical doctrine - thank you Caleb.
Interestingly many Calvinists call John Piper a false teacher. But he is simply teaching Calvinism with all its logical implications.
Piper does say some iffy things … I don’t necessarily think this right here is one of them though… I think where Piper gets himself into trouble is with things like final justification… some calvanist don’t think this far out … so someone like me would say I don’t know but I do think this is very possibly and maybe even likely. The way calvanist view God, if you think it out to its fullest extent that you can then this is what you’ll get so I agree with you there.
What I have against most those with an opposing view though is, it’s one thing to not hold to the same belief in this area of doctrine, but to be so adamant about there being no way that God is like this to the point where I’ve heard people claim to be believers and if they seen God and he told him that he indeed is like that, then they’ll tell him off basically.. that’s what annoys me
Piper is a man who is not Godly, I have not trusted anything comming out of his mouth.
Exactly. Calvinism is very ugly when followed to its logical conclusion. And many Calvinists don't want Piper making that so very clear.
That is actually reassuring to hear, that many Calvinists DO NOT believe what Piper is saying is true (even tho I think he accurately represents Calvinism)
Actually the officially reformed position upholds both divine sovereignty and human responsibility, so in this case John Piper's position actually reflects hyper calvinism.
Calvinist here. So is God responsible for all our sinning? God is Sovereign. Meaning God IS in control. I don’t agree with my brothers teaching here. I tend to lean on the side of God being ALL powerful rather than limit Him. I picture it like this. God is in the center and strings hold us all to Him. Some strings are short keeping us close to Him, some are long. Perhaps God cut Satans string. But by God releasing a person from being close it does not mean God created evil in that person. That person created evil in themselves by making evil or Godless choices. In this analogy we have choice, God is in control, but He is not evil nor did He create evil and at the same time God has the power over the strings that hold us to Him. Given this way of thinking God wrote a story knowing our choices and involving His will. This is how my brain makes sense of it. The position of Calvinism verse Arminianism is very old and both sides have good arguments, but we should not teach 1 view for things like this that have good arguments for the other view. People should learn all arguments and prayerfully make up their own minds.
Hi crafters.... you have new version of "string" theory... one I haven't heard before! There are a few flaws that would take time to explain, suffice to say, in the book of Job we see God certainly puts boundaries on Satan (and implied on us) to limit our actions, but those actions are our, not (pre)determined by God.
Also, re " rather than limit Him." I think reformed philosophy puts greater limits on God and denies how "Sovereign" God really is, in that He can be "Sovereign" without the need to control EVERYTHING. re "analogy we have choice", Have you heard the chess example? Q: Which is the greater chess master? One who plays against himself (plays both sides of the board) or one who plays against a stadium full of opponents and "wins" every game. [like every analogy there are flaws and limitations]
"The position of Calvinism verse Arminianism is very old " and only exists in the " Calvinism/Arminianism" paradigm. Neither is theological or scripture based, or required, rather human philosophy debate.
Yeah, people just worship their beliefs. 👁️ Calvinist here.
I dislike theological labels for this very reason. I don't know anyone who self-identifies as Calvinist or reformed who believes this. We all know that within every belief system there are differences. Maybe just talk to individual Calvinist or reformed believers to determine what they believe rather than crying "witch!" and lumping all together as "The Calvinists". Most Calvinist leaders don't even support Piper's teachings. SMH.
Amen sister
Well done! I've always had problems with Calvinists and what they teach. I don't think Calvin would recognize Calvinism! God bless you brother Caleb and your ministry!
It's a false gospel, and yes Calvin would approve what they teach. Is basically the same thing he wrote and imposed on Geneva for 6 years turning the city into a hellhole.
Caleb doesn't believe that God is all knowing omniscient. Be aware of Caleb
How can you possibly believe that - just because he does not hold to the unbiblical doctrine of Calvinism. ALL Christians believe God is omniscient - that doesn't mean He has determined everything that happens!
Garbage. Of course God is all knowing. I made that clear as day in the video.
Calvanism is being misrepresented. Scripture says that God does not tempt us to sin. Where he has mercy it is sovereignly predetermined, however when the creature sins , God withdraws his hand and lets us have the outworking of our choice which means we commit these sins against his perfect holy will. Otherwise there would be no command in Romans to be transformed. God predetermines that a creature gets raised to life. Everyone who is not saved is dead.
Yes he is misrepresenting, 95% here on the vid commenting don't understand Calvinism and i myself dont even identify with Calvinism but am all for upholding God's sovereignty. They think God's decreeing sin makes him the author of it which is false.
@@stevie6621 Is God not being evil when He chooses to send some sinners to hell (for no good reason) and other sinners to heaven (for no good reason)? And to do so by contradicting His own Word which says He is completely impartial! If He wants ALL men to be saved (and He says He does) - then why doesn't He save them? Could it be that His hands are tied by the gift of free will that He sovereignly granted to mankind?
If calvinism is being misrepresented then do a better job teaching calvinism so we know what to reject, it's not our fault you keep saying God decreed everything to come to pass, if that's true then you can't sidestep that with saying he doesn't
@@stevie6621it depends on the definition of sovereignty. Calvinism says God is Sovereign and cannot be God if he doesn’t control every single thing. There is no free will. Meaning you cannot choose God without God first regenerating you and then you can choose God. Completely backwards cannot find any scripture to back that up. Always faith comes first ALWAYS. Severing doesn’t mean controlling every single action or decision. sovereignty means he is always God always King and is and will be the Judge of all mankind and people can choose to obey Him or not to Obey the king doesn’t control all actions of his people. Calvinism completely changes the character of God. Nowadays “new” Calvinists want to say God predestines some to be saved from before the creation of the World and no He doesn’t predestine some to hell before the creation of the World. Well if he predestines some from before to go to Heaven by default he is predestining the others to go to Hell. And if God is Sovereign in the Calvinists idea of Sovereign that fits. But God does allow free will and does allow sinners to choose Him. calvinists say dead is dead and a dead man can’t talk or make decisions. And that 1 Corinthians 2:14 the natural man cannot accept the things that come from the Spirit of God…” means man cannot make a decision for God without God first regenerating him. Yet in 2 Timothy 4:3 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears;and turn their ears from the truth.” How can a dead man follow the truth? How can a dead man endure sound doctrine? Either these are believers who are now rejecting God or they were never saved. Either way not possible with Calvinism. Because dead man are incapable of making decisions for God or desiring God. And one saved always saved. Meaning you cannot fall away.
Why do Calvinist always say Calvinism is being misrepresented? Your explanation isn't true calvinism. You may think you are a calvinist, but your explanation is not what Calvin, Augustine or any other of the reformers actually advocated for. (NB: I agree with your general explanation)
God determines many things, but never our sin. He is holy. I think the story of Job is a clear example. God certainly puts limits in place on the extent of evil, but is never the author or determiner. God does not determine or "elect" (before the foundation of the world) people to heaven, already condemning the majority of people to hell.
Thank you for your Bible studies and videos. I'm so thankfuk that I found this UA-cam Channel. God Bless you and yours.
Cool video Brother, thank you! I seriously prayed yesterday, asked the Lord to guide me to a scripture, opened the online Bible and read a scripture containing the word "Urim", and that led me on a whole research path into Urim and Thummin. Our Holy Father is so amazing! I do agree with your point on this too!
Brother Caleb, please tell me, and be honest. Is there any possibility in your mind that you could be wrong about Calvinism ?
Scripture does say that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, the creatures. And it is only by faith that our minds can receive such truths as The Trinity that is supra-rational for example.
So please, tell me, do you have enough humility in your heart to accept the fact that you might be wrong about Calvinism, yes or no ?
Just curious how you would answer your own question. Is it possible that you could be wrong about calvinism? Could calvinism be wrong?
No chance.
The Bible is crystal clear.
That’s like asking could Caleb be wrong that Jesus died on the cross…?
@@lionoffirerawI don't think you can equate the two. All Christians agree Jesus died on the cross. Some Christians hold to Calvinism and some don't, and some are not sure, and some don't even know what that is.
Not if you were predetermined to believe that way.
It’s ironic that anyone defending Calvinism would ask another believer if they have humility in their heart.
God foreknew it. We determined it.
for sure 👍
so when he hadn't created anything who determined that what you're talking about would happen? you did? God? Did God determine that you'd determine it?
@@P-vv1or nope. You choose it but God foreknew what you chose. He knows the beginning from the end. He knows even what you are about to pray to Him before you even speak it. So, you decided your destiny by your choices but He already knew what you decided.
@@P-vv1or refer to Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 where God demonstrated his futuristic ability about 1000 years before the crucifixion of Christ. Look at His prediction of Cyrus 150 years before Cyrus was born. Just 2 examples of many. Revelation predicts the end times as well as Matthew 24. We chose it but He foreknew it.
While I do not agree that God decreed every sin that every person would committed , God allowed sin to enter the world. Everything that occurs in the world God allows it to happen. God hates sin and evil but He allowed sin to enter the world so as to accomplish His eternal purpose. John Piper might be wrong here, but he is a great Bible teacher. You don't have to agree with Calvinism, but it's teaching is rooted in scripture. You might not believe in the sovereignty of God, but we do. God is control of everything and that includes sin. Nothing is happening outside the divine sovereignty and providence of God. My brother do not throw out the baby with the bath water.
I agree John Piper has some other teachings that are good. I actually do believe in the sovereignty of God but I reject divine determinism. There is a difference.
I'm a "Calvinist", I suppose because I believe everything God says about predestination and His "choosing" His children, BUT in no way has God ever predetermined our sin! That's ridiculous. We are 100% accountable for that. I was raised Arminian and now see arrogance in me being able to hold on to salvation myself, but I also see arrogance of many on the Calvinist's side. We can't possibly understand God's super-logic that covers His predeterminism as well as our full accountability...so let's stop trying and just accept what the Bible says about BOTH and quit letting this divide us. What Piper said is heresy...don't associate it with all Calvinists. He's said a few things that make me not follow his guidance.
Appreciate your comment. As a Calvinist I'm more than happy to call Arminians my brothers but I keep being told by them that I'm in an evil cult meanwhile they don't understand it and misrepresent it to push their own agenda. I used to be Arminian myself and arrived at Calvinism simply by reading the Word of God.
@@AfricanSheep Yep, we're letting Satan divide the church over this. Ridiculous.
When somebody who reformed in theology says something controverisal immediately calvinism is attacked. What about all the crazy statments made by armineans how come you never see people saying things about armineans like I see in this comment section about calvinism?
There are very few Arminian bible teachers. I think you have a wrong view of what an "Arminian" actually is. If you mean "non-calvinist" then obviously my whole channel attacks people who are "non-calvinists".
This looks more like a John Pipers error; I've never heard Calvinists teach this heresy. God predetermined all who are saved, Eph.1:4,5, Eph.1:11, Rom. 8:29, 1Pet.1:20, 1 Cor 2:7, and many, many more.
No it’s Calvinism. Most Calvinists don’t want people to know the dark side of Calvinism. That is God predetermined before the foundation of the world that some people would be created never being able to make a choice for God or against God they sphere created to go tot Hell. If God predetermines all who are saved he predetermines all who will be condemned,need by default. Piper is just being honest and consistent with the doctrine of Calvinism.
Makes God the author of evil
Truth!
Exactly. It’s madness.
@@iThinkBiblically Isa 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
Yes a lie from the pit of hell
@@klausmklby allowing man to have free will, evil comes into existence by necessity. He doesn’t decree for man to do evil.
I do believe in predestination. But I dont believe hyper calvinism. So I dint believe God has to mechanically control everything in order to be sovereign. I think God can be in control of everything that happens without having to constantly control everything and still decide to save who He wants. I dont think God creates evil in our hearts, the flesh does that by itself along with the world, we need God to reveal His truth to us in order to then turn on sin and to God! Would love to hear your opinion on this?
A) John Piper was definitely wrong here. This is not the mainline Calvinist view. I would refer people to the Westminster catechism on the issue of sin.
B) this attack on Calvinism- which John piper did not accurately represent-is a straw man.
C) I love your content
100% this is an attack on Calvinism.
The evil spoken of is disaster or punishment.
Nehemiah 13:18
Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath
Jeremiah 6:19
Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it
Jeremiah 19:15
Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words
Jeremiah 32:42
For thus saith the Lord; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that All should come to repentance
Acts 17:30
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth All men every where to repent
John 1:29
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world
Revelation 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely
Ezekiel 33:11
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Isaiah 53
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us All.
Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings,
and Ye Would Not
2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life
Mark 6:34
And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things
Matthew 16:25
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it
Mark 8:34
And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny
Excellent Caleb!
Thank you so much brother for taking this issue/subject/topic. Your explanation is short/concise, clear, straight to the point, and much better than some here on youtube who addressed this topic.
Before I thought you were one of the calvinists discerning ministries. May I ask you if you could do some of verses used by calvinists as supporting verses. I've studied those verses, but it could help those who are struggling to defend their faith against calvinists. With gift, you'll be able to help them a lot. Thank you.
It is because God foreknew what they would each do and He foreknew how they would choose to live.
Compared to the love for Jacob.
Luke 14:26
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple
evil spoken of is disaster or punishment.
Nehemiah 13:18
Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath
Jeremiah 6:19
Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it
Jeremiah 19:15
Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words
Jeremiah 32:42
For thus saith the Lord; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.
I 'm glad that this channel evaluated calvinism as an error cause it is true and people should know that.
Job 2:10
But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
1st Corinthians 13:12 KJV: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. Maybe we can’t understand everything about God and His ways at this time?
There’s nothing more inconsistent than a consistent Calvinist.
The problem is that Calvinists don’t actually understand Calvinism (and then ironically accuse others of not understanding it).
Then they go on to speak and live day-to-day like non-Calvinists (because no one can live it out).
Yeah, it’s very strange that so many people believe it!!
@iThinkBiblically you should do a video on Jesus calling
@@iThinkBiblicallyJesus calling teaches a different Jesus
Madness. When i was a new Christian i used to listen to this arch-heretic... I thought all preachers taught the Bible, till i read the Bible. It was like Two slaps in the face
Thank you so much,I'm sending this to my calvinist friends
God gave us free will to choose good from evil, truth from falsehood.
I cannot agree with this , why would God give us the commandments if he decides to have us break them ? So He said tho shall not kill but God makes us kill ?
Though I differ from Calvinism on some points, there is no simplistic explanation for the sovereignty of God. For instance Jesus told Judas "That thou doest, do quickly" John 13:27b. By saying so, Jesus still was God incarnate and sinless. Maybe you should have a teaching on the sovereignty of God I would like to see it. God bless you.
The actual calvinist position upholds both divine sovereignty and human responsibility, which John Piper rejects in his statement here. John Piper's statement in this video actually reflects hyper calvinism.
I am sorry John Piper is not saying that sin is done by God but is determined. Isaiah 46:10 In-Context
9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. What John Piper is saying is that he has determined all men's sin right up until the end of this age. But he is in no way saying God is partaking in any of man's sin. God determines the outcome of the consequences made by the action of evil sinful men. Yes God does see the rape occur long before it happens but God does not will it it is us human beings who God has given us free will to act out our decisions whether evil or good but the outcome or consequence of our free will decision is determined by God not by us.
Great video brother , such a strange take on the word . Really paints God in a weird light . Good teaching 👍
Calvinists do not believe or teach that the origin of sin is in the mind of God. You made a slight, but significant switch in terms.
If God is Sovereign, but does not determine everything, then you are putting God in reaction to our actions.
Also, casting lots is the same as dice. You can't add the Urrim and Thurrim into planes where a preist is not mentioned.
The issue is the origin of evil, and we don't have that information.
The truth is God is completely Sovereign and man is completely responsible. Its a paradox, but must be accepted.
It is crazier to believe that there are things that God does not control.
Careful of your cavalier attitude, as you're wading in deep waters.
It is true that evil man desires to do evil, and God is the one who decrees what will and won't happen.
As for the "come into my mind" passage, it means God would never command such actions in worship. It is also an example of God condescending to our understanding. It doesn't mean the sin surprised God.
One thing to consider, Judas was clearly predetermined to betray Christ, yet Jesus offered him a chance by warning him and offering him the first morsel.
You struggle with the paradox, which is normal, but you need to pause yourself in this.
You are placing God into time like a created being. He knows the future because He forms and decrees all things.
Also, you are advocating an open theist position because you're saying God isn't in control of everything by decree and that He's somehow Sovereign? That He knows the future, but doesn't stop the horrors? That He holds us responsible for sin because He has witheld Himself from stopping us in hopes that some will turn to Him?
I'm afraid you do more damage to the character of God, my friend.
@@JonJGuev91 You won't be surprised that I disagree with you. Keep studying God's word, my friend
@JonJGuev91 I'm sorry, but attacking "Calvinists" is called an ad hominem attack. You read your Bible, so you are fully aware that it references the elect, and specifies that God foreknew them, which is to say intimately knew them before they were created. This is not something invented by Calvin in the 1500s or thereabouts. I'd encourage you to get past the Calvinist trope and really seek to understand our God's character, which is, admittedly, beyond full comprehension. It's not helpful or God honoring to deride the Biblical teaching of sovereign grace.
So called "provisionism" is never mentioned in Scripture and is wholly blasphemous because it robs God of the glory in Salvation.
Very well said @Bryntjones
I always enjoy your videos. I used to think like you on this matter also. However, as I have continued in the word without a predetermined bias, I have switched to the Sovereignty of God. I could care less about Calvinism or any other man's teaching. But seeing God's hand in both good and evil. Through scripture and testimony, my view has changed. Either way, it is difficult to show anyone different without the Holy Spirit giving revelation.
But don’t you think God is proven to be more sovereign by knowing and anticipating everything, as well as knowing beforehand how he will respond, rather than having to preplan and control every detail?
@@ws775 God calls that divination in the scriptures. So, then it would make God some form of witch. The other argument would be God responding to our actions. Like a daycare worker chasing a bunch of out of control kids. I have considered and believed both of those scenarios. When I read scripture as a whole, I see circumstances that only God could have set up. The story of Samson for instance. When Samson took to the very women he wasn't supposed to, his parents became angry. But scripture says in Judges 14:4, that God put that on Samsons heart for an occasion against the Philistines. Joseph, Job, and Jonah all point to God controlling circumstances. I believe we have been taught that God is good based on our emotional standards. God's plan is way deeper than we can fathom in our tiny minds. Most people can't put a puzzle together, let alone make decisions that impact the Kingdom of God.
I believe God is sovereign but I don't believe in divine determinism. I don't think its right that Calvinists use the word "sovereignty" if that's not what they mean. They should be upfront and honest and just say "divine determinism".
Thank you again for exposing Piper, MacArthur and others who are leading folks astray. Thanks for making a distinction between God's Omniscience and God's Sovereignty. Yes God knows every sin one will commit but does not predestine or determine that that person will commit it.
If our God is not the God of confusion, then why we have so many different denominations and why there are so many disagreements on this board? Thank you.
It's like basically saying that I can sin as much as I want because my life was already predetermined to be with Jesus.
Actually it's not saying that at all. More accurately a calvinist would say all those who are predestined as children of God will not continue in sin. The proof of your election is in the fruit of a life devoted to God in faith. Those who continue on in sin are not of faith and are not of the elect. That's what Calvinism actually teaches.
@mattmyer3408 that would be contradictory. You are predetermined meaning you were chosen by God period, so go on sinning as much as you want, since you have no free will if you are a calvanist.
@@jamesboone3678 you clearly haven't studied or understand the doctrines known commonly as calvinism. This is a common straw man argument and misrepresentation that you make.
The scriptures are clear, and all Calvinists agree that those who go on sinning are not of faith. Please see first john, romans, and hebrews.
@@mattmyer3408 not here to argue. Clearly calvinism does not make any sense.
@MickJagger-el6of christ is the center, and always should be. I'll be praying for you.
God is not committing the sin.... I dont see the problem here. We have free will and God is all knowing. That does not make God evil. I agree with alot of your views but from what im getting from this video is that it seems you deny that God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. Thats also a strawman to say that people are actually sinning and saying "well God, that is your will"... nobody says that. I believe God does try to prevent evil by giving us a conscience. People who do the worst evil things in the world know they are wrong because the Law is written in their hearts. God isnt predestinating the sin but has foreknowledge of the sin. He knows all. Just like God has precognition of the ones that will accept his grace and be born again. He knows us before we know him because it is foreknown. I think that is the calvanist stance but it gets conflicted with people saying that God only chooses certain people and others he sends to hell. That is just wrong.
God allows free choice as genuine love does. Even though God forknows the choices each person will make.
That does not mean He plans it. Love is not real unless it is freely chosen. It is not real unless a person can choose not to.
Hebrews 7
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Revelation 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And Whosoever Will, let him take the water of life freely
Matthew 20:27
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Mark 3:35
For Whosoever Shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother
Mark 8:34
And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever Will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me...
Jeremiah 29:13
And ye shall Seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart
Mark 8:35
For Whosoever Will save his life shall lose it; but Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it
Acts 15:9
And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Mark 10:43
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister
James 4:8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Mark 10:44
And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all
Luke 9:24
For Whosoever Will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it
James 2
9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors
Jeremiah 9
23 Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.
25 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised;
James 4:4
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore Will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God
Brother, this is THE BEST video I’ve heard from you! It’s exactly what I needed because I don’t agree with Calvinism. Do you have any recommended resources other the Bible?
You're struggling with God's word not "Calvinism".
Pastor Mike Winger is not a Calvinist and has produced some excellent talks on his UA-cam channel.
Calvinism really does contradict the Bible wherever it is claimed.
Calvinism teaches you can't repent, you have to be regenerated first/born again, but God calls people to repent, John the Baptist called people to repent, do you think Calvinists know better than God or the Baptist? Don't struggle with Calvinism, stay clear of it.
@@ZebhammerThank you for the help. That really cleared things up. God bless.
@@stevie6621I’m not struggling with God’s Word. I struggle with Calvinism which is a doctrine, not the Bible itself. Be blessed.
Wow that was a zinger. Keep it coming. No mercy! This "reformed" movement is leading so many astray!
Yeah, I realised how idolatrous so many Calvinists are (not all of them) when I saw the comments defending John MacArthur in my recent video on him. I realised that the only reason why people are Calvinists is because of prestigeous people like him.
Apparently according to Calvinism, if God gave us will, the ability to choose and respond then our actions will shock him every bit. But say this to Calvinists and they will rise to the ocassion to say, Nay! He knows all things. Then it is possible for God to remain sovereign regardless of our actions. What's more powerful? A God whose plans are brought to fruition regardless of our inputs? Or, God who needs to determine every course of action and thought and control them in order to bring to fruition his plans? The former makes me shudder in awe and wonder and makes me fearful of LORD GOD and go to him for counsel every step of the way.
It is erroneous and dangerous. It also creates elitism like Mormonism and JW. Calvinists do not say this explicitly but what they do mean is unless you ascribe to their doctrine then you are perhaps not saved. In some ways, it is somewhat cultish.
The issue is not that God determined these things. He foresaw them. He knows the end from the beginning. He knows all that will happen. He does not intervene in man's choices that he makes though He knows what they will be. He knows the hearts of men.
V powerful n good stuff here brother. Looks like there are so many false teachings within Christianity. Keep up the good work tht u are doing.
This is actually an Islamic teaching. Allah the greatest deceiver actually wants you to sin so that he can supposedly "forgive you". David Wood has a good snippet on this subject, in a discussion with AP.
It may not be His supreme will, but it must obviously fall under His permissive will. Otherwise you do not believe in an omniscient & omnipotent & omnipresent God!
The God of the Bible knew from before the foundation of the world what sins I would commit & still chose to create me.
I am sure that’s what Piper was talking about.
I hear you, but I still hear John Piper. You're a brother as he is a brother.
Hi Matthew. Out of interest, what do you mean by "I still hear John Piper" ?
@unitedstates3068 There is a reason why John feels what he believes is correct. God, through Piper, helped me a sinner come to know Christ. So I hear both of them. I believe both are brothers. We must all work out salvation with fear and trembling.
@@MatthewS307 Glad to hear JP helped you come to know Christ. Cross reference what JP says with channels like BeyondtheFundamentals/ Soteriology101/ FaithonFire/ GreatLightStudios/ IdolKiller or many others. I don't think any of these channels are 100% perfect but worth knowing about. Blessings
You didn't give him a chance to explain before you started deconstructing his "Yes." I don't agree with everything Piper says, and we can all disagree on some of this. But the quick refutation with any engagement on his accurate argument, plus the clickbait title and thumbnail, isn't your usual M.O.. I think a better approach would be for you to accurately explain his position in a way that he would agree with before you start taking it apart. Help us fully understand his position then help us understand your position. The way this is presented doesn't allow for that. Calling somethin "crazy" isn't engaging with his argument.
Would you like to explain what your saying wasn't explained in the video help me to understand pipers position please??
💯% Spot On! Thank you Caleb!
Brother, do you suppose we were always intended to be rescued from sin? Without the fall there is no need for a saviour? Or was Jesus' incarnation an after thought beyond the fall?
I think the fall comes first logically in the mind of God
@iThinkBiblically thanks for your response. So following the fall, the plan for redemption was made? Is that in line with the trinity being co-eternal? Was Jesus always set to be our head or was it Adam? Is it right for me to say that means that Jesus was given an additional role after the fall?
As someone who believes in the doctrines of grace and in God's sovereignty, I would strongly disagree with Piper's assertion of God's foreknowledge of sin. Piper has promoted Christian hedonism and I believe he is a hyper-Calvinist. I believe that his beliefs make God the author of sin and that's just sinful to say. I don't believe in free will, but I do believe God gives us the ability to choose based upon a will bound to pre-regenerate sinful nature or our regenerate nature now bound to God the Father through the Holy Spirit. So as the process of edification begins we start to struggle with our sin and begin to draw closer to the Father. We will only be completely sinless when we are with God. I enjoy this channel and respect the opinions I read and I pray for all who are watching and for John Piper. God bless and keep you.
I cannot really understand the logic or illogic of John Piper's whole understanding of the sovereignty of God, and that is the one fruit of Calvinism which led me to become an Eastern Orthodox Christian instead of remaining a Presbyterian Christian.
Calvinists should know that God does not exist in time. He can see the beginning and the end to all things because He exists outside of time. He is the author of time and the lines we travel in. If looked at objectively, no where in the Bible does it state that He controls or wants to control all things. The Bible verses the Calvinists are using to make their points are not objectively looked at in comparison to other texts. It would seem that they are looking for excuses by subjectively interpreting selected verses for an agenda.
Hi Bro Caleb would you agree that all Pastors/Elders gets something wrong at some point? I listen to about 4 you-tube channels lead by men and all of them seem to misinterpret something at some point. Will they be punished or will God be gracious to them? Let me give you just 2 examples without naming them. One Pastor stated a divorced man can be a Pastor as long as he has a wife at the time of operating in that office. He did NOT say only if his first wife has died. He just said the divorce man has to have a wife. Another Pastor said hell isn't literally burning fire b/c Jesus used metaphors all the time and that he spoke of outer darkness when describing hell which is reserved for the wicked so how can there be darkness and fire at the same time? I disagree with both of them! God can make fire/smoke/darkness/ rain occur all at the same time. What do you think?
You make a good point that everyone is wrong at some point, excpet God because he alone is infallible. That's what we as Christians believe. And regarding hell, I think he is correct that 2 contradictory literal statements can't be correct but 2 different metaphors can. That's a big topic though that I think many get wrong. Jesus talked about destruction of soul and body in Gehenna (hell).
Jesus in John 6 51 talked about eating and drinking his blood for new life, so either all non Catholics are false teachers or some of what he is saying is parables. Plus I think what makes someone a false teacher is more of the heart of the man to guide people to follow God or to abandon him but not so much the specific scripture areas
Dear Caleb, you might try and share your views about God’s sovereignty. Thanks.
Hi Caleb, to say Calvanism is wrong based on John Piper’s response here is a stretch. It would be interesting to hear your view God’s sovereignty..
Under Piper's precept, none of us are guilty of any sin, because God made us do them. Therefore, none of us are responsible for what we do, and punishment does not pertain to us. In absolute essence, Piper does away with the idea of hell in what he says here.
I sincerely hope that God has not predestined me to rape or murder anybody today. God is much more powerful than me. If God predestined me to do evil I would not have the power to refuse. If I could refuse to do God's will I would be more powerful than God.
The real problem and threat concerning the false doctrines of the Calvinism movement, is its discouraging message to those who figure what chance of redemption have they if God has predetermined the elect. Who knows how many potential converts turned away from the offer of redemption after hearing the Calvinist gospel of elitism. Calvinsts spend too much time thinking and not enough time trusting in God's word as it is written. Please pray for them and for those they influence.
Great video! Thank you.
Judas Iscariot was predetermined to betray Jesus. He could have ministered to Judas but he didn't because it was predetermined. So why does it work for Judas and not anybody else?
Caleb could you consider an interview with Dr James White and ascertain more clarity and perhaps address more of those differences. It would be great just like the interview or chat you add with Dr Brown.
Sure. I would interview him
Thanks and this is a great channel. We appreciate your love and concern of all believers especially those who are mislead and deceived by false teachers.
Ok Very Good Point!! But we do mess up from time to time to time to time to time ,just like we all sin from time to time to time to time ,but we must also Not arm ourselves up to be super judgemental on our pastors and leaders who are firmly leading us under the best of God's interest and speak to him privately about your concerns,if you treat everyone with contempt your also by the same measure, let's keep focused firmly on salvation
Great video brother,very well put forth
I would not call myself a calvinist, but I do believe in election. I just can't say with a definite explanation how that works. God is sovereign but there are different aspects of His will decretive, preceptive, and permissive will. God's knowledge of all things does not necessitate His causing of all things. I agree that the way John Piper responded would appear to make God the author of sin (which is obviously not the case). Gods will was an attribute of God that has helped me understand more, however I am still a finite creature trying to comprehend the infinite creator. Just thought I'd say that. I appreciate your videos. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for Explaining Calvinism! Thank you for Teaching GOD'S Word of Truth!
Thanks for showing the folly of this but not all Calvinists believe this, some would call this hyper Calvinism. Piper also believes God created most people just to send them to hell to torment them forever for His own eternal glory. Again, hyper Calvinism since many Calvinists reject this. We should all agree that God knew everything, He knew before He created, God is powerful and could change things if He wanted but is able to work all things out together for the good of His people (Romans 8:28).
1 Samuel 23:8-13 presents an interesting conundrum for the determinists. God not only knows what would happen, but what "could" happen as well.
If this is so, then why do i need the fruit of self control? If the spirit controls me, then i dont have self control.
So God is SURPRISED when people sin or when something happens that He didn't KNOW ahead of time ?!?! Is God SURPRISED when someone gets saved OR did He KNOW it before the foundation of the world ?!?! When we refer to God's sovereignty , we are acknowledging God's knowing EVERY SINGLE THING about EVERY SINGLE THING before He laid the foundations of the world. To think otherwise is to propose that God is constantly surprised by what men choose to do...including getting saved...I find THAT ridiculous !! God KNOWING every sin or any other action AHEAD of time DOES NOT mean he is the AUTHOR of such things...it is that He KNOWS IT ALL BEFORE IT HAPPENS !!
It's no wonder that Piper's son is one of the leading anti-Christians on TikTok. Thumbs UP.
There are many Calvinists that I like and listen to, just to get it out there. But what I don't understand is why Calvinists find fault when their system is being citied? Why find fault with what God has decreed, if we don't have free will and everything has been decreed by God that we do or say, then why find fault? we don't have any other choice as to believe what we do as it is all the will of God for us.
So obviously then we should say, yes and neither do they, that is why they say what they do when we criticize their system.
Thank God for freewill.
It''s silly to reject Calvinism on the accusation that it impugns God's character or makes Him responsible for sin. So long as you believe in divine foreknowledge, then even as an Arminian you believe that God foresaw all the evil that people would do, yet He still decreed to create the world and render it certain that those people would do what He foresaw they would do and then be punished for it. So under Arminianism, people could still raise the objection, "but why did you make me thus?" which is exactly the objection Paul addresses in Romans 9. But the Arminian will say "but God is not responsible for sin in our system!" Well that's exactly what Calvinists say too: "God from all eternity did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass; yet so as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established." - Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 3.1. The only difference is the Calvinist maintains the strong affirmation of God's absolute sovereignty found in Scripture on the one hand, as well as man's responsibility on the other, and accepts that the relationship between those is a divine prerogative incomprehensible to our finite minds. The Arminian, on the other hand, refuses to accept the incomprehensibility and thus demeans the former in favour of the latter.
James 4:7
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Respectfully, people often leave off, “Submit yourselves to God.”
I’m confident that if we don’t
f-i-r-s-t submit ourselves to the Lord, we won’t be able to resist the devil and he certainly won’t flee from us.
May we all first, submit to the Lord, and His ways…
The Good news is John Piper is boring anyway, so no great loss at all.
Calvinism appeals to the narcissist personality. They steal authority from God and speak in lifeless platitudes.
Isaiah 46:10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
lol... you think its a mic drop until you realize that its saying God declares the end from the beginning in the sense that he makes known through the prophets what will happen in the future. Jesus references this himself proving that he is God in John 13:19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I AM...