John MacArthur Contradicts Calvinism | Dr. Leighton Flowers | Soteriology 101

[@jimyoung9262]

Dr. Flowers after watching your videos I ordered a copy of your book the Potter's Promise. I'm about halfway through and it's been a great read. I've never been a Calvinist but I'm still finding the book very interesting. Thanks for your ministry brother.

[@steventhompson8130]

I read Potter's Promise by Dr. Flowers, and also "The Potter's Freedom" by Dr. White. I will say with all honesty that Dr. Flower's book is totally honest with the Scriptures in context; and so, as a consequence, his wisdom and logic in presenting his case is excellent. Dr. White is quoting isolated texts and then supplies his own doctrinal bias, which is upsetting.

[@evelynerazohernandez9354]

Great book

[@vitormenezesdemattos967]

I'll say that everytime I hear "people are so depraved that they are uncapable of of even wanting or understanding the gospel and Jesus, unless God makes a miracle, people will never repent" I hear also "The person is so lazy that she's uncapable of wanting or even understanding that she can walk, unless God makes a miracle, she'll never walk. Because how deep the person's laziness is" See the flaw? Once you say that the person is uncapable, you can't say is laziness that's keeping her from walking nor depravity that's keeping her from repentance

[@salvadaXgracia]

Maybe MacArthur started listening to Leighton Flowers! 😂 Keep up the great work, Dr. Flowers, and thank you for your ministry. I believe God led me to your videos at just the right time and I am so thankful every single day.

[@johnbreitmeier3268]

Nope. Many Calvinists really do not believe in Calvinists in theirs hearts because the sane part of them recognizes Calvinism as trash. They have learned to parrot the lies they learned, but often the truth leaks out when they forget to parrot those lies.

[@NikoFinn]

MacArthur is at such an age that it is very unlikely he would change his stance on soteriology in this regard. Of course it is possible, and I hope he changes from tulip falsehoods, but nonetheless may God open his eyes

[@djohnson3093]

John MacArthur has no problem lying or misleading others for the purpose of an agenda. This was proven during the height of covid. The point isn't that the CDC reports were right or wrong. The point is that MacArthur flat out lied about what they said. He twisted the CDC report and its findings into what he wanted others to believe. Like I said.... The CDC reports themselves were possibly fudged on the numbers, percentages, causes of death etc. But that's neither here nor there. MacArthur lied and twisted what they said, (whether true or not), and he knew it, and took to Twitter with it. It was either that or he has a serious issue with reading comprehension. Maybe that's what's wrong with his interpretation of scripture?

[@eugenejoseph7076]

After years of listening to brainwashing sermons from MacArthur, I realized after being confronted with the inconsistency of Calvinism that I had actually given my critical and discerning part of my mind over to this false teacher. Now, I thrust everything I hear, read, see and feel under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and trusted believers to either affirm or examine what we share regarding the Word and how we interpret the verses. Though, I'm sure, well meaning, Macarthur is a sinner and prone to the flesh and ego strokes, and he's getting plenty of those from his reformed pals who keep heaping praise and adoration for his ministry as though EVERYTHING he says is gospel truth. God save us from the love of men.

[@RUT812]

@@eugenejoseph7076 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@justinharrell327]

I truly appreciate the charitable manner in which you approach correcting Calvinistic doctrine. Calm, cool and collected. Keep up the excellent work!

[@heathereads9594]

It's refreshing, isn't it? I came to his channel looking for answers to my questions and stayed because he speaks with love and gentleness.

[@elaineauo]

@@heathereads9594agree!!! Yesss!!!

[@archangel_one]

Is this what they call a straw man argument?

[@melissaschubert1653]

As always - truth wrapped in gentle, kind, and rightly-divided rebuke - THANK YOU, Dr Flowers!

[@brandondoyle9573]

This was a masterful rebuttal to Calvinism. Thank you for posting, Dr. Flowers. Press on, brother!

[@kentknight7538]

He truly did contradict Calvinism. The reason he did is because scripture contracted it on this point!

[@elaineauo]

Yes. I’m praying for Dr. MacArthur! I truly do care for that man. That the Lord would change his heart and open his mind, and that he would openly share the truth. And I think the Lord can very much use him to bring people out of this deception of Calvinism! Wouldn’t that be awesome, saints!!? Let’s continue to pray for him with love, friends!

[@RR-ue4im]

They flip flop like crazy

[@ElephantInTheRoom777]

They use Calvinism to cork the flow.

[@karryphillips6411]

Scripture contradicts Calvinism on all 5 points of tulip.

[@RPM11111]

Incredibly contravening statements. Yet, there remains a brotherhood in arms when it comes to Calvinists...they simply close ranks and dismiss and ostracize the dissenting voices, even though the discrepancy is glaring. Just what part of our Christian faith permits us to behave in such ways?

[@OkieAllDay]

Calvinists have two options: 1) preach contrary to what their stated beliefs are (and be utterly inconsistent/misleading) 2) preach faithfully to what your system teaches (and be accused of being a hyper Calvinist)

[@NikoFinn]

Well put. I think most calvinists must be inconsistent or then even in calvinistic camps other calvinists would accuse them of taking man's responsibility away but that is exactly what this gnostic determinism does: man has no libertarian free will so... God must decree all things.

[@officialDavidRees]

Red tie Macarthur is nailing it. The pastor from the Calvinist church I just left wasn't too happy with my answer when he asked, how can you listen to all of these different teachings and get one theological knowledge. I said, eat the meat and spit out the bones. He just scoffed at it during small group, though a pretty biblical and short paraphrase, test the spirits and hold fast to what is true and good, eat the meat and spit out the bones.

[@andrab1287]

So, you left it ?! 😅

[@lonelyguyofficial8335]

"Eat the meat and spit out the bones". Good one. 😅

[@officialDavidRees]

@@andrab1287 yes. My family and I only went there for about a year. I grew a lot and learned a ton through opposition. It forced me to get deeper into the Word as to appropriately have an answer for why I reject Calvinism even when shown and explained their prooftexts. The youth program teaching consisted of games mixed with watching Piper sermons on KZbin. My oldest daughter has enough discernment to see the red flags and untruths though. It was getting harder on my wife to not be fed and I worried about my youngest two, so we left. A few of the other local churches, though their statement of faith was spot on, the pastor would slip some calvinistic language in at times. We did finally find a wonder church locally that is rock solid theologically. We've only gone two Sundays and a Wednesday, but I've honestly never heard teaching as simple and deep at the same time. The teaching pastors main focus is, the letters in the order they were received, and to who they were written. If the letter was to a mixed crowd, then he pinpoints where Paul makes the switches to who he's addressing. It's the way I teach, a foundation of simple truths that you start with will help understand the rest. Paul may speak about non-believers but he only ever wrote to Christians. He never used the term "elect" unless he was writing to Jews, like the Bible teaches, the elect were only and always the nation of Israel. If Paul wrote to a mixed crowd, he made sure he included specifically the Gentiles that he was speaking to.

[@ArmyScoutMom]

AMEN Brother! I cannot be a calvinist because I will not blame our perfect God for my imperfect choices. He provides salvation out of love for us. We reject His provision out of love for self. So many times when I see someone who admits the deity of Jesus and His work on the cross, it's because they're reluctant to give up their sin. When they are broken and realize their sin leads to their ruin, or after reading the Word repeatedly they realize how much God really loves us, and what the cross really means, they break and submit to Jesus!

[@scottthong9274]

"Inconsistency is the sign of a failed argument" - James White, Calvinist

[@jesuschristsaves9067]

😭😭

[@Drspeiser]

Even a stopped clock is right twice in 24 hours

[@johnbreitmeier3268]

Jimmy boy should know. He is consistently inconsistent.

[@berean77]

@@johnbreitmeier3268 Why the mocking tone? Is that Christlike?

[@johnbreitmeier3268]

@@berean77 So, Mr. Poopy Pants, are you really concerned about a "mocking tone" when we are talking about an evil lying heretic teaching a false gospel that is leading people to Hell? I think your concern is vastly misplaced and border line insane. Was Elijah wrong when he mocked the prophets of Baal and asked if their god was on the toilet? Was Jesus wrong when he mocked the Pharisees who asked him a trick question about paying taxes by asking them why they were carrying a a graven image of Caesar in their pocket? Grow up Karen..

[@esze8807]

Without contradictions and lies, Calvinism dies.

[@szilardfineascovasa6144]

That's that "Without lies, Islam dies." It's remarkable how much Islam and Calvinism have in common when it comes to presestination. Some high-profile gorilla of Muhammad said that even if he were with one foot in their heaven he'd be afraid Allah would go like: "Hey, dude, jk; get outta here!" Even Allah calls himself "the greatest of all deceivers". Coincidence? I think not. Given that Muhammad used Gnostic sources, and was a total illiterate (mixing Christianity with Mosaism), I am not surprised.

[@patrickbarnes9874]

The 2nd clip from MacArthur not only contradicts total inability as Dr Flowers said, but it also contradicts irresistible grace.

[@RhenishHelm]

So all he's left with is ULP, which is the sound you make when you know you've messed up.

[@archangel_one]

Proves MacArthur isn't a true Calvinist.

[@NikoFinn]

What frustrates me with calvinists is this: when they talk about God's calvinisti sovereignty and their misunderstanding of salvation they are going by tulip, but when they talk about responsibility of man to believe in Christ Jesus for eternal life and remission of sins then they contradict their own calvinistic system. Why? They should just say, to be consistent, this: hope you have been chosen of God to be saved in Christ Jesus from hellfire and in the meanwhile do whatever you wanna do since God has decreed all of your good and sinful actions.

[@kenboone1555]

Leighton, thank you for all your input. I had not run into too many 5-point Calvinists, but last year when I was teaching apologetics, I ran into one smack-on when it came to choice. He said we have no choice. I agree that Christ died for the entire world, including anybody and everybody, even if they rejected Christ. As you know, Jesus said, if you lift Me up, I will draw all men to Myself, and He did at the cross. God is the initiator, and we are but responders by faith, which is not a work but a response to God‘s provision through Christ. I saw this quote, and I thought it was pretty reasonable. “I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use. -Galileo. I hope to help contribute to your ministry. Last point, I am so blessed to see your humility and your love for our Brothers in Christ; no matter what we agree or disagree with, it comes across clearly. May this encourage you. In His love and grace, Ken

[@archangel_one]

Is this a straw man argument since MacArthur isn't preaching Calvinism when he "contradicts" himself? Isn't what an Arminian does?

[@Salvation-Damnation]

Oh boy, John Mac just got Leighton'd!

[@RUT812]

👏

[@PETERJOHN101]

I like it when a Calvinist has to look at the limb he didn't realize he was sawing off. 🐘

[@RUT812]

😂

[@Drspeiser]

Calvinism has made determinism an idol

[@NikoFinn]

Unfortunately so. I was in a reformed church for 2 years and I used to listen to calvinist pastors a whole lot. They always talk about Augustine, Calvin, Spurgeon etc. How about we'd not follow J.C as in John Calvin but THE J. C that is Jesus Christ, our Lord and God?

[@Jquarles1973]

Couldn’t have said it any better. It appears to be an arrogance there as well. I don’t know if it’s out an offense to defend the idol, or blinded by ignorance of the proper interpretation of scripture, pride, or all of the above. Either way it’s definitively an idol.

[@BuenasNoticiasdeIL]

​@@Jquarles1973 I do think self righteous people love Calvisim. They love being the chosen ones.

[@illadvized7623]

Aside from the lessons stemming from Calvinistic teachings, I still really like macarthur. I still think he's brilliant. He's written alot of good books that have nothing to do with Calvinism that I've learned a lot from in my growing in Christ. Really love this critique of him as well. I've learned so much from your critiques of Calvinism. So good.

[@heathereads9594]

I find it problematic how MacArthur has consistently been covering up horrendous abuse cases in his church, even disciplining and excommunicating a woman who divorced her husband who was found guilty of sexually abusing their children.

[@illadvized7623]

@@heathereads9594 oh yeah absolutely that's a bad situation for sure. No doubt about it.

[@jeffreybomba]

His duplicitous treatment of Chuck Smith was grotesque as well. They had interacted at various points in their careers in positive ways. After Chuck announced he had cancer JM tried teeing off on Chuck during his anti-pentecostal, Strange Fire conference like Chuck was a charismatic nut job. I always found the Calvinist EVERYTHING IS S WORK AND CANT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH SALVATION a buzzard mix with REAL BELIEVERS DON’T smoke, dance, drink, wear suits, and etc, to be a bizarre, contradictory mix. He always came off as a modern day pharisee to me. To many concerning issues for me to sit and listen to him as a pastor.

[@unitedstates3068]

its okay if you can distinguish and as @officialDavidRees says above, able to eat the meat and spit out the bone.... many people don't know to spit out the bone and instead choke on it

[@paulmann7297]

Hello. I'm afraid I can't share your liking of Macarthur. I have heard him speak arrogantly and from a viewpoint that disregards Scripture but serves his own philosophical ideas. Plus, with calvinism, he teaches a different gospel that is no gospel at all.

[@joshualeibrant3443]

Macarthur did well to teach me that to be "Double tonged" disqualifies a person from the position of teacher. Funny isn't it? Jesus said "by your words you will be condemned" Houston we have a problem!

[@borntofly9438]

It took me a second to get it, but “Oh! Right! Why would God cut someone off for unbelief who’s been cut off from birth, or even before they were born.”

[@DonaldHTyers]

So very very thankful for your video! I "was" a total Sinner, but have come to realize my Sin and come to repentance! Praise the Lord! Wow!

[@thomasthepromise8430]

Even as JM is reading his own notes, it's like he's having an "illumination" moment. JM is an intelligent man, so I know he has to comprehend the duplicity of his theology.

[@annikaelisaa1879]

Maybe he is starting to wake up from the delusion

[@df6957]

This is one of my favourite videos of your recent output Dr Flowers. Thank you for such a clear, loving description of why this matters. God bless you and your ministry. D

[@danreich4320]

I struggle to understand why there are so many MacArthur fan boys when he is so wrong about his insistence on Calvinism, which turns God into a sick monster. What else has he gotten completely wrong? Why should we believe that is the only thing?

[@therayn0]

I also disagree with his hyper-literal reading of cosmological and apocalyptic texts in the bible, because that is out of context.

[@yesitis1395]

Could the people follow someone and not become like them? Look at the brothers and sisters who follow MacArthur. It is not creating monsters. They are God-honoring people.

[@perttisuorsa4678]

​@@yesitis1395 Mormons are also God honoring people. Does that mean that what they teach is correct ?

[@Apollos2.2]

Another crushing blow. "Somethings dont need to refuted, just adequately explained "

[@ElephantInTheRoom777]

I caught that too. I noticed when they hear Scripture say it like it is, they immediately rush to qualify Scripture with Calvinism. It’s really really sad to see men do this. I know because I was once one if them.

[@Drspeiser]

Yes, exactly! "Now, when the Bible says 'all' in this verse, it clearly doesn't mean ALL. It obviously means "all of the elect", because determinism!"...

[@Pablo-p7y]

@@Drspeiser Are you saying God doesn't hold all things together by the Word of His power ?

[@Drspeiser]

@Pablo Nope, not at all. I'm saying that Calvinism warps and obscures who God is, and one of the many ways that's done is by redefining biblical words.

[@Pablo-p7y]

@@Drspeiser Thank you for responding. Are you saying 'all' men can see ? What verse do you have that says all men can see ? If one can see - what 'decision to trust in Christ' is necessary? When God the Father revealed to Peter who Jesus was - did Peter then need to make a decision to believe it ? If he did then God's wasn't a very good communicator :) And if one can't see - why would they believe ?? Please explain why someone would believe if they can't see ? Where's the freedom in that? "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

[@ddr5138]

​​@@Pablo-p7y When the Bible says God desires ALL people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, the only reason to say "all" doesn't mean "all" is some external extra-biblical grid you've put in place that says God doesn't want all to be saved. When it says in 1 John 2:2 "and not for ours only, but for the whole world" there is absolutely no reason to think that it means anything other than "the whole world".

[@SpielbergMichael]

This is a very powerful method to spotlight glaring contradictions in Calvinism - by showing videos of famous Calvinists blatantly contradicting themselves. May God bless this ministry abundantly!

[@JohnQPublic11]

Calvinism; the "dissociative identity disorder" of Christian theology.

[@truthseeker5698]

Amen! DSM worthy.

[@joserivera8429]

Best explanation for Calvinists is that the other McArthur is the alter ego.

[@SlavicUA]

You're right Leighton. What MacArthur said in the second clip cannot even apply to either the "elect" or the "reprobate", according to their definitions of those terms.

[@reg7916]

Leighton I do love how you articulate the clear contradictions within their view of electron ie. "Irresistible, unconditionally" which has never harmonized to me in reading the Scriptures since the first time i was introduced to this view... sadly it isn't always brought up in a pastors sermons immediately. So thank you for once again showing the clarity side by side!!! And being a voice in the wilderness i know it isn't easy to stand up against calvinism.... Blessings to you🌻

[@tealaboyashua]

If a calvinist after watching this video does not walk away from calvinism, I dont know what to say /.........

[@ashermarcus5242]

Brilliant sir. Praise God for your insight and guidance

[@brucebyrne8246]

Most of my friends who are pastors (those who went to reformed seminaries and who serve in reformed denominations) minister and think non-Calvinistically almost 100% of the time, but teach Calvinism when they come to a text which they've been trained to interpret within a Calvinistic framework.

[@deguzmanjahziel5490]

Dr. flowers, when will your book be available here in Philippines, im an avid watcher of your videos and I learned a lot (Glory be to the Lord) not just about the issue of calvinism, but in so many terms, especially as a Christian, i learn a lot from your journey and testimonies. bottom; i wanna read ur book. please i hope you notice this. Godbless you, ur family, and your ministry dr. flowers.

[@SaneNoMore]

The only doctrinal disagreement I’ve had with MacArthur (who is probably my favorite preacher) is Calvinism. I’m glad to see I’m in good company with MacArthur himself in disagreeing.

[@NikoFinn]

Lordship salvation is another one and his extreme view of charismatics, that, if I remember correctly, most of them are wrong. Extreme charismatics are messed upbut there are thinking, wise charismatics who do not think miracles are for every day, all should speak in tongues, that God wants all to be healed from every disease on this side of eternity etc. MacArthur is right on Israel and eschatology though, for that I thank God :)

[@Papasquatch73]

I find myself agreeing with MacArthur quite a bit. But I don’t agree with them on young earth creationism either. But that’s just me.

[@Pablo-p7y]

@@Papasquatch73 "But I don’t agree with them on young earth creationism either" Then you don't believe your Bible.

[@Papasquatch73]

@@Pablo-p7y can you tell me where the Bible states that without using philosophy? As soon as you start telling me what the Bible means when it says something you have stepped into Philosophy and I have a right to disagree with that.

[@Pablo-p7y]

@@Papasquatch73 "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." Rom 8:22 Why is it groaning ? When did it start groaning ? "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" Rom 5:12 How many days of creation ? If they are not days - what are they ? God says "there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God." Free willists say stuff it in your ear God - we declare libertarian free will - and we can seek if we want to!!! But God says: “I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”

[@jeffgray6291]

MacArthur appeared to be getting revelation whilst he was preaching that sermon. But will he reject the teaching of Calvinism?

[@ThembaMaselane]

Wow he seems to try avoiding Arminianism and walked straight into provisionism as you persistently articulate in the short time I've seen listening to you Dr Flowers, by the way thank you for not only clarifying for me why I became uncomfortable with armianism and gravitas towards calvinism. This also make sense how some brilliant Armenians will point out the contradictions between Calvin the theologian (Christian Institutes)and the exegit and expositor(Commentries).Not armianism but provisionism adresses the supposed tension. Thank you God for you sir, may God continue to bless you.

[@alone.i.conquerto8187]

Classic example of McArthur sawing off the branch he's standing on. I am raised with Calvinistic doctrine, but by studying the critique from these respectable critics as Flowers and Winger I see more and more how Calvinism collapses like a house of cards when it comes to consistency. I still live with my parents, and they are Calvinists, so I'm gonna study as hard as possible so I can have a shot at trying to get them to think logicly. Thank you for this exelent example dr. Flowers!

[@kimtate2285]

Oh my gosh I am so glad you did this!! I just listened to that sermon a few days so and was thinking this EXACT thing!!!! Total contradiction on his part!

[@dandrake6165]

Do you have a link to this sermon? Im trying to find it but having no luck.

[@officialDavidRees]

I've been wondering if any Calvinist has ever come to the conclusion of Calvinism just from reading scripture alone? If they said yes, I'd have a hard time believing it. Every Calvinist that I've talked to has a Macarthur study bible, Grudem systematic theology book, and or an ESV translation, and has also predominantly listened to Sproul, Lawson, Macarthur, or Piper for their learning. I personally have a Grudem systematic theology book, ESV bible, have listened to tons of wonderful Macarthur sermons, and some pretty bad ones. I didn't even know Driscoll was one until recently, same with one of my favorites, Alistair Begg, and Charles Spurgeon. I've listened to Louie Giglio as much as I have Greg Laurie and have never been lead to Calvinism. Simple straight reading of scripture, I've not been led to Calvinism. I've not read anything into scripture. Just do my best to understand the context, the audience, the timing, and see that it doesn't contradict elsewhere. To me, I guess I've always been a Provisionist Christian. Most of the Christians I talk with in person are too, though like me, until recently, don't actually use that label. I'm a Christian that was told I was and had to be an Arminian by Calvinists. Though I see similarities, I don't fit that mold. It seems they are veiled towards Calvinism, but by who, God, Satan, or self? My wife told me this thought that made a lot of sense. She said it's like a form of pareidolia. Like one of those paintings that you can't see, until you see, then it's hard to unsee. Someone is told to see something in scripture, "shown" Calvinism, then even when you show them that it was inserted and not really there, it sure is hard for them to unsee.

[@djohnson3093]

Calvinists don't believe calvinism.... Practically every calvinist preacher I've listened to, read their books, etc has contradiced calvinism regularly. Especially on the subject of determinism.

[@officialDavidRees]

@@djohnson3093 well, I definitely cannot say you're wrong. I just listened to a Voddie Bacham sermon recently, same thing. "I believe God sovereignly made all things come to pass" next sentence, "men are responsible for their own sin"...

[@jonhilderbrand4615]

Good points. I wish I knew more about Calvin himself and his background to understand how he came to believing what he taught. Sure, I can see how certain passages taken by themselves could lead a person to Calvinism, but not when placed into and against the broader context of the entire narrative of scripture, because there is so much more that you would have to ignore or minimalize.

[@vn2562]

@jonhilderbrand4615 Calvin got it from Augustine who had a gnostic, manichaean and pantheistic background mixed into his theology.

[@officialDavidRees]

@@vn2562 I agree completely, historically. Denied the Gospel initially, Manichaean for almost 10 years while defending gnostic determinism. Became Christian, the only early church father that didn't know Greek, believed in free will, fought with Pelagian, didn't believe in free will anymore, then learned Greek.

[@jass0033]

The Calvinist must feel so sorry and embarrassed for the apostle Paul and his naïveté, who foolishly thought that he could save people. First Corinthians 9.22. “To the weak became I as weak that I might gain the weak. I am made all things to all men that I might, by all means, save some.”

[@jeffreybomba]

JM has plenty of material over the years giving the exact same contradictory teachings, so no one can claim he is getting old and hast lost his fastball.

[@ddr5138]

Really though this is how a lot of Calvinist preachers will preach. "Believe like a Calvinist, preach like an Arminian. After someone converts as a result of a message like this, then they'll be hit with the "doctrines of grace".

[@DamonNomad82]

Which invokes one of Jesus' rebukes to the scribes and Pharisees: "you travel land and sea to win one proselyte and when he is won you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are."

[@mutulica10]

​@@DamonNomad82 Amen on that!

[@mrnoedahl]

John’s two favorite lines are, “It’s either all God, or it’s all man” (referring to salvation); and “man is unwilling because he is unable”.

[@guelavicioso90]

Thank you Dr. Flowers. God bless you.

[@Smerm]

One thing that struck me is MacArthur was using “ you “ statements to his congregation. So he’s seeming to be speaking to Calvinists. So he also negates another tulip tenant if inability to resist grace. He says there’s a time when you can no longer believe then , a Calvinist CAN RESIST God’s grace which by is the whole point of this discussion. Salvation is offers to all and it is up to each individual to become a whosever and accept that free grace gift. Therefore, a Calvinist will also run out of time eventually to get saved. He totally disproved the core of Calvinism by this very contradiction.

[@heyman5525]

He misquoted 1 Corinthians. It never says that natural man can't understand things of God. It say he can't understand things of the Spirit. Very important distinction.

[@peterfox7663]

Seems a distinction without a difference

[@NikoFinn]

Well Holy Spirit is God(see Acts 5 and Romans 8 for one), 3rd person of trinity. Now 1 Cor. 2 is about theological, biblical matters of faith. A born again christian can help an unbeliever to understand the things of God. No unsaved man can understand the Bible on his or her own without aid from Holy Spirit. (Btw. I am no calvinist)

[@peterfox7663]

@@NikoFinn Yes people can understand the Bible without any special enabling.

[@heyman5525]

@@peterfox7663 It's not without a difference. Understanding the concept of God, creation, authority, heaven, life etc is far different than the discernment and leading of the Holy Spirit.

[@williambunter3311]

I'm afraid John MacArthur has a long history of contradicting himself. And publicly at that and even within the same sermon. I watched a video of him preaching where a member of the congregation argued that Christmas was not a valid Christian festival, and made a number of points to support this.. John MacArthur said he totally agreed with him in every point he had made. But then went on to say Christmas was okay 'because God made Christmas trees' . Then, to finish, he once again said he agreed with everything the man had said! The reason Calvinists get away with their continual contradictions, irrelevant analogies and non-stop outpouring of nonsense and wresting of the scriptures, is that their congregations are so under the spell of calvinism that they don't even think to question what they hear. If preachers like MacArthur, Piper and Sproul told them that red was in fact blue they would believe them. And that is what they actually do, scripturally speaking.

[@ericbrown5454]

I had a friend send me one of your videos (the 5 points that led me out of calvinism) and I must say, I thought it was excellent. Very nice job with your approach and not being divisive with the brethren!! Let me give you a gentle challenge. I just had to stop at the 10 minute mark to make a respectful comment. You are speaking for John MacArthur in this video. Remember, he was preaching a sermon and not defending or teaching his views on Calvinism. I am currently studying both sides of this argument and that is why I am listening to this video now. Learning sooo much. I think your comments are probably more appropriate for a hyper-calvinist, perhaps. There is no one who takes "biblical Calvinism" seriously that would say we do not have to evangelize. They would say we Must evangelize, because there are sheep that still have not come into the fold yet. Only God Himself knows who they are, and we may be the only Bible they ever hear. Just because someone is not saved today, it does not mean they will not be saved five years from now. In my opinion, he is preaching to those who sit in churches all over our country who are not Yet born again. I am not sure how we would ever know, when talking to an unbeliever, if they will ever be saved. Through the lens of the Calvinist, if they are among the elect. Through the lens of an Arminian, if they will ever freely choose Him. In your other video that I liked so much you mentioned that most Calvinists say that all Arminians say and assume that "God looks through the tunnel of time and... Well, this seems like you are slipping a little into that same frame of mind on your side of the arguement. Most Calvinists would defend John as I have above and Not just say he mis-spoke. I would say he spoke truth, very clearly, and we need to remember that we take the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the lost world. Only God alone knows who will ultimately respond to His voice and exactly When they will do so. Let me know your thoughts, by all means! Once again, I appreciate and respect you! Eric

[@kentonletkeman7305]

This was a contradiction. A Calvinist cannot honestly claim that God will allow someone to repent at one point only to block them later on. They claim that each persons decisions were determined long ago so this whole message is inconsistent with Determinism. If a person is 'elect' they cannot refuse His call in the first place so that is another inconsistency with Calvinism.

[@larrybedouin2921]

I pray for the confused man.

[@cousinbryan3007]

I've never seen a Calvinist who teaches like a Calvinist on any subject outside of teaching about Calvinism.

[@andrewlineberger7544]

John MacArthur / Calvinism / Lordship salvation caused me to doubt my salvation and the Goodness of God

[@calegrandy7197]

I understand Calvinism causing you to doubt the goodness of God. Went through that myself. But why would Lordship salvation? My understanding of that is that you fully submit to God as Lord of your life and deny yourself and the desires of the flesh. I think that reflects the goodness of God. It's sanctification that conforms us to the image of Jesus.

[@andrewlineberger7544]

@@calegrandy7197 if one "fully submits " one is Sinless and Perfect practically

[@calegrandy7197]

@@andrewlineberger7544 And what is the problem with that?

[@ddr5138]

​@@calegrandy7197 Nobody ever "fully submits". Not me, you or John MacArthur.

[@calegrandy7197]

@@ddr5138 right, we don't because we still have to deal with our sin nature even after we are saved. But the point is that full submission to Jesus should be the goal, however badly we mess it up. Would you agree?

[@mariemilycraig]

Love the cups, Dr Flowers! Grateful for your illustration and it's good to be reminded.

[@ReformedNICURN]

Would you please post a link to both sermons? I'd like to see the full context of what he is saying to make a more accurate judgement of his alleged contradiction. Thank you.

[@loisannarter725]

Amen amen amen!! I’m so thankful for you!!

[@John3.36]

The older that MacArthur gets, the harder it gets to cover up the contradictions of Calvinism vs the plain teachings of the scriptures.

[@malvokaquila6768]

The best kind of Calvanist is one that accepts scripture and contradicts Calvanism.

[@berean77]

Can anyone provide the link to or date of these two MacArthur sermons? They really should have been provided as a basic footnote. It would be helpful to be able to hear them in the full context, not just a 40 second clip out of a 50 minute sermon. Thanks.

[@krissyyoung9264]

It wasn’t 40 seconds. The clip was over seven minutes long. Plenty of content to establish a clear and accurate perception of his contradicting the hours and hours of his teaching otherwise.

[@berean77]

@@krissyyoung9264 The second clip of John MacArthur was less than 40 seconds long. Check it out for yourself. It is normal practice to cite sources, there is no good reason not to.

[@brotherderek]

I have seen both Calvinism and the pre-trib rapture flourish in my lifetime. Having said that, in my studies and experience, I believe they are both man-made lies. Calvinism, and many Calvinists, have just become boorish to me. Anybody who has seen humanity, with the true love of God in their heart, knows of God's indescribable love for us and plan of salvation. The fact that God, Himself, would humble Himself to point of death, for us, is mind-boggling. The thought of a god, who could save everyone, yet chooses not to do so, is not real. Sure, we must wrestle with some scriptures, but that wrestling need not end in anybody thinking that God made us to be mere puppets with no chance of hearing and receiving His free gift. Receiving a free gift is not a work and all the glory goes to the Savior. Wake up.

[@billpletikapich5640]

Pre-trib Rapture has a 0% batting average since it was made up in the 1800's. Reminds me of the cults on the college quad - they always knew exactly when something was going to happen, until it didn't.

[@Pablo-p7y]

If God love everyone - why will He cast those He loves into the Lake of Fire ?

[@billpletikapich5640]

@@Pablo-p7y He loves those cast into the lake of fire. Person made the choice not to love God, and God ultimately honors their choice. God is Love!

[@brotherderek]

@@Pablo-p7y He honors their choice to disobey Him and doesn't force anyone to love Him back. It is simple, really.

[@Pablo-p7y]

@@billpletikapich5640 So you would cast those you love into hell - just to honor them :) ok

[@JonathanGrandt]

Not fair traveling to alternate universe and taking a clip from Provisionist MacArthur like that.

[@grizz4489]

Lol

[@kimberleerivera3334]

I love John MacArthur - and he taught me so very much. I'm not a Calvinist - never was - but I know when I see interjection. I am praying for John MacArthur. He is an excellent preacher.

[@TroubadourMusic]

He is a fraud and a liar, preaching the doctrines of demons, and a thief of the body of Christ.

[@dfxdarrell6734]

Great catch Leighton! Keep doing Gods work! We really appreciate it 🙏😊

[@graftme3168]

It seems that every Calvinist I have had a conversation with ends up contradicting themselves. My favorite is when someone was trying to defend their stance on predestination and then she ended by saying, "Oh, how I wish everyone would see this wonderful truth." Mind boggling!

[@ReformedNICURN]

[Rom 9:3 KJV] 3 "For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:" You must think this verse is mind boggling as well. Why in the world would Paul wish for something he knew was an impossibility? Why does anyone wish for anything they know is an impossibility? The heart wants what it wants. There is nothing mind boggling nor contradictory in wishing for something one knows is an impossibility. It's simply a desire that can never be fulfilled. It's quite a common occurrence for the human race given our weaknesses.

[@Buscando-respuestas]

I think this is when they (Calvinist) say that they don’t know who are the elect.

[@NikoFinn]

Mmhm, that is it. They wanna keep man responsible for sin and to personally believe but their own theological system has taken it away so they are inconsistent and hence have cognitive dissonance on simple logic in God's absolute sovereignty and man's free will responsibility. It would be like if I made a computer program and everything were determined by me. Then I tell them in the game that the bots are responsible for their own actions and they should and they can choose to do what I want, well... if I habe determined some bots to not choose what I want then logically they have no choice but to resist my will.

[@therayn0]

My environment ist like undercover calvinistic. I am so happy I didn't end up in the calvinistic philosophy, because I was open for it earlier.

[@brb1050]

it was decreed that I comment a word of encouragement to you, Brother Leighton. Actually, I chose to comment on my own free will.

[@robertswedenhjelm4321]

Could you please provide links for these referenced sermons?

[@robertswedenhjelm4321]

Not trying to cause trouble, just interested in hearing the whole context of the messages.

[@robertswedenhjelm4321]

Don't mind me being like the persistent widow, but could you at least give the dates and sermon titles/text that you are referencing?

[@SunderBlue22]

It doesn’t say the sinner is unable, it says the mind set on the flesh is unable. That just means the mind cannot simultaneously be set on the flesh and the things of God… always making something plain into some kind of hidden truth….

[@PhienNguyen1]

This is why I have put up so many other times before the cup analogy, and I know many of you who've seen this a thousand times-you've got it, Leighton, we've heard it. This is why I keep pushing this up here, because all of those proof texts that MacArthur mentions earlier, they fit into one of these white cups of yes, everybody's a sinner, MacArthur. We agree, everyone is a sinner; all have fallen short; everybody needs God's help. We can't do it without the Incarnation; we can't do it without the inspiration of scripture; we can't do it without the gospel. We need His help; we can't do it alone. And yes, what about those who've become hardened like the leopard who can't change his spots, those who have been accustomed to doing evil, which is actually the persons he's talking about in that text? What about those like the Israelites who have refused to believe so long that they've become hardened and calloused, and now they can't believe because of the judgment, being cut off in their rebellion? Those all fit into the white cups of proof text, and not one of the proof texts you've mentioned so far fits into the red cup of being totally morally unable to respond to the gospel from birth. It does not exist; it's not in the Bible. You are born responsible to the words of God because you're actually able to respond to the words of God. Listen, the gospel was sent to whom? It was sent to enemies, for enemies to be reconciled to God. And so to say, well, the reason we can't accept the gospel, receive the Gospel, and believe the gospel is because we're enemies is a non-sequitur; it doesn't follow. You obviously-the gospel is sent to call enemies to reconciliation, so to say, well, you can't be, therefore, reconciled because you're an enemy is just a non-sequitur. To say, "Oh well, Leighton, you don't understand, men are so corrupt and hostile to God.” Okay, I've known a lot of people who have been hostile to their spouse, a wayward child, or a neighbor-hostile towards that enemy. Yet, somehow, even pagans who don't believe in Jesus have humbled themselves, confessed their wrongdoing, and have been reconciled with their spouse, their child, their neighbor. How does hostility prove an inability to be reconciled in the light of the Gospel appeal? It just doesn't; it's a non-sequitur; it doesn't follow. So, Calvinist, wait, wait, sin, you're not... you don't have free will, your will is enslaved, don't you know? Your will is enslaved. Okay, proving that I'm enslaved to sin, which is what the Bible is actually talking about when it talks about enslavement, doesn't prove that I can't confess my enslavement to sin in light of the Gospel. Just like a person addicted to alcohol can confess they're addicted to alcohol and check into a rehab facility when they're confronted with their addiction. Being addicted to something, enslaved to something, does not entail you can't confess that you're enslaved and accept the help of the one who's offering to set you free. Again, these are all non-sequiturs of the Calvinistic system, insisting that people are just born as enemies, hostile to God, enslaved to sin, and thus therefore they can't respond to the solution to hostility and the enmity and enslavement that we have from our sins. And again, everybody intuitively, I think, from our experience knows that a child is not born with this anger and hostility and in total complete enslavement to sins where they can't acknowledge that and respond to the gospel. I think all of us intuitively understand that a child is moldable and can be taught and that if they continue to reject the things of God, if they continue to go in the way of sin, that they can grow hardened and calloused and eventually become very vitriolic and hateful against the things of God, but this is not a condition from birth. And the reason we're saying this, and the reason I'm passionate right now, and maybe a little bit too much so in my discourse over this, is not because I'm trying to bow up the altar of the Almighty free will of man. No, I am trying to say men are culpable when they reject the gospel; they are culpable for that because they are rejecting a God who loves and has provided for them. They're not rejecting a God who first rejected them, they're not rejecting a Savior who never died on the cross for them, they're not rejecting a God who first hated them; no, they're rejecting a loving God who has provided everything they need for salvation, so they have absolutely no excuse for their unwillingness to accept the gospel appeal. I am defending the blameworthiness of the unbeliever and the character and the goodness of God, who actually says over and over in His word that He does not desire the perishing of anyone, that He desires all to come so as to be saved. And again, that helps us to understand the good intentions of God, the love of God, the desire of God for every man, woman, boy, and girl, and so we're protecting the character and the goodness of our God while also upholding the blameworthiness of the sinner and those who remain in rebellion against the things of God. That is my motivation for playing this MacArthur clip over and over again because MacArthur here has got it right; he is teaching Provisionism 101, and I want you to hear it and see it plainly. I'm going to keep this clip under 30 minutes because I want you to share it. So all of you watching right now, I would really appreciate it if you want to help get this word out, share this with your Calvinist friend and say, "Hey, even if you don't listen to this weird Leighton Flowers guy getting all passionate about his provisionism, at least listen to the clips from John MacArthur in this thing because he's laying out very clearly exactly what we as Provisionists are trying to say." With regard to the responsibility of everybody in front of the Gospel, everybody who's confronted with the truth of both general and special revelation, stand without excuse because they have the light that they need in order to believe that light. And God promises that He will bring more light, more revelation to those who are faithful with a little, and we believe that that's exactly what God does throughout this world. He's making Himself known; He is screaming the truth of His existence and the truth of His love, the truth of His provision-it's a universal witness of who He is in the very fabric of our creation, and that's why everyone is accountable to Him; everybody's responsible to that revelation. Go now, share Christ, and show love. Thank you for tuning in.

[@shawnmason8543]

This is what is so confusing about Calvinism. How can it be our fault if we don’t place our faith in Jesus?

[@Pablo-p7y]

Catholics place their faith in Jesus too - man generated faith never saved anyone.

[@Redimido42]

Catholics place their faith in their church, their works, their “saints” etc. , not on Christ alone, calvinists place their faith on regeneration and according to what I’ve learnt from them, their works are the evidence of their faith, seems a little like works salvation to me, kinda catholic

[@christianmama2441]

@shawnmason that's the reality that Scripture describes even if you don't understand it.....And it is the reality of all those people in tribes that NEVER heard the gospel and died in unbelief. They are responsible even though they never heard the gospel.

[@Redimido42]

@@christianmama2441 that’s the reality of a Calvinistic interpretation of scripture, not the reality of scripture, not a single passage in scripture says that a person can’t want to believe when the gospel is presented clearly.

[@gk.4102]

​@@Pablo-p7y Any faith never saves anyone. God alone saves.

[@mikem3789]

When MacArthur gets to Heaven, he’s going to explain Calvinism to God.

[@davidrivas9785]

Mr Flowers would you send me the link from the second video. Please.

[@ransche1]

With his biased defenses down the truth of scripture caught him off guard.

[@TalkingOutOfSchool]

MacArthur actually preaches the Gospel correctly many times; that's how people get roped into buying his books, which contain the deceit.

[@NikoFinn]

MacArthur is a legalist. He rightly opposes sin and is against these woke movements and anti-biblical nonsense of our era, but lordship salvation is not the Gospel of Christ and it leads to legalism for those who are truly saved in Christ Jesus by grace alone and faith alone

[@ontheroadwithpastoranthony3161]

It blows my mind how calvinist can twist scripture. The simplest scripture like the tree of good and evil in the garden shows man had a choice to obey God or do what we choose to do

[@arthursipe7344]

Thank You for your Ministry !

[@larrybedouin2921]

Blessed is the man that *endureth temptation* for *when he is tried* he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to *them that love him* {James 1:12}

[@ogloc6308]

spot on. These two statements are indeed contradictory under calvinism.

[@SpielbergMichael]

I notice there are no Calvinist comments under this video. Because it’s so clear and powerful and irrefutable. Please keep beating this drum!

[@jasonbourne5142]

Calvinist will just say it's a mystery.

[@TroubadourMusic]

Its far more than a tendency. That it contradicts itself is a certainty on every single point, no matter what they talk about.

[@GodGirl254]

I really really really really love this.!

[@8thpavy]

Leighton, could you please provide the link to the MacArthur sermon in the second clip where you say that he is actually teaching provisionism? I just want to be a good Berean & listen to the full sermon to get the full context to make sure that what you are saying is true. It's very hard to be sure of that from such a short clip. Thank You.

[@stephenkeener9565]

I wonder how James White will respond to this ?

[@Jason-L-Ledford]

Me to

[@ransche1]

I’d like to hear how MacArthur himself would respond to this.

[@Pondimus_Maximus]

He’ll shrug his shoulders, and say, “Well, maybe you’re not chosen, John.”

[@RUT812]

😂 Who knows?

[@officialDavidRees]

Probably the same way they've answered in the past. Macarthur would say, "It's not a contradiction, it fits, I don't know how, but it does, I'm not God." White would say, "Leighton is misrepresenting Calvinists again, he just doesn't know Calvinism."

[@tamaroman6369]

This is incredible

[@nicoledavis2963]

Can you please link the sermons used in the clip?

[@SuperTriguy]

How could such an apparently smart man, first believe in Calvinism, and then be so confused? Maybe he’s ready to change? I don’t really think that, but what a great testimony for the truth that would be. I did t catch the date of his video.

[@deogettic]

Why would some people reject the gospel and others do not? Can you provide an answer of why someone who choose not to accept the gospel when they can someone able to accept it?

[@brendacarstens2789]

Does anyone have the links to the John MacArthur videos?

[@BroBill-y9r]

Wow. This is really revealing. It seems he (MacArthur) really doesn't believe his own theology. Hmmm.

[@OrlandoVergelJr]

Dr. Flowers, I just want to say I appreciate the work you do here on your channel. Please help me understand provisionism a little better. Is provisionism the belief that we are all sinners and if we repent and out our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we will be saved, and that a true believer can’t lose their salvation? Thank you for your time.

[@patrickg.7668]

Does anyone have the link to the original inconsistent message? I need this to share with a loved one. Thanks

[@ryanwalters5803]

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” - Romans 1:18-20. If Calvinism is true, it seems I would have a very good excuse on Judgment Day! I wasn't chosen! That's why I can't believe Calvinism.

[@TheMaskedBaptist]

Well, yeah, a kind of Provisionism, but the later clip shows a cuckoo, cognitive dissonance. On the one hand, John Mac pleads with the sinner to believe. On the other hand, in the same video, he explains the sinner's total inability without effectual grace to believe. I will not preach *this* inconsistent message.

[@me73941]

When it comes to Calvinism, you HAVE to be contradictory because of the other clear passages in Scripture that say we do have the ability to accept or reject God. Either Scripture itself is contradictory or a certain understanding of it only appears to be contradictory. Calvinists take a few obscure passages and interpret the rest of the plain readings of the entire New Testament in that light, rather than taking the vast majority of the New Testament that is very plain and clear and interpreting those few obscure passages that ONLY SEEM to teach total depravity and predestination in that light.

[@annikaelisaa1879]

I truly wonder if these are actually in house discussions, or that we are actually dealing with a religious cult pretending to be Christian? I am serious.. I don’t want to be divisive, but how is this not a cult? They claim to follow the same God, but their version of God sounds like an even worse version of Kim Jong-Un, like God is a tyrannical dictator that makes himself appear as a hero, but forces people to worship him and leaves them no room for free will. Where is the difference?

[@achristian11]

Another great video brother ❤

[@grizz4489]

Dr. Flowers, it is very clear that whoever this John MacArthur guy is..... it is abundantly obvious that he does not have a clue what calvinism is. He really misrepresented the calvinist position. Maybe the next time find someone who can accurately represent the reformed position.

[@jonhilderbrand4615]

Calvinism is simply an unlivable and unpracticable (and unbiblical, imho) doctrine, not to mention "unpreachable" to coin a word. That's because our very language has no real words for it that make logical, rational sense, which is why every Calvinist will eventually give the game away if they have any hope of reaching the unsaved with the gospel.

[@drums2go615]

Anybody know what McArthur message this was from? My Calvinist friend that I shared the information with and questioned him about it. He wants to listen to the entire message he says in context !

[@davidrugamamupenda8890]

How can one access online studies