The Main Difference Between Calvinists and Non Calvinists with RC Sproul

Dr. Leighton Flowers, Director of Evangelism and Apologetics for Texas Baptists, plays a clip from the late Dr. RC Sproul about what he sees as the major point of contention between Calvinists and Non-Calvinists.
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[@Soteriology101]

When I speak of “confession” I’m speaking of Biblical confession in faith as mentioned at the beginning of the video. I don’t mean that Calvinists think unregenerate can’t simply acknowledge the fact that they sin and are in bondage. I mean they can’t repent/confess in genuine faith until they have been regenerated on Calvinism.

[@stegokitty]

And that's true. Otherwise you must explain why one sinner believes and repents, and another sinner does not, especially when you consider the examples we have in Scripture, showing us people in the same situation, doing something completely different -- such as the two thieves flanking Christ. And especially since both of them were railing against Jesus, and then suddenly one of them stops doing so, repents and believes. So the difference in the sinner is EITHER internal (which means one has a place to boast in their salvation) or EXTERNAL by the gracious work of the Holy Sprit sovereignly upon the sinner, leaving absolutely no room for boasting by the sinner. Check mate.

[@collinjohnson8716]

There were two groups of people, a Free Will group and a Predestination Group. A man was told he had to choose. He went to the Predestination group and when asked why he was there he said, “I came on my own free will.” They said, “You are in the wrong group, you need to go to the other group.” When he went to the Free Will group and was asked why he was there he said, “I was sent here.” 😂

[@carlosfonseca7906]

Love it .can I use it

[@glennpesti6519]

😂😂😂

[@jasonhed]

This is GOLD!!😂

[@nazinas21]

😂😂😂😂

[@The_Lord_has_it]

Satan must enjoy distracting from spreading the gospel to have us debating issues such as this. Why not just understand both perspectives while reserving judgment? Does anyone actually feel righteous enough to say all Calvinists or all non Calvinists are lost? We could take the same debate to Protestant vs Catholic or many other issues. All it inevitably does is take time away from spreading the Gospel. Just my two cents worth. Love ya everyone. God bless 🙏😇

[@MrMuse777]

Thank Dr. Flowers for your work and courage of sharing your knowledge with everyone.

[@triggerfish6619]

So Adam and Eve were doomed to eat from the tree of good and evil? If God controls every action, thought and deed of man then God created evil thus wars against Himself. That makes no sense. What is love without free will....nothing! Jesus did all the work on the cross.. all we do is accept and acknowledge that...it's not a work.

[@judithmargret5972]

There is what we might call God's "permissive will." This is what God allows, even though it is sin. God allowed Joseph's brothers to betray him, and to deceive their father, so that He might bring the Israelites (few in number) to Egypt, where God would spare them, and they would greatly multiply (Genesis 50:20). God allows man to reject the gospel, to willfully disobey His laws, to persecute the righteous, and so on. But in all of this, God is still in control, and His purposes are being accomplished.

[@brianbrodie8331]

When you use your free will it is always a work. Choosing to believe or accepting Christ is a good work which will obviously be rewarded. But it does not save you Salvation is solely based on an amnesty between the father and the son and the blood shed at the cross subject to His mercy. Christs mercy wasn't some mere proposition subject to the whim of man 😳🙄🙄 Christ is indeed the saviour of the world Salvation belongs to the Lord it has nothing to do with you or your free will. That is what we call pride. There is no 99% God 1% human in the equation of salvation. That would attribute to man what is solely Gods and is clearly and act called blasphemy. 4But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5He saved us(past tense), not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to HIS MERCY, through the washing of new birth. (Born again)Titus3: 3-6

[@dawnfoster436]

I have believed this for years but thought I was alone growing up in Calvinism such a relief to know I'm not crazy!

[@brianbrodie8331]

@@dawnfoster436 Believed what!

[@iustitiafuego2662]

So Calvinism in a nutshell is "God makes all the decisions, we are just robots"?

[@joel_seth_media]

I am not programmed to affirm this.

[@tcanwell]

Sort of....we make choices but God also makes choices. God told Jonah to go to Ninevah. Jonah, using his free will, said no. God, displaying his sovereignty worked it out so that Jonah's road led straight back to Ninevah and His purpose was accomplished. If Jonah was allowed to depart from the mission God has laid out God would not be sovereign...Jonah would. The same is true of salvation. Everything about us is in bondage from our birth and that includes our will. Our will alone will never lead us to salvation. God sovereignly makes the choice. He chooses us first...then we are free to choose Him.

[@kurtgundy]

No. That's Flowers Strawman.

[@brandonvonbo9708]

@@tcanwellthat’s not what determinism says. Determinism says that all things, which would include Jonah’s initial decision to not go to Nineveh was causally determined by God.

[@brianbrodie8331]

Wow why don't people read scriptures. It's all there you know... Why does God blame us then for who can resist the will of God. Shall the clay say to the potter why did you make me like this. God will do what it takes to save everyone and the scriptures clearly and explicitly state not once but three times the in the end that everyone(not some or those chosen who had made the right choice) will choose to bow the knee and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER. All saved. That's what the scripture says unless you change the ALL to SOME like the Calvinists and Arminianists 😅

[@deantodd8103]

What you're saying around the middle of this video is that Calvinists commit the fallacy of False Dilemma.

[@tommykaira8775]

Yeah, don’t assume just because I’m not a Calvinist I must be Arminian

[@onesimustim8424]

Yes, those bound up in man's theologies seem to think everything has to be defined by man's theological labelling.

[@victorcritelli5790]

Seems to be the way of the world now Everyone boxs if you are against this you are automatically for that If your not with them you are with these its such a tool of satan

[@DamonNomad82]

Indeed. I am not a Calvinist, but also not an Arminian. Incidentally, I'm not an Armenian either, ethnically or theologically (in the sense of belonging to the Miaphysite branch of eastern Christianity). I firmly believe that God's grace and Christ's atonement on the Cross provided 100% of my salvation, but that I had to accept that salvation, the way a person given a check still has to sign the back of it and take it to the bank for it to apply to them. I also reject all 5 points of Calvinism (Arminians are technically 1-point Calvinists, as they accept the doctrine of Total Depravity, which I consider disproven by the account of Cornelius in the Book of Acts).

[@StudioEnergizerMV]

Can we switch the term calvinism to biblical

[@twaho]

@@StudioEnergizerMV We could but we are commanded to not bear false witness. Do you believe all your actions are preordained by God?

[@poohbear4702]

Unintentionally, I was drinking some RC cola while watching this!

[@michaelferguson167]

Then go immediately and confess your inability to stop being indoctrinated by Calvanists and ask God to set you free from their insanity.........with repentance and intent

[@alfredluna7016]

You’re fine as long as you don’t drink the Kool-Aid…👍

[@ryanjennens1481]

Ezekiel 18:27 Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive. 28 Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die.

[@RisenPhoenix68]

But PAUL SAID...

[@optres]

Ezequiel is talking to Israel.

[@michaels7874]

Israel is the standard for all. They are the first elect. Romans 2:9-11.

[@yourwordistruth1076]

Romans 8:7-8 English Standard Version (ESV) 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

[@CryoftheProphet]

Man, Im in tears listening to this, I am a broken man

[@turkeybobjr]

Jesus is the healer, man. Surrender yourself to The Lord!

[@CryoftheProphet]

@@turkeybobjr I have, but I think its my brokeness that helps to keep me connected

[@salliechilders6284]

Praise God for you, Leighton!!! A year ago this month we left the bondages of Reformed theology and the doctrines of grace, after being under its teachings for 30+ years!! Calvinism is a slick, unbiblical theology. It is through your teaching, Dr. David Allen, Dr. Ken Wilson, Kevin Thompson and many other fine scholars, that we were able, by God’s Grace, to transition away from PCS and Reformed Baptist teachings. God is really blessing Soteriology101!! I, personally enjoy your messages that are under and hour👌🏻😁 In Christ, Bill and Sallie

[@peterfox7663]

@@traviswatson6467 Yes those folks (and many more!) were hand-picked to serve God's purposes. That does not mean, however, individuals are hand-picked to receive eternal life.

[@rettpanda6203]

Good for you! Calvinism is a cult. So glad you were able to finally see the truth

[@BobCatDirect]

would you have been able to leave reformed theology apart from Gods Grace?? seems a little contradictory

[@tannerfrancisco8759]

@@traviswatson6467 Learn about John Calvin as a person and perhaps you will understand how us non-Calvinists wouldn't want to align ourselves with the false doctrine of an unsaved, unrepentant murderer like Calvin who drowned baptists, beheaded children, and burned those who disagreed with him at the stake. So you really need to stifle that religious pride demon masquerading as a counterfeit holy spirit if it is leading you to idolize a wolf in sheep's clothing like John MacArthur who bows at the alter of Calvin and blasphemes the Holy Spirit. Humble yourself before our God and ask for discernment. And not the works of the flesh MacArthur and reformed theologians would tell you are the gifts of the Spirit.

[@jeremyadam2156]

@@traviswatson6467 The fact that Jesus died for everyone who believes is not new sir. Calvinism has true claims, which is why John Macarthur has succeeded, because he preaches the Gospel and I have no doubt that he is saved and his beliefs are sincere. I love Spurgeon, and I know he was an anointed man of God, but as he even admitted, there was more to it than the Calvinists proclaim and defend. Macarthur doesn't save anyone Jesus does, by Grace, through faith to all who will call on His name. Yes we are given our faith by God, but we are also given a choice to suppress it or embrace it. Peace and love in Christ 🙏❤

[@fredc61]

Knowledge puffs up, love builds up. Calvinists major on knowledge.

[@davidrutledge5119]

Yuck. You sure made that verse get up and walk on its own. Please don't do that to the Bible, or to Calvinists. The irony is, you're claiming that Calvinism is wrong because they have a lot of knowledge and no love, yet in doing so you're claiming to KNOW better, and are not showing love to your Christian brothers.

[@fredc61]

David Rutledge, what does Paul say about having knowledge without love? It is through their knowledge that calvinists dismiss and bypass love. There are no loopholes in the law of love (new covenant).

[@fredc61]

David Rutledge it's almost as if Calvinist worship a different god, some calvinists have quoted the ” God made evil” scripture. The true God has no darkness in Him at all. The true God is love, calvinists ignore that, claiming it as just an emotion. Their god is all knowing and has already decided everything from the beginning, so why get involved in what God is doing, it's already been decided. Their knowledge discards emulating the love of God. A tragic trade-off.

[@ah-il9xt]

It personally puffed me up too. I felt like all the compassion was pushed out...as if God were not love anymore. That scares me.

[@chriscagle4226]

Totally

[@eugenejoseph7076]

Leighton! I've learned so much from you but surely, we can no longer accept the Calvin view/interpretation of scripture as being different! It is WRONG and has twisted the character of our Loving Saviour into nothing more than a spoiled Deity. This is a wicked heresy.

[@ezekielkimosop1094]

Dr Leighton Flowers is doing a great job contending with Calvinism heresy. I agree with his perspective 100%.

[@davidgiesbrecht3816]

@@blackpatriot3 If you believe in the reformed/ Calvinism doctrine you are duped. Lol

[@rodneyspencer1996]

I'm an arminian, but I can't stand Flowers. He is wrong. "Libertarian free will" implies that men are born with a natural free will, that is not the Arminian position. The Arminian position is that men are born with a sin nature, SLAVES of the will. It is only through prevenient grace that your will becomes free.

[@quinnpeterson2716]

That’s not what heresy is lol

[@lindajohnson4204]

@@rodneyspencer1996 Sure! But pre-venient grace simply means the grace that goes before. Who ever says that we can be saved without God's grace toward us, going before our ability to believe? It is the grace to believe and be saved, isn't it? Our point is that it consists of the things the Bible says it does: mainly, *drawing* (John 6:44 & 12:32), and *conviction, "reprov(ing)* the world of sin, righteousness and judgment". Where does the Bible ever say that we cannot respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit? Never! It says that we can, and even more often, it implies, everywhere, that we can. Not because of how strong, powerful or righteous we are, but because of who He is, and how powerful He is. That He could convict us--"Come, let us reason together. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as wool..."--and yet we could not respond, is like putting a "Catch 22" in the heart of God, in which His promises always amount to nothing, since the catch is, you can't respond to them, anyway. Think about the number of times Jesus spoke about God *revealing* His truth to people: to Simon/Peter, and to the "babes": He has "hid these things from the wise and prudent, and _revealed_ them unto babes. Yea, Father, such was thy will." Calvinist speak about the conviction of the Holy Spirit as if, if He tried to convict someone dead in sin, all His efforts would just hit the wall and fall flat on the floor, because the one He was trying to convict is dead in sin, and therefore can't respond.They say that He sovereignly, apart from the person's response, or even faith, changes their wills irresistibly, behind their backs, but He couldn't get through to them through conviction of the Holy Spirit that persuades the person to receive Him. But consider the verses that say that God _reveals_ thetruth to people. To reveal something to one person and to hide it from another is considered support. But it doesn't do that at all. The wise and prudent can repent, and become as little children, and then they can enter the kingdom, too. So if they can become as little children, they cannot have been predestined to be the wise and prudent, nor could they be unable to repent and become as little children. That possiblity of becoming as little children proves that neither belief nor unbelief is predestinated

[@capalottyslimalini2878]

“Bound free will” is the most evil term Calvinists use to defend their doctrines

[@roonbare2769]

It is ridiculous isn't it lol: "You have free will, but it isn't free." So dumb. It is just idiotic.

[@davidallin6909]

@@roonbare2769 That sums it up completely.Nothing more needs to be said.

[@SkintChimp]

Goes with you natural inclination. Our natural inclination is to sin and only to serve ourselves. Look at the world and pauls message when he says to his believers. Rom 6:19-23. No one seeks after God unless God chooses to change against our will. We don't choose God he chooses us and when we are born again we agree we were blind and can see

[@roonbare2769]

@@SkintChimp I could take the time to decalvanize all these versus ( but it's been done a million times) you guys just copy pasta stuff after finding out James White / John McAuther are Calvinist .

[@SkintChimp]

@@roonbare2769 I don't care who's Calvinist. I never read Calvin's books. I just know we're evil to the point where we can't save ourselves

[@sandypidgeon4343]

just finished Ken Wilson's short book on the subject (Augustinian-Calvinism), and, he points out the deviation Augustine took in 411-412, right at the fall of the Empire and using Augustine's own writings. It would seem that both Augustine and Calvin had their theology correct until their latter lives in which they turned political and Gnostic, in augustine's case, turning back to his earlier gnosticism. Calvin's Vol 1 of Institutes, just on the first page, explodes the "T" in TULIP! One has to wonder if the cranky old man syndrome took over - "these kids will never learn"....I say this tongue in cheek; however, their theological change latter in life is obvious. The few bucks to buy Wilson's book is well worth it. Thanks Leighton. GOD Bless

[@eileenalexander9026]

This is so good... Thank you, Leighton!

[@mrnoedahl]

Excellent teaching. I am going to support you.

[@raymatthews4319]

Do Calvinists believe that it is wrong for an evangelist or pastor to give an invitation for the lost to accept Jesus to save them? I can't understand most of what they say, not because I haven't been enlightened by God but because they are fond of convoluting everything they say concerning the word of God. They love to label those who disagree with them on the tulip doctrine as fools. But they refuse to tell you how they are sure that they themselves have been born again.

[@johntapscott4528]

I am a Calvinist. I do not think it is wrong to issue an evangelistic invitation to accept Jesus. But I believe that if one receives and believes, it is totally God’s doing, totally a work of grace by the power of the Holy Spirit. Even the person being in the place where they can hear the Gospel and respond to the invitation is God’s work.

[@eddyk4062]

Thank you Dr. Flowers. I discovered you just a few days ago. Your explanation and the way you present the case to expose fallacies in Calvinism is superb. I have been struggling with Calvinism and sometimes partially even believing it, but, you are shining a 10,000-Watt light on this topic and spreading God's word to folks like me. Thank you, Thank you.

[@Weaton777]

Ex Calvinist as of recent. That last part even applied to addiction, whatever that may be... if God would just do this or that, then I could overcome this. Not to sound harsh, but I couldn't agree more! Man is responsible!!! Most people don't want to be responsible for anything!! Oh that's just how God made me. This even applies to something as simple as sugar addiction. People walk around with self inflicted illnesses, but act as if God did that. (I'm only referring to illness, obesity, etc that are self caused) I have family members that are in this state. Christians too! Like they are "predestined" to being arthritic, obese, etc. No you're not! (Again I'm only referring to gluttonous lifestyles ... whether that be drinking, smoking, or food addiction) The information is at their fingertips and yet they just won't seek information... or make any changes. I don't think they truly ask God for help either... speaking of the people in my life. You are responsible! Own it!

[@eugenejoseph7076]

Amen! When I got saved, I was TRANSFORMED, not reformed!!!!! Calvinism is wrong on so many levels, I don't know where to start. If they believe Jesus described in John 1 is Creator of all, then why, oh why, would His death on the cross not make a way for ALL HIS CREATION???? I will not open the 'Elect' doctrine, I no longer have the patience for this heresy!!!!

[@baruch4401]

What RC Sproul is saying is that we make decision in the context of sin, this is a true statement. However, what he is not saying is that in the context of our sinful state we can make a statement about our sinful condition and we can choose God while in the context of our sinful state. RC Sproul is making the generalization that because of the context of our sinful state we limited to choosing evil; which is falsehood tainted by the framework of Calvinism.

[@d.carpenter7519]

I know some precious Calvinist believers. I hate the system, but I love these people.

[@Yeshua_is_King1]

Excellent work brother.

[@skafan89]

10 calvinist watched this , to bad they couldn't hear what Dr Flowers was saying .

[@Mark-oo3om]

@@daveg7970 it's not about not being fair, it's about Calvinism not being loving.

[@Solideogloria00]

Flower doesn’t get it. He hasn’t thought through the issues. If you embrace Arminianism it leads you to open theism is you want to be consistent. I was once a semi-Pelagian too. God bless

[@davidallin6909]

@@Solideogloria00 And what,exactly, might those neglected "issues" be ??

[@DrewMack316]

Br. Leighton would you mind putting original links to the videos you are responding to? I think this would be helpful (even though I realize that you played pretty much all of this short video)

[@dw5523]

"What's the difference between Calvinists & Non-Calvinists?" Calvinist theology depends on doing exactly what RC Sproul did in this video - redefining common terms to fit Reformed doctrine (e.g. election, free will, & sovereignty).

[@jamesfountain3474]

And who says Armenians aren't the ones redefining common terms?

[@intothekey]

By grace alone though Faith alone in Christ alone.

[@paulfromcanada5267]

Does anyone believe that it’s too difficult for God to create creatures with a free will?

[@skyt54]

The difference between a Calvinist and a person who does not believe Calvin's propositional knowledge is that the Calvinist is a follower of Calvin and believes what Calvin says, and at least some of those who are not taken in by Calvin's presuppositions, believe what the scripture teaches, and are followers of Christ.

[@ILoveOldTWC]

Non-calvinists are automatically Armenians by Calvinists like R.C. Sproul. Now he knows the truth, God doesn't predestine anyone to hell. He wants everybody to be saved.

[@happynow01]

I remember he one time read a verse that pointed to how we have free will, his response was “ we can see what it says clearly, but it just can’t mean that, it just can’t mean what it says it means...” in some baffled looks... yes it is what it said. Lol we have free will. That was the day I learned what this was about... it’s about calling yourself a Calvinist more than just being a Christian. Love your videos and points!

[@quinnpeterson2716]

Lol I seriously doubt he ever said that. Please provide the sermon you’re claiming he said that in. I think the non-Calvinist has a much harder time finding evidence for their argument in scripture. I know because I’ve been one for years and I’ve tried. Which verse was he talking about?

[@MillennialPatriot]

what was the verse?

[@ogloc6308]

Which verse??

[@jeanlightner]

I am not a Calvinist, and I would not be able to tell from that clip you played that Sproul's theology is different from my own. Of course the only way out is for God to set me free!. The Gospel tells me how God has provided for that, and I must choose. I suspect a lot of people in reformed churches don't put it in the context you explain, but likely understand it more like I took it.

[@jesusisgod2953]

Calvinism teaches that God decrees everything that you say think and do. In other words Calvinism makes God the author of sin. There is no free will on Calvinism.

[@omnitheus5442]

Another great video Leighton!

[@chevantipeiris8028]

Awesome! this explains it so well. Thank you

[@truthseeker5698]

Non-calvinists (Christians)- faith in Jesus calvinists-faith in the before foundation of world Election lottery

[@pastorart1974]

Excellent!

[@mariepybus3237]

I just don’t understand how people can believe what these people are saying my God does not pick and choose who goes to Heaven and who doesn’t go to Heaven don’t know what all this tulip is it just sounds foreign to me

[@Que11282]

Just my opinion. U should have let R.C say what he needed to say, and than gave ur rebuttal. U r putting thoughts in people heads first, before they can come up with their conclusions from what R.C says. Thanks

[@jeremywalker3305]

Besides taking issue with how the rebuttal was given, do have any issues with the points Dr. Flowers made?

[@garybrooks674]

@@jeremywalker3305 I do! Flowers is a walking contradiction to actual Biblical teachings. Some where down the line he ran into a part of scripture he couldn't deal with so he change it to mean what he wants and not what it really means. That's what liberals do to just about everything!

[@raymatthews4319]

@@garybrooks674 So everybody who doesn't follow the tulip theory is a liberal? That sure is a wide paintbrush you wield.

[@ETHANGELIST]

How many times is Dr. Flowers going to say "philosophically" and not "biblically"?

[@cluny]

There's the pagan view of sin. The Sproul view. As if one is wrong, that makes the other correct. There can be no third or seventeenth view. Chances are even within Calvinism there is more than one view. Obviously some Calvinists are still a victim of first day at seminary: Regeneration Precedes Faith.

[@cluny]

@@daveg7970 maybe it's a translation error. My KJV says Lydia was a worshipper of God before regeneration. Yours says hater of God.

[@angelagrant2943]

You must be born again

[@flamingooneleg77]

Angela Grant ya but how? Is it man or is it God? Does God chose those who will be saved or does man choose God?

[@falcon759]

@@flamingooneleg77 Last time I checked, babies don't decide to be born. So it is with people being born from above. It's a miracle of God.

[@davidgiesbrecht3816]

@@falcon759 i choose to except a free Gift. Its called free will.

[@ethanchristian4648]

@@flamingooneleg77 It is God who saves, but man's free will to accept the free gift that is offered. If man believes in God, God isn't obligated to save them. But by his grace, he has chosen to save all those who put their trust in His son. And as for your 2nd question...yes, God does choose us. He's chosen the church, those who accept the free gift of salvation, to be saved. That does not mean he chose random people before they were created. He chose His son, and through His son, us, to be saved

[@sarahgracebrooks2629]

@@flamingooneleg77 GOD LOVED ME& CHOSE ME. Praise his name!!

[@piesho]

That's the problem with espousing to things that people make up pretending they know the truth: First, they create two mutually exclusive ideas, then they create an explanation for why those two ideas are not mutually exclusive. It never ends.

[@cyberjunk2002]

Eastern Orthodox theology of my Church is pretty much the 180 of TULIP. TULIP essentially says that anything God desires will happen, but then when God desires that all should come to the knowledge of truth and be saved, that this somehow doesn't apply. I don't understand how a Calvinist can square their theology with the parable of the prodigal son, in which the prodigal son "came to himself" -- that is, despite his "utter depravity", still came to his senses. There's not a whiff of "God changing his desires" but rather the son remembering his father's house. The son didn't "earn" his salvation but he did accept it through his action (leaving the pig pen and journeying home). For all the talk in protestantism of "it's not a religion, it's a relationship", they sure do view soteriology through a religious, and particularly a pagan "appeasement of the gods", perspective. This is in contrast of EO theology where we see freedom from Sin as freedom from a false master (Romans 6) so that we can join in love with our true master.

[@christopherstroud8621]

Three terms: 1. Libertarianism, all human actions are down to free will. 2. Hard-determinism see Luke 22v22 and Acts 17v26, all human actions are determined ultimately by the only first cause, the Alpha of Rev 21v6. 3. Compatibilism. This says that we don't understand how both 1. and 2. can both be true [compatible] but they are and we need to believe it. i.e. faith is needed not understanding. Very often faith is needed more than understanding but this is not necessarily true in this case. The human will is not free of who made it; why it was made; how it was made; how it functions. It is not free of these. Is there a sense in which it could be free? We are free to be ourselves but we are not free to be anything else which limits us down to no freedom in that we: A. We choose. B. We.choose on the basis of who we are. C. We do not choose who we are. [Did you choose your nurture, including what grace you may or not have been given, or your nature?] If we don't choose our nurture or our nature then we make choices on the basis of who we are and they are not free choices but choices determined by how we were made by God. There is a world of difference between "choice" and "free choice". Choose you this day who you will serve is a choice which will show how God made us. We do not blame God for our faults because the way to eradicate them is repentance, i.e. turning to God admitting what we did and trusting Him for a better way forwards. Blame does not get rid of them. God is holy. God made everything. Sin exists. God had a holy motive for making Adam the way He did. Adam was fit for a purpose but the purpose was that only Jesus would come to fulfil the Law.

[@christophersnedeker2065]

But doesn't this lay the responsibly of sin on God. Some say "salvation all of God, damnation all of man" but this is the condemnation, not that men are sinners, not that they do wrong, but that light has come into the world and men loved darkness rather than light.

[@christophersnedeker2065]

According to you then repentance is a lie. Because we can't be really responsible for it if God forced us to do it

[@howard4tex]

@@christophersnedeker2065 Wrong. That's like saying God loves all people. He hates the wicked.

[@xTheUnknownTruthx]

My main issue with Calvinists are their claim to know who is elected...with that being said I have never met an omniscient Calvinist. To say there is no free will is to limit God's knowledge to one's own knowledge and the concept to total depravity alone applied to everyone totally blows their knowledge concept to shambles. Free will exists as God is timeless and all knowing. If God is all knowing then He knows every possible outcome to every free will action of every person on earth. These are only a few of the issues, he does well to mention a few of the others on this video as well. I was almost sold by these ideas of Calvinist reformed theology, but when one holds the concepts to scripture, the early church teachings, and examples as written by Paul and in Acts, one can clearly see the major doctrinal issues...One can see many of these Calvinists are actually into Luciferian, Pharisaic, Kabbalah ideologies.

[@Tylermichealmusic]

God bless your ministry

[@SibleySteve]

Mark Twain explained in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court how New England yankees were highly trained craftsmen raised in a mechanized worldview. In my experience, most Calvinists originate east of the Mississippi and are predisposed to engineering, mechanics, and how things work in a granular way. When that kind of personality confronts Calvinism, they are more apt to try to figure it out and in the process they get hooked on it. West of the Mississippi we have less population density and we have to use force of will to get things done under the big sky. The prairie has always rewarded grit. My east coast Calvinist friends say we are wild individualists, the old yarn about illiterate barbarians. Much of the snobby divide against non-Calvinists comes from a place of gnostic superiority, as if we only learned how ordo solutis worked then we would bow to its architecture. Wesleyan schematics is also top heavy with prevenient grace, a thing like the rapture, never mentioned in Scripture but required to make the equation work. In many ways full on Calvinism and Arminianism are two sides of the same coin, no assurance and no joy. I find the space occupied by some Lutherans and Baptists and Episcopalians to be more or less balanced compared to the preoccupations of Reformed engineering.

[@whosays2153]

It is amazing that some people would get confused about "freewill". Sin is committed by someone consciously exercising his own freewill. And God confirmed in the Bible that "all have sinned ..." Therefore we have freewill !!!

[@signposts6189]

Actually, sin is committed by someone exercising their own will according to their desires. We do what we want to do. Therefore, we have the power of self-determination. The "will" ain't nothing but the mind choosing. The mind is a complex of desires. Desires consist of an interaction of thoughts, emotions, attitudes, motives and the senses such that a person wills and acts as they deem fit. The "will" is bound to the mind's internal desires.

[@roonbare2769]

@@signposts6189 OP , note the unscriptural mental gymnastics a Calvinists has to resort to to support their doctrines, and false definitions .

[@StudioEnergizerMV]

@@roonbare2769 Jesus and Paul both said our wills/desires are enslaved to sin before we are free. Its not gymnastics its theology

[@roonbare2769]

@@StudioEnergizerMV yes, until we make the choice to repent . Which is also what they said . Go on , continue with your mental gymnastics proving my point .

[@StudioEnergizerMV]

@@roonbare2769 yes we are enslaved to sin until we repent, i agree. But it is God that grants us repentance and works in us to will

[@pitasonivakameilalo7725]

The problem that I find with the Calvinists here, is that they cannot faithfully interpret the Scriptures without presuppositions...their interpretation is bound to their 5 points of tenet, "TULIP." It's totally against the rules of hermeneutics.

[@MWTS2012]

Q: What does the bible mean when it says your "most holy faith"? Could it mean that faith is a gift of grace, calling on the Lord in faith is a gift of grace.

[@rafuentesapologetics]

Thank God for you brother Leighton, we are learning more . Can I invite you in my page for a brief interview about Calvinism? 🙏☺️😊

[@christopherstroud8621]

@Dr. Leighton Flowers. I am sure you are blessed in Jesus. There is one part of your presentation which I find less than clear. [That may be all my fault]. It concerns your use of the word "responsible". You use the word often but are we agreed about its meaning? A butter knife is used to spread butter and if we say, it was the butter knife that did it, we mean that this knife was instrumentally responsible. It was merely an instrument. Ultimate responsibility for its spreading came through [dia] the hand that held it, the arm that held that, the brain that controlled that, the spirit behind the brain, the Holy Spirit that formed the spirit behind the brain. If you accept my logic so far we now have two sorts of responsibility:1. Instrumental. 2. Ultimate. When you use the word "responsible" it appears to me that you do not always make it clear in which sense you are using the word and thus I get confused. e.g. If someone says "We are responsible" what does it mean? 1. We are instruments in His hand. or, 2. We are the first cause of our actions?

[@matthayes533]

how can one be responsible if one is not the first cause of ones actions? If my king sends me on an errand and I go, I am his instrument, but I am still responsible for whether I go or not.

[@christopherstroud8621]

@@matthayes533 If a God sends someone on an errand and they go obediently, where has that obedience come from? If it comes from man will there be people in heaven saying "look at me I got it right?"

[@matthayes533]

@@christopherstroud8621 No, as Jesus said the best we can do is be faithful slaves. Instead one might say "Because of Jesus, I was able to die to myself and get out of the way so that the Holy Spirit living in me could "get it right".

[@christopherstroud8621]

@@matthayes533 "Because of Jesus" amen to that.

[@matthayes533]

@@christopherstroud8621 I think alot of the issue surrounding calvanism vs non calvanists is emphasis. Both sides think the other is placing the emphasis on themselves instead of God and I know we are not.

[@dennisjordan5138]

I have listened to your and others arguments against Calvinism, ie God's choosing and I hear 2 things in common. 1. The sin of pride. 2. Trying to make God in your image.

[@olinadajardep3458]

What is the definition of free will according to the scripture in contrast to the definition of free will by the calvinist?

[@ETHANGELIST]

Awwww now I miss Sproul so much, hearing him talk 😍😍😍

[@52RGD]

Trinity Apologetics, 'Election and Predestination' is indeed a biblical doctrine because it is in the scriptures... However John Calvin failed to understand the entirety of this doctrine.... He had known half of it only and added his own understanding to this doctrine of 'Election and Predestination'.... So, Calvinism is '''''TRUTH MIXED WITH LIES''''' and it is more dangerous than lies alone.... I have asked several Calvinists this question, which none of them were able to answer, because it was not taught by John Calvin who himself did not know the answer.... My Question : How did God Choose those whom He will save? Surely God have some basis for His choice.... He did not just pick them at random.... The Answer is: Of course God choose His own children... It is in the scriptures that there are two groups of people in this world, 'The Sheep and the goats' or 'The Wheat and the Tares'.... In the Parable of 'The wheat and Tares', Jesus Himself explained who are these two groups of people, and where did they come from... The 'Sheep or Wheat' are the true children of God, and they will be saved... The 'goats or tares' are of the devil and they are damned..... The Sheep or Wheat are the True children of God not only by creation but by HEREDITY.... I CAN PROVE THIS TO YOU IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.... The Sheep inherited the character of God, The goats inherited the character of the devil..... After the Fall of Adam and Eve, All the children of God are affected and inherited the fallen nature of Adam and Eve, they did not inherit the sin but the sinful nature.... That's why Jesus came to give His life for ransom to save the Elect.... (hope this clarifies you) The elects were fallen and they need to be saved.... There is no OSAS in the scriptures, it is the wrong understanding of John Calvin... All the elect will definitely be saved, not one will be lost.... John 17:12(KJV) ''While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name: those that you gave me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the '''son of perdition'''; that the scripture might be fulfilled.'' (the son of perdition is Judas, he is not the child of God, but the son of perdition, a goat) Example of Goats : Cain, Judas, some of the pharisees, pharaoh in the time of Moses. Example of Sheep : Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, The apostles except Judas.... NOTE : The difference between the Sheep and the goats.... The Sheep though they are in the fallen state, they still love God and desire to please God, Not the goats, they don't love God but only their selves... (all of us are in fallen state; in sinful nature... but some love God and desire to please God, while others don't love God and don't desire to please God) Calvin's TOTAL DEPRAVITY is a false teaching..... The elect are NOT totally evil, but totally HELPLESS to overcome sin.... That's why we need Jesus Christ to save us, and we need to hear the true gospel because even though we are chosen, we are not aware of the gospel of Jesus Christ, unless we hear it from those who were sent to preach.... Look at Cain, he has no respect to God, he faced God with anger and blamed God for his sin of killing Abel.... How about John 3:16 ? John 3:16(NIV) ''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.'' ''Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life''==>>Only the Elect will believe because they are the True Children of God and Have the character of God.... The goats are of the devil, they hate God and don't have the ability to repent... Look at Judas, he prefer to hang himself than to repent of what he has done.... ''Go unto all the world and preach the gospel to all creatures''==>>Only the Sheep will believe the gospel and repent..... Thanks for reading....

[@mattvall9066]

Agree this is what I thought when watching this. This series by RC is one of the first I watched as a Calvinist. Such a good series and such a good teacher.

[@robertrodrigues7319]

Your leader Sproul has renounced his heresy of Calvinism. He no longer believes this. He IS NOW IN heaven ! Psst {maybe}!

[@ETHANGELIST]

If you believe he is in heaven today, you shouldn't say he's guilty of "heresy" brother. Heresy is a very, very serious charge that implies a damnable false teaching. Calvinism has never been officially condemned as heresy by the Church either

[@omnitheus5442]

@@ETHANGELIST when was the last synod of all churches since the inception of Calvinism? Calvinism was invented by Calvin. That's a full 1000 years after the church councils unless you count the Papacy which would have surely called Calvinism a heresy...

[@GatheringJacob]

Calvinists say God is the author of all evil and even decrees it. They quote Isa 45:7 and say see God created evil, and in saying they think it is moral evil, even though in this passage it is speaking about distress / calamity instead of moral evil. Like in Deut 30:15-20. Context always determines the meaning of this Hebrew word - רַע ra, weather it means moral/sinful evil or calamity/distress!

[@larrydarby3220]

It seems to me that one of the key biblical truths that is often left out of these arguments is the so-called "efficacy of God's word." These words are "quick and powerful" and "spirit and life" and "faith comes by hearing them...". Do we not believe that God's words regarding sin/judgment etc. are capable of convicting a sinner (though obviously also we remain capable of rejecting them as experience proves over and over again...?

[@jbishsr]

There will never be anyone who will say I wanted to be saved but God didn't choose me or anyone who says that God forced salvation on them against their will.

[@casimonton]

I was recommended the John MacArthur bible way before i knew what Calvinism was. Our pastor was secretly a Calvinist. Our church split because of it. I want a new bible. Does anyone know of a good non-calvanist bible?

[@primeobjective5469]

Any NASB Greek Study Bible works. For in depth information on difficult Bible passages that Calvinists have infiltrated and taught wrongly, Leighton's book 'The Potters Promise' is actually quite good.

[@jdude7650]

Charles Ryrie study bible! Do some simple investigation on Charles Ryrie and you will find that he was a preeminent scholar of the word. Go to a calvinist website and tell them you're thinking of getting a Charles ryrie study Bible and watch the hate and venom spew then you'll know how anti calvinist he is.

[@casimonton]

@@SilenceDogwood. thank you! I will certainly check it out.

[@casimonton]

@@primeobjective5469 I’m going to get his book. I didn’t know he had one. Thank you for your help!

[@casimonton]

@@jdude7650 I’ll def check it out! Ty for your help!

[@frederickanderson1860]

Actions speak louder than words.

[@aradicalmoderate5940]

I can’t even listen, the mental gymnastics required to absorb what he is saying hurts my heart.

[@janetdavis6473]

The frequent reference to Augustine should be a big red flag for people. Why not stick to what scripture says instead of deferring to men’s opinions?

[@bobfree1226]

i was broken many years ago,an i confessed that ,and GOD set me free But im still a practical sinner. DR FLOWERS is right on!!

[@garybrooks674]

What is a " practical " sinner?

[@charlieyates4183]

When you think back to your salvation, if it goes to your doing anything(praying confessing acknowledging, etc), I will challenge you in this. The Gospel is not man accepting Jesus as his Savior, but that God accepted the Lord Jesus as the perfect and only Savior two thousand years ago. The Gospel is not man giving his heart or his life to Jesus, but that Christ gave His life, His whole being, in the place of sinners. The Gospel is not man receiving Christ into his heart, but that God received the Lord Jesus into Heaven as the mediator of sinners. The Gospel is not Christ enthroned in the human heart, but that God enthroned the Lord Jesus at His right hand in Heaven.

[@josephdurraz8574]

Bob Free, The biblical way of Accepting Jesus can be found in Acts 2:38... Acts 2:37-39 (KJV) 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? [[38]] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

[@sarahgracebrooks2629]

@@josephdurraz8574 GOD CALLS, WE DON'T CALL HIM.

[@waynecolburn8849]

@@charlieyates4183 all who received him gave them power to be called the children of God. You have to believe in Christ to be saved. Abraham believe God and it was counted for righteousness.

[@foolishdrunk2181]

Basic difference: who is to blame for the lost being lost? Calvinists blame God. Christians blame the lost

[@p00tis]

Is it possible to go against God's foreknowledge?

[@StudioEnergizerMV]

We are lost because we sin sir. Calvinists(who are christians by the way) believe we are lost by our own faults

[@servant2Christ]

Matthew 11:28 KJV - Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. This is Jesus telling us exactly what Dr Leighton is saying on if humble ourselves and come to Jesus

[@jayahladas692]

From the very beginning God gave complete freedom of choice:. Adam could choose the fruit from Any tree Except. (Choice as did Lucifer). To return love not as a robot, God allowed the possibility of sin choice, still carried on to Adam's decendents from satan's temptations, but who Have the knowledge of good and evil.

[@sampowellmusic]

interesting how the tagline for Ligonier is "Renew your mind." well, how can one do that RC!

[@Cmbtvtrn05]

See this is what can happen if we follow men, R.C . , Piper, J Mac. Just simply do NOT ever follow men. We need wisdom... James 1:1-5 King James Version 1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

[@dogescout5868]

Absolutely love me some RC Sproul. Love his presentation here.

[@glurp1]

I'm sure most Calvinists are as well-meaning as anyone else, and there are Calvinists I have tremendous respect for as people and believers. I also know they have no intention of dishonoring God. But practically every time I hear this worldview, my blood boils because of the horrible implications about what God's character would be.

[@truth7416]

If a Calvinist, who knows what 5-Point Calvinism means, If he was a christian, then a house could be divided against it's self and stand!! It cannot be!! The Holy Spirit could not allow the child of God to sit well with the Heresy of Calvinism, it is not possible. Truth In Love Calvinism is a Cult plain and simple and we as Christians should call it out for what it is! They are shipwrecking souls.

[@SeanGrossICT]

Paul presupposes this concern in Romans 9 when he asks, “What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends NOT ON HUMAN WILL OR EXERTION, BUT ON GOD, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. 19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory- 24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?” If you have a problem with Calvinism, take it up with God. Calvinists don’t write the mail, we just deliver it.

[@glurp1]

@@SeanGrossICT Non-Calvinists interpret the implications of this hardening differently based on Paul's overall argument in this section, which ends with chapter 11.

[@nathanielpearson8197]

@@glurp1 well they sure didn’t respond back 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@victhemagcuber10]

@@glurp1 yeah, it has to do with Paul essentially saying that if God was not unjust to harden Pharoah's heart in order to show his glory through the Exodus, then God would not be unjust to harden the Jewish people in order to save innumerable numbers of Gentiles. The "hypothetical objector" the smug Calvinist was referring to is not an Arminian objector when we understand the context of the culture as well as the context of the text, it is very clearly a hypothetical Jewish interlocuter/objector. Side note, but no Theological/Christian viewpoint leads to more arrogance than Calvinism, and the comment above just proved it. Rather than rebuking or lovingly correcting you, he mockingly and smugly portrays himself as the perfect messenger of God's truth whilst he is completely ignoring cultural and biblical context. I can definitely see how historically Calvinists were far more likely to use lethal force against heretics, as well as support slavery, as Leighton pointed out in another video. Virtually 100% of Christians I meet who support the death penalty for adulterers and homosexuals are Calvinists, and I have never seen a single exception to this rule. But then again, it's really God's doing that they ended up like that anyways, and God's doing that I'm refuting their Calvinism, so what's the point in any of this? 😂

[@BLUELOVEFOREVER1]

Sir, with all due respect you are forgetting the devil, and HIS TEMPTATIONS! God does not tempt, but the devil does. God does allow situations, tho. And allows the devil to tempt, just like he did with job.

[@adamduarte895]

That would be with the understanding that man can choose this temptation. This is not taught in Reformed theology. God decrees all things

[@zebpettyninja]

God decrees to allow libertarian free will.

[@garybrooks674]

@@adamduarte895 You have a right to choose alright, but it's only towards evil. " There are none Good, Know not one!"

[@garybrooks674]

@@zebpettyninja You need to read " Bondage of the Will " by Martin Luther

[@zebpettyninja]

@@garybrooks674 the bible is good enough

[@johndisalvo6283]

How can you “have respect” for someone who claims to be a Christian, yet preaches “another Gospel”? What does our Lord say about this???

[@CC-ii3ij]

To answer your question, Calvinism is not considered ‘another gospel’, but it is a secondary debatable issue. Even if they are wrong, It is important not to break fellowship over secondary issues, else we will tend to isolate ourselves as we will be tempted to break fellowship every time we disagree. Note: Even though I hate Calvinism, I understand how honest Bible-believing people can fall into Calvinism because most people don’t have the intellectual capacity to refute the constant drumbeat and circular reasoning of Calvinism.

[@johndisalvo6283]

@@CC-ii3ij Totally disagree! Calvinism is “climbing up some other way” into the sheep pen. There is NO good news in Calvinism, only “elect” from birth!!! They have bypassed the cross of Christ altogether!! If that is not “another Gospel “, what is??

[@PETERJOHN101]

@@johndisalvo6283 I believe Calvinism is a form of apostasy, however it may be that many of those who embrace it never knew Christ, or perhaps those who know Christ and later embrace Calvin are in the process of falling away. Matthew 24:12.

[@freedomrider266]

Let us focus our attention on saved vs unsaved, which is ALL that matters!

[@georgemay8170]

We cannot comprehend God's Sovereignty. We can only apprehend it by the faith given to us by the Holy Spirit to believe in the Righteousness of Christ alone.

[@TheJCFan]

God says... Eve repeats what God said... Satan: "Did God REALLY say....?" God says "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but would rather they turn from their way and live" Augustine, Calvin, Piper, MacArthur, Sproles: "Did God REALLY say that? No He makes sure they cannot repent so He can torment them forever." Thanks, but no, Calvinists

[@fatbatty194]

I have been thinking about that same verse in relation to this

[@fatbatty194]

Cos it’s so contradictory if you get me

[@20july1944]

I haven't listened to this yet because I'm being brainwashed by Rush Limbaugh, BUT I say the main point of contention is whether God actually loves everyone or not.

[@timfoster5043]

Food for thought - does this verse mean what it says? [+] The boastful cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all evildoers. You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors a man of bloodshed and treachery. (Ps 5:5-6) There are more. Methinks we should have a robust understanding of what it means for God to hate someone. For surely He does not (cannot?) love and hate a person at the same time, in the same way, right? That would be a contradiction. And God does not contradict Himself.

[@a.k.7840]

@@timfoster5043 and yet Christ told the thief on the cross next to him, an evil doer mind you, that he would be in paradise with Him that very day... This would make for an interesting study.

[@StudioGalvan]

Hello @@a.k.7840 , A few very brief immediate thoughts: ~ This particular sinner having heard the Call of Christ, was repentant and so received the Love of GOD. ~ The other, though he was also privy to the physical presence of the Messiah and his message, was not predestined to receive and respond to that light which was/is Jesus. He therefore will not stand in GOD's presence and has/will receive GODS destruction that is due to all evildoers. ~ This makes me ever so grateful for the LOVE of GOD.

[@LaCurlySue562]

I couldn't understand your point until the end. Amén!

[@zerospacer]

Thank you.

[@truth7416]

Individual Calvinists don’t give a damn about the rest of the World! Reformed 5-Point Calvinists say to there fellow Calvinists, that they should be more grateful for their own salvation! It’s like, ‘as long as my eternal destiny is secure, as long as my life is all planned out and taken care of by God, who gives a damn about family, friends or anyone else!’ We are in and they are out. It’s a win, win, for us. Too bad, so sad, glad I am not you, who have been as John Calvin put it: “ God arranges all things by his sovereign counsel, in such a way that individuals are born, who are doomed from the womb to certain death and are to glorify him by their destruction.( John Calvin Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 23, Paragraph 6 “…salvation is freely offered to some while others are barred from access to it.” (John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 21, Paragraph 5) Now lets sing it one more time: "Jesus loves me, this I know. As for you, I don't think so. Only some to Him belong. We are right and you are wrong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! But I hope this isn't effervescent grace that I'm walking in and instead I'm actually deceived and one of the reprobates that He created to burn as a candle for His glory in Hell forever." How can you be okay with that? How can anyone be okay with that? Why do I feel and find this heresy morally offensive?” Because only the devil should be at ease with such an abomination! Truth in love

[@marialamb6781]

As I keep studying all about this having been introduced to it and been in Calvinism for one year and now back out again, THANK the Lord, I'm also seeing that what we believe does not change What the truth is. Thank God for that. Calvinism is a very bad theology because it damages the spirit of people. They have no sense of security in Christ because they don't know whether or not they are elected. And many times preachers who believe in Calvinism do not come right out and preach that way. like MacArthur. They sound just like provisionalist. That to me is deceptive and very wrong

[@MikeKBar13]

Love your line “what we believe does not change What the truth is.” Thank God for that indeed!!

[@bobbyadkins6983]

It is indeed very deceptive. Peter warned us about false teachers who privily or secretly bring in damnable heresies in second Peter chapter 2. Calvinist preachers are a good example. 2 Peter 2:1-2 [1]But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. [2]And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. They even deny some of the clearest teachings about Jesus. They even cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of.

[@ladillalegos]

Wow great video

[@nicholascarter6543]

Thanks Leighton

[@christianhalkides5707]

Even ye being evil know how to give good gift ! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BenElyon3]

Calvinists accept the first half and reject the second. Hm

[@mcoz6934]

You assume Calvinists presume so many things!! It's clear you don't know the mental gymnastics an apologist goes through to come to certain conclusions that can be more simply explained to others without taking them on the tremendously extensive journey they themselves took to discover the vast riches of God's Word.

[@alexjoneschannel]

No, he knows Calvinist presume alot. Watch James White's "refutation" of middle knowledge. His argument can be broken down as so, 1 Molinism doesn't teach what Calvinism teaches. 2 Calvinism is clearly true and won't be questioned. 3 Therefore, Molinism is false, and not only is it false, but because calvinism is evident it's pure rejection of God. And yes He did get 90% of Molinism wrong

[@elizabethking5523]

MC Oz, the Gospel , doesnt have to be understood with mental gymnastics!! Thats the problem of the calvinist view and ALL their made up words to make their stuff rry to make sense!! Geesh!! If Jesus had spoke like that.... no one would have followed! No one has to have a scholar's degree to be saved or follow rightly! Usually the scholarly cause the confusion- just like in Jesus' time!! Blessings to you!😊

[@raymatthews4319]

@@elizabethking5523 When it comes to complicating the Bible and the Gospel today's Calvinists are even worse than most of the false cults. They pervert the word "grace" the same as the word of faith people pervert the word "faith."

[@mrnoedahl]

RC is basically saying that we make choices just like the animals do. It's predetermined or instinctive. Both of which come from God and really are not choices we as autonomous creatures make. I think the God of Calvinism has more in common with the Greek and Roman God's than with the God of the Bible. Their Gods do everything just on a whim with no real reason but ultimately to just have fun and reek havoc on mankind. Dr Flowers is TOTALLY CORRECT AND TOTALLY HONEST, unlike RC SPROUL. Dr Flowers you should not commend a preacher that is acting deceptive as he is. No matter how much you like him. Being dishonest is very serious. To knowingly be deceptive to someone is the same as lying to someone. It's just harder to spot. Thou shalt not lie.

[@sergloera]

Theistic determinism, I.e Augustinian theology I.e Calvinism is the perspective that derives it’s views from literal pagan philosophy and theosophy

[@donp1088]

I used to raise pigs. A very few became special to me, so I had it in my mind (my will) that they would escape the fate of all the rest that were butchered and turned into $$ as part of my plan to be ‘sovereign’ over my farm. God never created a ‘pig farm’. In His creation, all creatures are given a choice, a chance, to spend eternity with the Creator. We are made in His image,…able to learn, think, discern, make choices, etc. John Calvin was as wrong as Joseph Smith, and others who believe and preach heresy. Don’t you see?

[@R.L.KRANESCHRADTT]

🎯 Calvinism is a Determinist theology which cannot help but claim Man does not matter. However, God created man in his own image... THAT DOES MATTER. Man cannot live life daily 'as-if' he does not matter. It is unhealthy on every level. Calvinists even speak casually as though they do matter. It is their sub-conscious trying to maintain a semblance of sanity which their doctrine denies them. But when pressed they will deny this, and often display anger when it's pointed out.

[@JS-lc8er]

Interesting. Just recently I watched a video of a calvinist speaking with a JW. Apparently they have more in common than they think, both believe they are the chosen.

[@lindafogarty3924]

Love your channel and thank-you for sharing your knowledge and gifts. I am wondering what you think of “Andrew Farley” of the Grace ministry. I would really like to know your opinion. I want to be very cautious these days because of all of the false teachers.

[@montrey4christ580]

Bearing the name of a man is wild; the only name we bear is CHRIST! No man can serve two masters.

[@Artcore103]

He likes guilt by association... "The pagan view of free will". Well that's not true across the bir board for one thing, nor does it explain historical Judaism, but what about Islam? There may be some internal debate or different views between sects but afaik the prevailing view is deterministic. Compatiblism is determinism just pushed back a step.

[@MidnightWolfProducti]

Dr Flowers I have a serious response that I would have preferred to ask privately, but can't see a way to do so. I am not trying to be harsh with this but genuinely want to be helpful. This is not for this video only, but for all the work of yours that I have seen or read. You consistently misrepresent the Calvinistic position. Using your own understanding of what you think Calvinism is and applying that to everyone as if it was truth. Unfortunately, to be bluntly honest, you are usually far from the mark. This is frustrating because everything you say after that is not against Calvinism, it is against what you think is Calvinism. This is not helpful, this is highly misleading to people listening to your work. Like I said, I am trying to be helpful with this. It is my belief that you need to accurately represent what you are trying to disprove. To do otherwise is to be at best, bad at what you are doing and at worst, to be downright dishonest. I don't believe you are maliciously misrepresenting Calvinism. This does still however leave an expectation on you to better represent the Calvinistic position. I hope you find this helpful, if I haven't been clear enough feel free to respond (privately if you prefer) and I will try my best to be more clear.

[@marthaclark5648]

I have heard this accusation before but PLEASE be specific with how you think Dr. Flowers has misrepresented Calvinism. In fact, I have gone to Sproul's, Pipers and McArthur's own videos and listened and read their works and I don't see where Flowers misrepresents any of them. Dr. Flowers regularly states that NOT ALL Calvinist agree on every iota and one reason he takes specific people teaching specific things is to discuss that doctrine as specifically taught rather than generally to avoid misrepresenting them. I have found him to have integrity in his representation of these teachers based on their own videos and writings. BTW, many of his detractors take his teachings and do the same the thing, taking apart Flowers' teachings. I think the format is actually a pretty effective teaching model.

[@MidnightWolfProducti]

@@marthaclark5648 The question is fair, the answer may seem a bit unfair. Dr Flowers may use the same words at times, but he never (or very rarely) uses them in the correct/same context. Take for example the doctrine of unconditional election. Dr Flowers will often refer to this as God forcing someone to believe. This is a fundamental misunderstanding of that doctrine. Unconditional election refers to God having the ability to save, without having to look down the corridor of time and base on any reason (us choosing Him for example). He will also refer to Gods control of our will to explain Calvinistic understanding of total inability (depravity) and say that it leads to determinism. All the doctrine of total inability refers to (in a basic nutshell) is the belief that the Bible is right when it says we are dead or a slave to our sin. So we have an inability to choose God because we are 'dead'. To be honest, I could go on. I think it is safer to say at this point, that when Dr Flowers is making a case for what the Calvinist says, he is misrepresenting them. I hope that was helpful.

[@MidnightWolfProducti]

@@Apologia5 I think that the format of the video is fine. As long as the opposing view point can be fairly represented I have no issue with the format.

[@armandosolis3222]

All I know is this. GOD is Sovereign and man is Not Sovereign over God. Man is surely free but GOD is more free! GOD is KING and man is not. This is just ridiculous. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ivylagrone8632]

A CHOICE REQUIRES ACTUAL OPTIONS... choice /ˈtʃoɪs/ noun plural choices 1 [count] : the act of choosing : the act of picking or deciding between two or more possibilities [+] Example sentences 2 : the opportunity or power to choose between two or more possibilities : the opportunity or power to make a decision [singular] [+] Example sentences [noncount] [+] Example sentences - see also hobson's choice 3 a : a range of things that can be chosen [singular] - often + of

[@josephthomasmusic]

Here's an interesting question: 1 John 2 seems to really strongly contradict calvinist doctrine. As Dr Flowers rightfully says that verse 16 clearly states that all the sins of the world are not of God but of the world. So if God decreed our nature then the sins of the world do come from him because he has sovereignly decreed that our nature only be sinful. But if chapter 2 is saying that sins do not come from the father but from the world then it seems to be contradicting that claim from the calvinist that God is the one who decrees our sinful nature. You can't believe in the truth of that scripture yet teach something that implies something very contradictory to it because then you're being unbiblical. So here's my question in the first few verses of 1st John 2 it says that whoever obeys God's word has the love of God complete in him. And the letter was written to other Christians so that they may not sin. Under calvinism, can Christians still sin even though they are made with a new desire to please God? Under Calvinism it seems to assume that once you are made with a new nature you can't ever sin. But if Christians can still sin under the calvinistic doctrine, then it would stand to reason that they could lose their salvation if they later on choose to rebel against God and decide not to be a Christian anymore. I'm not sure how many Calvinists believe in the "once saved always saved" concept of any. However, it seems to me that the only doctrine in which the possibility for Christians to sin makes sense is not under calvinism, but under any other denominational view that is not calvinistic by nature. Can anyone explain this conundrum for me?

[@truth7416]

Its all about God's character. God is full of grace to everyone He has made. His love is held out in His hand to all. These men are who God warns us about who will come into the World in our age. In the old testament God sees that people are sacrificing their children in the fire to Baal. (Baal another name for Satan) Jeremiah 19:5 They have built the high places of Baal to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal-something I did not command or mention, nor did it enter my mind. God says it never entered His mind that man would do such a thing. Who do you think inspired men to burn their own children to Satan. Satan of course. (The Calvinist must say that burning these children was God’s idea and God forced these men to do it! In their minds God controls very action of every human being, as man has no free will.) The fact is that Satan hates God and wants to destroy everything that brings joy to God and everything that is precious to God. How many human children were tortured to death on the alter of Baal to glorify Satan. Thousands, perhaps? God called it evil and put a stop to it and said He was grieved that He had made man. To the Calvinist, God has created billions of people He has doomed from birth to be destroyed on His alter of what they call “Glorify Himself by the destruction of the wicked!” How is this different to sacrificing their children in the fire to Baal? A Calvinist should not be shocked at these statements because it is standard John Calvin teaching all Reformed Churches follow. I say shame on you who teach your children this Heresy. You teach your Calvinist poison describing Satan’s character applying it to God. You make out God to be more of a monster than Satan is. Satan can only torture for a moment and then can do no more. You and your Calvinist teaching teach that God will torture billions of children for eternity. Don’t say that you don’t believe this as it is standard Calvinist doctrine! Perhaps it has been hidden from you as most Reform church’s are careful to hide the extremes they stand for, because they know that baby Calvinists that have not yet been completely processed in their Cult, might run at the hideousness of it! You ignored John Piper spitting it all out on the sexual abuse of children being caused by God. Guess your OK with that! Or listen to the nut John Calvin spewing out his poison : "God arranges all things by his sovereign counsel, in such a way that individuals are born, who are doomed from the womb to certain death and are to glorify him by their destruction.( John Calvin Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 23, Paragraph 6) “thieves and murderers, and other evildoers, are instruments of divine providence, being employed by the Lord himself to execute judgments which he has resolved to inflict.” (John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 1, Chapter 17, Paragraph 5) That is some wonder full loving fake god you are serving there. Shame on you!!!! THE TRUTH IS THIS This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. 1 Timothy 2 : 3-6 Those that don't see this, can't see this, because they have blinded themselves and will not see. There isn't one thing attractive about the Calvinist god. Hate, destruction, false salvation by lottery, pleasure in creating and forcing sin on the World! TRUTH IN LOVE

[@natasharose9856]

Can you please explain this to me then? I am not trying to argue but understand. Isaiah 45:7 “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.”

[@truth7416]

@@natasharose9856 Be happy to try. Ford makes a truck. A terrorist buys the truck and plows into a crowd of innocent people. Many die and are injured. Who made the terrible evil truck that killed Humans? Ford created what became evil! God created the Holy Angels. Satan was the most perfect and high Angel. Satan took all the good that was made into him and choose to became the most evil being that ever existed. So God created that which became evil. God created you. Is there evil in your life? Where did that evil come from? God did not create you evil did He? Truth in Love

[@babidee14531]

It is called... double-speak. Read/listen to the novel 1984. RCS is a Master at double-speak.

[@claytonbenignus4688]

I have an even more fundamental difference with Calvinism. Does Bible “Translator” Theodor Beza have the right to edit his 1599 Geneva Study Bible to conform to Calvin’s Institutes by ( for example) omitting Revelation 22:19 and pretending (by use of footnote) that it was combined with the previous verse. As per the selection of the books of the Bible (done by Church Councils), does any single person have the right to expunge a previously accepted book of the Bible ( such as Maccabees) without sanction of a Church Council and still legitimately call said Bible a Bible?

[@christianmissionforthedeaf1522]

If God does not use compatibilism, how did the Scriptures come to be inerrant? Luck? Please answer the question. Thank you.