Frequently, Calvinists contend that if God really wanted for someone to be saved but who ultimately died in unbelief and perished, then God would have proven to be a failure, and therefore only an effectual…
Coords. Richard
Richards Coords, “Evangelism”
There certainly are Calvinists who are evangelists, but one issue worth discussing is how the theology of Calvinism impacts evangelism. Some are turned off from Calvinism because of how it is perceived that it would…
Richard Coords, “Evanescent Grace”
Evanescent Grace John Calvin taught a doctrine known as Evanescent Grace which Calvinists nearly universally denounce, though without providing an alternative explanation. The basis for the doctrine was to explain why the non-elect sometimes take…
Richard Coords, “Eternal Security”
See also the discussion on Assurance. Three distinct doctrines on the matter of Assurance involve the following: The doctrine of Eternal Security (Traditionalism) [Editor’s note: “Traditionalism” is a movement related to the Southern Baptist Convention.]…
Coords, Richard, “Emotions”
According to Calvinism, God decreed whatsoever comes to pass. Such belief in exhaustive determinism has then led to the longstanding objections made against Calvinism in that God’s emotions would no longer make any sense if…
Coords, Richard, “Election”
Theological “election” deals with God’s choices. For instance, the Bible refers to an election of: Christ (Isaiah 42:1; Luke 9:35; 1st Peter 2:6) National Israel (Deuteronomy 7:6; Isaiah 45:4) Jerusalem (1st Kings 11:13) Disciples (John…
Richard Coords, “Elect”
Who are the “elect”? That is a frequently asked theological question. The answer is that it is a biblical term for those chosen by God for various reasons. Sometimes it is for service (1st Peter…
Richard Coords, “Cognitive Dissonance and Double Predestination”
COGNITIVE DISSONANCE Cognitive dissonance occurs among Calvinists when they try to distance themselves from the inevitable conclusions drawn by the logical implications of their own systematic. One example is that Calvinists insist that God ordains…
Richard Coords, “Doctrines of Grace”
The term “Doctrines of Grace” is a title Calvinists often use to identify their distinctive doctrines under the acronym for TULIP, such as signifying their belief in Elective Grace, Atoning Grace, Irresistible Grace and Persevering…
Richard Coords, “Determinism”
It is common for Calvinists to accuse non-Calvinists of misrepresenting Calvinism whenever we speak of it as “too deterministic.” For instance, Calvinistic apologist Matt Slick, stated in an online debate with Leighton Flowers that he…
Richard Coords, “Decree”
What has God decreed? Does God decree many things, or has God decreed absolutely everything that comes to pass, as per Calvinism? The belief that God has decreed whatsoever comes to pass is what is…
Richards Coords, “Deadness”
One of the most influential concepts of Calvinism is spiritual deadness.97 Whereas non-Calvinists speak of humanity as being lost and in need of a Savior, Calvinists speak of humanity as being dead and in need…
Richard Coords, “Compatibilism”
Compatibilism is a Calvinist doctrine which attempts to harmonize divine determinism and human free-will. Calvinists often use this term to claim that they, too, believe in free-will, that is, “compatibilistic free-will.” Unfortunately, though, it is…
Richard Coords, “Church Splits”
Church Splits occur when a significant portion of a church leaves to form a separate church. Calvinism is a common cause of such splits. It usually occurs when a new pastor is hired and conceals…
Richard Coords, “Choice Principles”
If there was a decree by which every thought, word and deed for all humanity was predetermined, then all of our choices would not be independently our own, and without independent choices, you could have…
Richard Coords, “Causation”
Causation (first and second causes) If your question to Calvinists includes, “Did God decree (insert real situation)”, then the answer is “Yes,” but which Calvinists wish for you to consider from the perspective of First…
Richard Coords, “Calvinism”
The term “Calvinism” is based upon the systematic soteriology of a man named John Calvin. (1509-1564) Ironically, though, he attributes his theology from another man named Augustine. (354-430) John Calvin: “Further, Augustine is so much…
Richard Coords, “Calling”
The Bible refers to “the called of Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:6) and “the chosen of God” (Titus 1:1), perhaps to emphasize that, as Christians, we each have a divine purpose, relative to our unique gift…
Richard Coords, “Cage Stage”
There is a certain amount of pride in theology, in terms of a personal interest in getting things correct. Sometimes, this has resulted in a phenomena whereby new converts to Calvinism become aggressive toward non-Calvinist…
Richard Coords, “Born Again”
This is one of the most famous terms in all of the Bible. Preachers often echo this divine imperative during evangelism: “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. You must…
