Is Calvinism Biblical? The Answer may Surprise you! (With Greg Laurie)

Summary

This video script delves into the theological debate between free will and predestination, addressing their apparent contradiction in the Bible. The speaker critiques the Calvinist doctrine of total depravity, rejecting the idea that God predestines anyone to hell. Emphasizing the Bible's call for personal choice and evangelism, the speaker underscores the importance of preaching the gospel to all people. With humorous anecdotes from figures like D.L. Moody and C.H. Spurgeon, the speaker maintains that both predestination and free will coexist in scripture, and it's our job to spread the message of Christ to as many as possible.

Takeaways

• 😀 Predestination means that God knows everything, decides everything, and chooses us before we choose Him.
• 😀 Jesus stated, 'you've not chosen me, but I’ve chosen you,' indicating the concept of predestination.
• 😀 Free will is represented by verses in the Bible that appeal to individual choice, such as John 3:16 and Revelation 22.
• 😀 The tension between free will and predestination creates confusion, with people wondering whether we choose or God predestines us.
• 😀 Calvinism’s doctrine of total depravity suggests people are so dead in sin that they can't choose God without being awakened by the Spirit.
• 😀 Some Calvinists believe that individuals are predestined either to heaven or to hell, but the speaker rejects this notion.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that God is not willing for anyone to perish, supporting the idea that God desires all to come to repentance.
• 😀 There are some who avoid preaching the gospel out of fear of giving false assurance to the non-elect, but this is criticized in the script.
• 😀 The speaker references the commandment to preach the gospel to all, regardless of the doctrine of election.
• 😀 The speaker finds peace in knowing that God will sort out matters of election, and emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel.
• 😀 C.H. Spurgeon’s quote, 'I don’t even try to reconcile election and free will, I never reconcile friends,' reflects the mystery of these doctrines.

Q & A

What is predestination as described in the script?

Predestination, as described in the script, means that God knows everything, decides everything, and chooses individuals before they choose Him. Jesus mentions in the Bible that 'you've not chosen me, but I've chosen you,' indicating God's sovereign choice.

How is free will explained in the script?

Free will in the script is illustrated through Bible verses like John 3:16 and Revelation 22, where individuals are called to choose Christ and come freely to Him. These verses emphasize human responsibility in making choices about faith.

How does the script address the tension between predestination and free will?

The script highlights the apparent conflict between predestination and free will, stating that both concepts appear in the Bible. However, the speaker does not attempt to fully reconcile them, acknowledging that it's part of the mystery of God's will.

What is the view of Calvinism presented in the script?

The script critiques the Calvinistic view of total depravity, which suggests that humans are so depraved they cannot choose God without divine intervention. It also addresses the belief in the predestination of some to heaven and others to hell, which the speaker rejects.

What is the speaker's stance on God predestining people to hell?

The speaker rejects the idea that God predestines anyone to hell, referencing the Bible verse that says God is 'not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.'

How does the script view the task of preaching the gospel?

The script stresses the importance of preaching the gospel to everyone, regardless of who is elect or non-elect, and criticizes the idea of withholding the gospel to avoid giving false assurance to the non-elect.

What quote from D.L. Moody is shared in the script?

D.L. Moody is quoted as saying, 'Lord, save the elect and then elect some more.' This humorous yet profound statement reflects his belief in the need to spread the gospel to all people.

What was C.H. Spurgeon's response when asked about reconciling election and free will?

C.H. Spurgeon responded by saying, 'I don’t even try. I never reconcile friends.' This indicates that Spurgeon did not see the need to reconcile the two concepts, viewing them as complementary truths that coexist.

What does the speaker say about his role in relation to predestination and free will?

The speaker views his role as simply to proclaim the gospel and call people to Christ. He emphasizes that his job is not to sort out the mystery of election but to share the message of salvation with as many people as possible.

How does one confirm they have been chosen by God, according to the script?

According to the script, the confirmation of being chosen by God comes through believing in Jesus Christ. By doing so, a person affirms their election by God, as the choice to believe demonstrates God's work in their life.