Rebutting 4 Calvinistic Proof-Texts for Determinism: John MacArthur

About this sermon

Dr. Leighton Flowers covers four biblical proof-texted often referenced by our Calvinistic brethren seeking to support their case for Divine determinism of all things (sometimes referred to as “sovereignty”). 1. Joseph being sold by his brothers into slavery: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Gen. 50:20 2. The King of Assyria is used to bring judgment on Israel. Is. 10 3. Pharaoh hardened by God to accomplish the Passover: “But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said to Moses.” Ex. 9:13 4. The Crucifixion of Jesus: “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[a] put him to death by nailing him to the cross…They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.” Acts 2:23; 4:28 Traditionalists (a opposed to Calvinists) believe at times throughout history God does intervene to determine some things. That is what makes these things “of God” and uniquely supernatural. We also believe God uses means similar to what some Calvinists describe in these instances. We do not believe, however, these unique divine determinations prove God’s meticulous determination of all things, especially man’s evil intentions. In fact, in every one of the instances listed above, the purpose of God’s unique intervention is clearly redemptive. I refuse to believe God is merely seeking to redeem the very evil intentions and actions that He Himself predetermined. How does God bring about His good purposes through the evil choices of libertarianly free creatures? Let's explore.... For more on this topic please visit us at www.soteriology101.com