I would like to welcome you back to another study in Bible Doctrine. In our previous study, I began to tackle the three controversial issues which separate 17th century Hyper-Calvinism from 18th century Hyper-Calvinism—the doctrines of duty faith, the free offer and the ten commandments as the believer’s rule of conduct. For this study, I would like to look at the subject of the free offer. The free offer is the belief that the preacher has the biblical mandate to offer the gift of God unto salvation to unregenerate sinners. There is reference to it in the three major confessional statements of the 17th century—(1) The 1646 Westminster Confession—“He freely offers unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ”; (2) The 1658 Savor Declaration—“he freely…

I would like to welcome you back to another study in Bible Doctrine. Having looked at the emergence of 17th century Hyper-Calvinism, I now turn to that of the 18th century. By way of review, we left off in the previous study with the emergence of 17th century Hyper-Calvinism, culminating in the doctrinal statements of the 1646, the 1658 and the 1689 confessions of faith. These documents set forth a threefold covenantal framework—a covenant of redemption, drawn up by the TriUne Jehovah from eternity, which is relegated to the backdrop of history; a covenant of works, made by God with Adam before he sinned, requiring of him perfect obedience to the law inscribed upon his heart; and a covenant of grace, made by God with…

I would like to welcome you back to another study in Bible Doctrine. In our previous study, I pointed out the broadest definition for Hyper-Calvinism is any teaching which goes beyond that of Calvin himself. It is in that sense I am using the label as we consider the emergence of Hyper-Calvinism during the 17th century.  I believe there are two branches of Hyper-Calvinism, one which came about during the 17th century, beginning with the publication of John Calvin’s Institutes in the year 1536 and culminating with the 1689 Baptist confession; the other came about during the 18th century, beginning with two sermons preached by Benjamin Keach in the year 1692 and culminating in the year 1770 with John Gill’s Body of Divinity. In addition…

I would like to welcome you back to another study in the Word of God. I am returning to our little series on Bible Doctrine, and would like to speak on the subject of Hyper-Calvinism. I wish to begin with some basic definitions. Calvinism, as we know it by this name, emerged during the 16th century with a French theologian named John Calvin. In 1536, he published a systematic theology entitled, “The Institutes of the Christian Religion”. This, together with his sermons and commentaries on the books of the Bible, have served for hundreds of years as the benchmark for reformed teachings. Hyper-Calvinism, as you know, has a historic definition, pointing to those who deny the doctrines of duty-faith, the free-offer and the moral law…