August & September 2009 Resource of the Month | Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism

[a1epistemology]

Where can I buy this in the Philippines? Danke! =)

[strgglngmusician]

This just seems like a bunch of advertising to me

[bluetew37]

Just b/c a resource comes along at the right time doesnt mean it is true or from God.The Devil is the ruler of this world and will do anything he can to help you suppress the truth.

[MODERATECALVINISM]

Psalms 43:5

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

[7777albina]

I also can not say enough good about this video, it is very well made, very intresting and scriptural sound. Well worth the money, this a powerfull teaching, and should be shown to every church whether they reject it or not. :)

If you love truth please buy it.

[nbanuchu]

Lane, as you should know, the history presented in this DVD is fabricated, lopsided, and nothing more than propaganda to support Calvinism. It presents a misleading and dishonest representation of Arminianism.

[wood9670]

How is a theology that traces itself to the 1500's and ignores all of Christian history up until the 1500's not a tradition of men?

[Revinius]

that's like calling the reformation a 'tradition of men' or perhaps the New Testament a 'tradition of men' because such things are part of history. Your reasoning is quite flawed, mate.

[wood9670]

I should have chose my words more carefully.

The Reformation is a tradition of men that makes void the word of God. Born out of genuine concern for the church but nonetheless the early reformers threw the baby out with the bath water.

The compilation of the New Testament is a tradition of men as well, its just this tradition was actually a good thing.

[Revinius]

so sola scriptura makes void the Word of God? Sounds somewhat odd.

[wood9670]

Its only odd because you are probably evangelical protestant and come with the religious presupposition that the Word of God is limited only to the written scriptures, and particularly, the written scriptures your particular faith tradition has accepted as canonical.

Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, along with various other Christian and Quasi-Christians believe otherwise.

[Revinius]

Your real problem with saying such a thing is you have no way of arguing (from authority) what the 'Word of God' is scrupturally. Sola scriptura is not 'scriptura alone (that's solo scriptura) it's 'scripture is the benchmark by which we measure other revelation'. Reformers do not deny that revelation happens outside the Bible, but it is by the Bible that such revelation needs to be compared. Make sense?

[wood9670]

How do you come to the knowledge that the 24 books of the NT & the x # of books you have in your OT canon are inspired?

You can't use scripture as a benchmark to judge what books are inspired since you are trying to determine exactly what scripture is.

Furthermore, my point about you having a religious bias still stands. Unless you can demonstrate using scripture that 'scripture is the benchmark by which we measure other revelation' then that belief is a tradition that voids God's Word.

[Revinius]

The NT books are authoritive because are largely apostolic in origin and governed the early church of the 1st Century until their compilation later. If you do not have an authority by which to judge what is of the Lord and what is not, then by what standard do you judge?

Everyone has bias, so the assertion that i have bias is moot. We are thinking human beings so let's keep it academic and save the rhetoric for the soap box.

[wood9670]

I am Catholic so my authority resides in the Magisterium of the Church, the teachings of the early Church fathers, & the scriptures.

& my point about one having a bias is relevant in that most ppl are not be aware of their presuppositions. I attempt to make them aware so that they can defend those presuppositions logically.

In respect to sola scriptura, I would like to know how one comes to know this doctrine is true and if one can demonstrate if Christians have historically affirmed it.

[CripForChrist]

the DoG was not something that can only be traced to the 1500's....it was waaaay before that,...Augustine believed in the "DoG"

[wood9670]

@CripForChrist. I was speaking of the sect of Calvinism as a whole.

I don't except that a theology and biblical interpretation that ignores the beliefs, practices, and understandings of all Christians of the first 1500 years of Christianity.

It seems to me that Calvin took a little bit from Augustine and goofed it all up, contradicting Augustine's teachings.

[CripForChrist]

if you read augustine's writings he was a "calvinist" in the true sense of the word...calvin and augustine had very similar beliefs...

as a matter of fact, "calvinism" could accurately be called Augustinianism.. Augustine believed in the "5 points" before they formally exhisted...atleast in written out form

[Droplets77]

I got the first disc via Netflix, and I can't wait to watch it with the rest of my family. I always wanted to watch this, but I wasn't sure if it was any good. Your recommendation prompted me to view this. Thanks & God Bless.

[petalfin]

this is exciting. i hope this would reach our country the Philippines

[cristinuuh]

filipinos rockkk!

[skintightpotato]

I purchased this video about a year ago, and it is excellent! It really became the turning point for much of my theology. It provides great historical context, as well as excellent Calvinistic apologetics. It is also easy to watch and understand. I would recommend it to anybody.

[333pro333]

Is there any way to download it? (and pay, that is). Shipping to norway costs almost as much as the DVD itself...

[EkklesiaMedia]

I Recommend Christian to buy this DVD. A lot of things I didn't know about the reformed church history, is explained in this DVD. Thanks Lane:-) Glory to God alone.

[mrplow8]

Why does Yahweh hate gay people?

[Stepeni]

The gay people hate themselves and that's the end of discussion

[mrplow8]

I'm pretty sure that they don't. I've never heard of a gay person who discriminated against gay people and who didn't want gay people to be able to get married.

Maybe Yahweh is actually a closet homosexual, and the reason he's so against gays is because he's overcompensating for his own insecurities. I mean, we know he's insecure, because he demands that everyone worships and praises him.

[FreeTheMasons]

Because Yahweh doesn't buy the Lie that he created then that way.

he knows that sin has made them that way. and that sin has deceived them.

He doesn't hate them until they die without salvation. Then His decree is made, and that's his prerogative... not ours, He is Creator of all things.

[mrplow8]

So basically what you're saying is that might makes right. If Yahweh exists and he wants to punish people for not being saved or for being gay, then he certainly can. There's not really anything we can do about it. But if a Mafia boss tells you to pay him 30% of your income or he'll break your legs, he can do that too. Just because someone has the power to do something doesn't make it right.

If Yahweh exists and the Bible is an accurate description of him, then he's just a cruel dictator.

[FreeTheMasons]

Shaking your fist to God, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 All your slandering of Yahweh by comparing him to some earthen Mafia. will only cement you in worldly wisdom.

The wisdom that Yahweh gives comes from Heaven and is "first" Pure James 3:17. I'll predict that all your arguments against him will be from earthly wisdom, To get the wisdom of Proverbs, means Humbling yourself; then you will receive Spiritual vision...

[mrplow8]

Don't bother quoting the Bible unless you can demonstrate to me why I should consider it an accurate source of information.

I'm not the one who needs to humble myself. I'm not the one who thinks that people who don't believe the same as I do deserve to be tortured for all eternity. You don't get any more arrogant than that. Your god is a brutal dictator, and if your best defense for him is that he gets to do what he want because he's god, then thankyou for proving my point.

[FreeTheMasons]

Thank you, for proving my point about using earthly wisdom for all you arguments. You won't humble yourself because sin has blinded you. I'm trying to help you,but your pride gets in the way. Before I attempt to give you all the verifiable Biblical attestation, that most likely you will reject because of the love of sin; First tell me why I should believe the Masonic Myth of Evolution as the alternate option??? Now we move to earthly arguments. K. since you reject the free Heavenly wisdom...

[mrplow8]

Who said anything about evolution? What does that have to do with this discussion at all? And if your idea of "sin" is "disobeying Yahweh", then you're right, I am a sinner. But I'm guessing you are too. I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that you don't stone people to death for working on the sabbath. If you'd like to continue this conversation, feel free to PM me. I don't want to argue here because I have limited space to say what I want.

[FreeTheMasons]

The two options are the Masonic Myth of Evolution or the Biblical God. Allah will eventually fall under the Masoonic myth too,and what will be left standing is the Biblical God and the New Age God. Those are the two options for us. World events are heading in that direction... No stoning here, just Transforming Grace through Jesus. We are all sinners and in Christianity it is the Blood of Jesus that keeps us. That would be Transforms us. I don't look at it like arguing just epistemology.

[mrplow8]

And by the way, who cares if gay people choose to be gay or if they're born that way? That argument is completely stupid. So what if it's a choice? Since when is it bad to make choices? I make choices all the time. I chose to buy a PS3 over an Xbox 360. I chose to drink tea instead of soda. And I choose not to worship your dictator god. Saying something is a choice doesn't make it immoral, you have to demonstrate why it's immoral.

[Icannottolerateit]

Most of the tenets of Calvinism become sweet to the new convert, but some parts become bitter. (though grace as understood by Calvinism is sublime)

Satan can be defeated in the here and now (as far as the individual goes), and Calvinism does not leave room for this.

[CBALLEN]

I used to hate the Calvinist's arguments because they completely destroyed my understanding of the Bible,but then God changed my understanding,now I believe in the reformed position.

[4K4K1K0]

God changed your understanding or you changed your understanding through God?

[ChristianTULIP]

3) The faith of the Orthodox Church?

The Orthodox Christian faith refers to the historical beliefs of the Church which are based on the biblical Doctrines of Sovereign Grace; essentially rediscovered during the period of the Reformation when the church was in the darkness of Roman Catholicism. If you want to know more about the historical Orthodox Christian Faith - read the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

[waylifetruth]

Thanks for doing this Lane. I'm going to get a copy ASAP!

[shockingalternative]

i just received my copy last night. i watched almost the whole thing in one sitting. whew! some intense stuff. i was sobbing at times when they were going over the belief that man cooperates with God for his salvation. i can't believe i ever believed that. soli deo gloria!

[joyfulhelpmeet]

i own that movie....really helped me to understand limited atonment.

[trinitycult]

when you come out of your man-made calvinist cult let me know.. I know your in bondage to satan for living a carnel lifestyle and its hard to break free from it.. Calvinist churches are one of the worldly churches out there and bondage to satan not a servent of God

[shockingalternative]

by your name, you deny the trinity. it sounds you are in bondage to satan, sir. repent and believe in the triune God, Yahweh

[trinitycult]

I'm starting a support group from all ex-trinity people who have been raped, murdered, abused by this false cult of christiany..

So by your own admission the Prophets of Old and new never belived in the trinity since it wasnt developed until after 425 ad

[LaneCh]

Do you have other accounts that you've used here on Youtube, "trinitycult"?

[shockingalternative]

how is the trinity false? In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word IS God. Are you denying that Jesus is God in the flesh? Jesus is the Word

[ChristianTULIP]

Look who talking about "man made cults" - a follower of the ancient man made heresy of Modalistic Monarchianism, invented by the heretic Sabellius in the third century.

Sorry but your religion makes no sense. The father did not die upon the cross, but his son did. Patripassianism is very easily refutable by the scriptures and ridiculous considering that the son often prayed to his father in the Bible.

Someone needs to start a support group for ex-Sabellius following Modalistic Monarch's.

[LaneCh]

Quoting trinitycult:

"Can is not a author of confusion but satan is.. I knows how to twist the bible so you will believe it."

Well I'm convinced. :)

[trinitycult]

God is not a author of confusion

[ChristianTULIP]

Excuse me - first of all your reply is incoherent. Secondly - the scriptures teach that Jesus is the eternal son. (you need a bible lesson)

Thirdly - I dont care if your a Muslim, hindu, Oneness, Jehovahs Witness or in any other false religion - denying the Trinity is denying the one TRUE and living God of the scriptures. It is the height of Satanic influence.

[trinitycult]

then i quess my your own admission the Prophets of Old and new also belonged to a cult because they didnt believe in a trinity.. the eraly trinitarian didnt believe the Son and Father were co-equal eternal by subbornation from one another.. so by early trinitarians standards you are a heteric..

[ChristianTULIP]

Okay what part of my reply did not register? Let me repeat myself - we have no interest in your propaganda. I believe that you are under God's condemnation for your denial of the one true God manifested in the Father, Son and Spirit who was worshipped by Old/New Testament Prophets. You better learn the truth and repent before it's too late

Here's a life preserver - you can discover the one true living God by watching the video "Amazing Grace" featured here on this site.

[ChristianTULIP]

Get a clue "trinityisacult", Satans got you wrapped around his little finger with your FALSE RELIGION. If you want to learn about the true nature of God - we can explain it to you. But if your here to harass people with your misguided Zeal of error, please leave, were not interested in abandoning the Trinity truth in favor of your false beliefs.

[4K4K1K0]

> "f you want to learn about the true nature of God - we can explain it to you"

Please explain it to me instead.

[CBALLEN]

Since God decrees the beginning from the end,God changed what I believe.God has chosen his sheep before time began and when Jesus calls,His sheep know His voice and come.All that come to Him will be kepted BY Him until He raises them up at the last day.We are called to repent and believe.

[ChristianTULIP]

There are 3 persons in the divine nature of the One true and living God of the Bible - manifested in the God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Godhead is a unique, distinct, co-eternal and co-existing person. This is the Orthodox Christian Faith.

[4K4K1K0]

> God has chosen his sheep before time began

So when I wasn't chosen, I am condemned for eternity?

> .All that come to Him will be kepted BY Him until He raises them up at the last day.We are called to repent and believe.

Do ones actions count or ones believes? Does latter outweigh the former?

> This is the Orthodox Christian Faith.

The faith of the Orthodox Church?

[ChristianTULIP]

1) So when I wasn't chosen, I am condemned for eternity?

A) There was never a time when God's sheep were NOT chosen. However, there was a time when they lived like those who were not chosen - before salvation was revealed in them:

Ephesians 2:3

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

[trinitycult]

this is orthodox belief is the trinity is the belief of three gods

[ChristianTULIP]

2) Do ones actions count or ones believes? Does latter outweigh the former?

A) Both count the same because both are given by God to the sheep:

Phil1:29

For unto you it is GIVEN in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake

Acts1:18

..Then hath God also to the Gentiles GRANTED repentance unto life

Eph2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

[trinitycult]

I will never worship a God you have created in your own image neither will the Jews.. Never in the entrie word of God did Jesus Christ say Hes the second person of some Godless trinity..

The abuses and the false doctrine begins at all trinity churches

[ChristianTULIP]

You are mistaken and w/o understanding -The one True and living God of the scriptures is NOT three Gods, he is a Unity of Three Persons in ONE God; the Father, son and Holy Spirit. Gods plural nature is revealed in the scriptures as early as Genesis 1:26 and more specifically revealed in the New Testament (Matt28:19). Whatever religion your is - I can assure you that you do not worship the true God and need to turn to the historic orthodox Christian Faith before its too late. Watch AMAZING GRACE

[ATLpirate]

Just watched this. I didn't agree with everything presented, but overall I thought it was excellent. I love that they didn't rush it but instead spent the necessary time to flesh everything out properly. The stuff on total depravity, unconditional election and limited atonement were especially good.

I DARE any Arminian/anti-Calvinist to watch this, carefully, all the way through. You just might change your mind. ;)

[transformer2you]

Thank you Lane and Eric Holmberg for getting this fantastic resource in our hands! Much needed for us to receive the truth and the truth will set us free indeed!

[elfenomeno777]

Very informative DVD. A bit long but much to cover. Every christian should know something about our history. Recommended watch.

[Reformaatio]

Well, I don´t think it´s too long. I didn´t watch whole DVD in one session. It has so much information on each sections that it takes time to handle it. It really fill "stomach" you know what I mean. It´s better to watch in pieces, so you´ll get better benefit from it. I have to watch again and again, because I have something that I haven´t fully get. Case "once saved, always saved" is difficult one. Please somebody help me with that.

[mikstell]

As a New Yorker by birth and a staunch Calvinist, I found the 9/11 destroying the twin towers comment to be deeply offensive. This is exactly the wrong message that we should be giving. I would expect that people who make a living of creating material for production to be able to recognize that even though it was 8 years ago, that event is not fodder for jokes or puns. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

[Reformaatio]

I had false view on John Calvin and calvinism before this DVD. I noticed that many of my views was similar to calvinism, but this DVD really open my eyes on many points. I didn´t before gave much attention on grace, but on free will. I highly recommend to watch this DVD. It didn´t turn me to be as calvinist, but it was eye opener and through this DVD I found many interesting books and authors, such as John MacArthur and John Piper f.ex. Great indeed!

[GPLeague]

Sold! Lane, this is seriously your best produced video yet. Eric Holmberg, the whole youtube gang, and Jim McClarty. Way to collaborate!

[ericthered65]

Great DVD. It's top notch

[MikeyTipunama]

Your Best Life Now! ;P

[Truthorfable]

As a biblist my finally authority is the Word of God not man made doctrine made to confuse the masses.. I dont follow any man outside the Bible but Jesus Christ and all the Words that came from the God's Prophets and Apostles inspried by the Holy ghost of God working thru them

God's grace vs John Calvins grace who do I follow sure not man

In Jesus name God Bless

[lahridon2000]

you forgot to include on your resume that you enjoy beating the odd STRAW MAN as well!

[Truthorfable]

believe me my videos are far from anything being a strawman.

I dont praise and worship man with there writings that eclips the writtings of God's Prophets thats idoltary. nor does Paul want praise and bring glory to himself.

This is no different than Mormons following the teaches of Joseph Smith.

Calvin had a legistic mind and he knew how to masterfully decieve people into his theology.. And if know one agreed with him he silence them. You will know them by there fruits

God Bless

[lahridon2000]

I embrace a biblical construction concerning Gods sovereign grace that has inherited the nickname "Calvinism" therefore I worship a man and not God - this is ignorance at its zenith because its the kind of rhetoric that ascribes a false belief to another at the expense of meaningful interaction and dialogue. Im sure it bothers you when a muslim or a JW ignorantly and conveniently lablels you a polytheist because you believe in three Gods - ignorance sure is much safer than applying the mind

[got2liv4him]

your post was full of strawmen!

you need to watch the movie!

[setfree2day]

Just bought the DVD at the site you recommended on the right. What a great deal! I look forward towards my husband and I watching it together :) Thanks Lane. Blessings to you.

Christina

[zitan17]

is there a place where i could dl this for free?

[dancdow]

This DVD is excellent. I have seen even arminians watch this dvd and then agree with just about everything in it - because it is presented in a clear and fair manner.

[StaIIIone]

Great! This is helpfull for a lot of people! Keep it up!

[symphonyofscripture]

Great video, Lane!

[geisler78]

as always. :)

[5alive4ever]

This DVD series is excellent and gives a historical background as well theological. I have bought over 15 copies of this to give away to curious people who have no idea what Calvinism really is. I found the clips on Lane's Blog which lead me to buy these. Thank you!!

[Studier101]

Great video, great reviewers!

Thanks Lane, Eric, & friends.

[simone56]

I will be buying this DVD. Thank you for making this source known to us. Blessings to you Lane :)

[mrspogadaeus]

This is an awesome resource to have in your library and is essential to understanding God's grace and his sovereignty - placing God in his rightful place as the author and finisher of our faith. Eric Holmberg has been a minister of the Gospel for nearly 30 years and his ministry has revolutionized my worldview. God has really worked through this video and many others produced by The Apologetics Group... I highly recommend anything Eric puts his hand to.

[jcsandberg]

Wow, Lane! God has truly blessed your ministry on YouTube!!! So awesome!

[zmode82]

AWESOME! I just rented it and added it to my que. Its available on NETFLIXdotCOM, get the DVD, or open an account and rent it. I cant wait til it arrives tommorow.

[CL1000]

Thanks for that info.

[LaneCh]

Thanks, zmode. I prefer PuritianPicks(.)com myself, though. :)

[TheLawman104]

I was utterly offended when I was first introduced to the Doctrines of Grace some twenty years ago, until I realized why. Then I repented. My sin? I wanted a hand in my salvation. I wanted a share in the sovereignty of God.

Calvinism teaches that God is sovereign in all things. Arminianism teaches that God is sovereign to the extent that we let Him be sovereign. The Doctrines of Grace exalt God and put man in his place. The other exalts man and diminishes the power and sovereignty of God.

[BarmherzigkeitMusik]

"Arminianism teaches that God is sovereign to the extent that we let Him be sovereign."

In other words, it denies His sovereignty. There is no such thing as incomplete sovereignty. Great comment.

[Paul1T2Day]

Your story matches mine almost exactly Lane! I had been being slowly convinced into the Doctrinces of Grace for a few years before I saw this DVD. It opened my eyes to other Scriptures, and it gave a complete and accurate representation of the teachings of these doctrines. It was very instrumental in me accepting the full set of the doctrines as is logically required if you accept one or more of the points already. I still watch it from time to time. Excellent job on this video Lane!

[DefendingTheTruth]

This DVD is what really helped me understand the reformed faith. I bought two copies. One for myself, and one to pass around to friends.

You will not regret investing into this DVD.

[revelations315]

I watched this video the movie one and it was great. One problem I had is that out of each 100 people I talk to one 1 knows about calvinism and arininism. So I've largely discarded it for just sharing the gospel. I've randomly choosen people from Methodist to Baptist Churches to discuss it and it sure is hard to find someone who still knows about it. Personally since so few people know about it I just share the Gospel using the 10 commandments and try to get them to read a Bible.

[OohTheHorror]

Wow you guys love Calvin, even made a statue of him...

[evangelismteam]

Calvin is one of my heroes of the faith, but that is all he is. I also admire C.H. Spurgeon, John Knox, George Whitfield, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Hywel Jones, J.I. Packer, William Carey, John Bunyan, Matthew Henry, Martin Luther, and several others. But I must admit I do not follow these men; I follow Christ. But it would be extremely arrogant of me to discount all that these great men of God have done. I can learn so much from them as I read their works. Do you read their works?

[evangelismteam]

One more thing I just considered. When I started studying the doctrines of grace, it didn't start with Calvin, it started with Boettner. That's all...I must retire for the night. It's late. Take care, and if you have any questions, let me know.

Leon

[BarmherzigkeitMusik]

@OohTheHorror

People who love great music buy busts of J.S. Bach. Why should it be any different for those who love great theology? Just as you can give God all the glory for Bach's music whilst displaying his bust, so you can give God all the glory for the truth that Calvin proclaimed whilst displaying his.

And evangelismteam said the rest . . . :-)

[snowmedia]

I was one of the friends that Leon bought this DVD. I was definitely convinced of the scriptural support for the Doctrines of Grace and this DVD help further my understanding. I highly recommend it. Now I want to go watch it again.

[evangelismteam]

Yes, Brad...go watch it again. Then, after you watch it again, you can purchase another one and pass it on to someone who is struggling with the sovereignty of God. What do you think? But I must admit, as Eric said, the "Reformed" tradition is larger than the doctrines of grace. I've learned that clearly in seminary, but this is the area where most start. So...everyone...go purchase the DVD.

Enjoy! Leon

[maggoli67]

But....I AM wacky!

[SBGGCA]

:-)

[Chrishankhah]

Lane! lol. How do you do it??

My boyfriend was pointing out to me today that this particular video, on AOMin's online store, seems to have the product number "1337" ...

Is that a coinkidink?

Well, he doesn't think so, anyway. :)

[Unw0rthy0fn0te]

Haha. Dr. White would do that, too !

[diligentile]

Just picked it up!

[ProclaimHisWord]

Thanks Lane for including me in this video testimony, i very much appreciate it.

[onlyonesuperdude]

i watched this with a friend. lots of it is shot in nashville =] the beginning (where they are asking people questions in front of the free will baptist convention is right down the street from me.

i recommend this resource =]

[suaker56]

Dude I just purchased this YESTERDAY!!!!! Wow such a strange turn of events. Thank the Lord for his Grace!

[Coyne1988]

I must obtain this resource!