Steve Lawson discusses his Book on John Calvin

[Keruaran]

@1pinkpoo

Criticism of John Calvin is one thing. A complete distortion of history is another. And your egregious revisionism and distortion of the facts is absolutely disgraceful.

[tgillspy2]

Calvinism is not the true gospel....

[stauvin]

This makes me proud to attend Calvin College.

[Natester27]

For all those who reject calvinism are fools, you need to read for yourselves, T.U.L.I.P of Calvinism, this is the truth. Nothing in the scriptures can refute calvinism.

T- Jos 24:22, Romans 1:19-20

U- 2, Sam 15:23, 35, Romans 10;1-4

L- Romans 5:18, Hebrews 2:9

I- Romans 11:7-11, John 5:40

P- Hebrews 6:4-6, 10:26-29,39

[ElasticGiraffe]

@Natester27 Romans 5 proves UN-limited atonement, and Hebrews 6 proves that Christians CAN lose their salvation -- the precise opposite of what you are asserting. Keep drinking that Reformed Kool-Aid, brother.

Fools, indeed.

[Natester27]

@ElasticGiraffe Well, I will admit that was a bit of a trojan horse, in fact a little sarcastic in a way. My intention was to open the eyes of calvinists but that doesnt seem possible at times. I try so hard to show them that calvins "theory" was false, so I thought I would try to seem as though I was supporting the heresy while showing them those scriptures. False teachers secretly creep in and distort the real truth, So I thought I would play their own game =D

[ElasticGiraffe]

@Natester27 I attend a conservative Presbyterian college where I hear things like "You may be saved, but just barely," "Calvinism is Christianity," "America needs to reconnect with its Puritan heritage," and "Arminianism is humanistic Papist heresy" on a regular basis, so I didn't catch it. Pretty sad when the satire is so difficult to distinguish from the real thing. :P

[ChristianReformed]

@Natester27 Yes I agree with those Scriptures. What's your point? :)

[LadyMystery1234]

Where can I read Calvin's sermons?

[frmdeath2life]

@tgillspy1 Did you not know that the wages of sin is death and that we are all sinners? Those who are hell-bound are receiving justice. Those who are saved have been shown mercy. If you can read Romans 9, if you can deny that God chose Israel, if you can do a search on these words in the Bible (chosen, called, chose, elect, predestined) and STILL deny it's truth then it is you, sir, that is blind. You don't see because you refuse to see the God of his Word. Worship God in spirit and TRUTH!

[frmdeath2life]

@tgillspy1 So, the way YOU interpret 2 Peter 3:9 is that EVERYONE WILL come to repentance? Obviously that's not right because all don't... do they? Who is the 'everyone'? U fail to understand Acts 13:48 and all the other Scriptures that speak of the chosen, the called, the elect, the predestined..what do U do with those? Ignore them? I hate to tell U this but God is fair and just to do as he pleases without MAN'S permission or fallen idea of what "fair and just" is.

[frmdeath2life]

@tgillspy1 I'd love to know where you get your information. Calvin wasn't perfect but you are wrong on all counts. Tell me what heresy Calvin taught. Again I ask you: Which one of these "Reformed truths" is heresy in your mind ? Authority by Scripture ALONE; Justification by Faith ALONE; Salvation by Grace ALONE; in the Finished work of Christ ALONE ; To the glory of God, ALONE.

[TheFootballguy1010]

I will never be a Calvinist. After I read that he had Michael Cervatus burned at the stake for a disagreement over the trinity, that crossed the line with me. How is that Christlike? ITS NOT!!! That reminds me of when the Pharisees wanted to stone the woman for committing adultery. Jesus said "he without sin cast the first stone" and the Pharisees walked away in conviction. Jesus FORGAVE, John Calvin had people murdered !

[frmdeath2life]

@tgillspy1 I follow Christ not any man. I study the Word so I am able to discern what is true and what is not. I don't make judgments or come to any conclusions without researching both sides of an issue AND I am also willing to be wrong for the sake of the truth. Did you know that Jesus said you are to love your enemies? Forgive me for saying so but you do sound a bit like that Calvin guy who hated heresy ! You know, the one you say is BURNING in hell?

[frmdeath2life]

@tgillspy1 Whatever is written in the Scriptures is MY truth. You spew hate towards this man and you don't know the historical facts. Heresy was considered a crime BY THE STATE and punishable by death in the 1500's. Calvin didn't burn anyone! Which one of these "Reformed truths" is heresy in your mind ? Authority by Scripture ALONE Justification by Faith ALONE, Salvation by Grace ALONE, in the Finished work of Christ ALONE, to the glory of God, ALONE.

[frmdeath2life]

@tgillspy1 - The HOLY Spirit leads people into ALL truth. You know 1 thing about this man, none of the circumstances surrounding something that happened back in the 1500's and YOU stand in judgment of him? Careful with that ..how you judge you also will be judged. 1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. kjv

[frmdeath2life]

@tgillspy1 Even more chilling is that God's truth is condemned and called "Calvinism" because people love to hate Calvin. "Any effort to paint John Calvin as a power mad authoritarian who ruled the church and the city with an iron fist and the threat of death simply belies the ignorance and lack of historical research on the part of the man who makes such a biased claim." 1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. kjv

[OneFaithMinistries]

While I do not agree with everything taught by Calvin I will support him and defend him. Lawson said it right when he said that John Calvin was shy and humble. Many theologians that claim to teach Calvinism today (James White is one example) are so dogmatic about Election and Predestination while Calvin was not. Calvin preached that we should not be proud and should desire that ALL people come to know Jesus. Calvin was one of the best preachers of all time. You can tell that God used Calvin

[frmdeath2life]

Calvin simply has included ALL the Scriptures in "his" theology. It is Biblical and GOD centered. Man hates Calvin's defense of the Biblical gospel because he loves himself more than God. "How DARE God choose some and not others". To which the Scriptures CLEARLY reply: "Who are YOU oh man, to question God? Shall the object say to the Potter, "Why have you made me like this? Does not the Potter have the RIGHT to do what He wishes? The man without the spirit cannot understand these things.

[dude853]

Even some of the first people wth calvinist ideas of being the sole and only elect of God for salvation told people to do good works in order to "improve their chances of election". Any ideas??

Not sure im 100% by Calvinism

[pfowler20]

john Calvin, Tulip

1. total depravity

2. unconditional election.

3. limited atonement

4. irresistible grace

5. Perseverance of the saints

I believe these things, thank God for great preachers like Calvin and Luther.

[PreachingJesusToAll]

Calvin is Good, but Luther was a HERETIC bound for Hell!

[ArmorOfGodMinistries]

@pfowler20 Calvin and Luther were NOTHING alike. I once thought so, but Luther was nothing more than a "Diet Catholic" HERETIC!! He taught some pretty wicked things, and he also killed MANY peasants.

[tgillspy]

the gospel is not calvinism.......

[ArmorOfGodMinistries]

How so? It teaches that man cannot save himself. Biblical. It teaches that God loves us and draws humanity unconditionally. Biblical. I teaches that atonement (remission of sins) is provided for all who believe. It teaches that a special grace is given to believers. Biblical. It also teaches that if we keep up your faith in Christ and keep trusting in him we are eternally secure. Biblical. So yes it is Biblical teaching. Now I dont exclude Arminianism because I think its similar 2 Calvinism

[RPenta]

@ArmorOfGodMinistries

Calvinism is the most "Deformed" theology that there is among the Christian denominations.

[frmdeath2life]

@tgillspy You are correct. Calvin defended the gospel and fought hard for it. This battle for The Truth is a war we will be engaged in until that day.

[ElasticGiraffe]

@pfowler20 Luther would have considered Calvin a damnable heretic.

[jmagdell]

Happy 500th brithday Calvin!

[jmagdell]

I just order this book and can't wait to read it. I love everything about John Calvin's preaching and teaching. Should be a great read. Steve Lawson not so bad either.

[mardochee2008]

however jean cauvin himself and his brothers in faith has been hardly persecuted...Jean Cauvin was in geneva, which was contrary to the cliches a city of cupid merchants who hated this "gaulishman" (a pejorative way to design the french Jean cauvin) and the french immigrants, the pure doctrine and they hadn't care about them. Cauvin had choice: Be strong or perish...I think it's very demagogic to interprate the history with our modern point of view. Cauvin was a great theologian. That's all.

[777denny]

Well said.

777denny

[777denny]

It doesn't matter a bit what time period sin happens in, as far as I can tell. The Word of God endures forever. It cannot be bought, it cannot be sold, it cannot be bribed, it cannot be reasoned with, it cannot change, it cannot die, it doesn't bend to popular opinion, it cannot be swayed by opinion polls, it doesn't lie, it bears no false witness, and it is firm and immovable. Any argument that exuses murder will not ever win against what the Word of God says about those who commit such acts.

[777denny]

At least 38 people were executed during Calvin's time in Geneva, some being burned alive, while others were decapitated and quartered afterward. Most were tortured first, and many more were imprisoned and tortured, the great majority of which were people accused of sorcery for spreading the Plague.

...but inwardly they are ravening wolves...A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit...Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

[mardochee2008]

there is a french motto (john calvin was french): "on ne fait pas d'omelette sans casser des oeufs"

"Jean Cauvin" ( it was his real name) must have used executions to protect Truth against catholics, against people of Geneva who hated (hates...) french people. He had no choice.

He wasn't more bloody that most of people in these times.

Soli Deo Gloria.

[777denny]

Everone has a choice. Of course, this is in direct opposition to the Calvinism being taught today.

[777denny]

Honor, glory, and riches shall be the reward of your pains; but above all, do not fail to rid the country of those scoundrels, who stir up the people to revolt against us. Such monsters should be exterminated, as I (John Calvin) have exterminated Michael Servetus the Spaniard.Whoever shall now contend that it is unjust to put heretics and blasphemers to death will knowingly and willingly incur their very guilt. Beware of false prophets..in sheeps clothing..ye their fruits ye shall know them.

[777denny]

That is the Taliban argument. Kill them for they are heretics. Calvin=murderer.

In the book Calvin called Servetus: detestable infidel, rabid magician, great pest, vomit, obscene dog, stupid, and ferocious beast.

Honor, glory, and riches shall be the reward of your pains; but above all, do not fail to rid the country of those scoundrels, who stir up the people to revolt against us. Such monsters should be exterminated, as I have exterminated Michael Servetus the Spaniard.

[777denny]

{John Calvin said the same thing of Michael Servetus, a man that dared to disagree with his cherished doctrinal formulations. Seven years before Calvin actually saw to it that Servetus was put to death, he said: If he [Servetus] comes [to Geneva], I shall never let him go out alive if my authority has weight.}

No matter how one tries to slice it, this man was a MURDERER not only in his heart, but was an accomplice in the murder of at least two people, as far as I have read. Bad fruit!

[777denny]

John Calvin was a murderer. Seven years before Calvin actually saw to it that Servetus was put to death, he said: If he [Servetus] comes [to Geneva], I shall never let him go out alive if my authority has weight.

My experience with Calvanists and anti-Calvanists seems to be that the anti-Calvanists are willing to die for their beliefs, while the Calvanists are willing to kill for theirs. You will know then by their fruit. Calvin's false Gospel and false Christ will lead many to the fire.

[graypj]

Servetus was not only anti-Calvinist but anti-Christian. He was an obstinate blasphemer and antagonizer who wandered Christendom promoting himself and stirring trouble. He was under death sentence by Roman Catholic authorities as well.

[graypj]

The list of Reformed martyrs (Reformed is preferable) is very long indeed. In France the Huguenots were persecuted. Thousands were killed in the Bartholomew's Day massacre. In Scotland the Killing Times of the Covenanters claimed more thousands. Throughout the Reformations in England, Scotland, Switzerland, Hungry and else where numerous leading Reformers and other individuals laid their lives on the alter for the Evangel and the Crown Rights of Jesus, for espousing the Reformed Faith.

[graypj]

Further, Calvin was no murderer. The decision to execute Servetus was not his but the council of Geneva. Though he concurred with the trial and guilty sentence Calvin request clemency for him by making his death sentence beheading rather than burning. Servetus was also given the option of being tried in Vienne where he was want but, tellingly, prefered Geneva.

[wedge2006]

Awesome video. Can't wait to see Lawson speak at Ligonier's National conference next month.

Verse by verse study of scripture..what a radical thought these days.

[rpavich]

I've read this book a few times and it's highly recommended.

It's too bad that the comments section of this video is glutted with ill-informed comments that have nothing to do with the video.

[calvinismisacult]

Calvinism is a cult

[got2liv4him]

Calvinism is the gospel...

[hole13]

I believe moderate Calvinism is the in line with the gospel, but it is not in and of itself the gospel, Jesus Christ"ism" is the only true gospel. And I must say that Calvinism is not a cult by any means, though there are wackjob hyper-Calvinists who sound cultish, or at least extremely fatalistic, but you cant take a selected few as the representatives of the position itself.

[hole13]

We worship you John Calvin

[got2liv4him]

ever heard of a biography? if you write/read a book about Billy Graham are you worshipping him?

[hole13]

this isn't about that, I am very great full for the endless amount of rich theology he has given the modern day church, I am just saying these "fundamentalists" paint John Calvin's methodology as the way God wants everyone to carry out their practice of preaching, and as if he himself was infallible, like the Bible, if you really studied him, you would find the contrary.

[got2liv4him]

I agree... did you know that Lawson is a Baptist? this separates him miles from Calvin's practice. in fact, their methodology is extremely different...

[Castleman711]

He dedicated this to John MacArthur? Wow, how foolish. John Calvin would have flipped out about that. I am not stating my views on that position, but John MacArthur holds to many things that John Calvin preached and spoke out against. R.C Sproul is wrong by sitting in the presence of John MacArthur while teaching at his conferences. R.C Sproul is obligated by the confessions and above all by God, to rid the Church of bad theology that men like MacArthur hold to.

[dadatwork777]

Is this about dispensational eschatology? I can think of no other real biblical disagreements between Sproul and MacArthur than covenantal vs. dispensational perspectives. MacArthur is a strong calvinst as it pertains to soteriology, and baptistic in practice.

[Castleman711]

allot of the reformers would have and did put to death a person for teaching, or getting baptized twice. I am not saying I agree with that, but I am saying that Calvin held to that strong of a view.....so out of respect for Calvin, why would someone dedicate a book to someone he disagreed with. Also, Sproul's confessions are strict about defining MacArthur as a heritic, and I do agree with that....Calvinism is not the full reformed story.

[brettmaragni]

I think Calvin has changed his mind by this point and would have no real problem with MacArthur.

[jgrig2]

This book is delightful and very encouraging for all those who seek to be faithful in the ministry of God's word.

[Rivkah21]

He dedicated it to John MacArthur, the current prime expositor of today.

[castlemaninc]

I am going to read this now.

[blindswordsman21]

this is great amen!!

read this book people,its great!!