Observations on Ephesians

3 comments On Observations on Ephesians

• 
  henry baxter

  November 28, 2011 at 10:17 pm - Reply

  Dr Reluctant: In reading your teaching on Ephesians, Ch 1, 1-14, you indicate in footnote 5 that you are a moderate Calvinist. Did I misread it or are you a “moderate” Calvinist? What would define a “moderate” Calvinist? I was surprised to read that comment and so I reread the article and the footnote several times to determine that it was you and not H. Hoehner who made the comment. Being a DT myself, I was surprised to read the comment. Thanks for the response. (Note that we have a new email address.)

• 
  Paul Henebury

  November 29, 2011 at 7:29 pm - Reply

  Henry,

  All I mean there is that I adopt a viewpoint which is closer to Calvinism than Arminianism on the decision of God in election. I believe God elected individuals “before the foundation of the world,” and I struggle with a corporate election view of the Church (I see it for Israel).

  I was not being very precise there so I understand your question. I answer this way:

  A “moderate” Calvinist is an Amyraldian like Leon Morris or L. S. Chafer. I.e., a 4 pointer. I am not a 4 pointer. My series on “Dispensationalism and TULIP” begins to set out my reasons: http://drreluctant.wordpress.com/2011/08/05/dispensationalism-and-tulip-a-verdict/

  I do not think one has to be one or the other. I accept the sovereign decisions of God as always predating any decisions of men. I also accept that only the elect will be saved. But I do not like the strongly inferential character of Calvinist theology, even though I respect many who accept it.
  I reject all 5 points of Calvinism as formulated by most 5 AND 4 pointers. We are simply not given enough information in the Bible to expound a “mechanics of salvation” the way many try to.

  I apologize for you having to reread my article just to come away with the same questions 🙂

  God bless,

  Paul

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