Friday Night Apologetics - Calvinism Series Part 6

The Doctrine of Irresistible Grace - Is it Biblical?

Welcome to part 6 of our examining Calvinism series in which we have been doing live studies online in Paltalk.  In this study we had very good discussions on the microphone and in text chat.  Is Irresistible Grace Biblical?  Can we resist the Holy Spirit?  Are we robots?  What does the Bible teach and can we understand these things better?  Below are some notes and references that were discussed in this study.  If you have any comments or questions you are welcome to contact us. 

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Important Correction!

In this live study discussion I quoted something concerning John Calvin that I believe is not accurate within the context of what was being discussed.  The quote that I quoted as a reference from the site reference (below in green) seemed to be stating that God would regenerate someone (older than infants/adults) without having any preaching of the gospel whatsoever, however when examining this quote more closely it seems to be addressing infants that have died, and I want all those who have listened to know this.  Below is the reference and where I got it from. (in green)  Unfortunately I cannot contact that site since they do not have email available and the person who put this information at their site is also unavailable to contact. 

The reference is accurate and can be found Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 4, Chap. 16,  #19

However, the context as stated before is in reference to babies, infants that have died, and what happens to them when they die.  I would agree with John Calvin that babies, infants, when they die will go to the presence of the Lord.  I would  not agree within reformed theology on them being directly the elect of God and that this was predetermined to happen this way. 

--->>>"But they do not consider, that when the apostle makes hearing the source of faith, he only describes the ordinary economy and dispensation of the Lord, which he generally observes in the calling of his people; but does not prescribe a perpetual rule for him, precluding his employment of any other method; which he has certainly employed in the calling of many, to whom he has given the true knowledge of himself in an internal manner, by the illumination of his Spirit, without the intervention of any preaching." (Calvin's Institutes, the Westminster Press, Vol. II, page 622) http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Feenstra/C/A/1931/ch04.html

And this is that regeneration so highly extolled in Scripture, that renewal, new creation, resurrection from the dead, making alive, which God works in us without our aid. But this is in no wise effected merely by the external preaching of the gospel, by moral suasion, or such a mode of operation that, after God has performed His part, it still remains in the power of man to be regenerated or not, to be converted or to continue unconverted; but it is evidently a supernatural work, most powerful, and at the same time most delightful, astonishing, mysterious, and ineffable; not inferior in efficacy to creation or the resurrection from the dead, as the Scriptures inspired by the Author of this work declares; so that all in whose heart God works in this marvelous manner are certainly, infallibly, and effectually regenerated, and do actually believe. Whereupon the will thus renewed is not only actuated and influenced by God, but in consequence of this influence becomes itself active. Wherefore also man himself is rightly said to believe and repent by virtue of that grace received. (Canons of Dordt - Third and Fourth Heads of Doctrine, Article 12)

• Can you resist God?

http://www.dougledbetter.org/theology/irresistable_grace.html (this was someone using resources from RC Sproul, not Sproul directly.  This is from a guy named Doug Ledbetter)

Have you ever been called to dinner by your mom? Did you resist? Have you ever been called by God?

There are two types of "calls" from God. There's the outward call of God and the inward call of God.

The outward call of God comes from the preaching of His word. Many share the gospel with others, but not all who hear the message receive it. The outward call of God can be resisted. In fact, apart from God's working in us, we will resist this call (remember total depravity?).

The inward call of God is His secret work of regeneration (rebirth, a new beginning, spiritual resurrection) done in the souls of the elect by the work of the Holy Spirit. This work of the Holy Spirit changes us. God places within us a desire for Him. Before the inward call of God, no person is inclined to come to Him. After the inward call, we respond to God with the gift of faith. The inward call of God cannot be resisted.

[From our first study on Calvinism RC Sproul does teach that a person must be born again, regenerated first before they are able to follow or believe in Jesus.  Here is the link] http://www.ligonier.org/article.php?article_id=40

• Scriptures discussed concerning Irresistible Grace

1. Romans 10:19-17

2. John 20:30-31

3. Acts 7:51

4. Matthew 23:37

5. John 5:40

6. John 7:37-39

7. Ephesians 1:13-14