Embracing Grace: The True Call to Evangelism

 

Summary

In our exploration of Calvinism and its potential pitfalls, we delved into the dangers of hyper-Calvinism, a distortion that can arise when logic is pressed too far, leading to a reluctance to offer salvation freely. This mindset, which has plagued the church at various times, is rooted in a fear of contradicting one's theological system. However, the scriptures clearly instruct us to offer salvation to all, as exemplified by the Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost and the Apostle Paul in Athens. Both apostles, despite their Calvinistic beliefs, called people to repentance, demonstrating that human responsibility and divine election coexist in scripture.

The challenge for many new converts to Calvinism is reconciling these seemingly contradictory doctrines. The danger lies in becoming paralyzed by logic, leading to a departure from scriptural teachings. The scriptures present an antinomy between divine election and human responsibility, which cannot be reconciled logically but must be accepted as a mystery of faith.

Evangelism, for the Calvinist, should not be a mere duty but an inevitable outflow of a deep, internal urge. It is not about external compulsion but a natural result of the life of grace within. This is akin to the difference between a Christmas tree, with its artificial decorations, and a real tree that bears fruit naturally. The true Calvinist, like the apostles and reformers, is driven by an inner compulsion to share the gospel, not by a sense of obligation.

Historically, Calvinists have been at the forefront of evangelistic and missionary endeavors, driven by a zeal that arises from their understanding of grace. This is evident in the lives of figures like George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, and Charles Spurgeon, who were tireless in their efforts to spread the gospel. The Calvinist's belief in the sovereignty of God and the work of the Holy Spirit fuels this zeal, as they look for the Spirit's movement and expect revivals, rather than relying solely on human efforts.

Key Takeaways:

- Hyper-Calvinism arises when logic is prioritized over scripture, leading to a reluctance to offer salvation freely. The scriptures, however, command us to preach repentance and offer salvation to all, as demonstrated by the apostles. [23:33]

- The antinomy between divine election and human responsibility is a mystery that cannot be reconciled logically. Accepting this tension is crucial for a balanced theological perspective. [28:15]

- Evangelism should be a natural outflow of the life of grace within, not a mere duty. This internal compulsion is akin to a real tree bearing fruit, as opposed to the artificial decorations of a Christmas tree. [34:02]

- Historically, Calvinists have been zealous evangelists and missionaries, driven by their understanding of grace and the sovereignty of God. This zeal is evident in the lives of figures like George Whitefield and Charles Spurgeon. [42:03]

- The Calvinist's expectation of the Holy Spirit's movement and revivals contrasts with the Arminian focus on human-driven evangelistic campaigns. This reliance on the Spirit is crucial for true spiritual vitality. [47:58]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [21:25] - The Danger of Hyper-Calvinism
- [22:29] - Misunderstanding Calvinism
- [23:33] - Scriptural Mandate for Evangelism
- [24:48] - Peter and Paul's Example
- [27:31] - Logic vs. Scripture
- [28:15] - The Antinomy of Faith
- [29:43] - The Free Offer of Salvation
- [31:38] - The Trap of Logical Systems
- [33:26] - Evangelism as an Inevitable Urge
- [34:02] - Real vs. Artificial Faith
- [36:38] - Historical Zeal of Calvinists
- [42:03] - Evangelistic Zeal of Whitefield
- [46:34] - The Commandment to Preach
- [47:58] - Expectation of the Spirit's Movement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:37-38
2. Acts 17:30
3. Romans 9:19-21

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the response of the people when Peter preached on the day of Pentecost, and how did Peter instruct them to respond? ([24:17])

2. How does the sermon describe the difference between a hyper-Calvinist and a true Calvinist in terms of offering salvation? ([22:29])

3. What example does the sermon give of the Apostle Paul’s approach to preaching in Athens? ([26:10])

4. According to the sermon, what historical figures exemplify the zeal of Calvinist evangelism? ([42:03])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest that the antinomy between divine election and human responsibility should be approached by believers? ([28:15])

2. In what ways does the sermon argue that evangelism should be a natural outflow of grace rather than a duty? ([34:02])

3. How does the sermon contrast the Calvinist expectation of the Holy Spirit's movement with the Arminian focus on human-driven efforts? ([47:58])

4. What does the sermon imply about the role of fear in hyper-Calvinism, and how does it affect evangelistic efforts? ([30:50])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt paralyzed by logic in your faith journey. How can you embrace the mystery of faith without needing to reconcile every theological tension? ([28:15])

2. Consider your current approach to evangelism. Is it driven by a sense of duty or a natural outflow of grace? How can you cultivate a more organic approach to sharing your faith? ([34:02])

3. How can you ensure that your theological beliefs do not hinder your willingness to offer salvation freely to others? ([22:29])

4. Identify a person or group in your life to whom you can offer the message of salvation. What steps can you take this week to share the gospel with them? ([23:33])

5. Reflect on the historical examples of Calvinist evangelists mentioned in the sermon. How can their zeal inspire your own efforts in spreading the gospel? ([42:03])

6. How can you remain open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in your life and ministry, rather than relying solely on your own efforts? ([47:58])

7. What practical steps can you take to avoid becoming a "slave" to your own logical system, as warned in the sermon? ([31:38])

Devotional

Day 1: The Peril of Prioritizing Logic Over Scripture
When logic is elevated above scripture, it can lead to a reluctance to offer salvation freely, a pitfall known as hyper-Calvinism. This mindset arises from a fear of contradicting one's theological system, but scripture clearly instructs believers to offer salvation to all. The Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost and the Apostle Paul in Athens both exemplified this by calling people to repentance, demonstrating that human responsibility and divine election coexist in scripture. The danger lies in becoming paralyzed by logic, leading to a departure from scriptural teachings. [23:33]

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a person or group you hesitate to share the gospel with because of preconceived notions? How can you challenge yourself to offer salvation freely to them today?


Day 2: Embracing the Mystery of Faith
The antinomy between divine election and human responsibility is a mystery that cannot be reconciled logically. Accepting this tension is crucial for a balanced theological perspective. Many new converts to Calvinism struggle with reconciling these seemingly contradictory doctrines, but the scriptures present them as a mystery of faith. This acceptance allows believers to live in the tension without being paralyzed by the need for logical reconciliation. [28:15]

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your faith where you struggle with mystery? How can you practice trusting God in that area today, even without full understanding?


Day 3: Evangelism as a Natural Overflow
Evangelism should be a natural outflow of the life of grace within, not a mere duty. This internal compulsion is akin to a real tree bearing fruit, as opposed to the artificial decorations of a Christmas tree. True Calvinists, like the apostles and reformers, are driven by an inner compulsion to share the gospel, not by a sense of obligation. This genuine zeal for evangelism arises from a deep, internal urge rather than external compulsion. [34:02]

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." (John 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your motivations for sharing the gospel. Is it out of obligation or a genuine overflow of grace? How can you cultivate a deeper connection with Christ to naturally bear fruit?


Day 4: The Historical Zeal of Calvinists
Historically, Calvinists have been zealous evangelists and missionaries, driven by their understanding of grace and the sovereignty of God. This zeal is evident in the lives of figures like George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, and Charles Spurgeon, who were tireless in their efforts to spread the gospel. The Calvinist's belief in the sovereignty of God and the work of the Holy Spirit fuels this zeal, as they look for the Spirit's movement and expect revivals, rather than relying solely on human efforts. [42:03]

"And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'" (Romans 10:15, ESV)

Reflection: Consider the legacy of evangelism in your own life. How can you be inspired by historical figures to pursue evangelism with renewed zeal today?


Day 5: Relying on the Spirit for True Vitality
The Calvinist's expectation of the Holy Spirit's movement and revivals contrasts with the Arminian focus on human-driven evangelistic campaigns. This reliance on the Spirit is crucial for true spiritual vitality. Calvinists believe that the sovereignty of God and the work of the Holy Spirit are central to evangelism, and they look for the Spirit's movement and expect revivals. This perspective emphasizes the importance of divine intervention over human efforts in spiritual endeavors. [47:58]

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways are you relying on your own strength rather than the Holy Spirit in your spiritual life? How can you invite the Spirit to lead and empower you today?

Quotes


Hyper Calvinism is an Abomination it's plagued the church at many times and many people become hyper Calvinists without knowing that they've become hyper Calvinists the ignorant arminians think that every calvinist is a hyper calvinist they don't know the difference between the two but there there is this difference isn't there the hyper calvinist is a man who has pressed his logic so far that he doesn't offer salvation he doesn't give the free offer he thinks this is denying his Calvinism. [00:22:05]

Peter having revealed his Calvinism in the verse that I quoted last night in which he explains the death of our Lord he goes on preaching and then suddenly they when they heard this they were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles men and Brethren what shall we do what's Peter's reply to them did he said to them you can do nothing you're helpless you're dead in trespass and sins and a dead man can't do anything there it is I'm just here to tell you that you can do nothing at all of course it wasn't Peter said repent he calls upon them to do something repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost. [00:23:59]

The danger to the new convert of Calvinism is that he tries to reconcile he's not content with Loose Ends he thinks things must all fit in logically step by step it cannot be done here is the greatest antinomy of all predestination and election total inability on the part of men and yet equally clearly human responsibility now I'm not going to take your time in quoting the text to prove the human responsibility you you surely must know them and they're there perfectly plainly and clearly. [00:28:19]

Human responsibility is to be asserted quite as much as Divine and eternal election so if we find ourselves tied up and feel that we can't command all men everywhere to repent if we can't make this offer this free offer of Salvation to all we've become tied up with our own logic and we have departed from the scripture the scripture says whosoever it's an it's an offer to whosoever believeth and it is not your business and mine to determine who this whosoever is. [00:29:49]

I say I don't like this why don't I like it because to me evangelism is not a matter of Duty to the calvinist and never should be it should be something inevitable it should be the result of a great urge that is within it this is how I've always thought of the difference between the uh Armenian and the calvinist it is the difference between a Christmas tree and a real tree you have Christmas trees I take it in this country do you well all right well they have terate in Great Britain they have trees and then they hang fruit onto the trees artificial fruit quite often and they look nice and beautiful and you have them illuminated but it's all artificial at first glance you'd think that it's a real tree these people these manufactured are so expert and you think you're looking at a real tree and you're on the verge of pulling one off to eat an apple but it's artificial it looks like it what's happened well you're putting things on from the outside that's arminianism what's what's Calvinism it's the opposite it's like a real tree growing in an orchard where does the fruit come well you don't stick it on it comes up out of it's fruit it's inevitable the sap Rises and the interaction with the air it's a vital process it it isn't something that you put on it comes out of you. [00:33:28]

The apostles clearly these men held these doctrines of Grace and gave evidence of it but you see this is what we find when we look at them they were very active men and they were preaching day and night and were indefatigable go and ask them why they did it they were asked why they did it and the authorities tried to stop from doing it the reply they gave was this we cannot but speak they hadn't decided in a committee that they were going to we cannot but speak you can't stop us we are bound to speak but as Peter puts it in that striking uh words do you remember when when he and all the other apostles were before the Sanhedrin again it's in chapter five this is the way in which he puts it when they're asked why they keep on doing this sort of thing he said we ought to obey God rather than men see it they said it's it's not for us you judge yourselves in this matter but as for us we cannot help this we are bound to we're bound to obey God rather than men. [00:36:45]

Was there ever such an active man was there ever such a traveler was there ever a men with such Zeal and enthusiasm this is Calvinism here's the origin of it all but look at the activity of this men traveling as he says over continents and overseas day and night is always at it never was there a more active men see we tend to think don't we of the kinist as great student great scholar sitting in his study great reader this he's a man who doesn't just speak he can always give you quotations and the greater number of the quotations of course the greater the brain and the greater The Thinker it's the exact opposite actually most men you know use quotations because they can't think beware of getting into a kind of Puritan reform scholasticism my friends and vying with one another in the number of Cs that you produce it's the peculiar snare of the calvinist be careful about that no the apostle was a very active men and again he was moved by the same thing indeed you find that the Common People the ordinary Christians in the early church they did this when they were persecuted and scattered all of them from Jerusalem you read the account of it in Acts 8 this is what we're told in verse four therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word gossiping it somebody translates this. [00:38:00]

We tend to get a very wrong view of John Calvin we think of this man as a man spending all his time in a study you know John Calvin preached every day of the week and twice on Sunday and most of these works of his which we have our sermons he was a preacher preached every day of the week and the same thing was true of all the others so this notion you see that the calvinist is such a great intellect that he does nothing but think it's a contradiction and the same applies to the Puritans these again were great preachers most of these men preached every day in the same way you get the same thing in the great Covenant as in Scotland and then when you come to the 18th century was there ever a more active man in this world than George Whitfield but a great calvinist but look look at his Evangelistic Zeal look at his activity he leaves them all standing even the Armenian weslers they nowhere near him he's a way ahead of them in his Zeal and enthusiasm and activity see these are the facts that bely our little logic and our rigid little systems the same thing is true of Edwards Jonathan Edwards particularly true of the men to whom I referred just now Howell Harris in tra the man half killed himself he preached and traveled so much and had got so tired that he became permanently Husky and had spoke with great difficulty and with much pain very often but this man was indefatigable great calvinist Daniel Roland all the rest of them the same. [00:41:11]

Did you know that all the founders of the early missionary Societies in the 1790s were Calvinists to a man I I discovered this in a most interesting manner it must be about 35 years ago I was preaching for an old Minister and I well remember on the Sunday afternoon after after we've had our lunch he said to me well now he said uh when you've had a bit of a sleep he said read this and he handed me a sermon a printed sermon and it was a sermon by Dr RW Dale of Birmingham you may have read his book on uh the atonement as far as it goes it's quite a good book Dale was a great preacher and he was a great Theologian also but Dale was a great arm minion however because he was such an outstanding man when they came to celebrate the centinary of the founding of foreign Mission work in England Dale was the man was asked to preach the commemoration sermon and he was honest enough to say in that sermon I read it with my own eyes this isn't gossip that I'm repeating I read it myself Dale granted that though he could not understand it he had in honesty to say and to admit that the founders of the missionary work were two a men Calvinists you know people like K and Men of their type but all of them Thomas Charles the man was at the foundation of the British and foreign Bible Society all these men were Calvinists now these are facts you see which are arminan friends know nothing about and which we sometimes tend to forget in our rigidity these were the men who felt this Zeal. [00:43:01]

The calvinist knows that this is a commandment go therefore and preach the gospel and he's a scriptural man he doesn't get his ideas from philosophy he doesn't think things out for himself it's a command we are to go and preach the gospel we are called to be Witnesses the first apostles were sent out as Witnesses and we in a in in secondary sense of witnesses and the Holy Spirit always urges one to do this whenever a man gets filled with the spirit he always becomes an evangelist it is an invariable Rule and here you see our whole doctrine of the Holy Spirit and his work is of importance the typical Armenian doctrine of the holy spirit is that you receive all the spirit you're ever going to receive at your regeneration and from there on all you do is to go on yielding as much as you can to the spirit that you have received that's the Armenian Doctrine but to my astonishment I find that this is being accepted by large numbers of Calvinists so I'm not surprised that they're paralyzed the calvinistic doctrine at this point is this the calvinist is a man who looks for for the given he's the man who expects the spirit to descend upon it he's the man who believes in revivals the Aran doesn't believe in revivals he believes in Evangelistic campaigns have you noticed this this is the great change that took place in the last century and to me it's the most crucial issue facing us today. [00:46:31]

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Transcript
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