What is hyper-Calvinism, and how does it relate to Reformed theology?

What is hyper-Calvinism? From one of our live Ask Ligonier events, Stephen Nichols assesses whether this understanding of God’s decree aligns with Scripture and Reformed theology.

[weewee]

Always look forward to Dr Nichols' teaching. Firm and serious. In such an age we need trusted voice. Truly appreciate Dr Nichols' works. Reminds me of the Late Dr Sproul.
From Singapore.

[laurarivera]

I thank Jesus for the wonderful blessing of Ligonier Ministries in my life! Thank you Dr Nichols Dr Parsons and all the dedicated teachers who.have been such a gift in my life and the lives of so many others!!!

[miriamwood]

I appreciate that explanation especially as it relates to telling others about the Lord Jesus Christ. Who would not share such great salvation? Thank you!

[PastorPaulFlynn]

Hyper-Calvinism denies the free offer of the gospel.

[janekrut]

Thanks so much for the clarification - I have tried looking up hyper-Calvinism for a definition, but I couldn't understand their definitions, a lot of explanations/definitions have more terms that I don't understand in them!

[corsair]

Calvinism does nothing for men, only the Gospel of Jesus Christ save,

[Rbl]

Well Romans 9 looks a lot like positive positive! Because the Potter is making the dishonorable vessels specifically for that dishonorable purpose! And look at the description of pharaoh! It looks positive to positive to me!!! " the Lord has made all things for himself; yes, even the wicked for the day of evil." I appreciate some comments.

[IdolKiller]

Are the speakers here affirming Infralapsarianism? A Supralapsarian view inescapably entails double pre-destination, so it seems they reject this view. But if they reject Supralapsarianism, then they're affirming a form of Open Theism. So are these men Open Theists?

[workinprogress]

He never explained what hyper-Cavlinsim is. He only says that it's positive positive, and never explains what he means by that.

[grahamneville]

We do not deny evangelism, we just deny the type of evangelism perpetrated today i.e. duty faith, the free offer, God loves everybody, etc, etc. The Gospel is a declaration of the finished work of Jesus Christ for all those given to Him by the Father, who are or will be quickened by the Spirit. It certainly is not an offer to dead in sin, unregenerate sinners, but a heralding of good news to all who feel their need of a precious Saviour.

The problem with most 'Reformed' is their fence-sitting on the damnable heresy of Satan's gospel - Arminianism and it's adherents.

[Chong]

Yes. Well said. It’s not called being a “Calvinist” per se, it’s called perfect theology👌🏼

[Savedbygrace]

Well said, positive negative not positive positive. Romans 3:23-24.

[rolfstorz]

Makes me wonder how the Calvinists and Armenians have learned the complete truth when we all shall know as we are known😊

[TheRomansGuy]

Sproul was a master of only being able to keep one idea in mind at a time, which can lead to some pretty dumb conclusions. Saying Calvinism is positive-negative is cute, would fit on a t-shirt, and I’m sure mollifies the masses who don’t think for themselves. But anyone who takes even 60 seconds to think this through realizes it’s grave logical error. In Calvinism, God creates all things. Man does not create himself.

The “positive” in the definition here means things God actively does, the “negative” means something God allows to happen, or passively does. “Negative” can exist in a universe where God creates beings who have the ability to make their own choices, but in a universe where God does not make such beings, “negative” can not occur. And that is the ridiculousness of this video.

Sproul and many others (like Calvin or the Westminster Confession) have addressed this fact and have admitted their belief is outside of reason, often citing “mystery.” But as it stands, the positive-negative analogy presented in this video should universally be seen as illogical.

[SantaFe]

Westboro Baptist is rooted in Hyper-Calvinism.

[sbag]

Does God create both those he saves and those he doesn't?

[stuartjohnson]

R. C. Sproul said a hyper Calvinists was a orthodox Calvinists as described by an Arminian. You people need to stop contradicting your founder.

[angloaust]

Just a doctrinal term doesn't
Mean anything important
God's sovereignity and human
Responsibility balance!
They preached that people
Should repent!

[joeywampler]

Hyper-Calvinism may not be Calvinism, but it is consistent Calvinism. If the destination of all humans was predetermined before the world began, then evangelism is a mere formality with no real accomplishment. The hyper-calvinist recognizes that reality and practices it. The regular calvinist who sees the negative of that, though they believe it to be so, chooses to evangelize. Essentially, the hyper-calvinist practices their theology of election, and the regular calvinist chooses to obey the evangelistic passages of scripture in spite of their theology of election.

[rolandgarces]

Jesus said preach the gospel to the whole world. Where is election here?