Andy Woods - Why I am not a Calvinist: Part I

Dr. Andy Woods from Chafer Theological Seminary touches briefly upon the topic of Calvinism. They believe in a five point philosophical system that is forced upon scripture rather than flowing from the scripture itself. They practise eisegesis instead of exegesis. On the surface, their five points that go by the acronym of TULIP (a reference to the Dutch origins of the synod of Dordt), seem pretty okay except for Limited Grace (L). But when poking into the Calvinistic fire a little more, a very strange philosophical system surfaces that conveys what they actually believe by TULIP. Andy explains why he cannot believe in the five points the way _they_ explain it. In fact, he concludes this short video with the notion that he doesn't call himself a Calvinist, but rather a Biblicist.

This is not Andy Woods’ official channel. Andy Woods' videos are used with the permission of Andy Woods Ministries.

[kevinsparkman]

Calvinism wrecked my world, I am not the same person I was, I don't witness and have the love for the lost like I use to, I constantly agonize over if I am of the elect, I can't pray because I don't know if I am one God loves and I can't read the bible without anxiety, fear and condemnation. I am so glad I heard your testimony and your exhortation to get back to the word and let the Holy Spirit teach me.

[freegraceprotestant]

This video changed everything. If you are still chained to Calvinism and its false doctrines, Dr. Woods does an amazing job here explaining the philosophical system of Calvinism and how it has affected the gospel, doctrine and believers.

[susand.m]

I'm glad I am a born again Christian ! I did nothing but just believe what the Lord Jesus Christ did for me .. He bore my sins on the Cross and gave me His righteousness . You don't work for a gift, a gift is a gift . We did nothing to receive this gift which is for all who would believe and heed the Precious Word of God .

[craigoverall]

Dave Hunt wrote "What Love Is This" Great book with quotes and footnotes for any one to check for themselves. Acts 17 v11

[michaelking]

DEFORMED THEOLOGY:
It is frustrating for me because when I meet someone that is a believer lately they are going to a Calvinist church. They usually don't know that. I'm in Alabama. So then they also don't study bible prophecy nor do they discern the times. And Calvinism is so popular here in non denominational and baptist churches. They call that reformed.

[debraharper]

Excellent!! Thank You for all your work!! You have Blessed So many!!! Thank You Jesus for this ministry and for such an excellent Pastor/Teacher!!!

[glennmariacher]

I'd love to give this five million likes!! Thanks again for your straight forward insights.

[JohnJakeWilliam]

Hi, hope you and your family are doing well.

I grew up in NW Iowa (big time Dutch Reformed area). But I didn't have a conversion experience until after I got out of the Navy. All I wanted to do was tell people about Jesus after that. I learned that faith comes by listening to God's word, energized by God's love revealed at the cross of Christ (Romans 10:17; Galatians 5:6; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21).
I learned that Christ justified mankind's existence (Romans 5:18; Romans 3:22-24), if not then we'd all be dead because the wages of sin is death. In other words, all have been acquitted according to Romans 5:18. But just as Esau gave up his birthright to Jacob each individual can throw away what Christ has already accomplished for all.

This goes beyond Calvinism and Arminianism. God gave His Son, not offered. It's a GIFT given to the world (Romans 5:15-16).

The Bible is clear, Christ is the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14). Savior = one who delivers or rescues from peril. He's everyone's Savior whether one acknowledges the same or not. For He is the "Savior of all mankind" (1 Timothy 4:10). Christ died for US (the world), not just offered to. He actually shed His blood " once for all**" (Hebrews 9:12). Christ did redeem the world.

Question: Who is Christ condemning? The unbeliever? Jesus says, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:17).

The word of God teaches that "the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men" (Titus @). But sadly, the majority spurn the gift given and throw it away. Let's see a fuller reality of the love of God in Christ Jesus on the cross. This gives people a deeper space for repentance, a God of reconciliation.

There are those who worried that believing this better Good News would encourage people to go on sinning. But what many need to understand is that genuine faith "works through agape". One can't believe that on the cross Christ legally justified him/her by grace, without something happening in their heart. It constrains them to be obedient to all the commands of God, for "agape is the fulfillment of the law" (Romans 13:10). When we appreciate that "in Christ" God treats us as though we were just, then He can transform us and make you just "in Christ." It's called justification by FAITH.

[kevinmorris]

The way you describe it makes me think the apeal of Calvinism is that it is a works based system like all religions. Faith alone is a grace based relationship with God, where He gifts us something we cannot earn on our own. Enjoying the new series Andy is teaching on this.

[johncmccoyjr]

Being a Calvinist won't get you in Heaven . . . Being a BELIEVER in the finished work of Jesus on the cross MOST CERTAINLY WILL ! Become elect, Embrace Jesus !

[franklinbross]

Prase our God and the Lord Jesus Christ for young prachers who stand up for the TRUTH

[shakazulu]

Thanks Andy, this is fantastic teaching. God bless you brother.

[kthet]

I'm not a Calvinists I am a Christian

[georgeakoto]

They didn't call faith a gift but the bible. Faith is a gift from God.

[marcyoverby]

Sometimes I thnk this Stronghold on a lot of people..even in my own family..Never heard someone say they didn't even know if they were saved..Or one of the elcect..Really lost me..

[Over-for-now]

Thank God HE saved me in my total depravity. Even though l was only 3 or 4 GOD declared me a sinner and Jesus came for SINNERS!!!!

[larrybedouin]

the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to *all men*

*Teaching us* that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, *in this present world*

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of *the great God* and our Saviour *Jesus Christ*
{Titus 2:11-12}

[MeLancer]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Calvinism. I've never considered myself a Calvinist but also never realized how it seems to be so fraught in legalism.

[williemoe]

1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

[barryallen]

If God is the one who alone makes the general call irresistible and thus effectual, what is preventing him from granting everyone irresistible grace and thereby saving all? Since Calvinists hold to compatibilistic forms of human freedom, which claim that theological determinism and human freedom are compatible, God could causally determine everyone to freely believe and be saved.
This realization casts doubt upon the justice of God’s judgment: if the reprobate refused a call that they could not have accepted because God did not grant them the irresistible grace needed to believe, how can God hold them morally accountable and justly judge them?

As Walls pithily sums it up, “For the elect, God makes them an offer they literally cannot refuse, but those who are not elect receive an offer they literally cannot accept”.