gcq2

Note: I hope to add, over time, many seminal quotes from the great Genevan Reformer on various controversial subjects. As will be apparent, these concern issues where it may be thought that Calvin held contrary opinions.

 
JOHN CALVIN ON THE NON VIOLENT NATURE OF IRRESISTIBLE GRACE

 “True, indeed, as to the kind of drawing, it is not violent, so as to compel men by external force; but still it is a powerful impulse of the Holy Spirit, which makes men willing who formerly were unwilling and reluctant.” (John 6:44)

“And in this, God exhibited a type of the conquest Christ would make of the Gentiles, who, by the preaching of the Gospel alone, were subdued, and brought voluntarily to submit to His dominion; for the obedience of faith in which the dominion of Christ is founded "cometh by hearing" Romans 10:17 (Comments on Psalm 18:44) 

But the Prophet has, by this expression, characterized the obedience of faith; for it is not enough that Christ should be given as a king, and set over men, unless they also embrace him as their king, and with reverence receive him. We now learn, that when we believe the gospel we choose Christ for our king, as it were, by a voluntary consent. (Comments on Hosea 1)

My note: An interesting note here concerning the use of the word 'force' in relation to salvation. One of the professed Arminian, Charles Wesley's hymns included these lines: "Save the vilest of the race; Force me to be saved by grace." (Hymn #158) Evidently it carried some acceptable meaning in those days. 

THE END 


SEE INDEX PAGE FOR FULL LIST OF ARTICLES ON THIS BLOG