John Calvin justified killing his theological opponents with the Bible

John Calvin Killed Rival Theologians: Bad Bible Interpretation Justified It

3/15/2015

John Calvin’s interpretation of the Bible justified the murder of his theological opponents. He himself did not cut off any heads or light any fires that burned human heretics alive, but John Calvin’s preaching from the Old and New Testaments claimed those capital punishments aligned with God’s interests.

How so? Calvin did not believe all Old Covenant laws had been set aside by the New Covenant Jesus inaugurated. He didn't buy into the plain sense of Hebrews: “God has made the first covenant obsolete” (Hebrews 8:13). He maneuvered around Paul’s conclusion: “the Law became a tutor to lead us to Christ and now that faith has come we are no longer under a tutor” (Galatians 3:24-25; cf. Rom 10:4). Calvin dismissed this data from the New Testament and decided the moral laws in the Old Covenant laws of the Torah still applied. And killing people who perverted his pure doctrine was a moral necessity.

Calvin specifically justified capital punishment of heretics with Leviticus 24:16. “The one who blasphemes the name of the Lord should be put to death; all the congregation must stone him. Any foreigner or native who blasphemes the Name should be put to death.”

Jesus’ teaching to “love your enemies” didn’t stop Calvin from approving and promoting the death of his theological enemies. And Paul’s instructions for dealing with people who theologically disagree with you were equally ignored: “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Calvin did not patiently discuss his differences with people who promoted competing ideas. Calvin requested beheadings, made death threats, and praised God for orchestrating the torture of heretics.

Calvin spelled out his theologically reinforced vengeance in a personal letter:

“I am persuaded that it is not without the special will of God that, apart from any verdict of the judges, the criminals have endured protracted torment at the hands of the executioner.” - Calvin's letter to Farel on 24 July (for more words directly from Calvin’s pen, read Selected Works of John Calvin)

Calvin believed God made sure criminals didn’t die quickly when tortured. This vengeful attitude and his support for outdated Old Covenant laws that legislated capital punishment for competing theologians that challenged his preferred doctrines look more like ISIS than Jesus.

John Calvin’s Fight Against Heretics

Personal correspondence and city council records betray John Calvin’s extraordinary influence in Geneva. Although he was asked to leave in 1538 when he enforced his strict moral standards and pushed for the church’s independent power to excommunicate people, Genevan officials invited him to return in 1541 to resolve church divisions. Upon his return, the city council approved his Ecclesiastical Ordinances that included the establishment of the Consistory. The Consistory, a church court that oversaw the discipline of the citizens of Geneva, met every Thursday to review cases (This book is a chronicle of the Consistory’s records from 1542-1544.) John Calvin led the court. Although the Consistory did not have the power to imprison, exile, or kill those who were guilty, Calvin could still convince the city magistrates to wield such power when his theological opponents contradicted him.

When Jacques Gruet, a theologian with differing views, placed a letter in Calvin’s pulpit calling him a hypocrite, he was arrested, tortured for a month and beheaded on July 26, 1547. Gruet's own theological book was later found and burned along with his house while his wife was thrown out into the street to watch.

Michael Servetus, a Spaniard, physician, scientist and Bible scholar, suffered a worse fate. He was Calvin's longtime acquaintance who resisted the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. However, he angered Calvin by returning a copy of Calvin's Institutes with critical comments in the margins. So what did Calvin do? You can read his resolution from a personal letter he wrote to a friend:

“Servetus offers to come hither, if it be agreeable to me. But I am unwilling to pledge my word for his safety, for if he shall come, I shall never permit him to depart alive, provided my authority be of any avail.” - Letter to Farel, 13 February 1546

The next time Servetus attended Calvin's Sunday preaching service on a visit, Calvin had him arrested and charged with heresy. The 38 official charges included rejection of the Trinity and infant baptism. The city magistrates condemned him to death. Calvin pleaded for Servetus to be beheaded instead of the more brutal method of burning at the stake, but to no avail. Some people see Calvin’s compassion in pursuing a more humane method of death, but ultimately he supported killing Servetus and all such heretics.

Dr. Paul Penley (left) holding a 1575 print of Calvin's Institutes at a Seminary library in Cluj, Romania. Thanks Istvan!

On October 27, 1553, green wood was used for the fire so Servetus would be slowly baked alive from the feet upward. For 30 minutes he screamed for mercy and prayed to Jesus as the fire worked its way up his body to burn the theology book strapped to his chest as a symbol of his heresy. Calvin summarized the execution this way:

“Servetus . . . suffered the penalty due to his heresies, but was it by my will? Certainly his arrogance destroyed him not less than his impiety. And what crime was it of mine if our Council, at my exhortation, indeed, but in conformity with the opinion of several Churches, took vengeance on his execrable blasphemies?” - Calvin

How could such torture be condoned? In November 1552 the Geneva Council declared Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion to be a "holy doctrine which no man might speak against." Disagreeing with Calvin’s view of God was a violation warranting the death penalty according to the way John Calvin interpreted Leviticus 24:16. The Geneva city council records describe one verdict where a man who publicly protested against John Calvin’s doctrine of predestination was flogged at all the city’s main intersections and then expelled (“The Minutes Book of the Geneva City Council, 1541-59,” translated by Stefan Zweig, Erasmus: The Right to Heresy). You did not get to disagree with Calvin in this town.

Bad Bible Interpretation Can Kill People

John Calvin argued:

“Whoever shall now contend that it is unjust to put heretics and blasphemers to death, knowingly and willingly incur their guilt. It is not human authority that speaks, it is God who speaks and prescribes a perpetual rule for His Church.”

Most bad Bible interpretation causes disappointment in an unbiblical god, anxiety about what he demands, or a false sense of security rooted in biased beliefs. But it can kill. John Calvin justified murder with his bad Bible interpretation. It isn't representative of his entire life or his contribution to the Protestant church, but we are wise to learn from a mistake he made.

That’s why I design and teach Hermeneutics courses. I don’t want culture to contort the way I compel people to follow Jesus. I want the Bible to shape my values and not the other way around. If you want to learn how to interpret the Bible more accurately, you can download my Bible Interpretation workbook and start watching this free online video Hermeneutics course.

John Calvin followed Augustine’s biblical justification for burning heretics. Augustine excused extreme measures through his interpretation of Jesus’ Great Banquet parable in Luke 14:16-24. When the master could not fill up his banquet in the parable, he commanded his servants in Luke 14:23 “to compel people to come so that my house will be filled.” Augustine and Calvin believed burning heretics would “compel” more people to enter their house of God. Interpreting “compulsion” as a license to kill without consideration for Jesus’ other teaching to “love your enemies” is a major hermeneutical error. Any part of Jesus’ teaching should be interpreted in light of the whole.

136 Comments

John Meade

3/15/2015 01:10:37 am

Paul, what's your schedule while in Phoenix. I'd like to catch up with you while you are in town.

John Meade

Paul Penley

3/15/2015 04:13:41 am

JD - I had no idea where you were these days. Great to see you are teaching at Phoenix Sem. I have a packed schedule in Phoenix at a conference for the Langham Partnership. Could you meet me at 4:30pm on Friday March 20 at the Westin Kierland Resort?

John Meade

3/15/2015 06:54:01 am

Paul, that sounds great. I will meet you there at 4:30. I look forward to catching up with you. Is there an email address I can use to contact you?

Paul Penley

3/15/2015 02:16:02 pm

JD - email me at Paul(at)reenactingtheway.com We can work out the details of where to meet from there. I'm pumped to see. It has been too many years.

bruce odem

12/9/2019 08:38:24 am

by Skip Moen, D. Phil.

Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24 NASB

Tutor – According to many commentators, once we arrive at the goal of salvation by faith, school’s out. We no longer need the law because its only purpose was to prod us into recognizing our sin in order that we would be spurred to repentance. After all, the law is burdensome. No one can actually keep it all. Christ is the real answer, ushering in a life of spiritual freedom where we follow him from the heart, not from an ethical code. Following Luther, the law is viewed as a weight that needs to be removed by Jesus and grace is the garbage truck that has come to carry it away.

But this view of the law is entirely Roman, not Hebraic. That’s not surprising. The Church is also Roman in its thinking, having inherited Greco-Roman Hellenism since its beginning. In the Roman world, law is a restriction of personal freedom for the communal good. That is to say, every man desires ultimate freedom, defined as the right to pursue any action that produces personal happiness. Of course, Greeks and Romans recognized that this leads directly to anarchy. Everyone will do whatever is right in his own eyes (hum, where have we heard that before?). Law is impingement on personal freedom in order to prevent societal anarchy. Therefore, the law should be no more stringent than necessary to keep individuals from harming each other in their pursuit of personal happiness.

This concept of the law is still with us today. In fact, the assertion of personal rights (spelled “freedom”) over the wishes of general society is at the center of most of our legal battles about the law. As the society collapses into full personal freedom, anarchy rises. In the end, the one with the most power will decide what is “right.” It’s a sad legacy.

The Hebrew view of the law is completely different. Heschel remarks: “The soul would remain silent if it were not for the summons and reminder of the law.”[1] Let’s place this remark within the context of the ancient Near East. In that world the gods saturated life. Every action had divine consequences. The problem for ancient man was this: what do the gods really want? Just like the Greek gods, the gods of ancient Semitic societies were fickle. They never actually told men what to do or not do in order to gain their favor. Until YHVH. For the first time, the God (YHVH) actually told men what was right and what was wrong. The “law” was the source of personal freedom because now men knew what He wanted. The anxiety of living in a world without divine instruction was over. Exactly opposite of the Greco-Roman world, law was freedom, not restriction. So Heschel points out that until the law was revealed by God, we had no real voice because we did not know what was right and what was wrong. Now we do.

This is the sense of “tutor” in Paul’s statement. The tutor is not replaced when the Messiah becomes our way to salvation. In fact, the tutor is all the more necessary since now the tutor shows us how to live in conjunction with the Messiah. Replace the law? How is that possible? Do we really want to go back to the world of anarchy?

Topical Index: law, tutor, Galatians 3:24

[1] Fritz A. Rothschild, “Introduction,” in Abraham Heschel, Between God and Man: An Interpretation of Judaism (Free Press Paperbacks, 1959), p. 32.

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Randall Curtis link

3/15/2015 10:56:35 am

Some thoughts in response to this:

http://randallfcurtis.com/2015/03/16/79/

Paul

3/26/2015 03:41:45 pm

Some thoughts from John Calvin about killing people whose beliefs conflicted with his Institutes and Church in Geneva...

John Calvin Approved Execution of Heretics: Excerpts from Letters and Commentaries

Servetus offers to come hither, if it be agreeable to me. But I am unwilling to pledge my word for his safety, for if he shall come, I shall never permit him to depart alive, provided my authority be of any avail.

(Letter to Farel, 13 February 1546; in Henry Beveridge and Jules Bonnet, editors, David Constable, translator, Selected Works of John Calvin: Tracts and Letters: Volume 5: Letters, Part 2: 1545-1553; originally published in Philadelphia by Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1858; reprinted by Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1983, p. 33)

From what I am given to understand, Monseigneur, there are two kinds of rebels who have risen up against the King and the Estates of the Kingdom. (1) The one, a fantastical sort of persons, who, under color of the Gospel, would put all into confusion. (2) The others are persons who persist in the superstitions of the Roman Antichrist. Both [heretics and catholics] alike deserve to be repressed by the sword which is committed to you, since they not only attack the King, but strive with God, who has placed him upon a royal throne, and has committed to you the protection as well of his person as of his majesty.

(Letter to the Protector [Duke] Somerset, Regent of England, 22 October 1548; in Beveridge and Bonnet, eds, Selected Works of John Calvin, Vol 5: Letters, Part 2; 187-188)

I hope that sentence of death will at least be passed upon him; but I desire that the severity of the punishment may be mitigated.

(Letter to Farel, 20 August 1553; in Beveridge and Bonnet, eds, Selected Works of John Calvin, Vol 5: Letters, Part 2; 417)

Whoever shall now contend that it is unjust to put heretics and blasphemers to death will knowingly and willingly incur their very guilt. This is not laid down on human authority; it is God who speaks and prescribes a perpetual rule for his Church. . . . Many people have accused me of such ferocious cruelty that I would like to kill again the man that I have destroyed. Not only am I indifferent to their comments, but I rejoice in the fact that they spit in my face.

(Defense of Orthodox Faith against the Prodigious Errors of the Spaniard Michael Servetus, written in 1554; in Philip Schaff, History of the Reformation, [New York, 1892], vol. 2, p. 791)

I am persuaded that it is not without the special will of God that, apart from any verdict of the judges, the criminals have endured protracted torment at the hands of the executioner.

(Calvin's letter to Farel on 24 July in Hugh Young Reyburn, John Calvin: His Life, Letters, and Work, London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1914: 202-205.)

Tom

8/2/2021 07:01:11 pm

This response is horrific. Saying we cannot judge Calvin for judging others and holding the heretical belief that heresy should be punishable by death is heresy of the highest order. Don't judge (in the Biblical manner of simply speaking against) Calvin for judging (in the heretical manner of believing in and arranging for murder). Makes sense... mhm... typical of this modern Calvinist movement... defend the position at all costs and, while at it, ignore the actual teachings of the Bible.

Internet Theolgian

12/25/2016 04:45:10 pm

Jacques Gruet wasn't a theologian and Calvin didn't murder him, nor did he murder him for differing views, another blatant lie.

Get your facts straight.

In fact, Calvin murdered exactly no one, simply more lies.

Paul

12/26/2016 10:07:51 am

Making bold claims without supporting evidence and without the accountability of identifying yourself does not permit the proper dialogue for us to learn from each other. If you are concerned about facts from primary documents written by Calvin himself, please see my citations in the response to Randall's comment above.

8/16/2017 01:07:19 am

Paul, you are a slanderer of brothers. You are too influenced by culture and enlightenment to teach hermeneutics. Drop it!

Theresa

12/16/2017 08:42:31 am

The evidence listed on Wikipedia was enough I settle the debate for me. Calvin was a hate filled mass murderer! His life as a magistrate and his own words condemn him!

Christopher Clayborne link

7/5/2020 12:35:54 am

Calvin brings, for me, shame upon the name of Christ and Christianity, and almost makes me wanna give it up, but, without Jesus, I am lost, empty, and lonely.

Oh, why did not God devise a Plan of Universal Salvation for everyone?

Sometimes I wish I was never born into this cruel s@##hole universe.

What bothers me is, what if Calvin gets to Heaven, and hears, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" from Jesus? Because his sins of murder have been forgiven, and Christ interceded to the Father on his behalf? I wish, if this is true what I read in this little article, that Calvin went to eternal damnation when he died.

Ruth Magnusson Davis link

2/7/2021 01:34:20 am

Calvin was indeed a murderer. He cannot hide behind the fact that he and his consistory handed people over to the secular authorities for execution. There were beheadings, burnings, - even of an 8 year old girl in Geneva. Many fled Geneva saying it had become a new Rome. How Geneva changed to Bible to support its practices, including insurrection, is discussed in Part 2 of The Story of the Matthew Bible, info here: https://bit.ly/36Bju6C

Hammer Forgedd

5/24/2017 08:30:44 pm

No Popes ever killed anyone either. Never seen a legit case that Hitler or Stalin or Mao every killed anyone either.

Jofre

10/10/2018 05:32:36 am

Princeton experiment or even better the Milgram experiment. It explains why they do not need to do it with their own hands.

truckaxle

5/17/2019 01:29:30 pm

^ Nice response here. Just had to comment on it. Calvin expresses his desire for Servetus to be executed. The fact that he wished it was just murder instead of torture/murder does little to mitigate his role of leadership over the situation. Calvin didn't have to light the match to be culpable.

Lisa Hadeler

8/1/2017 01:04:09 am

Calvin murder Michael Servates. Get your facts straight. Calvin taught false doctrine he got from Augustine.

Theresa

12/16/2017 08:40:09 am

Was he or was he not, (John Calvin) the Magistrate for the state/Church who burned those they deemed heretics? If the answer is yes than he is guilty as charged! John Calvin’s own words condemn him! He was a very hate filled sick individual.

Trent

8/29/2018 10:29:39 am

You're simplifying the situation too much. He wasn't some magistrate who had the power to kill whom he desired. He was the leader of a group of pastors who made religious decisions within the city. Servetus was convicted and killed by the Genevan small council, who Calvin was under not over. He was not a civil authority in Geneva.

Ralph Jansen

1/7/2019 10:08:04 am

No, John Calvin was not the Magistrate for the state/Church. (If I recall from historical documents.) In fact, in the case of Servetus, all he was was an expert witness who spoke on the beliefs expounded (says John Calvin) by Servetus. He was not part of the sentencing, and the only pleading done by John Calvin at the time was that they put Servetus to death by the sword instead of by burning at the stake. The council denied this request (obviously).

Trevor

5/14/2020 02:40:08 am

John Calvin was never a Magistrate or a councillor in Geneva. He also told Servetus not to go to Geneva as he would be arrested. The Council didn't like Calvin and only called him as an expert witness. Servetus was given time to put together his defence for his erroneous doctrines he also thought that he would be acquitted because of the dislike of Calvin.
After the trial the report was sent to various other cites for comment ,all the replies condemned Servetus. Calvin spent several weeks before the execution trying to reason with Servetus to change his mind and recant. He also wrote to the Council to try and change the punishment from burning at the stake to being behead which would have been a quick death and probably painless. Calvin's plea was ignored. Calvin's involvement is hardly the behaviour of a monstrous murderer. see Alistair McGrath on Calvin page 114 to 120

Jim Palmer

1/23/2019 02:23:56 pm

Internet theologian. It’s a historic fact that John Calvin did murder many people. I find it very ironic it’s a very person who brought us to the doctrine of eternal security is most likely burning in hell at this moment. Let God be true but everyman a liar.

Kori

12/29/2019 07:41:42 pm

Calvin had no authority to murder anyone.

Jane Grayson

1/20/2020 04:51:51 am

The Apostle Paul murdered Stephen, do you read Paul's work?

Jordan

2/1/2021 08:29:01 pm

@ Jane Grayson -- He called the death of Stephen as a member of the Pharisees, during which time he was known as Saul of Tarsus. This was before he was visited upon by Christ and brought into the fold of the Christianity. This is all shown in the book of Acts.

While on paper you speak the truth, but given the context of this conversation, I can't help but feel you're attempting to subvert this discourse with foul play.

Barry Sanzone

12/8/2019 11:11:36 pm

That's like saying Hitler didn't murder anyone because he DIDN'T(not directly anyway) but he sure was a vicious murderer. Calvin (and Augustine) was an UNSAVED devil and so are you.

Richard Schurz link

2/14/2020 09:50:09 am

There is ONE BOOK of Calvin Corrspondance all else is kept hidden in a vault in geneva

in this Calvin wrote I KILLED servitus
i would kill him again
and in this letter writes members of his church were spitting on him for this act

So all that is said in Denominational lies to protect their Pope

Bobby Cutler

6/23/2020 07:48:46 pm

I am in a discussion this past week, where a young newcomer in my church thinks he is going to school me on Calvinism. I have let him so far tell me so many lies about John Calvin. I can't wait to let him know what a great man John Calvin was

Hammer Forgedd

10/16/2020 11:58:13 pm

Once upon an era I also believed all the wonderful stories of what a great theologian, a progressive advocate of education & social programs & laid the framework for liberal democracy later realized in the U.S. Constitution/Bill of Rights, etc x 100.
Well, about 5 years ago I was lead to do something I had zero intention of doing....investigating John Calvin's activities in Geneva. It was much harder to find solid, objective information because there is such a HUGE volume of material on the internet that is nothing more than straight out lies, sugar coated versions of a couple events, false claims and so on.
But perseverance paid off finding pieces of information here and there. After 5 years I'm still occasionally finding a new source.

At this point I feel I could write a book about Calvin even with the eclectic collection of material i have. I'd like to have much much more as extra nails. But Calvin was very consistent from the time he got total power over Geneva to his end. His fans will NOT like to hear what he was consistent at but generally he was a super narcissist demanding the Council declare he and only he was the one true mouthpiece/voice of God. Which the Council granted, making it law. He also demanded that all his writings be considered as Holy Writ, same as the Bible's authors. Council also granted him this. All this was backed up by the Geneva enforcement machine of torture, secret "police", cruel punishments, stealing property before banishing anyone who didn't agree 100% with him.
Calvin was NOT theology genius as his fans claim, but rather his understanding of some very basic concepts like relationship between OT and NT. Nobody was allowed to question him which allowed Calvin to run wild with all his erroneous and flawed ideas and put them into practice.
I could go on and on about his terrible and fearsome character flaws which reveal a heart of steel, and a level of vindictive revenge he inflicted on his "enemies".
Last one: Calvin was so humble he did not want his grave marked as the story goes. I say that is an utter lie. Calvin knew ,and likely everyone else, just how hated he was and that his corrupted corpse would be removed and destroyed if it was marked.
Oh and the falsified, twisted biblical justification for slavery in the US? The trail leads straight to and ends at the pen of John Calvin. We don't need to rehash how much death and suffering that has caused.

Jane

7/23/2021 05:15:42 pm

John Calvin is lying in a hot place tonight. He was the worst cult leader since Adolph Hitler. Calvin executed ALL Jews in his own mind. My how he hated believers.

Tom

8/2/2021 07:05:32 pm

Oh dear Internet Theologian, the fact is this: If you are fully aware that one will be murdered if found guilty of heresy and you, knowing this, turn him over the the authorities, your hands are no more clean than Pilates. Read Beza's life of Calvin. It was Calvin or recognized Servetus and reported him to the authorities for arrest. It was Calvin who NEVER ONCE refuted capital punishment for speaking or writing against his own non-inspired and much in error and even heresy writings. I'll write it here: John Calvin's writings are full of errors and even some heresy. Plan to find me and burin me slowly and painfully with green wood? That's exactly what Calvin though was best. Did he every light the match? The FACT is that we do not know. Did he arrange for the arrest of those who would be both tortured and murdered? The FACT is we do know that he did. Calvin was a heretical murderer - end of story.

Bella T link

1/1/2017 06:43:20 pm

Wow

Christopher Innocente link

1/5/2017 09:23:44 pm

John Calvin has left a far worse legacy than just TULIP and violence; his self-righteousness was evident in brooking no dissent. ALL of the folks I know who practice a reformed version of Christianity have to be right and will debate a point to death. It seems that "being right" is more important than love. In other words, Calvin's spirit lives on in its intractability in his ardent followers. God is NOT a theology, He is a person first and foremost and through Christ has given us a Spirit of sonship. Hallelujah! God is love. Jesus has revealed the Father's heart to us and for us.

Jason

3/20/2017 11:59:13 am

I couldn't agree with you more.

Dan

4/24/2017 07:10:28 pm

Hi Christopher,
I do understand those who are not in agreement with John Calvin, though I myself do. Will the Lord show me something different? I am absolutely open to it. I have been walking with Christ for 23 years now and have been open to seeing the gospel for "what it is", rather than any self perceived opinions. As time has gone by, I have become more convinced in the "Reformed" view. Not because I follow Calvin or Spurgeon or Piper, but rather from studying the word for myself, I can see no other view; there is an abundance of evidence using only God's Holy word to substantiate it. At any rate, it seems these discussions aren't profitable for the most part for two reasons: 1) the differences will exist until everything is accomplished and 2) they can create division which is counter productive to our mutual purpose of bringing glory to God.

Jason

4/24/2017 07:56:53 pm

Not profitable? Really? Well I suppose if correct theology and doctrine aren't profitable then maybe you have a point.

I highly recommend checking out this guys 3 vids on limited atonement. This is the first: https://youtu.be/BLFNXg73nJ0

Jennifer Uhde

9/11/2017 03:19:12 pm

Pull up Andrew Wommack on YouTube and listen to some of his teachings on the sovereignty of God. Denominations pull the body of Christ apart. I grew up southern baptist. They may get you to salvation but pretty much stops there. I'm non-demoninational for a reason. God has more for you. God bless you in your research.

JIM

2/8/2018 10:04:25 am

I'd say, ignoring murder because of dissenting opinion is something worth talking about and examining. If we don't look at the mistakes of the past, we will be doomed to repeat them in some manner. Your whole paragraph actually contradicts your argument because it IS an ARGUMENT! LOL. You committed the act you wish to condemn.

Ray

2/3/2019 05:31:48 pm

The extremes of both sides of this debate are not helpful, and I’m not a Calvinist. Christ on the sermon on the mount exposed the evils of religion without loving God and your neighbor! The apostle Paul followed up with the same theme in the epistles!

Richard Schurz link

2/14/2020 09:46:38 am

I have studied Greek translated, studied Church History etc for 45 years

In this I rediscovered Jesus and the apostles in greek are citing and quoting hundreds of scriptures in all they say and teach primarily in the greek Septuagint. i have written many aricles denomstrating this in the gospels in the apostles

There is a law in the word of God that has been fully grasped and lost again in church history During the Great awakening this was known and understood. And then generation after genertation this has leaked away so that long held doctines and traditons of men
were again married into churches that broke away in revivals.

For out of the Mouth of two and three witnesses (Not of men, not of John the baptist alone, not of Jesus testifying of himself alone, not of any Apostle testifying or teaching Alone. Jesus nails this for a half chapter in John 5 the later half find the word Witness. But of Scripture Alone) Shall ever word (Teaching Doctrine Revelation) Be Established (Have its foundation found)

Paul brings this up in 2 Corinthians this is when i saw he was using the verse about Teaching about witness of brethren.

Then we found John 5 Where Jesus nails this down.

The apostles Paul for example cites and quotes Christ a lot but none is recognized because it is done in Greek not in any translation
Paul then is also citing and quoting scripture so that everything he teaches has two and three witnesses

jesus speaks of the Father bearing him witness but speaks of ANOTHER that bears witness and he says THE SCRIPTURES TESTIFY OF ME and on and on Jesus cites and quotes scripture continually saying Moses testified of me taught of me the law taught of me the prophets taught of me and is quoting all these in his teachings doctrine prophesies and his DEEDS healing the sick seeing the woman at the well.

So the Meaning is God has hidden this from the wise and scholars that have modified the translatIons of words and put out lexicons in which word definitions are modified to support denominational doctrines. The Books have been Cooked

I am using an 1840 unabridged copy of Liddel and Scott as my main lexicon and the difference on the actual translations on hundreDs of doctrinal words IS STARK.

i am old and handicapped so i can not write acres but i can point you to this lexicon almost none read greek today

and a bible that will tear scales off eyes for those who want to see.

The apostolic Polyglot bible this is a interlinear bible with semi strongs numbers above every word the worD in greek the englIsh

the old testament is the Greek Septuagint in bible order

This bible is the KEY OF KNOWLEDGE as in the back it takes a greek word and tells you 1 everytime it is used inthe new testament which is hidden by translators 2 it will show you every time thIs word is also used in the greek septuagint

IN the gOSpels you will read jesus going to synagogue to teach he gets the book of isiahs and reads. THE GREEK TEXT IS FROM THE SEPTUAGINT word for word

NOT from the Hebrew text. This was an EYE OPENING REVELATI0N no one knew in bible school. no one knows today in seminaries yet there it is before all hidden in plain siight

Between the bible and the lexicon you need to buy used online the older the better. .

So out of the mouth of two and three witnesses shall every WORD.
be Established

WHAT does this do to 2000 years of doctrines and traditons
When these can not be found in scripture OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE as taught they are NOT what Jesus or the Apostles taught. The interpretations have been altered again and again over the centuries and it happening right before our eyes in all churches today

Paul does not accept some VERSION of the truth it must be exact
there has been no exactness in LUTHER CALVIN or AUGUSTINE

virtually Nothing these men taught can be found in scripture as taught

On luther read ONE BOOK table talk and the scales from your eyes will fall.

What he writes of JUSTIFICATION by faith is
IF i were to commit adultery with 1000 women a day I AM JUSTIFIED BY FAITH continuing in this

IF i were to Kill 1000 men a day I AM JUSTIFIED BY FAITH
and is free to keep doing so.

This is a Justification by Luther OPENLY SAYING HE DID THIS and receiving automatic justification

Hebrews called this putting christ to an open shame.

i was raised lutheran confirmed a year of classes.

Tom

8/2/2021 07:11:21 pm

If you follow "studying the word for" yourself, why feel the need to defend a heretic like Calvin? The statement "those who are not in agreement with John Calvin, though I myself do" is amazing. Given the context of the post and discussion in which you are commenting, one can only assume that you fully agree with him. Certainly, you used many words and could have denounced the following:

1) John Calvin agreed with murdering those who disagreed with an accepted interpretation of the Bible.
2) John Calvin agreed, through silence, with murdering those who disagreed with his own writings, showing is amazing arrogance and heretical view of his interpretation.
3) John Calvin believed God made those murdered suffer more slowly until death.

Which of these, hopefully all, would you like to denounce of your great theologian - without whom your other views would be less popular and common of certainty.

Theresa

12/16/2017 08:44:37 am

Amen!!!! John Calvin was the type of religious man that Jesus called a Pharisee!

Franco

3/23/2018 12:44:32 pm

You seem to have hit the "nail on the head". Everything you have observed in the Calvinists you know apply to most of the ones that I know. I think what sickens me the most is their condescending attitude toward those who disagree with them.

Ralph

6/1/2018 09:38:05 am

Are they as condescending as your response?

Debra Ewing

3/11/2019 02:07:46 pm

Christopher, exactly!!!

Jared

3/17/2019 11:29:26 am

Amen

Ralph Jansen

5/13/2020 11:46:29 pm

Just to note, John Calvin had nothing to do with Tulip. TULIP didn't exist until the next century, and came out of the Synod of Dort. This kind of shows that you are just slandering without thought, parroting lies.

Frank

6/17/2021 06:24:54 am

Wow that's excellently God is a person, not theories nor theologies these Calvinists worship the Theology more than the God of theology and yes to them being right is more important than anything else!

Christopher

5/10/2017 03:44:54 pm

To The Person Who Read's This Statement,
I'm going to expose the lies told in the text above about Mr. Calvin but before I do I want you, the read to understand I am not a Calvinist although I am a students of Calvinism I want to correct a few of these historical "facts" and present truth. I've come to notice since studying Calvinism I've found 90% of the attackers have absoutly no understanding whatsoever of Reformed/Calvinistic theology, fact. Only the weak minded would read this and base there view of Mr. Calvin and his teachings on it completely because its easier to do that rather than study for ourselves people seem to play "follow the leader" to much these days.
Let me stress to you the most important thing about Calvinistic theology Mr. Calvin had absolutely nothing to do with S.T.U.L.I.P also known as The Doctrine's Of Grace, your probably wondering why it isn't just T.U.L.I.P and the reason for this is because many leave out the S which stands for the sovereignty of the Creator something of which I've learned the attackers can not accept they want some form of control. S.T.U.L.I.P was formed in the 17th century in Holloend after 127+ meetings and debates with leading theologian's due to a small minority group protesting against certain doctrines.
Mr. Calvin wasn't a murderer that's a historical fact despite the lies told in the above text the stories told here differ depending on which source your using I've some even use the story of a many smacking its mother and Mr. Calvin ordering the immediate hacking of the babies hand although some sources claim it was a baby smacking it's father's chest, which one? Mr. Servetus did indeed send Mr. Calvin a copy of his published book what he wrote in his mid 20's Institutes Of The Christian Religion with notes in the margins explaining why he didn't agree with the teachings of Mr. Calvin BUT here is the part left from the above text Mr. Calvin and Mr. Servertus were conversing for a long while during written letters and anyone reading this statement kind find the last written letter by the hand of Mr. Calvin himself to Mr. Servetus stating he doesn't hate him nor does he despise him. In the 1500's Mr. Calvin was on a journey to Germany he was never intending to go to Geneva but due to problem's in Germany Mr. Calvin side tracked and traveled to Geneva where it was a criminal offense for people to commit heresy, now Mr. Servetus was in great disagreement with the doctrine of the Trinity branding it Paganism Mr. Servetus was arrested by Genevan authorities and charged with heresy. Mr. Servetus was sentenced to be burned at the stake again here is anoythet fact left out of the above text Mr. Calvin pleaded with Genevan authorities to execute Mr. Servetus by beheading him for the plain reason it would be less painful and over quicker. Seriously, does this appear like the man stated above?
For anyone to claim The Doctrines Of Grace or S.T.U.L.P false teaching I would a question if they even read the Bible since studying Calvinism its plain and clear these doctrine's are found throughout the Bible but due to sinful man not being able to fully grasp understanding its rejected and attacked ultimately these attackers are calling God a liar. Mr. Calvin is probably thee best Christian preacher since the Apostle's he played one of the largest roles in the Reformation Era and upon his death requested he was buried in an unmarked grave so they he couldn't be idolized in death. All of the facts stated in this comment are historically accurate and if anyone is intelligent enough to study you can find all of this out for yourself what's even better about it is there is sources that corroborate each other on the same facts I've presented. Be careful who you trust Lucifer was once an angel of light. God bless.

caryn h

8/23/2017 08:34:30 am

If a man's fruit is rotten, we are not to obey his teaching. If we pass along false teaching, we will be held to account. John Calvin taught doctrines coming from demons! God is not willing that ANY should perish, but that EVERYONE should come to repentance. (2 Pet. 3:9)

Isabella Neil

9/16/2017 06:56:52 am

The trinity is a pagan doctrine,and if Calvin preached this he was part and parcel of the heritics who killed Servetus. Perhaps Hitler etc., did not kill anyone but like Saul of Tarsus, was in the wrong allowing the murders to happen. "Thy shall not kill." he broke this commandment by standing on the sidelines egging them on to do just that,Jesus said to love our enemies pray for them, does Christendom today do this? No they are just as guilty as the infidels and pagan religions, Christendom today is full of false teaching and false doctrines that truth be told Hate the true word of God. They believe that God is going to send the majority of mankind to an everlasting burning in Hellfire. That Gods plan to save All mankind will fail and the devil will win!!!!! GOD DOES NOT LIE!!!! He knows the beginning and the end, and what He declared will be.His mercy and Love endures forever, He will make it so!!! scripture proves this, and anyone who denies this is calling God a liar.But evil carnal man has twisted the scriptures with devilish doctrines and traditions of men.search the scriptures find the real truth the real GOOD NEWS, why do you think it was called the good news.Whats good about sitting in Heaven and watching 99% of mankind suffer for eternity burning in the pagan Hell, is that just, it's like saying if you break the rule of walking on the grass, the Judge will send you down for 99 years of hard labour. would that be fair. All have sinned, all will be judged all wicked will be chastised and brought to repentance in Gods good time, All will gladly bow the knee and confess that Jesus is LORD and God will put Everything under his rule. And the scripture that says GOD WILL BE ALL IN ALL, means ALL not just a few but ALL. GOD DOES NOT LIE!!!!

adam

1/25/2018 04:26:17 pm

Isabella
(KJV)- 1st john 5:7- For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost.
end of story
repent or perish

Barbara LeFevre

3/23/2019 08:13:49 am

For an excellent article on the Trinity, Google "Blue Letter Bible." Click on "Study," "Text Commentaries," and "Robert M. Bowman." Scroll down to "The Biblical Basis of the Doctrine of the Trinity."

David Morrison

4/26/2020 03:49:06 pm

Isabella...if you believe the doctrine of the Trinity is a pagan doctrine then it is YOU who are a heretic and, eternally damned, unless you repent.

Margie Rap

11/2/2017 04:08:43 am

The same points supporting Calvinism and John Calvin were hashed over for hours on Facebook yesterday. Those who believe Calvin's false doctrines say the same things. It's almost like brainwash. There was no give at all by those who promoted his doctrine, which is so contrary to the word of God. No matter how many scriptures shared the 3 people still parroted Calvins TULIP and defended him. Even though they denied they were Calvinists. Wonder if this is the NEW approach now. Promote Calvin's doctrines and not declare your Calvinism. Nothing was accomplished unless the Holy Ghost reveals the truth to these people. They chose Calvin over the word of God by their argumentative points and just kept coming after me with the same words I have heard so many times. It's sad because the word of God must be first over man's teaching/doctrines.

Trevor Olner

4/16/2020 02:41:02 am

So what doctrines of Calvin are you referring too?

Theresa

12/16/2017 09:08:12 am

Your text served to substantiate the claims made on this website and did nothing to refute the accusations against John Calvin! You left out the fact that John Calvin was a magistrate for the state/church of Geneva. He held a position of authority in these matters!!
The most shameful thing you said that even now I’m shaking my head in disbelief was in regard to Calvin’s request that his friend be beheaded instead of burned at the stake reveals your own type of insanity!!! Calvin didn’t fight for his friend to be released based on Scripture, “love your enemies and do good to those who hate you.” Instead he argued for his friend to be beheaded...John Calvin didn’t argue against the death penalty for blasphemers. In fact, John Calvin argued for it and believed Believers were bound by Old Testament Levitical law which by the way, we are not under!!!
What is John Calvin? A perversion of the truth, a perversion of Gods love! John Calvin will be remembered for being twisted man a Pharisee. Hell has a hot place for him and if he were alive today he’d be screaming for you to not follow him into the pit!!!!

Marcus

1/19/2018 06:00:04 am

Finally, a voice of reason~! God Bless You Theresa~!

Jofre

10/10/2018 05:50:55 am

Dear Teresa, you have the right to point someone’s wrongdoings. Nonetheless, no right in condemning anyone to hell. This is not your call or duty but only GOD’s.

Jofre

10/10/2018 06:07:06 am

Dear Teresa, you have the right to point someone’s wrongdoings. Nonetheless, no right in condemning anyone to hell. This is not your call or duty but only GOD’s.

1/21/2018 08:11:53 pm

Calvin's life, fruit and theology looked nothing like Jesus.

Why does this not bother you?

Nathan

6/10/2018 08:23:21 pm

You claim to be unbiased, then you seem to venerate Calvin to the post of 13th apostle. There may be some truth in that the govt of Geneva was already used to killing dissidents though. I will have to research it further. May God have mercy on those who dare to put all hope in confessionalism, and neglect the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Barbara LeFevre

3/23/2019 03:32:10 pm

II Timothy 3:16 teaches that all relevant Scripture is to be considered when formulating doctrine, and when that is done, it becomes plain that all five points of TULIP are proven false in God's Word. In addition, because each point is inextricably joined to the other points, if one point is proven wrong, they are all wrong. If you just look at one point, the perseverance of the saints, you will see that believers can lose (forfeit) their salvation, and that it is one of the most thoroughly documented truths in God's Word. As you know, some verses/passages are much clearer than others, and as I assume you also know, a verse may be saying one thing but when read in the light of another verse, it becomes clear that it means something else. However, there are also many verses/passages that are very clear in their teaching. Three of them are Matthew 25:14-30, John 15:1-6, and Hebrews 6:1-6. Read them in context and then thoroughly examine each verse and let Scripture speak for itself.

WT Standard

8/7/2019 06:58:16 pm

I find it hard to believe that anyone who understands Jesus' New Covenant, as laid out by the writer of Hebrews, and also as Paul describes in the book of Romans, could ever accept the 3 middle points of TULIP.

There are two books I am confident you will find very enlightening. Each time before you begin reading these books, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Truth to you. The first book is one of the best books ever written on the book of Romans and the Promises of God to His Son before the beginning of the world --- "The Normal Christian LIfe", by Watchman Nee. The second is "The Clash of the Covenants", by Michael C. Kapler.

I understand there are those who have mixed feelings about Watchman Nee, but if you will take the time to prayerfully read this book, I am confident you will be glad you did.

I was bound up in covenant theology for 50 years. There is no way and no amount of money that could ever make me return. God's amazing Grace is the only way you are ever going to find the peace God so wants us to have, so that we can boldly enter into His presence as His children, based solely on the finished work of His Son. THIS Is The Good News --- The Gospel.

I will be praying for you as you consider what to do.

God Bless You!

Mark Andrew Everingham link

9/12/2021 11:10:07 am

could i respectfully reply to your post Wt Standard.... my own experience has been this the church we attended after our conversions Always quoted Romans 8;14...."Those who are led by the spirit of God are the sons of God" i have found many dont understand what this means ....I myself are still learning the depth of this also, i was working my way through all the sermons of Smith Wigglesworth , when possible right in the middle of this very large book i came accross this sermon , where a brother in the Lord came to him with a christian book and gave it to him, with that, he handed it back and said i never read any books newspapers ar any other writings other than the scriptures, after meditating on what he had said, i realised this man was similar to such od characters of the bible as John the Baptist Elisha. ETC. ETC and i believe the lord showed me that their being moved by the Holy
Spirit was uncomplicated and steadfast , for their only uncomplicated motivation and affection was God , unlike our western modern christian world which is suffering from an an overabundance of teaching/noise/distraction through the would be instruction of men....The scriptures themselves , tell us let the teachers be few.....all of this noise interferes with Gods will in our lives for we never seek God for His plan and purpose instead after being save on the basis of a personal relationship with Jesus, in most cases we are separated through depending on the religion and its creed , may never find what it is that God wants to do with the talents he has given us.
So i say again we need to go to God at every turn, seek His face for not just wisdom, but the very thing we will be judged for ....Good Works which we should do , under His instruction,
Jesus said "learn from me" Lukes account of the Acts of the Apostles...."They were moved by the Holy Spirit" Hebrews quotes Jeremiah ...."No longer shall a man teach his neighbour , but they shall all know me" this is the difference between the old and new covenants. 1 john 2;27 But the anointing that you have received from him abides in you, and you do not need any man to teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you all things and is truth, and is no lie; and even as it has taught you, abide in him."...If any lacks wisdom let him ask God" ETC ETC.
Romans in 10;17...... Faith COMES by HEARING , and "HEARING" by the (Word (RHEMA) of Christ)..........it means quite literally him speaking personally to you , not just reading the scriptures or hearing the scriptures....1 Timothy 1;14 "And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus". James 2;23 “Abraham believed God".... in the Greek"believe" (affirm, have confidence); used of persuading ONEself (= human believing) and WITH the SACRED significance of being persuaded by the Lord"... Our belief is empty without....""being persuaded by the Lord"".which is what Faith is. The first we see of Gods persuasion, is our own conviction of sin, and our belief in the Lord Jesus, which is the beginning of our salvation. Hebrews 12 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," The Cloud of witnesses highlighted in this scripture, are to reveal what faith is.......their example Hearing Gods will , being obedient to his will. Christianity is not doing someone elses will.
IT IS 2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;
Then as we walk close to God ..like Paul we are "PERSUADED"...Galations 3;5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing "The Greek.... "Hearing" ; used of inner (spiritual) hearing that goes with receiving faith from God i.e. spiritual hearing (discerning God's voice; see also Gal 3:2,5"" ... of faith?" "We walk by Faith and not by sight" James 2;24 You see that by works a man is justified and not by Faith alone.......... The point is, as used in Abrahams story .... Abraham heard God, believed, and was persuaded by God, and then the works= (what he did)...... His obedience to what he was told to DO........ this order is all through scripture.....this is the message of Heb;11...not just our belief.. but God being the Äuthor and finisher"....not just reading the bible ..but spending time quietly with Him, commiting your way unto Him, listening to Him.

bruce odem

11/20/2019 04:55:32 pm

Yeshua said addressing his followers do as they say not as they do 😴

Richard Schurz link

2/14/2020 09:13:03 am

In John Calvin's Letters a small book of his actual corespondance
John calvin wrote I KILLED Servitus
he continues I WOULD KILL Servitus AGAIN.
in the same letter Calvin writes of church members spitting on him for this deed

Your Comments appriciated hold the LINE OF LIES preached and taught in calvinist collages and universities.

When a filmaker actually made a film of this dozens of baptists churches denounced Calvin and Calvinism I wrote articles on these articles.

I have written articles on what Calvin himself stated with the book name and full quotes

These writings were selected to make calvin look good while in Geneva there is a Large Vault filled with writings of calvin letters and corespondance that these have NEVER allowed any to see

As the Writings are so bad they are like Joseph Smith's

Some of it is on MARY and his worship of her and saints this is documented.

I will not bore you in what you have not read and studied as you will not believe anything here. and probably not even if you read it of calvins own hand in the ONE BOOK of a few of his letters and a smidgeon of his corespondance.

The charge against Servitus was HE WROTE in calvins book and sent the corrections back to Calvin.

Here someone explained CALVIN made his book Institutes a HOLY BOOK , Divine, A book equal with Scripture just as Joseph Smith

The person wrote Calvin killed officials in Geneva in the church that would NOT ACKNOWLEDGE his Institutes as Divine.

Well that explains his rage over Servitus corrections marked him for death.

And others killed testify that this is indeed so.

I have written and compared some doctrines of Calvin of buring people alive coming from ISLAM not Augustine. Calvins raft of doctrine contains other ISLAMISMS.

HAPPY HUNTING. now that you know what to look for.

Austin

9/9/2020 07:52:03 pm

Every modern Bible that uses Westcotts & Hort's as source text is corrupted. In other words, those bibles are not the words of God. No ESV, or NASB, or NKJV, is the pure word of God as they are all defiled and corrupted. The only perfect Bible in the english language is the KJV. Calvinism is incorrect because God is not sovereign over Earth, there's a clear and present battle between good and evil. Dominion has also been given to man, so this is why the world is the way it is.

Tom

8/2/2021 07:15:58 pm

Oh thou great historian... you left out the important fact reported by Beza (a great friend of Calvin) that it was Calvin who recognized and reported Servetus presence in Geneva. You know, the man who did not hate him. He IS the one who turned him over KNOWING that the penalty was death. In Calvin's own hand, he wrote that God intentionally slowed the burning (of course, it wasn't the intentional use of green wood, no it was God (heretics all)) of the punished that they would suffer more in death.

I think you should read a bit more. HathiTrust Digital Library has plenty of books available for free. Aval yourself and learn the truth before you try to correct others, because, at present, you're not much of a "students of Calvinism".

karma link

6/20/2017 12:12:45 am

quote :
Mr. Calvin pleaded with Genevan authorities to execute Mr. Servetus by beheading him for the plain reason it would be less painful and over quicker.

I think most people who do not agree with Calvin is NOT about Calvin pleaded the Genevan authoritites to execute Servetus BY beheading.

But Calvin's teaching itself show that [killing a heretic] is Biblical. Whatever the type of the killing, is not the point.

"The Institutes" (1536) before the killing of Servetus take place :
It is criminal to put heretics to death. To make an end of them by fire and sword is opposed to every principle of humanity.

At the time the killing of Servetus, Calvin pleaded by the sword (beheading) .... while he himself teaching say like above in his The Institute.

After the killing of Servetus, it seems some people hates Calvin. Then there goes his (Calvin's) other teaching in his "Definsio" (1554) :
Whoever shall now contend that it is unjust to put heretics and blasphemers to death, knowingly and willingly incur their guilt.

So in 1536 Calvin say "it's criminal to put heretics to death" - in (1554) he say that a person who say "it is unjust to put heretics to death" incur the heretic's guilt.

Calvin continues in his "Definsio" :
It is not human authority that speaks, it is God who speaks and prescribes a perpetual rule for His Church.

which logically make the observer's conclusion something like this :
in 1536 God speaks and prescribes a perpetual rule for the Church : "It is criminal to put heretics to death. To make an end of them by fire and sword is opposed to every principle of humanity."

Later on, by the time of the killing of Servetus (1553, approx 1 year before "Definsio"), God change His perpetual rule to a new one : "it is just to put heretics to death. it's not criminal. Putting to death by fire is opposed to every principle of humanity BUT putting to death by sword (beheading) is NOT opposed to every principle of humanity because it's less painful".

The question arise :
Is the Old Testament God come back on the year 1553 ? :)

Aaron Haskins link

9/1/2017 11:14:17 am

Hi, enjoyed your post, looking for the source of the comment, "In November 1552 the Geneva Council declared Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion to be a "holy doctrine which no man might speak against."' As an ex Calvinist myself I knew many who look at Institutes as a Holy Book. I do not, but would like to know the source of this quote.

Dr Steve H Hakes link

1/18/2018 08:18:35 am

IMO Servetus beat Calvin on baptism and was beaten by Calvin on Trinitarianism. Calvin was specious to deem the church (regeneration, etc) to predate the cross, and Sinai to continue in force throughout the church – even among ethnic Jewry (pace Judaism). Sadly he didn’t see that heresy as treason against Sinai, once a necessary and highly limited capital offense, wasn’t carried into the Yeshuic Covenant.
I charge Geneva as having been a justified civil authority, probably better than most in its days, that wrongfully and perhaps gratuitously executed Servetus, and Calvin as somewhat complicit by sincerely misleading it uncritically by a long established church error on capital punishment of heretics.
However, I would eschew emotive terms such as murder. Not all killing is murder anymore than all sex is fornication (C S Lewis). Sinai’s stipulation was against murder, not killing, and Yahweh conquest of Canaan necessarily and justifiably required the latter but not the former. The latter may be justifiably done by civil-military authority. And invoking Rm.14:23, I would consider Calvin subjectively guiltless in the wrongful execution, though objectively complicit in it. The good he offered the church as a good man and good theologian, could have been enhanced had he broken with Sinai. Like Servetus we should subject Institutes to postcritical analysis.

bruce odem

11/20/2019 05:01:58 pm

You would make a great cnn reporter

R tB

1/19/2018 05:41:28 am

I have so many questions about Calvinism. I am NOT a Calvinist NOR an Armenian. I'm married to a died in the wool hard core Calvinist. I would very much appreciate you contacting me to help get answers. Would you please email me?

Samuel Kim

8/23/2019 03:03:20 pm

Dear R tB,

I am a retired pastor, was a Calvinist,
but, now am a 100% Sola Scriptura-ist.

Theology is NOT infallible and does not save us. God's Word does!
It is comparable to "Pros and Cons" on, for example, "Is Coffee good or bad." And more candidly, can be likened to the "10 Blind men's Report on Elephant" (only partly right) or a travel guide (opinionated). All these observations of fallible men can never measure up to the REAL THING, the Bible, the written Word of God.

The fact that there are different theological system and doctrinal positions reflects that none of them are the original.nor 100% right.
If Truth contains parts of truth is not true- truth and it has no original power. On the other hand, a poison contain parts of poison can still kill you.

"Sola Scriptura"
Sam Kim

WT Standard

7/5/2020 05:58:12 am

Sam,

I am not trying to be argumentative and hope you receive this post in love.

I surely love God's Word --- The Bible. But you state you are a retired Pastor who preached the false doctrine of Calvinism, and now you are placing your "faith" in Sola Scriptura. Once again, you are missing the Truth, the Way, and the Life that can only be found in Jesus Christ. He alone offer you salvation.

Never forget --- there were two trees in the Garden of Eden. The tree of life found only in the Grace of God's Son, and the tree of knowledge (of good and evil).

Faith versus Knowledge. In which are you trusting?

Love in Christ --- He alone can save.

Happy Riches link

6/28/2018 12:31:09 am

Born Jehan Cauvin, the man changed his name to John Calvin. Jews believe that they are chosen before they are born and therefore qualify for unlimited election of the elect (Israelites--Judahites,Jews), the teaching that certain people are predestined to be saved before they are born.

Calvin also taught that every person is born totally depraved. These two teachings are the basis of Calvinism and the TULIP doctrines.

The Bible teaches in Romans:
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. (Romans 5:6-7)

Here we see the Apostle Paul stating: men are weak, men are ungodly, some men are righteous, and some men are good.

If men are totally depraved, they would all be ungodly, not weak nor righteous nor good at any time.

Falling short of the glory of God is not the same as being totally depraved. Even John the Baptist, a righteous man, fell short of the glory of God and he was surrounded by the Holy Spirit at birth. (Luke 1:15).

But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. (Ezekiel 18:24)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. (Psalm 37:23)

Falling short of the glory of God, simply means that no person possesses the righteousness of God, even if they are righteous in what they do.

Calvinists teach God creates evil, when the Bible teaches that evil originated within the Devil.

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8)

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (1 John 3:15)

When Jesus spoke to the seven churches, one church had a name for being alive, but was dead. (Revelation 3:1) Why?

Maybe this was a reference to those people who would come along and kill other believers in Lord Jesus Christ being the Son of God who has come in the flesh.

Interestingly, the church that followed is called the church of Philadelphia (brotherly love), and many say this began with John Wesley, who discovered one needed to be circumcised of heart so that God would be loved and as well as one's neighbors.

Those who claim "Calvinism is the gospel" are not promoting the gospel of Lord Jesus Christ and therefore, according to the Apostle Paul, they are accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9).
The gospel that Paul preached is that the free gift of eternal life is for all men, not just some people. Read very carefully what is stated in the book of Romans. All men does not mean some men or a limited atonement.

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one **the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.** Romans 5:18

_garth link

10/23/2018 10:03:54 am

Wow... where do I start.

Until one understands that we all desperately need saving from ourselves, our very nature, one cannot fully come to God. Therein lies the fundamental truth that man must come to. Without Christ we are all decrepit.

I don't use the term totally depraved - I don't subscribe to Calvinism or any ism. I agree with the five solas but I just study the scriptures with the aid of enlightenment from the Holy Spirit, just as any born again person can.

Let's look at some of the scriptures you've quoted...
Psalm 37:23-24 English Standard Version (ESV)

23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
when he delights in his way;
24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the Lord upholds his hand.

Sorry... where's the "good" in here? Oh yes, some versions add it to differentiate those who are called righteous by the Lord. But the ESV which is more a word-for-word translation (ie. more a transliteration than an interpretation) omits good ... because IT'S NOT THERE.

so... lesson here is to use a better translation or at least view a few translations to get a better understanding of English translation/interpretation. And no, KJV is not infallible (and for all those who'll die fighting on the hill of "KJV is the only true bible" if you believe this then please tell me precisely which of the *many* different KJV versions over the hundreds of years they've been released is actually the infallible one?) For goodness sake, no English translation is going to be 100% correct - it's a "translation". Seriously. But between the English translations some are definitely worse than others, and others are just plain heretical.

So let's see what Jesus said was in the heart of unregenerated man... I mean he should know shouldn't He?
Matt 15:19-19 "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander."

And when Jesus was called good he replied...

Mark 10:18 “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone. "

[so this isn't misunderstood: Jesus wasn't saying He wasn't God, but getting the man to a place where he understood that no-one is good but God. We can know this because, in the statement he doesn't say He isn't good, and also in John 10:14 he make a huge claim saying the He is "the good shepherd". Note that this was fulfilment of prophecy as the Messiah, but also that he said the *the*... the only shepherd that we need. No man on earth replaces Him as our good shepherd, no pastor, teacher, rabbi, master, monk, etc. is our shepherd but Christ. Hence why it is critical that one knows what Christ thinks on any issue. Hence why the Bereans were praised by Paul for questioning before anyone accepted his teachings]

In the other scriptures, I get that you are trying to point out that there is righteousness and there is evil/sin but in this context you are arguing against yourself. This just points that some actions are righteous and some actions are sinful, and we get to choose which we do. It doesn't prove that man can be good in and of himself. Jesus said that we can't. Don't forget that we are also told that it is God's grace that falls upon both godly and ungodly that holds us all in check. Otherwise it could be argued, by the insinuation of those very scriptures, it is possible that there would be such depravity on this earth that we could not stand it. Remember God wiped out man once before because of the depravity of *all* mankind apart from Noah and his family.

"If men are totally depraved, they would all be ungodly, not weak nor righteous nor good at any time.

Falling short of the glory of God is not the same as being totally depraved."

These are all suppositions - you have not backed these up by scripture. Without God whichever view you take in regards to us being born into original sin or no, we all become effectively decrepit without Christ. Whether that's (in our eyes) a little or a lot is irrelevant - no-one is good save God. Otherwise why did Christ have to die?

What you should have argued is that man has choice. Otherwise we would be automatons - we have free will to choose life, and the scriptures clearly say that Christ came that *all* may be saved, though not all will choose Him as Lord and follow in the path of righteousness, and thus not all will be saved). So we can make "good choices" and that may be accounted to us as righteousness by God alone, just as Abraham's faith was accounted to him as righteousness and similarly Job's steadfastness.

If you don't think so, then I am always open to discussion, for I don't know everything. But if you don't want to be like Calvin, then you need use scripture in context, and in the light of the Holy Spirit who leads us into all knowledge in Christ Jesus if we ask and seek it.

Zach

3/18/2019 04:24:38 pm

He doesn't though

Ruth Kim

8/1/2018 04:44:45 pm

I just have two questions.
Is John Calvin the Christ?
Is he the standard of our faith?
If the answer to these questions is NO, then why are you putting him in the seat of God?
He did left legacies of faith but that doesn't put him in the position of being an absolute being.
This should be the conclusion of this whole matter. Otherwise, you'll just create unbelief, division and debate which are apparently Satan's playground.

Jack

8/22/2018 05:43:03 am

The above commentary and the contents of the article are just some the reasons I am no longer a “Protestant” Just Sayin😀

Dr Steve H Hakes link

8/22/2018 08:04:13 am

You're not saying much. How about expanding into some specifics, Jack?

Zach

3/18/2019 04:22:25 pm

No kidding!

Bill Sterling

12/20/2020 11:51:11 am

I'm with Jack. If anyone cares to follow the breadcrumb trail back to Constantine, and before, they are welcome to do so. Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, never killed the first person, nor gave the liberty to anyone else to do so. His apostles - ALL of them - did exactly as He did, and taught so. Jesus commanded obedience to His own words. The term "trinity" and its implied definition(s) are the work of men. Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered.

Werner Peters

10/26/2018 03:26:08 pm

I wish you'd have provided some footnotes, references, books to back up all the claims in the article. Without them, its not very helpful.

Greg Logan

12/28/2018 05:29:37 am

Jesus Christ [have mercy on us]!!!

This filthy vile Anti-Christ who defamed the name of Jesus and brought so much evil on mankind may he roast slowly in hell.

Those that have the least to do with this name bear the guilt of his crimes.

Dr Steve Hakes link

12/28/2018 10:31:27 am

Wow, reminds me of the days when RC's said the same of Prots, and received the same answer back. Though I am predestined to choose what parts of Calvin to accept, but really don't like such name calling nor the un-Christian attitude of yearning for any to roast in hell. I deem Greg's proseuchological and attitude to be unbiblical and anti-Christian.

Michael Jean Nystrom-Schut

12/30/2018 01:09:32 am

All of this is very sad and glum to read. If anyone wonders why the "unsaved" world is becoming increasingly uninterested in God, Jesus, and Religion, many hints can be found here. Haggling over theology, doctrine, apologetics, hermeneutics, and dogma are a huge turn-off to the world. They do not address human beings and their basic and elementary needs. The diversions being taken throughout this thought stream reveal volumes of why people are leaving the American churches in droves. (In truth: It's all about Love, God, and Each Other. We are all One. When we come to know this, we will find far more than is being offered here). My name is Michael Jean Nystrom-Schut and I don't wish to hide from these thoughts. God go with all of you. The initial article was well-written and researched, for certain.

Paul (author)

12/31/2018 10:11:48 am

Thanks for these corrective words.

Ralph

1/7/2019 10:03:19 am

To the author, you may want to do more research on Servetus, and not from people who are biased against John Calvin. (Or those who are pro John Calvin, but an honest historian.) 1. It was John Calvin who pleaded for the mitigation of Servetus punishment, requesting the sword instead of burning at the stake. (You can also see this in one of the letters someone has already posted.) He also spent time with Servetus prior to his death pleading with him. (Obviously he must have hated him so much to plead with him.) Also, Servetus had already been sentenced to death by other countries, which is one of the reasons that he went to Geneva. (No death penalty waiting for him, that came later.) In fact, one of these countries burned him in effigy since he wasn't physically present to be burned at the stake. During the whole incident, letters were sent out to other states/councils about the situation, and they all said to put him to death. There is a lot of information you left out since this information would mean that you couldn't make John Calvin look bad. Just how deep does the hatred run that you would slander someone who is already dead, and unable to defend himself?

Paul (author)

1/8/2019 12:30:29 pm

Ralph - I did take time in the article to point out that Calvin's mistaken preference for the death of people with different theological viewpoints is not representative of his entire life and ministry. I do not hate him and am saddened by your accusations that I do. My goal is to learn from one of his mistakes. If you read his Letter to Farel in 1546, Calvin plainly states, "Servetus offers to come hither, if it be agreeable to me. But I am unwilling to pledge my word for his safety, for if he shall come, I shall never permit him to depart alive, provided my authority be of any avail." It is true that other theocrats in Calvin's day agreed with his desire to kill Servetus if Servetus didn't change his theology, but that still doesn't justify Calvin's position or better align it with Jesus' teaching.

Mark Fein

4/6/2019 10:20:58 am

A defender of Calvin, the murderer, who basically wrote his OWN Bible and decided to kill people based on his word. NO ONE who did the things Calvin did deserves any defense, period. When Israel was a nation CREATED BY GOD, He gave them laws to uphold. That nation ceased to exist, and no one can claim to act under its jurisdiction. Like so many others who falsely claimed the title "Christian", he was just another psychopath who demanded complete obedience to his own warped and of course selective interpretations, and if HE wasn't obeyed he indulged his blood lust with tortures and death. How anyone would want anything to do with him just shows how the ego of man still prevails. Calvin doesn't get excused because he might have gotten a thing or two right, OR that other nations and governing bodies were just as evil as him.

Don

2/5/2019 05:14:31 am

The church I am in now do not say they are Calvinist and WILL NOT identify with John Calvin himself but they accept and teach his teachings smoothly blended into there sermons. Are they not both one in the same? Why are they afraid to just plainly say to the congregation were Calvinist. Why hide it? Are they afraid many would leave? I think so.

Dr Steve H Hakes

3/12/2019 04:05:13 am

While I uphold the importance of good hermeneutics, that relates to medieval data as well as to biblical data.

On the latter I reject a hermeneutic that holds to Sinai, even selectively so, such as wrongly saying that we (of spiritual Jerusalem and spiritual circumcision) are obliged to pray for the peace of physical Jerusalem, yet rightly saying that we are not obliged to be physically circumcised. The Sinai Stipulations are redundant qua Sinai, although global imperatives—such as against murder—were and remain imperatives beyond Sinai.

On the former, Geneva (including Calvin) wrongly remained selectively committed to Sinai, which good hermeneutics can deliver us from. But on the point of hermeneutics (rules of interpretation) and exegesis (interpretation) vis-à-vis medieval history, http://salvationbygrace.org/current-qa/john-calvin-a-murderer might offer a better option than Dr. Paul Penley. It offers perhaps a wider framework with which to view the evidence, and offers good analysis, for instance in suggesting that many of the few executions might have been justifiable in the context of that age—even if Sinai was not invoked.

Chris

4/6/2019 10:10:46 am

WAIT a minute. "Your" teachings? You "compel" YOUR teachings? You do the same thing Calvin did, so that must be why you sum up all of his murders and torture as "a mistake". Really? Just "a mistake"? No, what Calvin, and others too numerous to count did was indulge their psychopathic lusts for inflicting pain and death by twisting God's Word into their weapon. To think that he wrote his OWN book to determine others worthy of his punishments is the height of evil, and now you do the same thing. You may not have the opportunity to murder, but to "compel" others is to FORCE them, and force them to YOUR viewpoint, not the Word of the Almighty. Anyone who is a true servant of the Most High will steep himself in the study of the Word and obey it, not write up their own OPINIONS and then force them on others. A true servant points to the actual Word at all times, and encourages others to study it for THEMSELVES. If you don't like the conclusions they come to, then that is the Almighty's purview to work with that person, not yours or anyone else's. "One plants, another waters, but God gives the increase." You men who revel in your egos and re-invent your own teachings to force on others are doing nothing short of evil, no matter how much you pat yourselves on the back for "helping" others.

Charles Baldini link

4/8/2019 07:52:41 am

Myths About the Calvin-Servetus Affair
There are many Christians who vilify John Calvin as the one who “murdered” Michael Servetus and many others. They do so without knowing anything about how this developed and ended, and just parroting what they have heard others say. Why this outrage against Calvin? Simply because the evangelical and liberal world cannot live with who he was and what he taught. They can tolerate Arminianism and even Catholicism, but his Reformed teaching? No, they cannot. So they concocted these five myths about Calvin and his involvement in the execution of Servetus.
1. Calvin was the hated tyrant of Geneva. Calvin’s first pastorate in Geneva lasted just over two years (1536-38). Why? Because the city council and noblemen resisted Calvin’s reforms, especially a weekly Lord’s Supper and the church’s power of excommunication of wayward citizens. So in 1538, Calvin was asked to leave Geneva, and he went to Strasbourg and became the pastor there. He was satisfied with his ministry in the church in Strasbourg, but Geneva called him back after the church experienced even more problems. So in 1541, Calvin reluctantly returned to Geneva, and was pastor there until he died in 1564. Still, he met continued opposition from the city council and noblemen until his death. What kind of tyrant was he, who was tyrannized by his enemies in the city?
2. Calvin was the prosecutor, judge and executioner of Servetus. This is impossible, because Calvin was not even a citizen of Geneva, so he had no right to vote, carry weapons, or hold public office, except as a pastor. The only influence he had was in the church council. Calvin’s role was as a witness against Servetus’ heretical teaching against the Trinity. Servetus was arrested by the Genevan authorities, and tried and sentenced by the city council to be burned at the stake, the same sentence meted out by the Roman Catholics in Spain.
3. Servetus did not deserve being sentenced to death. Servetus was a Spanish doctor who was condemned to be burned at the stake by the Roman Catholic Church there. Somehow, he escaped and made his way to Geneva, thinking that he would convince Calvin of his anti-Trinitarian teaching. The Genevan city council asked counsel from the cities of Berne, Zurich, Schaffhausen and Basel. All these cities recommended that Geneva execute the heretic by burning.
4. Servetus was only one of many that Calvin executed. Although thousands who also were not sound in doctrine sought refuge in Geneva because of Catholic persecution, Servetus was the only heretic burned there during Calvin’s years as pastor. Compare this with the burning of 39 heretics in Paris and other mass executions of “heretics” in Spain, Italy, France, England and many other European cities. Death by burning at the stake was the usual sentence against heretics during the medieval period. Burning was symbolic of a heretic being burned in hell.
5. Calvin was just happy to get rid of Servetus. After the city council sentenced Servetus to death by burning, Calvin unsuccessfully pleaded with the city council to execute Servetus in a more humane manner such as beheading instead of burning. And while Servetus waited for his execution, Calvin visited him, pleaded with him to recant to save his life, and prayed with him.

Don Willekes.

4/28/2019 09:08:08 pm

Dear Charles,
You begin by calling this rhetoric,”myths” about the Calvin-Servetus affair. You do not state where your research comes from. Perhaps you were an eyewitness to these events. So how would your information have any credibility in upholding either side of the debate?
I know of some simple facts about religion that upholds a name , as I was of the reformed persuasion for 48 years as I suppose you probably are if you are the defender of Calvin’s reputation. After 48 years I was saved by the grace of God and was given to see the huge danger of following a deplorable, hopeless teaching of election that has led many souls to ruin! Election is in Gods hands and doesn’t need to be our concern. Our concern should be what the Bible teaches that we must believe,repent, and be baptized and then continue to follow the teaching and example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
One thread that weaves its way through every belief system out there(and we know the devil hides best in religion) is the pharisaical, prideful adherence to their doctrines,whatever they may be. They hold strictly to their teachings whether it has the name Catholic ,Protestant, Muslim,Seventh Day Adventist ,Jehovah’s Witness , First Reformed ,Free Reformed, Dutch Reformed, Amish, Hutterite, Mennonite, Buddhist , to name a few, anyone with a different belief is looked down on as inferior and even lost. After 48 yrs of following one of these systems, I left to go to a bible teaching church that teaches salvation in Christ alone as Paul was such an exemplary example of. Not one person could come up with one biblical reason why I should hold to this erroneous teaching. If Calvin was so innocent and such a humble follower of Christ and his heart truly bled for Servetus , I don’t believe these supposed rumors would have circulated.
I don’t believe any of us should judge his eternal state as some previously have done in this debate , but we should all use this for our learning and instead of lording our belief system over anyone , let us gently and lovingly lead others to Christ and by the Spirits leading grow in the faith and knowledge of our only hope ,Christ Jesus.

Don Willekes.

4/28/2019 09:11:37 pm

Richard l Weaver

6/21/2019 08:03:05 am

Hi Don, After reading all the responses above, I liked yours the best because you did it in a very Christ like way. It reminded me of the truth,
“When you point your finger at another in judgment, remember you have three pointing back at your self”!
So glad you found Jesus after 48 years! It’s so comforting to see and know the Holy Spirit is alive and continually doing such a great job of guiding each of into the truth about Christ!!!
May God bless you as you gently, kindly and lovingly reach out to others with the message of Christ!!! Blessings, Richard

WT Standard

5/19/2019 04:40:52 pm

Great book - "Clash of the Covenants" by Michael C. Kapler. If you want to understand the Old and New Covenants this is the best book I've read if you truly want to understand the New Covenant. Loaded with scripture and his arguments are clear and very easy to understand. Highly Recommend.

Brad Blinstrub

6/11/2019 04:41:53 pm

Calvin was a well funded plant used to destroy whatever good the existing dominant church was doing at the time. The main thing this demented moron did was destroy controls on usury. The end result was the Templar usurpation of power, and making Switzerland a money hatch of unscrupulous loans and unfunded promissory notes. We have "the Fed" today, thanks to Johnny the Terrible. It was his holier than thou doctrine of being in the in-crowd, aka, "the elect of God" that gave the average guy in the spiritual caste system a new sense of importance. He knew the magic religious words of enchantment that makes this Church of the Laodiceans popular to this blood soaked day.

Sodawater

6/21/2019 11:20:42 pm

Nicely written! Well done. Keep an eye on calvinism in Europe and especially the Netherlands. Big things coming soon.

Steve VanBelle link

7/4/2019 09:04:25 am

This is God's command that the world should believe in the authority of His Son Jesus and love one another as He loved us. 1 John 3:23.

Alexander White

7/22/2019 05:14:54 am

I’d like to take a moment to point out some factually incorrect information.

You said that Michael Servetus was a long time friend of Calvin. That really couldn’t be further from the truth. Servetus was a Spaniard, Calvin was from France and later lived in Geneva, Switzerland. The two never met, not even once until he appeared in Geneva that fateful day. Calvin and Servetus merely exchanged numerous letters, but to say that constitutes as a friendship seems rather ridiculous. Now, wikipedia might say I’m wrong, as it does affirm that they were close associates (associates doesn’t mean friend) but I’d argue they weren’t even associates as sending letters to each other doesn’t really form an “associate” connection. Additionally, wikipedia is not a scholarly source and therefore probably shouldn’t be used for issues like this. Furthermore, Servetus rejected clear biblical truths of Christianity: the trinity. Sure, some people’s feathers may be ruffled by him rejecting infant baptism, but to me, that really means nothing compared to him rejecting the TRINITY I mean, come on. Calvin believed himself to be a man after God, you may disagree I personally don’t but the point is, if Calvin was a man after God then he certainly wouldn’t have befriended a man (Servetus) who claims to be Christian yet rejects the very foundations of the Trinity which we lie on (let’s also not forget they didn’t personally know each other and only talked through letter so friendship was never a concept in the first place).
You said that Calvin was city magistrate who had powerful influence over magisterium power. According to my research, this claim is also unfounded. He wasn’t a magisterial official, just a pastor. He wanted to have a theocratic government in Geneva but this never came into being even after his death. Officials didn’t want it to and Calvin had no power over them. Sure, you can say he put pressure on them, but you can also say constituents of a political party put pressure on those they vote for so Calvin putting pressure on a ruling government is no more wrong than me putting pressure on my local representative. Additionally, I’d like to point out that city officials HATED Calvin. Let me say it again, they HATED him. Surely, if a powerful group of people hated you then I’d bet you wouldn’t have any real power in social affairs. Yes, Calvin thought that executing Servetus would be best, and his critics and admirers agree that this probably wasn’t the best move, but the fact remains that the ruling power of Geneva, men who HATED Calvin, wanted him dead and the officials of other local areas who HATED Calvin wanted him dead as well. Calvin is not the sole cause or problem or promotor of the situation and to put him at the head of this affair and the hateful ringleader is simply preposterous. It was not the city authorities who backed Calvin, it was Calvin who backed the city authorities.
You are right that Calvin was angered by Servetus sending him a copy of his book with critical comments but you are wrong that this is the reason Calvin had him executed. The reason, above all, was his rejection of the Trinity. Calvin did not put pressure on Servetus to come to Geneva and in fact, his statement that he would kill him if he saw him was a statement written to Servetus so that he would not come to Geneva. Additionally, Calvin was angry at the time he wrote that and we all make mistakes in the heat of anger. Whenever I’m angry at my brother I tell him “I’m going to kill you” and I’m sure other people say the same thing. Does that actually mean that we want to kill those we’re angry at? Of course not. Calvin was not writing a death sentence, it wasn’t like he sent Inquisitors to hunt Servetus down, but rather Calvin was making a statement saying that if Servetus comes to Geneva, he would have no other choice but to put him to death. In response: Servetus comes to Geneva much later and Calvin has no other choice. Calvin does as he said he’d have to do. The city arrests him, Calvin stands as the witness, and Servetus is sentenced. Calvin was also not crazy thinking that heretics needed to be executed, it was the 1500s and that was the norm. That was the way people lived and thought. It doesn’t make it right, but if one were to critically blame Calvin for this act then one also needs to critically blame everybody from the time of Rome up until the 1800s.
You mention Jacques Gruet, said he was a theologian with different views and that he placed a letter on Calvin’s pulpit. You are right that he did put a letter on calvin’s pulpit but you are wrong in saying he was a theologian, he wasn’t. In fact, he was a magisterial who opposed Calvin (you’re correct on different views, still wrong that he’s a theologian). I’m not

Alexander White

7/22/2019 05:18:41 am

In fact, he was a magisterial who opposed Calvin (you’re correct on different views, still wrong that he’s a theologian). I’m not sure about your claim that the letter called him a hypocrite, maybe it did. But if it did, that’s not all that it said and that’s not why he was arrested and executed. Gruet threatened the life of Calvin and another minister as his note on Calvin’s pulpit alluded to the stabbing of another minister. Gruet threatened the lives of 2 people and implicated himself in the stabbing of a third. When authorities searched his house, they found sufficient evidence linking him to the crime. That is why he was arrested and executed. Not because he called Calvin a hypocrite and not because Calvin was in power to have him arrested and executed, but because he stabbed (and I think killed) a minister and threatened to do the same to two other ministers.
Additionally, you say that Gruet’s theology book was later found and burned with him. This claim is also wrong. Gruet’s book wasn’t a theology book but a book filled with anti-christian rhetoric (which furthers my point that he certainly wasn’t a theologian). The book was burned, but it happened three years after the execution of Gruet.
5. More points on Servetus. Calvin actually visited him in jail and pleaded with him to change his mind about his views on the Trinity. This is evidence of a man not filled with hate, but rather a man filled with love who wanted to give Servetus a last chance. You’re also wrong that Servetus begged to be beheaded instead of burned and that Calvin declined his request. It was actually Calvin who begged for him to be beheaded as it was less painful than being burned. The magistrates of Geneva denied his request.

Why am I saying all this? It’s totally apparent that a lot of this information is totally manipulated toward the viewpoint of hatred toward John Calvin (it’s interesting because people hate Calvin because he was so hateful toward people yet these people are hateful toward Calvin for being so hateful, oxymoronic?) After reading this, I felt like something should be said not from my perspective as a man growing in his faith toward the reformed/Calvinist side, but as a man who loves history and the truth and was completely disgusted my how the truth was butchered in your writing.
I admit, I do side more with the side of Calvinism, agree with TULIP, and think rather highly of John Calvin. Those who are disgusted by that and deem me a hateful Christian because of my appreciation for Calvin are just as guilty of the hate they claim that Calvin has; they are no better than him and he no worse than them. Just because I agree with reformed theology does not mean I misrepresent the bible. It doesn’t mean I put things in the bible that shouldn’t be there. Rather, I actually saw the biblical passages as evidence of his thoughts. It doesn’t mean I hate people and that I’m a hateful Christian and I certainly don’t hold myself higher in esteem than those who disagree with Calvin. I strive to be humble in everything I do.
Yes, there are some issues with Calvin. I will affirm that. Those who elevate his Institutes are so obviously wrong and those who elevate Calvin to prophet status are also wrong. He is a man who strives for God in all he does and that is all. He is no better, and no worse than the rest of us Christians.

Dr Steve H Hakes link

7/23/2019 03:32:01 am

Apropos Calvin I agree as to the was, but as to the is - is he a man who strives for God? Does one do that beyond death, as he now is? Whether he is better than Christians leads to interesting questions about the postmortem life, when none shall be Christians, even as the flower is no longer the seed. Sure I know, even many academics have the habit of speaking of the deceased in the is, so "so and so believes" rather than "so and so believed", and the 'is' talk falls into that fashion. That's bad aioniology., and it's good to think outside of that box. Whether Calvin - with whom we've kinda lost contact - believes in Calvinism, we will one day discover, but to deny that he was a child of God is folly, and whatever flower in the Christian garden we sovereignly choose or are sovereignly chosen to choose, let's understand that before our lord we stand if in good faith (Rm.14).

Paul Penley (author)

8/7/2019 04:32:48 pm

Alexander -

Thanks for your detailed response. I have edited portions of the article to create a more “just the facts” journey through Calvin’s exegesis that supported the death penalty for heretics and his involvement in the process in Geneva. I have included a few more quotes and sources without trying to make it sound like an academic journal article. I hope it creates a more “fair” representation of his position and its deadly consequences. I really appreciated the feedback.

Kelly Wiley

3/30/2021 06:58:37 pm

Mr. White there is historical evidence documented in DAVE HUNT'S book "What love is This" which shows that Calvin for all of his earthly life was proud of all his actions which caused people to be cruelly, painfully murdered. Calvin had hundreds thrown into jail for daring to disagree with him. Jesus told us to love our enemies. Calvin was a sadistic murderer. No Christian would do the things he did. Get Hunt's book. You will see hundreds of verses which among many things teach that Christ died on the Cross for the whole world everyone. All in hell are there because of rejecting Jesus as Savior not because God before they were born wanted them in hell.

Buddy

9/14/2019 09:02:26 am

History? Can’t be trusted.

michael karhan

10/5/2019 04:06:01 pm

I agree which everything except your reading of Hebrews in which the word covenant is supplied by the translators. The context between the Greek words proteros and dueteros is what’s in view. The other is contrasting first things and second things
The first priesthood (levi) contrasted to the second priesthood (melekezidek-which obviously predated Levi) and the first half of the tabernacle vs the second half of the tabernacle . The Hebrews author tells us “we have priests now and this present age we live in- is not the world to come this the covenant is not old . Good luck tho ! Fear not I will judge you a heretic for being wrong about Jewishness.

WT Standard

12/9/2019 03:52:28 am

Without doubt, the very best book refuting the Calvinism, which is totally rooted in the Stoic and Gnostic beliefs of Augustine is, "The Foundation of Augustinian - Calvinism", by Ken Wilson.

https://www.amazon.com/Ken-Wilson/e/B07WTLFX44?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1575892044&sr=8-1

Prior to his conversion to Catholicism, Augustine was a follower of Manichaen Gnostism for 10 years, and after 412 AD, he brought the pagan doctrines of Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistable Grace, and Persistence of the Saints, along with a very twisted understanding of God's sovereignty, to the Catholic/Christian faith. However, the Eastern Catholic Church NEVER accepted the teachings of Augustine and never regarded his teachings as that of a Saint.

These pagan doctrines were opposed, in total, by EVERY Church Father and Author. It was not until Calvin and Luther revived these doctrines in the 1500's that they began to be embraced. Again, no one from the early Church Fathers or Authors put forth or supported these beliefs and they were seen as heretical and coming from Stoics, Neo-Platonists, and Gnostics for almost 400 years.

Any Calvinist who reads this book, WILL Have To "Determine" if they want to continue following the false teachings of Stoicism, Gnosticism, and Determinism or do they want to return to the True Teachings concerning the Christian God whose "Sovereignty" is totally based on Love and Who could NEVER ordain evil or Predestine a person to hell and not allow that person "Free Will" to make that determination with a loving God truly wanting EVERYONE to be saved.

Clell Adams

1/5/2020 09:04:47 am

One simple refute to Calvinism. "God told me to tell you that Calvinism is heresy!"
If you don't get it........

Dr Steve H Hakes

1/5/2020 09:11:38 am

The double-election idea contains election to damnation, and might God not elect to test the elect by having one damned say that Calvinism is heresy? Personally I don't buy Calvinism, and wonder why God has only chosen some to be Arminians, but jesting aside both sides hold truth.

Clell Adams

1/5/2020 08:26:38 pm

God is not a mental patient. IF there is any truth to Calvinism, it is only that portion that happens to coincide with Truth. Calvinism itself is heresy. God elected me to let people know that Calvinism is wrong, he told me to tell you that your argument is faulty, illogical, and downright silly. Furthermore he caused me to know you are wrong!

Dr Steve H Hakes

1/6/2020 06:45:17 am

Wow Clell Adams, I did not realise that you were God's oracle, but now that you’ve told me I humbly repent of my faulty, illogical, and downright silly argument. Though no Calvinist, I merely wished to highlight that anyone prophesying Calvinism's folly (it has such IMO) could face the counter assertion that such as Dt.13:3 shows that God’s sovereignty could allow prophecy against the truth. I take the position of C S Lewis that Hyper-Calvinism is demonic, since it takes ‘total depravity’ to mean that what the unconverted believe to be good is the total opposite, evil, so the unconverted who have a wish for good must seek for what they believe to be evil, to be demonic. Most Calvinists have a milder idea of Total Depravity (viz total in extent but not in depth), fortunately, but still must ask why God elected some to be hyper-Calvinists, as well as why he elected Adam (& Satan) to sin. But by God’s wisdom you know me to be wrong, so I must simply repent in sackcloth and ashes. Ah, life would be much simpler if all biblical questions could be so easily sorted by your prophetic insight.

Clell Adams

1/6/2020 07:53:32 pm

You implied I was one of the damned.
Calvin was/is a heretical teacher.

Next time I'll try to say it more plainly.

WT Standard

4/16/2020 05:29:51 am

May be a debate between the author of, The Foundation of Augustinian - Calvinism, Ken Wilson and James White. Leighton Flowers is working to make this happen and Dr. White has been doing all he can to destroy Dr. Wilson on his several of his webcasts at https://www.aomin.org/aoblog/category/the-dividing-line/page/2/

James Sundquist link

5/19/2020 07:19:55 am

Hi Paul,

I must give you my highest commendation for your article and post exposing John Calvin. So I thought you might be interested in my letter to Alistair Begg below.

One question for you: As you know Calvin published a number of editions to his Institutes from 1536 to 1559. Do you know of any major revisions or changes of his doctrine in his subsequent to last edition?

Thank you. Comment if you care to.

Blessings,
James Sundquist
Eaglemasterworksproductions.com

Begin forwarded message:

From: James Sundquist <rock.salt@verizon.net>
Subject: Alistair Begg, John Calvin, Infant Baptism, and Musical Instruments in Worship
Date: May 18, 2020 at 12:28:06 PM EDT
To: ptautges@cornerstonemayfield.org, paultautges@delightingintheworld.org

Dear Pastor Paul Tautges and Members of Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church of Cleveland,

Since Alistair Begg and Parkside Church are in Cleveland and you are in Cleveland, you should be alerted to the following letter I sent to Pastor Alistair Begg and every staff member. Not a single response, even after a followup, They state on their website that they will respond, then never do. They did respond with this acknowledgement: "We will respond to you as quickly as possible. Thank you” but then never do! I am a Christian journalist and author, and will so reflect their lack of response in my upcoming book on John Calvin.

Thank you.

Kindest regards in Christ,

James Sundquist
Eaglemasterworksproductions.com

Begin forwarded message:

From: James Sundquist <rock.salt@verizon.net>
Subject: Alistair Begg, John Calvin, Infant Baptism, and Musical Instruments in Worship
Date: May 12, 2020 at 10:10:34 AM EDT

Dear Pastor Steve and Members of Parkside Church,

As you would already know, your pastor Alistair Begg refutes infant baptism and you employ musical instruments in worship. I AM GLAD!!! But what is baffling and confusing to me is that Alistair also glowingly promotes John Calvin. But Calvin burned people at the stake for opposing infant baptism and declared that use of musical instruments in worship is an abomination. Did you know that? This brings me to the following questions:

1. Why would any kind of Baptist not totally reject John Calvin and have no association with even his name who burned people at the stake for opposing infant baptism? This is what you and I and Alistair look like were John Calvin to get his hands on us:

A779A672-19F8-4C2B-9985-AC93644D25D7.tiff

2. As you know, The Netherlands is where Reformed Theology TULIP originated then spread throughout Europe, Africa, and America. But of the billions of tulips sold from there every year, wasn't there at least one wise among them to inform them to inform them that a tulip has only 3 petals and to this day no one has exposed this?

3. Conrad Mbewe a black leading pastor in Zambia is championing Calvinism taking over Africa. But Calvinism is responsible for white supremacy Dutch Reformed Church in Africa and corrupting Curse of Ham racism plague that also infected America my country. Can you explain this?

4. Calvin banned and condemned the use of musical instruments in worship, calling it an abomination. So why do so many Reformed, and all other Baptist Denominations and so many other denominations, use musical instruments in worship in defiance of John Calvin? This was punishable according to Calvin, so I also wonder what would happen to you and all of the musicians in your church, and me as a guitarist who has ministered in concert in 43 States? (see my website below).
But what does Calvin say about the Psalms?
“Nowhere is the method of praising God delivered more fully; or are we stimulated more powerful to render him this office of godliness...sounds of string instruments...and song in four parts do not in the least suit the majesty of the Church, and only greatly displease God” John Calvin
Another quote from Douglas Bond, citing Calvin:

“John Calvin urged that “all human inventions in worship be removed and driven from us, which God himself justly abominates.” Far from aping the world, Christian men ought to stand against the impulse to reinvent worship so it looks and sounds like the world.”

“Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting of lamps and the restoration of other shadows of the Law. The Papists therefore have foolishly borrowed this as well as many other things from the Jews.” John Calvin

I look forward to your responses!!

Thank you.

Kindest regards in Christ,

James Sundquist
Eaglemasterworksproductions.com

Bill Sterling

2/10/2021 07:16:24 am

I'd appreciate conversation here.
This is but one of MANY issues I'm trying to find a place of relative understanding about. My current view is that both Rome and the Protestant Reformation have done damage to that Kingdom of God which Jesus formally gave us instructions to extend.

Bill Sterling

6/23/2020 07:23:20 pm

Read through all I could. People have studied Calvin, Servetus, Geneva, etc to the nth degree. MY position is this: that Jesus Christ was born and lived at the beginning of the 1st century - of HIS era. His apostles were chosen following His baptism (interesting!). You know the rest, hopefully. Gospels and detailed letters were written shortly thereafter. Disciples filled the known world, were persecuted, killed. Constantine came, and the RCC followed in his wake. What a mess! A MILLENIA LATER(!), the Reformers came and did what they did. Now, here we are, at the very end of the age. What was "improved" after the last apostle passed?

Ruth moses

11/23/2020 12:56:30 am

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Bobby C link

12/23/2020 02:27:27 pm

Great reaad thanks

Al Doe

4/1/2021 12:00:00 am

I was ambivalent about Calvin. Still am, but only because I need to verify the quotes presented herein which are attributed to him.
The above-listed quotations need not any further arguments. These could not have been penned by a newly born Christian led by the Holy Spirit. They are in complete and utter contradiction to the teaching of Christ and His Apostles as recorded in the Scriptures. Also, surely you remember what Jesus had told His disciples when they earnestly proposed to Him (in their seemingly righteous indignation) to bring the fire from heaven and burn the whole town of "heretics" that have not received them and the Lord.
If these quotes are truly Calvin's, my verdict is in. The man's "pious" teachings are to be shunned and avoided at all costs. Somewhere in there must reside a root of bitterness that will destroy you.

Frank

6/17/2021 06:37:51 am

But why do people follow Calvin, mere man and a mortal like us, why not follow Jesus, is being Christian not good enough for you. What's better to identify as a Calvinist or as a child of God. The moment we put a man on a pedestal we are bound to fall into error that's why God exalted Jesus and have Him the name that is above every name so that only He could be glorified and worshipped. I hate it when people quote John Calvin in their sermons even more than they quote the Bible it's idolatry at it's best. Follow God, not theology, follow Christ not "teachings" and yes most Calvinists behave like Pharisees which is very worrying.

John Carpenter

7/1/2021 09:52:53 am

Lies. Calvin never murdered anyone. Learn some history before posting nonsense.

KARLA

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Jane

8/3/2021 10:12:17 am

John Calvin is the definition of reprobate. The cult of Calvinism by those called by his name (Calvinists) is total schism, divisive and deadly throughout the ages.

Calvinism = ism = schism
Christianity = ity = unity

EASY Choice!

Praise God that John Calvin is now in the hands of his Eternal Judge.

Jd Mc7776

8/4/2021 11:36:07 pm

Great article! So glad that it is still available after all these years. God bless.

Richard Schurz link

8/29/2021 04:21:48 am

Christopher BRILLIANT BRILLIANT POINT that no moderns comprehend STULIP and TULIP (You bring up the doctrine of Grace that covers all automatically and endlessly) Which was ASCRIBED to have come from John Calvin.

Was invented out of whole cloth from the FOUNDERS of FUNDAMENATISM

To justify the Radical Changes they made to the teaching of Calvin and to specifically DENY JESUS WORDS AND COMMANDMENTS AS REQUIRED as the Law of the New Covenant. (Calvin did understand this and fully taught the law of Moses EVEN THOUGH parts of it were rescinded by Christ All offerings and Sacrifices Circumcision the Dietary Laws the laws in sancitifying priests and minstries by carnal means)

This RADICAL GRACE was never taugh by Calvin and after his death from 1600-1860 All Evangelical Churches were offshoots of Calvinism so that in the writings sermons biographies dozens of demininations ALL AFFIRM obedience to Jesus words and commandments IS THE STRAIT GATE AND NARROW WAY.

Further the book of Deuteronomy was read EVERY SEVENTH YEAR on the year of Jubillee according to the law.

When was it read It was read during the feast of Pentecost the ingathering. So that the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 as these events were transpiring At the temple Priests in unison were reading the book of Dueteronomy in FULL to all present.

The book of Deuteronomy if the books of the law are the most quoted by Christ and by Paul and other apostles by far. Verse after verse is taught as being part of the new covenant. As affirmed by Christ and Paul

In writing above we are old and very ill so we see we made an error
in not completing what we started writing and then blindly moving to the next point.

So we mentioned CENTRAL LAW IN THE NEW COVENANT that bears upon all teaching all doctrine and all revelation.

For out of the mouth of two and three witnesses (In John 5 Jesus declares he does not accept the witness of men of even John the baptist but declares I have another witness but does not name it. Jesus had already spoken of the witness of the father bearing signs and wonders. The Apostle John Later declares "And God gave John no signs. This is significant to Jesus other secret witness. we will write more in a bit.)

For out of the mouth of two and three witnesses (OF scripture) Shall every word (Teaching doctrine Revelation) Be established (Have its foundation matterially taught)

Of scripture most grasp they testify prophesy of Jesus coming of this brith of signs surrounding his birth. Of his ministry, of his diety of this death of his resurrection of his ascention. AND THIS IS WHERE all doctrine DROPS DEAD.

When Jesus says I have greater witness than that of John he picks this up in nibbles over chapters to the place that Jesus is declaring his very words his very teachings his very sayings (all these words are used in differing verses) all come from the Father.

So we have in moderns minds we only have Jesus word for this. THIS IS NOT SO. And we have to mention what we are going to write has been realized at times during church history and then lost and then found again and then to be lost again.

Jesus words and all the Apostles words are in Greek.
During the Great Awakening this was Realized and Again during the second awakening.

It was realized that by whole verses in greek Jesus and Paul were quoting from the Greek Septuagint. By Phrases of two and three words Jesus and Paul were quoting and citing the passages in the greek Septuagint there were teaching from. And also from individual texts. The writings or Paul and Christ are as backwards phone books that lead to addresses of People with their current phone numbers

So that in the Gospels when Jesus went into a synagogue to announce his ministry He asked a rabbi for the scroll of Isaiah it was brought to him onto a pulpit and it says And Jesus found the place.

To moderns this does not seem in the least remarkable. But at the time of Christ and for over 1100 years of Church history there were NO CHAPTERS and NO VERSES. which means Jesus scrolled past 30 feet of scroll to find the place. Jesus was initimately aquainted with the scroll of Isaiah to do this.

So Jesus then begins to read. (What was this text according to the law of Moses) This was a text on the Year of Jubilee not the seven year but the 50th year of the seventh Jubilee. Where all lands reverted back to their orignal owners all slaves were freed beyond the regular seventh year of Jubillee So that Jesus was announcing he was going to usher in the Grand year of Jubilee Jubilee is not a translation it is jubilation or great joy and it was INSERTED by translaters The Hebrew says THE YEAR OF RELEASE. and the word Release is used a few times in the Gospels and Epostles on the verses of the year of Jublilee in the Greek Septuagint.

Moderns have LOST much of what was once understood during the great and second awakenings.

So what Jesus read and this blew my mind fresh out of five years of bible sc

John Calvin Killed Rival Theologians: Bad Bible Interpretation Justified It

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