The GOSPEL TRUTH

CALVINISM

CONTRARY TO GOD'S WORD

AND

MAN'S MORAL NATURE.

by

D. FISK HARRIS.

Copyrighted and Published by the Author

1890

Electrotyped and Printed by

WOMAN'S TEMPERANCE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION,

161 La Salle St., Chicago.

 

PREFACE.

 

The title of this work sufficiently explains the author's purpose. How far he has succeeded, the candid reader must judge.

Were it not for the conviction that each generation must examine for itself the foundations upon which its faith rests; that the times demand a reinvestigation of the cardinal principles of theology, and that he has something to say on these important themes, the author would not have obtruded himself upon the attention of the public.

A few words concerning the methods employed. Calvinism has been, and even now is, so variously interpreted, that it has been deemed necessary to devote not a few pages to its legitimate exposition. Knowing that it is easy to misrepresent an opponent by carelessly quoting his opinions, the author has verified the greater number of references. Where this was impossible he has taken them from reliable sources.

The arguments against Calvinism are cumulative. While each chapter combats a specific fallacy or unscriptural position, the reader is requested to waive his decision for or against the work until he has fairly considered the aggregated results.

The work is necessarily polemical. Yet the author joyously remembers the holy character and unceasing Christian activities of his theological opponents. He would say in the words of John Wesley. "Though we can not think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion?"

Harmar, Ohio.

CONTENTS.

 

PART I.

What is Calvinism?

 

CHAPTER I.

Calvinism and Augustinianism the same in their Essential Characteristics

 CHAPTER II.

Are God's Decrees Conditioned on His Foreknowledge

 CHAPTER III.

Is God Able to Prevent Sin?

 CHAPTER IV.

Why are the Finally Impenitent Lost? Is it Because God Can not save Them?

 

PART II.

Calvinism Contrary to God's Word,

 

CHAPTER I.

Calvinism Teaches a Limited Atonement

SECTION I. Terms Defined The Problem Stated

SECTION II. Concessions of Calvinists Illustrating Certain Passages of Scripture

SECTION III. Are the Gospel Invitations Sincere?

SECTION IV. The Atonement an Expression of God's Universal Love

SECTION V. The Salvation of all Men and Will of God,

 

CHAPTER II.

Calvinism Teaches Infant Damnation,

SECTION I. Does the Westminster Confession of Faith Teach Infant Damnation?

SECTION II. No proof that only Elect Infants Die,

SECTION III. Infant Condemnation was Taught Prior to the Westminster Assembly

SECTION IV. Infant Condemnation Taught by the Westminster Assembly

SECTION V. The Doctrine More or Less Distinctly Taught Since the Westminster Assembly

 

 CHAPTER III. 

Calvinism Contradicts the Bible by Declaring Saving Faith to be a Direct Gift of God

SECTION I. Calvinism Declares that Faith is not a Condition of Salvation

SECTION II. The Importance of Faith

SECTION III. The Nature of Faith

SECTION IV. The Language of Scripture Presupposes and Asserts that Faith which Worketh by Love is a Radical Condition of Salvation

SECTION V. How is Faith Obtained? How does it Come? SECTION VI. Objections Considered

 

CHAPTER IV.

For What are the Non-Elect Eternally Punished?

SECTION I. Can the Non-Elect be Saved?

SECTION II. How Certain Calvinists Vindicate the Divine Justice and Sincerity,

SECTION III. Calvinism Teaches that the Non-Elect are Rejected and Condemned Irrespective of their Wicked Deeds or Character

SECTION IV. The Doctrine Denied, and yet Granted by Some Calvinists

SECTION V. The Doctrine Denied by some Calvinists, but Logically Necessitated by their Fundamental Position,

SECTION VI. The Bible Argument,

 CHAPTER V.

The Foreknowledge of God. How Related to His Will, 

SECTION I. Is Divine Foreknowledge Possible?

SECTION II. Calvinism Limits God's Omniscience,

SECTION III. The Bible Testimony Concerning the Divine Prescience and Will

 

PART III.

Calvinism Contrary to Man's Moral Nature.

 

CHAPTER I.

Calvinism Makes God the Author of Sin 

SECTION I. NO Absolute Evil in the Universe

SECTION II. God the Efficient Cause of Sin,

SECTION III. The Infra or Sublapsarians declare that the Views of the Supralapsarians legitimately make God the Author of Sin,

SECTION IV. How some Calvinists Show that God is not the Author of Sin,

SECTION V. God's Will Not the Criterion of Right,

SECTION VI. The Infralapsarian Scheme. Does it Solve the Problem?

SECTION VII. My Position Confirmed by Eminent Calvinists,

SECTION VIII. God not Guiltless, if He permits, when He Could Prevent Sin,

SECTION IX. Some Objections Considered,

 

CHAPTER II.

Calvinism Contradicts Conscience,

SECTION I. Calvinism Denies the Truthfulness of Remorse

SECTION II. Calvinism Contradicts the Ought of Conscience

SECTION III. In Denying the Ought of Conscience, Calvinism Contradicts the Divine Law,

 

CHAPTER III.

Calvinism an Ally of Universalism

SECTION I. Calvinism and Universalism agree Concerning God's Power

SECTION II. Calvinism and Universalism Substantially Agree Concerning the Good Uses of Sin and the Denial of Freedom

SECTION III. To a Large Extent Universalism is a Reaction Against Calvinism

SECTION IV. As Universalism Becomes more Biblical, the Fundamental doctrine of Calvinism is Denied.

 

 

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