Frozen Chosen: Why Hyper Calvinism is Controversial in the Church

By Reformark • 0 min •

Watch the full-length episode between Reformark Media's Corey Colvin and Patrick Malphrus of Old Providence ARP Church in Staunton, VA. Click the link. You don't want to miss it!

## Key Takeaways

* Hyper-Calvinism is a distinct theological position that differs significantly from historical Reformed theology, particularly in its views on evangelism and the free offer of the gospel. * A central tenet of Hyper-Calvinism is the denial of common grace and a limited view of God's love, often asserting that God only loves the elect. * The controversy surrounding Hyper-Calvinism stems from its perceived undermining of missionary efforts and the universal call to repentance and faith. * Understanding the nuances between historical Calvinism and Hyper-Calvinism is crucial for a balanced theological perspective and effective Christian witness. * Key historical figures and confessions of faith, such as the Canons of Dort and the Westminster Confession, affirm the duty to preach the gospel to all humanity.

Understanding Hyper-Calvinism: A Deep Dive into Theological Controversy

In the realm of Christian theology, few topics spark as much debate and discussion as the various interpretations of Calvinism. Among these, "Hyper-Calvinism" stands out as a particularly controversial viewpoint, often misunderstood and mischaracterized. This article, inspired by the insightful discussion between Corey Colvin of Reformark Media and Patrick Malphrus of Old Providence ARP Church, aims to unpack the complexities of Hyper-Calvinism, distinguishing it from traditional Reformed theology and exploring its implications for the church today.

Hyper-Calvinism is not merely a stricter form of Calvinism; rather, it represents a departure from mainline Reformed theological thought on several crucial points. While both affirm God's sovereign election and predestination, Hyper-Calvinism introduces specific tenets that have historically been rejected by Reformed confessions and theologians. The term "Frozen Chosen" aptly captures one of the common misconceptions and criticisms leveled against this view, suggesting an inert and disengaged approach to evangelism.

The Historical Context and Core Distinctions

To truly grasp Hyper-Calvinism, it's essential to understand its historical origins and the specific doctrines that set it apart. While Calvinism, as articulated by John Calvin and subsequent Reformed confessions, emphasizes God's sovereignty in salvation, it also upholds the responsibility of every human being to believe and repent. Hyper-Calvinism, however, tends to push certain doctrines to extremes, often leading to a distorted understanding of God's character and human duty.

Key distinctions of Hyper-Calvinism often include:

* **Denial of the Free Offer of the Gospel:** Unlike traditional Calvinism, which maintains that the gospel should be offered freely to all people, Hyper-Calvinists often argue that it should only be offered to those who show signs of election (e.g., conviction of sin, repentance). * **Limited View of God's Love:** Many Hyper-Calvinists assert that God only loves the elect, denying any form of common grace or general benevolent love towards all humanity. * **Opposition to Evangelism and Missions:** A practical consequence of these theological premises is often a diminished emphasis on or even outright opposition to evangelism, missions, and the universal call to repentance, viewing such efforts as unnecessary or even contrary to God's sovereign plan. * **Rejection of Duty-Faith:** This refers to the belief that faith and repentance are duties required of all people, regardless of their elect status. Hyper-Calvinism often rejects this, suggesting that only the elect can genuinely repent and believe.

These distinctions highlight a significant divergence from the mainstream Reformed tradition, which has consistently upheld the Great Commission and the responsibility of the church to proclaim the good news to every creature.

The Controversial Impact on the Church

The controversies surrounding Hyper-Calvinism are not merely academic; they have significant practical implications for the life and mission of the church. When the free offer of the gospel is restricted, and evangelistic zeal is dampened, the church

Topics

presbyterian church, Conservative, Interview, Calvanism, Corey Colvin, Patrick Malphrus, ARP Denomination, Reformark Media, Baptist, Christianity, Jesus Christ, Bible, reformed theology

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