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John Newton on Calvinism and Arminianism

Discussion in 'Calvinism & Arminianism Debate' started by Martin Marprelate, May 2, 2022.

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  1. Martin Marprelate

    Martin Marprelate Well-Known Member
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    "I am an avowed Calvinist: the points that are usually comprised in that term seem to me so consonant with Scripture, reason (when enlightened) and experience, that I have not the shadow of a doubt about them. But I cannot dispute, I dare not speculate. What is called by some, high Calvinism, I dread. I feel much more union of spirit with some Arminians than I could with some Calvinists; and if I thought a person feared sin, loved the word of God and was seeking after Jesus, I would not walk the length of my study to proselyte him to the Calvinist doctrines. Not that I think them mere opinions, or of little importance to the believer - I think the contrary; but because I think these doctrines will do no one any good until he is taught them of God. I believe a too hasty assent to Calvinistic principles, before a person is acquainted with the plague of his own heart, is one principal cause of that lightness of profession which so lamentably abounds in this day, a chief reason why many professors are rash, heady, high-minded, contentious about words ... I believe that most persons who are truly alive to God, sooner or later meet with some pinches in their experience which constrain them to flee to these doctrines for relief, which perhaps they had formerly dreaded .... In this way I was made a Calvinist myself; and I am content to let the Lord take His own way, and His own time, with others."
    [John Newton: Works, vol. 6, pp. 278-9]
     
    #1 Martin Marprelate, May 2, 2022
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  2. AustinC

    AustinC Well-Known Member

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    I like Newton. In many ways he seems like Bunyan. Both simply read their Bibles and the scripture guided them to understanding, which ended up in the label of "Calvinist" by those who oppose the sola's.

    @Martin Marprelate, thanks for this quote.

    Amazing grace...
     
    #2 AustinC, May 7, 2022
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  3. tyndale1946

    tyndale1946 Well-Known Member
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    Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
    That saved a wretch like me
    I once was lost, but now am found
    Was blind but now I see

    Sorry Austin I couldn't resist it... Brother Glen;)
     
    #3 tyndale1946, May 7, 2022
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  4. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    I agree with Newton as well (depending, of course, where a man starts). This was my experience with Calvinism. I was drawn to Calvinism and found it highlighted God's sovereignty and best represented God's holiness in the manner of both salvation and creation itself.

    And initially I was quick to teach Calvinism. I did what Spurgeon warned against - inflated one truth and minimized others. It was a time of personal growth. Most Calvinists grow out of that stage.

    But similar to, yet different from, Newton I believe that most persons who are truly alive to God, sooner or later meet with some pinches in their experience with both Calvinism and Arminianism through which God leads them to flee to these doctrines.

    That said, we are finite. If one must hold to Calvininism or to Arminianism to accept the gospel of Christ then so be it. God used George Whitefield and John Wesley despite their soteriology for His glory. They bore fruit not because of Calvininism or Arminianism but because they had a heart for God, His kingdom, and the gospel.
     
    #4 JonC, May 7, 2022
  5. Reformed

    Reformed Well-Known Member
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    I appreciate Newton's caution. It is something I have often thought about. When a Christian embraces the Doctrines of Grace, it is a theological paradigm shift that affects every facet of the individual's life. But while there is much joy to be found in these marvelous truths, they present real dangers. There is that "cage stage" wherein a new Calvinist can become nothing short of obnoxious. Most of the time that stage dissipates as the believer moves on to maturity. But there is a danger that is even worse. That danger is when the Doctrines of Grace become nothing more than an academic exercise. The hearts of these individuals, filled with pride, use Calvinism as a cudgel with which to beat those that they disagree with. There is no true heart for the Gospel. There is nothing but an attitude of superiority. In fact, such an attitude is the antithesis of grace. Calvinism, rightly understood, should result in a God-honoring humility matched with a desire to see the full number of the Elect brought into the Kingdom.
     
    #5 Reformed, May 7, 2022
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