May 7, 2009

Defining Hyper Calvinism

The following writer, like others, connects Hyper Calvinism with Antinomianism.

"Should it be asked, whether all Calvinists differ from Arminians, only in reference to effectual grace and perseverance, it is frankly acknowledged, that there are some who differ from them in other points. These persons are generally styled High-Calvinists, or Hyper-Calvinists. Hyper signifies above, and Hyper-Calvinists are so called, because their system is above genuine Calvinism. The Hyper-Calvinist holds the particular design of Christ's death, but denies its general design; whereas moderate or modern Calvinists, as they are called, hold both. An Antinomian may perhaps be called a consistent Hyper-Calvinist. The word Antinomian is derived from anti, against, and nomos, a law; and is applied to persons who hold doctrines which tend to discourage holiness. The Hyper-Calvinist holds such doctrines. He admits that the death of Christ is sufficient for all, and that all receive many temporal mercies through him; but he denies that the death of Christ was in any respect intended for the salvation of all; and therefore he does not invite all to believe in him for salvation, but preaches to saints and before sinners, and leaves God to apply the word to his elect people. Some Hyper-Calvinists, however, are so inconsistent as to invite sinners, because they perceive that the sacred writers do so. Other Hyper Calvinists proceed much further than abstaining from invitations to sinners. They multiply the points in dispute, state each in the most extravagant form, and in a way which tends to discourage the use of any means for the conversion of sinners, either in the family, the neighbourhood, or the world at large. "God," say they, "will take care of his own elect; he will convert them in his own time; the work is his, and he must have all the glory." As might he expected, under the idle pretext of ascribing the work and the praise of conversion to God, they excuse their own indolence and avarice."

"It has been justly observed, that preaching, in order to be scriptural and profitable, should consist of a due proportion of doctrinal, experimental, and practical statement. The Hyper-Calvinist almost entirely overlooks the last. As to doctrine, his preaching is in a great measure confined to the peculiarities of Hyper-Calvinism; and as it regards experience, that which he preaches is of a spurious kind. Genuine experience consists in the exercise of love, reverence, humility, trust, and submission to God; but experience, in the opinion of the Hyper-Calvinist, consists chiefly, if not entirely, in confidence of a person's acceptance with God, assured hope of heaven, and joy arising from both."
(pg. 169,70)

The Christian instructor By George Croft (Published at Oxford, 1825)

See here

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