Calvinism and Arminianism:
Myths & Realities
John Calvin: “Solomon also teaches us that not only was the destruction of the ungodly foreknown, but the ungodly themselves have been created for the specific purpose of perishing (Prov. 16:4).” (Calvin’s New Testament Commentaries: Romans and Thessalonians, pp.207-208, emphasis mine)
John Calvin: “...the wicked were created for the day of evil simply because God willed to illustrate His own glory in them; just as elsewhere He declares that Pharaoh was raised up by Him that He might show forth His name among the Gentiles (Ex 9:16).” (Concerning the Eternal Predestination of God, p.97, emphasis mine)
One Calvinist converses: “A Calvinist ordinand was asked by a member of the ordination committee: ‘Young man, would you will your own damnation if it were for God’s greater glory?’ The ordinand responded: ‘Sir, I would will the damnation of this entire committee if it were for God’s greater glory.’” (God loves you … but he hates that guy over there, emphasis mine)
Calvinists need to prove that God gets more glory by someone going to Hell vs. instead going to Heaven.
One member of The Society of Evangelical Arminians: “Went to a friend’s baptism today. I was just reminded of the utter obviousness that, of *course* the LORD wants all people to come to him and be washed clean. Look at the joy of the people; look at how truth abounds and how songs of praise are sung! Look at how proud the people are of this young man and fellow brother in the Lord being baptized into the Name of the Lord Jesus. It’s just terrific. Listen to the divine rhetoric-- just another proof of God’s not desiring the wicked to perish-- in Psalm 30:9: ‘What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?’ The answer, clearly, is No. God wants people to praise him in life. That’s why he wills to rescue all from the dead.”
And so goes the Calvinistic theory that God gets glory from people going to Hell. Another Calvinistic tenant goes poof. God gets the most glory and the most joy from people being saved, healed and delivered. Period.
Arminian Charge: Calvinism makes Hell glorious.
Myth or Reality: According to Calvinism, God gets glory from the [alleged] non-elect going to Hell. However, I find it strangely coincidental that the Calvinist’s neighbor being in Hell gives God glory, but not the Calvinist themselves being in Hell that would give God glory.
