The following excerpt is from a series by David Mathis, Executive Editor of desiringGod, the Calvinist web ministry founded by John Piper who acts as lead teacher for the ministry. {1}
The Question posed by Mathis: Does God 'Cause' Sin? We should not be intimidated by Mathis' use of philosophical terms such as "proximate cause", "remote cause", and the argument that sin is by God's "ordination". Mathis' argument is based on human reason rather than the word of God. (Colossians 2:8). It is noteworthy that Mathis relies heavily upon Calvin, rather than the biblical texts for his irrational theory:
"The older theologians denied that God was the efficient cause of sin . . . [in part] because they identified cause with authorship. But if . . . the connection between cause and blame in modern language is no stronger than the connection between ordination and blame, then it seems to me that it is not wrong to say that God causes evil and sin. Certainly we should employ such language cautiously, however, in view of the long history of its rejection in the tradition.
At least, the above discussion does indicate that Calvin is willing in some contexts to refer to God as a cause of sin and evil. Calvin also describes God as the sole cause of the hardening and reprobation of the wicked:
'Therefore, if we cannot assign any reason for his bestowing mercy on his people, but just that it so pleases him, neither can we have any reason for his reprobating others but his will. When God is said to visit mercy or harden whom he will, men are reminded that they are not to seek for any cause beyond his will.'" {2}
The Question posed by Mathis: Does God 'Cause' Sin? We should not be intimidated by Mathis' use of philosophical terms such as "proximate cause", "remote cause", and the argument that sin is by God's "ordination". Mathis' argument is based on human reason rather than the word of God. (Colossians 2:8). It is noteworthy that Mathis relies heavily upon Calvin, rather than the biblical texts for his irrational theory:
"The older theologians denied that God was the efficient cause of sin . . . [in part] because they identified cause with authorship. But if . . . the connection between cause and blame in modern language is no stronger than the connection between ordination and blame, then it seems to me that it is not wrong to say that God causes evil and sin. Certainly we should employ such language cautiously, however, in view of the long history of its rejection in the tradition.
At least, the above discussion does indicate that Calvin is willing in some contexts to refer to God as a cause of sin and evil. Calvin also describes God as the sole cause of the hardening and reprobation of the wicked:
'Therefore, if we cannot assign any reason for his bestowing mercy on his people, but just that it so pleases him, neither can we have any reason for his reprobating others but his will. When God is said to visit mercy or harden whom he will, men are reminded that they are not to seek for any cause beyond his will.'" {2}
If God is the cause of sin, does this not also make Him the author of sin? The definition of cause is source, root, origin, author etc. The Calvinists cannot avoid this line of human reasoning due to their reliance upon Calvinism's deviant philosophical system, TULIP, and the original writings of John Calvin, rather than the Word of God. To make God the author of sin is rank heresy. God's own revelation of His righteousness and holiness absolutely preclude such vain speculations.
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5).
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:13-14,17).
If you have seen me you have seen the father... You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.1 John 3:5 cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8 cf. John 8:44).
God brings calamity upon people for various reasons, typically because of their own sin; it does not logically follow that God is the cause or author of sin:
Therefore the LORD has kept ready the calamity and has brought it upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in all the works that he has done, and we have not obeyed his voice. (Daniel 9:14).
How can God be the author of something he condemns and abhors?
..but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! (Matthew 18:6-7).
..but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! (Matthew 18:6-7).
John Pipers Insanity
When asked the question: "Has God predetermined every tiny detail in the universe.. including all our besetting sins?": Piper: "Yes.. Every horrible thing and every sinful thing is ultimately governed by God." {3} Piper goes on to say that we will go insane unless we accept this perverse line of reasoning. Thankfully, the prospect of insanity does not apply to those who trust in the Lord and reject the unhinged notions of Calvinism! (Proverbs 3:5-6). In effect, Piper asserts that God's sovereignty cancels out His goodness and righteousness. Piper: "God is absolutely sovereign. He can do whatever he wants to, and he can do it whenever he wants to. He has that kind of power."
Do Piper, Mathis and their associates imagine in their arrogance that they have solved the mystery of iniquity? Sin is the outworking of iniquity, culminating eventually in the man of sin. (2 Thessalonians 2:7). The "mystery of iniquity" is precisely that, it exceeds the grasp of human reason. (1 Corinthians 13:12).
"The revelation of it is still future; for (γὰρ), though it is in a sense already present and at work, it works now only as a mystery, not as a thing revealed." {4}
What we can say for certain is that it is a logical impossibility for God to be the cause of sin and evil, since causal determinism is contrary to God's very nature. Although God can do anything He wants to, He clearly does not "want" to do evil! (James 1:13-14,17; 1 John 1:5; Psalm 34:16).
Calvinists like Piper and Mathis turn the Word of God on its head - anything that reverses the scriptures is satanic. (1 Timothy 4:1).
Jesus died for all people everywhere v Calvinism: Jesus died for a few people.
God does not desire anyone to perish v Calvinism: God determines that many people do perish and go to hell.
God hates sin v Calvinism: God is the cause of sin.
God desires all people to repent v Calvinism: God determines that many are incapable of repentance.
People can resist God v Calvinism: People cannot resist God.
When asked the question: "Has God predetermined every tiny detail in the universe.. including all our besetting sins?": Piper: "Yes.. Every horrible thing and every sinful thing is ultimately governed by God." {3} Piper goes on to say that we will go insane unless we accept this perverse line of reasoning. Thankfully, the prospect of insanity does not apply to those who trust in the Lord and reject the unhinged notions of Calvinism! (Proverbs 3:5-6). In effect, Piper asserts that God's sovereignty cancels out His goodness and righteousness. Piper: "God is absolutely sovereign. He can do whatever he wants to, and he can do it whenever he wants to. He has that kind of power."
Do Piper, Mathis and their associates imagine in their arrogance that they have solved the mystery of iniquity? Sin is the outworking of iniquity, culminating eventually in the man of sin. (2 Thessalonians 2:7). The "mystery of iniquity" is precisely that, it exceeds the grasp of human reason. (1 Corinthians 13:12).
"The revelation of it is still future; for (γὰρ), though it is in a sense already present and at work, it works now only as a mystery, not as a thing revealed." {4}
What we can say for certain is that it is a logical impossibility for God to be the cause of sin and evil, since causal determinism is contrary to God's very nature. Although God can do anything He wants to, He clearly does not "want" to do evil! (James 1:13-14,17; 1 John 1:5; Psalm 34:16).
Calvinists like Piper and Mathis turn the Word of God on its head - anything that reverses the scriptures is satanic. (1 Timothy 4:1).
Jesus died for all people everywhere v Calvinism: Jesus died for a few people.
God does not desire anyone to perish v Calvinism: God determines that many people do perish and go to hell.
God hates sin v Calvinism: God is the cause of sin.
God desires all people to repent v Calvinism: God determines that many are incapable of repentance.
People can resist God v Calvinism: People cannot resist God.
What is not to understand about the plain reading of the scriptures?
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2).
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2).
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.. (Acts 17:30).
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9).
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you." (Acts 7:51).
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9).
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you." (Acts 7:51).
Calvinism is a wicked system and a loathsome misrepresentation of Christianity. (2 Peter 3:16; 1 Timothy 6:20).
Calvinism has the appearance of godliness and its proponents say many "religious" sounding things, but by inverting the Word of God, they deny the power of the Gospel. The scriptures tell us plainly: Avoid such people. (2 Timothy 3:5).
An Event to Avoid
Church of England minister and ecumenist Richard Coekin, Director of the Co-Mission group of churches in south east London has been promoting New Calvinism for the last decade. The keynote speaker at this year's London Men’s Convention on the 2nd of June will be false teacher John Piper. {5}
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1).
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1).
{1} https://www.desiringgod.org/about-us
{2} https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/does-god-cause-sin
{3} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmMvatMyUfI
{4} http://biblehub.com/commentaries/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm
{5} https://christianconventions.org.uk/lmc/convention
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