New Calvinism’s Gospel Sanctification Hasn’t Fooled Everybody
The following letter received by PPT is indicative of why we’re here. Not everybody is buying into this doctrine, but when it comes to getting answers—good luck. Also noted in the reader’s letter is the fact that many know something’s not right about the doctrine, but, “Where else is there to go?” This is the result of two factors: New Calvinist churches deliberately instill that mentality into their people because the movement is cultish, and in fact, this movement has all but totally infested Christianity. As the reader indicates: “And she is right…there is no church here in (a large US city) that does not have the infiltration of these doctrines.” The following letter is published with permission. The reader begins with a quote pulled from a PPT post:
“In fact, I would probably be conceding myself, thinking, ‘Everyone else, and now MacArthur? It must be me—I’m missing something on this,’ if not for a few souls like Walter Chantry and Dr. Jay Adams.”
Your comment above was also my thoughts for along time. I have been researching, and sending emails to various Pastors (omitted), wanting to know: “Exactly what is the New Calvinism?” I knew it had ties to “Sonship Theology” and NPP and Vision Forum, but I could not pull it all together and find the common denominator, that is until I found your blog by typing in “Jerry Bridges and Sonship Theology” into Google.
I started to think that I was what I have been accused of being, “unloving” “attacking my own”, “having evil intent”, etc., etc. I have so much to say and share with you in the bittersweet understandings of the knowledge of just what those teachings are; how they lead to a life devoid of joy and assurance in our hope and faith in Jesus Christ [exactly what New Calvinism promises to the contrary: go figure]; and the sadness of knowing my friends who have denounced fellowship with me are still under the influence to the doctrines mentioned. However, as one of those friends mentioned to me when I was warning her of those doctrines in the church she still attends (it is under the leadership umbrella of SGM), “Where else is there to go?” And she is right…there is no church here in (a large US city) that does not have the infiltration of these doctrines.
It is hard to point out the problems, without also providing the solutions.
I know now that at least I am not alone in thinking as I have been. Thank you, so very much for the time and effort you put into your blog!! I also thank your wife, who obviously is your best encourager! What a blessing!
Thank You!
Blessings,
(Omitted)
~Be clothed in the Lord, and wear Him well!
Paul's Passing Thoughts 
Good question. Where do you go to church when all Reformed churches in your area are New Calvinists? That’s a problem where I live. The two PCA churches are Sonship churches and the Reformed Church in the U.S. is a big Michael Horton fan. Wow, new ideas spread quickly. I guess I’m not going to be Reformed for a while.
Arkansas Bill
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Bill, I’m thinking a new denomination is needed.It’s to the point now where there are just no alternatives.I just see it going that way.
paul
> —–Original Message—– >
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What would you name your new denomination? What would be your doctrines on Justification and Sanctification?
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Same problem in Connecticut. Thank you Paul, Bill, Walter, Jay . . . keep contending!
God bless,
Jess
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It’s time for an alternative.
> —–Original Message—– >
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A new alternative sounds good. Unfortunately, I’m having to live in the Arminian world for now. Arminians are the most common these days, although somewhat disappointing. However, I think overall a good Arminian church is better than a bad New Calvinist church. Since there’s no perfect church we just highgrade best we know how. I’ve known plenty Arminians in Calvinistic churches through the years. It’s a compromise. Every Christian should try to attend church somewhere. There are limits of course.
How strange, there’s so much contrast in churches. For example, my brother goes to a Presbyterian USA (social gospel) church that mainly focuses on loving neighbors, good works, feeding the poor, and social work. The work ends up being an end in itself. Christ is accepted, but takes a back seat in the shadows. Then we have the New Calvinists preaching Christ Alone and devaluing the good works that Christ commands us to do! Where’s the common sense balance of yesteryear?
A new alternative church should not surprise us. Reforming in the reformed world is business as usual. We live in a fallen world and they slip in among us, over and over again!
Arkansas Bill
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Bill,
Arminians are all Calvinist, they just don’t know it. Ever heard one pray that someone would save themselves?
> —–Original Message—– >
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Pro 19:27 KJV – Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
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Paul,
right, to their credit Arminians probably pray more for revivals than Calvinists do. At least they try to sprinkle everything with God’s grace. For most, it’s more easily accepted than Calvinism in todays culture of human perspective, peace, universal love, and tolerance. I know the early Presbyterians in America tried kicking some Arminian Pastors out of the church. It didn’t work. They gave up on that long, long ago. The big issue is the person of Christ and His atoning work for us. That’s what separates us from this dark world and brings us into the kingdom of light. But in the case of New Calvinists, they have thrown out the “perseverance of the saints,” God’s means of our preservation. Their position of faith devoid of obedience is not only deceitful, but it doesn’t produce any fruit to eternal life either.
Arkansas Bill
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