The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Hyper-calvinist

The definition of what? BTW, it is hardly my seminary! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" /> Yes, the PRC seminary was one which I studied at. And as much as it has proven to be impossible to do, I would prefer to forget the time I spent there. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Let's understand one thing here. One would be hard-pressed to find any individual and/or group that would attribute the term "hyper-Calvinist" to themselves. Secondly, no true Calvinist would affirm that true grace, i.e., salvific grace pertains to any but the elect. Thirdly, as you would find from reading some of the past discussions here in regard to the topic of "Common Grace", many of us who are within the historic, traditional Calvinistic camp lament over the actual term "Common grace" as it more often than not creates unnecessary confusion; ala "grace". However, that God displays kindness/benevolence, in that He has withheld immediate judgment upon them and also providentially provides for their sustenance in many cases cannot be denied. Since it is within God's sovereign prerogative to give whatever He wills to whomsoever He wills, the lack which some may experience is no argument against the fact that He does, in fact, show kindness to the reprobate as well as the elect.

Your definition simply doesn't fit the term, "hyper-Calvinist" because to deny the necessity of one coming to faith in Christ for salvation is not only outside the pale of Calvinism, it is contrary to historic Christianity as a whole. The accepted understanding of "hyper" is that which is "above, beyond, a distortion of" Calvinism. That such people who describe as "hardshellers" are extremist is true. But I cannot consider them to be even loosely Calvinists.

In His grace,