Those of you who have been to Bible college or seminary will likely recall the lengthy discussions you engaged in over coffee about the order of the decrees. During such talks approaching a half-century ago, I remember there was usually a great deal of heat and little light. Some Bible colleges are so insecure that even discussions of this topic are out of bounds, against the rules, and grounds for dismissal, which is the Christian college version of an ostrich with its head planted firmly in the dirt. This installment of Ministerial Musings is offered to shed a little bit of light on the topic.
The chapter is divided into seven parts; The State of the Question, The Three Main Reformed Positions, Amyraldism, Supralapsarianism, Infralapsarianism, Alternative Theories, and Conclusion.
The State of the Question: Five paragraphs. “The state of the question revolves around three points: (1) whether the decree of election was logically before or after the decree of the Fall, (2) whether the decree of election was logically before or after the degree of the atonement, (3) whether the decree of creation was logically first or last in the order of the decrees. The issue is a matter of logical sequence rather than chronological arrangement.
The Three Main Reformed Positions: Three paragraphs. Amyraldism is Low Calvinism., also generally called hypothetical universalism. Supralapsarianism is mainstream Calvinism. Infralapsarianism is High Calvinism. The positions are more difficult to define concerning
their adherents than is usually recognized, requiring more caution and
information than most who quickly attach a label.
The author refers Hyper-Calvinism without
pointing out something important for those of us who are IFB’s to recognize because
it is tangential to the thrust of his book. The late John R. Rice intentionally
mislabeled Hyper-Calvinism and improperly linked Hyper-Calvinism to those not
deserving the label.
Throughout his career, Rice chose to identify
as Hyper-Calvinism, the position espoused by CH Spurgeon. He did this while ignoring
Spurgeon’s long career in London opposing hyper-Calvinism while conducting a
vigorously evangelistic ministry as a professed Calvinist.
He also frequently reprinted the sermons of so-called Hyper-Calvinists (who were not) and edited their manuscripts to remove terminology he disapproved of without ever (to my knowledge) informing his readers. Sadly, the man who most effectively encouraged personal evangelism in the 20th century engaged in that practice.
Amyraldism: This word is a moniker for four-point Calvinism. The seven paragraphs treating this subtopic are well worth the time of every Gospel minister wishing to hold a position that is not based on a misunderstanding of the issues involved.
Supralapsarianism: Sixteen paragraphs develop this subtopic. The sovereignty of God is not a topic of controversy among Baptists, yet many Baptists are unwilling to discuss or study the order of the decrees that God sovereignly exercises. Surprising to the uninformed, this understanding of the order of the decrees has been held by both Calvinists and Hyper-Calvinists. The individual who does not understand how it is even possible for both Calvinists and Hyper-Calvinists to subscribe to this position understands neither position and does not recognize how these two positions differ from each other.
Infralapsarianism: Four paragraphs. This is by far the mainstream Reformed position, bearing on the atonement. Since every view of the atonement is in some sense an advocacy for a limitation of the atonement, the order of the decrees deserves serious study and prayer.
Alternative Theories: Twelve paragraphs. The order of the decrees was a topic Martin Luther did not seem to have discussed. The later Lutherans did. The Arminian order of the decrees is (1) creation, (2) permission of the Fall, (3) universal atonement, (4) sufficient grace to all, and (5) election by forcing faith of those who persevere to the end.
Conclusion: The
author’s opinion regarding the order of the decrees follows:
1. Decree to create mankind
2. Decree to permit the Fall
3. Decree to choose some sinners to salvation
4. Decree to pass by other sinners in
reprobation
5. Decree to send Christ to die for the elect
6. Decree to send the Holy Spirit to
efficaciously apply redemption to the elect
7. Decree to harden the reprobate
8. Decree to glorify God through the
glorification of the elect and the damnation of the reprobate
