Compassionate Calvinism: Defending the Doctrines of Grace without Being a Jerk

Reformed theology has experienced a dramatic resurgence in the last few decades. Thousands are discovering the awe of God's sovereignty in salvation and the tenets of Calvinism. Sadly, many of these "new" Calvinists are so zealous in defending the doctrines of grace that they often struggle to engage in charitable dialogue with their opponents. Given the mischaracterizations and confusion often surrounding Calvinism, we need a generation of faithful believers who can defend the doctrines of grace with actual grace. Those who uphold God's sovereign grace in salvation should display the most grace while unashamedly defending Calvinism. Now more than ever, the evangelical church needs a compassionate Calvinism.

 

Sean Cole is the lead pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Sterling, Colorado. He has a Doctor of Ministry in expository preaching from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Divinity from Gateway Seminary. He also serves as an adjunct instructor of Old and New Testament, Systematic Theology, and Biblical Interpretation at Colorado Christian University. He hosts a podcast called "Understanding Christianity." His wife is Dawn, and they have two boys, Aidan and Zachary.