Hyper-Calvinism and the Call of the Gospel: An Examination of the Well-Meant Offer of the Gospel

by David J. Engelsma

Is there a "well-meant offer" of salvation to all men? Or is the call of the gospel restricted to the elect only? Is there an alternative to these two extremes? This book sets forth and defends the Reformed position of the gospel call to all mankind.

Genres: Theology

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Alex]

Did not finish. Read a few chapters and while it may be true that Hoeksema and the PRC has falsely been charged with holding certain positions (e.g., preaching only to the elect), I did not find Engelsma to be a careful scholar. I am surprised Gerstner gave consent to write the preface/forward of this book (not necessarily that he disagrees with the Well-Meant Offer).

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone who is interested in the debates over hyper-Calvinism and the well-meant offer must read this book. While I could not give it a five star rating, it is still an outstanding piece of work. The positive aspects of the third edition of this book are many. First, the standard of writing and presentation is VERY high and it is a real credit to both the author and the publisher. Second, the author fully vindicates the Protestant Reformed Churches from the charge of hyper-Calvinism. The position of the PRC must be carefully distinguished from that of hyper-Calvinist groups such as the Gospel Standard Baptists who deny "duty-faith" and advocate only preaching the gospel to the elect. David Engelsma exposes the unbiblical nature of hyper-Calvinism and proves that it is a distortion of the Reformed position. Third, he does prove that the anti-well-meant offer position has a place in the Reformed tradition. Having read Francis Turrentin for myself on this point, I would basically concur with the author's conclusions concerning Turrentin and the well-meant offer. Fourth, the author excellently exposes the dangers of paradox theology and rightly argues that the Westminster Confession is opposed to such irrationality.

Still, despite these clear strengths, I have several concerns about the book. First, I am not convinced that the author always represents the well-meant offer position in its best formulations. There are probably plenty of well-meant offer advocates who would oppose the particular type of well-meant offer that the author often attacks. Second, the argument that well-meant offer proponents are Arminians is as crass as the assertion that the PRC position is hyper-Calvinism. Third, he does not really deal with the quotes from Calvin and others in the Reformed tradition that appear to support the well-meant offer. Although I would agree that the use of the term "freely offered" in the Westminster Confession does not necessarily mean that it teaches a well-meant offer to the reprobate, the position appears to have more support in the Reformed tradition than the author is willing to admit. Fourth, he admits that Herman Hoeksema's denial of the covenant of works is a novelty, but he needs to realise that this position is dangerous and (if taken to its logical conclusion) will lead to something like the Federal Vision. Fifth, and related to the above point, his presentation of the traditional understanding of the covenant of works and the conditional covenant of grace is largely a caricature.

Notwithstanding these criticisms, the book's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. While I remain unconvinced of the author's position, no defender of the well-meant offer can afford to ignore the arguments of this book. Eric Foner once said that it is always more interesting to read stuff written by people with strong beliefs; in this case, he is definitely right. Hyper-Calvinism and the Call of the Gospel is the most stimulating book that I have read this year; I could hardly put it down.

[Andrewandkimberly Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attention reformed brothers and sisters, this book is a must read to understand what is meant by the doctrine of "the well-meant offer" within reformed circles today. David Engelsma carefully exposes the arminianism of the offer and the hypo-calvinism of those who hold to this teaching (which includes many of todays well known calvinist teachers, or rather hypo-calvinist teachers). He also knocks down the false notion of evangelical arminianism and demonstrates that arminians do not possess the evangel (the gospel) while also refuting the charge of Hyper-calvinism made against those who reject the offer.

[Roger Leonhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very surprising read, in a good way.

I don't agree with some of Engelsma's theology, but have to admit that his view of the "Well Meant Offer" does not make him a Hyper-Calvinist. I assumed that he believed the gospel should only be preached to believers, but he proves the opposite.

It was a very interesting read.

[Felipe Sabino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excelente!

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent.