Hyper-Calvinism and John Gill

Abstract

Since the Reformation, there have arisen several varieties of theology associated with John Calvin. One of the most extreme has come to be known as Hyper-Calvinism, but scholars have not been agreed as to what exactly constitutes this school. By a thorough examination of the works of those usually cited as Hyper-Calvinists in the context of the on-going progress of Calvinism in general, a definite pattern can be detected and through an investigation of the pertinent doctrines a definition of the term I Hype r-Calvini sm' can be attained.

Foremost of these writers was Dr. John Gill, an eighteenth century Particular Baptist pastor. The vital theme of Dr. Gill's theology was the sovereignty of divine grace, which gave rise to emphasizing divine sovereignty to the extent that human responsibility was minimised. This is seen especially in the sphere of salvation, which springs from the eternal double-decree of the secret will of God in its superiority over the temporal call of the Gospel. The theology of an essentially impassionate God led to a Supralapsartanism which tended to push back as much as possible into eternity in such a way that the division of election and reprobation governs the relationship between Law and Gospel, producing a stricly limited atonement and restrictions on the Gospel which cannot be found in Calvin's theology. Specifically this means that the most tangible tenet of Hyper-Calvinism has been the rejection of the theology of the Free Offer (with special reference to the word offer'), Duty-Faith (that saving faith in Christ is required by the Moral Law of all who hear the Gospel), and indiscriminate invitations to redemptive privileges and responsibilities.

Arising mainly out of the Supralapsarianism and doctrinal Antinomianism of Puritan England, the theology properly began in 1707 but has continued until the present in several varieties. Though there have been peripheral disputes amongst representatives of the various branches and continual controversies with other theologies, the essentials of Hyper- Calvinism have remained the same. Though a few adherents of this theology have come to reject its distinctive points, only time will tell whether the tendency of the movement will reverse itself and return to the balance as pictured by John Calvin.