My Other Blogs:

Apologetics Lane
Bible Difficulties Answered

Charismata Matters
Gospel Crumbs

Quotes and References

Remembered Music
Trinity Notes

My Comments on other Blogs

• Page Two
• Page One

[or here: Page Two; Page One]

How Did Infant Baptism Begin: A Story of Five Centuries of Church History [Gavin Ortlund]

 

How Did Infant Baptism Begin: A Story of Five Centuries of Church History 

[Gavin Ortlund]

https://youtu.be/3WE0Ea2ke_c?si=aYNPAT0NAxwC8NMv

English Translations of John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion

 

There are four main English translations of John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion. They are those by Thomas Norton (1561),  John Allen (1813), Henry Beveridge (1845), and Ford Lewis Battles (1960). 

Text of Thomas Norton's Translation of Calvin's Institutes: https://archive.org/details/institutionofchr1578calv

Text of John Allen's translation of Volume 1 of 2 of Calvin's Institutes: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45001

Text of John Allen's translation of Volume 2 of 2 of Calvin's Institutes: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/64392

Audio of Allen's translation: https://librivox.org/institutes-of-the-christian-religion-bks-1-4-allen-trans-by-john-calvin/

Text of Henry Beveridge's translation of Calvin's Institutes: https://ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes

Audio of Beveridge's translation of Volume 1: https://librivox.org/institutes-of-the-christian-religion-book-1-by-john-calvin/

Audio of Beveridge's translation of Volume 2: https://librivox.org/institutes-of-the-christian-religion-book-two-by-john-calvin/

Audio of Beveridge's translation of Volume 3: https://librivox.org/institutes-of-the-christian-religion-book-3-by-john-calvin/

Audio of Beveridge's translation of Volume 4: https://librivox.org/institutes-of-the-christian-religion-book-4-by-john-calvin/

Text of Ford Lewis Battles' translation of Calvin's Institutes:

Volume 1: https://media.sabda.org/alkitab-7/LIBRARY/CALVIN/CAL_BAT1.PDF

Volume 2: https://media.sabda.org/alkitab-7/LIBRARY/CALVIN/CAL_BAT2.PDF

Volume 3: https://media.sabda.org/alkitab-7/LIBRARY/CALVIN/CAL_BAT3.PDF

Volume 4: https://media.sabda.org/alkitab-7/LIBRARY/CALVIN/CAL_BAT4.PDF

John Davenant's Animadversions [A Defense of Calvinism]

 
According to 21st century theologian Michael Lynch, the famous Calvinist church historian William Cunningham said that in his time (19th century) the best defense of Calvinism available in his day was John Davenant's Latin book De Praedestinatione & Reprobatione. However, that book has never been translated into English. Nevertheless, according to Lynch much of the teachings and points Davenant makes in that work are also in his English work Animadversions [linked below]. The Latin work will eventually be translated into English according to Lynch. Cunningham's endorsement is especially noteworthy because Cunningham was an expert in the theology of church history and because Cunningham, himself a Calvinist, held to Owenian Limited Atonement whereas Davenant rejected an Owenian-like Limited Atonement in his Calvinism and held to a version of the atonement that can be labeled under Hypothetical Universalism, as Amyraldianism is labeled as well. Davenantianism's version is not as well known as Amyraldianism. Though, it should be because of how it's a view that arguably is compatible with both the canons of the Synod of Dort and the Westminster Confession of Faith even though it denies Owenian-like Limited Atonement. Also because while Amyraldianism is theologically in between 5 Point Calvinism and Arminianism, Davenant's Calvinism is in between Amyraldianism and 5 Point Calvinism. And therefore is much closer to standard confessional and historic Calvinism.

Davenant's Animadversions can be downloaded HERE:
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Animadversions_Written_by_the_Right_Reve/vaFkAAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0 

More works by Davenant can be found and downloaded HERE: https://www.prdl.org/author_view.php?a_id=232

Christian Biographies [Some Biopics]

 

In no particular order, the following are some videos and written biographies, documentaries, and  biopics [i.e. dramatic cinematic biographies] of past Christian leaders who I appreciate to some degree or another. 

John Wycliffe: The Morningstar | Full Movie | Peter Howell | Michael Bertenshaw | James Downie
https://youtu.be/t1V2cFsVUOM 

John Wycliffe: Morningstar (2022 Remake) | Full Movie | Philip Todd | Jared Morgan
https://youtu.be/CXY4lV0brds 

See also  John Wycliffe Morningstar at www.morningstarfilm.co.uk

 

Luther  The Life and Legacy of the German Reformer (Full Documentary)
https://youtu.be/6VK0p-tuuao 

Luther (2003 movie)
https://youtu.be/WIx82PuGfTk 

 See also the 1953 Martin Luther film, as well as the Luther film with actor Stacey Keach

 

Robber of the Cruel Streets: The Story of George Muller (2006) | Full Movie | Adam Stone  
https://youtu.be/D4KZEU7681w

GEORGE MULLER Documentary | A Cloud of Witnesses | FULL
https://youtu.be/TQ8DKz1mpa8

 Zwingli   German Full Movie   Biography Drama History
https://youtu.be/pv4XYNHf53I

 

The Life Story of Pastor Erwin Lutzer   
https://youtu.be/ROxWNJF6GRg 
See also his book autobiography: He Will Be the Preacher: The Story of God's Providence in My Life

 

UPCOMING: Gavin Ortlund's videos on Christian biographies

Jan Huss 

 

 

Davenantian Hypothetical Universalistic Atonement

As a Calvinist, I'm open to various views on the atonement, from Limited Atonement as popularized by John Owen, to other views, like General Atonement and mediating views like the Hypothetical Universal Atonement of Amyraldianism and Davanentianism [et al.]. If Amyraldianism's view of the atonement and salvation is somewhere in between Calvinism and Arminianism, John Davenant's views are in between 5 Point Calvinism that affirms Owenian Limited Atonement and Amyraldianism. So, Amyraldianism leans more towards Arminianism, while Davenantianism leans more toward Full 5 Point Calvinism and its affirmation of Limited Atonement. Of the non-Owenian Atonement views, I find Davenant's views most appealing.

The following are some YouTube videos on Atonement views that hold to Hypothetical Universalism. Most of the videos are on Davenantism, rather than Amyraldianism and other views. Apparently, Michael Lynch is an avid proponent of Danvenant's views on the atonement.

 

Episode 51: Michael Lynch on John Davenant's Hypothetical Universalism
https://youtu.be/mSSQKe7Nr8s

John Davenant’s Hypothetical Universalism, w/Michael J. Lynch
https://youtu.be/UCKlq7Sjs7k

John Davenant: Covenant Theology and Hypothetical Universalism?
https://youtu.be/40rcCERkUvI

That Christ Died for All: A Brief Case for Hypothetical Universalism from Bishop John Davenant
https://youtu.be/4mGlFz8jurk

The Reformed Doctrine of the Atonement: What is Hypothetical Universalism? (w/ Dr. Michael Lynch)
https://youtu.be/REf3p0XCAoI

Was Calvin a Hypothetical Universalist? Chapter 4 of Calvin and the Reformed Tradition
https://youtu.be/fiVHfnlBQ_M

Rethinking the Atonement: Davenant, Du Moulin, and Reformed Diversity – Chapter 5
https://youtu.be/gcCD5W9wFrI

173 - Michael Lynch on…Hypothetical Universalism??
https://youtu.be/C8_9xE0ksi8 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 Miseries of Not Trusting in God’s Providence

 

Taken from a Monergism post on Facebook 

9 Miseries of Not Trusting in God’s Providence

“Ignorance of providence is the greatest of all miseries, and the knowledge of it is the highest happiness” (Institutes, 1541 ed., ch. 8 ). - John Calvin

1. Fear, Worry, Anxiety

When we lose sight of God’s providential rule and fatherly care, our hearts are often gripped by fear: fear of man and fear of circumstances. We begin to imagine a future without God in it—where dangers are real, outcomes are uncertain, and no one is in control. Worry thrives in the soil of unbelief. Jesus gently but firmly reminds us not to be anxious about tomorrow, because “your heavenly Father knows” (Matthew 6:32). When we forget this, we carry burdens never meant for us—robbing today of peace because we don’t trust God with tomorrow (Philippians 4:6–7). Anxiety, then, is not just an emotional struggle, but a spiritual one—a call to remember who God is.

2. Murmuring, Complaining, Chafing

When we fail to trust God's wisdom in our circumstances, we begin to murmur—quietly or loudly—against His ways. We say with our attitudes (and sometimes our lips), “This isn't fair,” or “Why me?” Like Israel grumbling in the wilderness, we grow blind to what God has done and cynical about what He is doing. Complaining is not merely venting frustration—it’s accusing God of mismanaging our lives (Exodus 16:2–3). The Apostle Paul warns us not to follow their example, for such murmuring provokes God's displeasure (1 Corinthians 10:10). True trust silences grumbling by saying, “This too is from my Father’s hand.”

3. Impatience

Impatience surfaces when we believe God is too slow or has forgotten us. We want His blessings, but on our timetable. This restlessness reveals a heart unwilling to wait on the Lord and confident in its own sense of timing. But God's delays are never denials—He is shaping us in the waiting (Psalm 27:14). Like a farmer waiting for the harvest, James reminds us to be patient, for the Lord’s timing is sure and purposeful (James 5:7–8). Impatience is not merely a personality flaw—it’s a theological issue. It questions whether God’s way is truly best.

4. Arm of Flesh (Self-reliance)

When we don’t trust in God’s providence, we instinctively turn to our own resources or human solutions to secure our future. This reliance on “the arm of flesh” (2 Chronicles 32:8) may seem prudent, but Scripture warns it leads to a curse—not a blessing (Jeremiah 17:5–6). Whether it’s strategic planning without prayer, or leaning on relationships, money, or cleverness, self-reliance is the refusal to rest in God. Isaiah rebukes Israel for trusting in Egypt instead of the Lord (Isaiah 31:1), showing us that trust misplaced in man is ultimately rebellion. To walk by faith is to trust in the unseen hand of our wise and sovereign God—even when the arm of flesh seems more tangible.

5. Envy and Covetousness

Without confidence in God’s wise allotment of blessings and trials, we begin to envy others. Like Asaph in Psalm 73, we may stumble when we see the apparent ease of the wicked and feel God has dealt unfairly with us. Trust in providence guards us from this temptation by teaching that “no good thing does He withhold” (Psalm 84:11).

6. Bitterness and Resentment

A distrust in providence often leads to holding grudges or growing resentful when people wrong us or when life disappoints. Instead of seeing God’s hand in hardship or delay (Genesis 50:20), we may grow hardened and accusatory toward the Lord. Jonah, for example, resented God’s mercy toward Nineveh and grew bitter when a plant that brought him shade was taken away. “It is better for me to die than to live,” he said (Jonah 4:8), revealing a heart unwilling to trust God's wisdom and goodness when things didn’t go his way. A woman overlooked for a promotion at work may stew in quiet resentment for months—toward her boss, her co-workers, even God—replaying the unfairness without ever asking, “Lord, what are You doing through this?” Instead of trusting that God governs even our setbacks, she becomes imprisoned by what others owe her. When we forget that God is wise and kind even in trials, bitterness grows like a root in the soul—poisoning not only our peace, but our perspective.

7. Sinful Self-Protection or Control

When we feel like God isn't in control, we try to take control ourselves, often through manipulation, dishonesty, or self-reliance. Like Abraham lying about Sarah (Genesis 12:10–20), we may make rash or unethical decisions driven by fear.

8. Despair or Fatalism

Without a biblical understanding of providence, suffering may lead to hopelessness or a stoic resignation. Trust in God's providence, by contrast, teaches us to say, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him" (Job 13:15), because even affliction is not arbitrary but fatherly (Hebrews 12:6–11), not impersonal, but personal.

9. Prayerlessness and Spiritual Apathy

When we don’t trust that God is actively and wisely governing all things for our good (Romans 8:28), we often stop praying with hope. A heart that doubts providence ceases to cast its cares on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7), and instead grows cold, distant, and lethargic in spiritual disciplines.