Proving Calvinism Without Paul Part 5 – Acts
Posted on 18. Nov, 2009 by Les in Proving Calvinism Without Paul, Theology
On to Acts
How does God start saving people once the Holy Spirit is given to the world and Christian evangelism is activated? The lack of choice talk is glaring when you are actually looking for it. God seems to be opening eyes that are blind, and making all those who are appointed to eternal life believe. Soli Deo Gloria!
This is a controversial book as far as the challenge goes. Paul, of course, is a major character in the writing, and some of my best texts come from places where Paul is doing his thing. But I would still argue that the doctrinal aspects would come from the Holy Spirit indwelling the writer, Luke. I welcome any feedback on whether you think those texts should be counted.
Without any further ado, let’s prove Calvinism from the Book of Acts.
My Top 5 Texts From Acts
Acts 4:27-29
“for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.”
Acts 9:15-20
“But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened.”
Acts 10:44
“While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.”
Acts 11:18
“When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”"
Acts 13:48
“And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.”
Other Notable Texts
Acts 2:23
“this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.”
Acts 5:31
“God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.”
Acts 8:17
“Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 13:41
“‘Look, you scoffers,
be astounded and perish;
for I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”
Acts 15:7
“And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.”
Acts 16:14
“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.”
18:27
“And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed,”
Acts 22:14
“And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth;”
Acts 26:15-18
“And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles— to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’”
Acts 28:26-27
“‘Go to this people, and say, You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.
For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’”
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