Truth Unites Calvinism: What Everyone Misses
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Dec 10, 2025 Gavin Ortlund dives into the complexities of Calvinism, focusing on the much-misunderstood concept of dual causation. He emphasizes the importance of patience and charity in debates among Christians. By defining dual causation, he illustrates how God's sovereignty operates alongside human choice, using metaphors and scriptural examples. Ortlund critiques common misconceptions about Calvinism, arguing for a clear understanding rather than dismissive caricatures. He also discusses how assurance of salvation is interwoven with these theological threads.
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Prioritize Charity In The Debate
- Practice patience and charity in Calvinism debates; avoid impugning God's character or other Christians.
- Maintain fellowship across views since Calvinism is not a first-rank issue for Gavin Ortlund's ministry.
Dual Causation: Sovereignty And Freedom
- Calvinism affirms 'dual causation': God is the sovereign cause alongside secondary causes without displacing them.
- This view holds that divine sovereignty actually establishes creaturely liberty rather than nullifying it.
Crucifixion As Twofold Causation
- The crucifixion illustrates two layers of causation: human sin and God's ordained plan.
- We would never say God sinned by predestining that to happen, showing the distinction in causes.
