The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Covenantal Succession

1saved,

There isn't much in your several questions that I can agree with. But I do agree that, 1) Both Horton and MacArthur are notable men and are Calvinists.

I can't answer why MacArthur wrote what he did and I'm not privy to the context from which you took the quote which he wrote. What I do know is the historical record; the FACTS of what was going on in Geneva at the time that Calvin was pastoring there according to the writings of reliable historians. What Horton wrote is historically accurate according to what I have also read. Now, if one wants to embellish the historical record with a biased opinion of what Calvin's role was in the trial, conviction and execution of Servetus, there isn't much I can do except point out the FACTS.

The FACT is, Calvin had no power and not much more influence on the government or courts in Geneva during his stay there at the time Servetus was brought to trial. It was the established law in Geneva as it was in other provinces that blasphemy and serious heresy were capital crimes and punishable by death. John Calvin didn't write the laws. John Calvin wasn't appointed a Judge in the court. John Calvin wasn't even part of the legislative government. How anyone can accuse him of the "murder" of Michael Servetus is beyond me.

Now, if you have some salient historical records which you can produce to show that John Calvin was directly involved in Servetus' execution or that he had significant influence in his death, I would love to see it. Otherwise, anything contrary I consider to be slanderous and prejudicial against the man. Again.... John Calvin was a sinner. He was more aware of that fact than anyone. He was not therefore perfect and he erred both in doctrine life. But what he was not guilty of was the crime/sin of murder.

Lastly, and I want to challenge you once again on your original statement concerning John Calvin, i.e., that in your estimation, the man did not exhibit "fruit of the Spirit" and is therefore to be considered a reprobate and hardly a source of truth. Either defend your statement or recant it.

In His Grace,