By Alan C. Clifford
Charenton Reformed Publishing
94 pages. £5.95
ISBN 0952671603
This book reflects the author's conclusions about Calvinism through his doctoral studies. He explores the hotly-debated issue of whether Calvin taught limited atonement. In the light of this, he examines the validity of interpretations of Calvinism made by subsequent theologians, particularly that of the French pastor Moise Amyraut (1596-1664).
The author believes that 'conventional Calvinism continues to misread Calvin', claiming that Calvin's theology on the atonement is based upon an understanding of the dual aspects of Divine will - both secret and revealed. Thus, although Calvin believed God's will to be one, he saw that it is set before us in Scripture as twofold. According to Dr. Clifford, Calvin sees God's revealed will as universal and conditional, while his secret will is restricted and absolute, and therefore relates the gospel to the former and election to the latter. The author claims that Calvin held to a universal propitiation offered to all, but also to the restricted efficacy of the atonement.
