The Closet Calvinist Podcast

Mike G
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

hosted by Mike G this podcast will show how some christians publicly renounce and hate calvinism, but secretly adhere to some of it's doctrines which makes them a closet calvinist! We also discuss some of the misconceptions people have about Calvinism. We're not trying to start arguments, but explain from a biblical perspective why we adhere to the Doctrines of Grace.

  1. 6h ago ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode 15: Does Titus 2:12 Refute Total Depravity?

    Bonus Episode 15: Does Titus 2:12 Refute Total Depravity? Many critics of Calvinism point to Titus 2:12 and claim that if God's grace teaches people to deny ungodliness, then total depravity cannot be true. In this episode, we examine the context of Titus 2 and discover that Paul is not describing the natural ability of fallen sinners but the transforming work of God's saving grace in believers. Titus 2:11-12Romans 3:10-11John 6:44Ephesians 2:8-10Philippians 2:13Total depravity does not mean people are as sinful as possible.Fallen man remains morally responsible but spiritually unable to come to Christ apart from grace.Titus 2 is addressed to believers and describes sanctification.God's grace not only saves but also teaches and transforms.Titus 2:12 supports the effectiveness of God's grace rather than refuting total depravity."The grace that saves is the grace that teaches, and the grace that teaches is the grace that transforms." The Closet Calvinist Podcast — Reformed Theology, Scripture, and Christian Apologetics from a biblical and confessional perspective. Key ScripturesMain PointsQuotePodcast

    5 min

  2. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    Special Episode: Why I Don't Participate in Formal Theological DebatesEpisode Description

    Special Episode: Why I Don't Participate in Formal Theological DebatesEpisode Description In this special episode of The Closet Calvinist Podcast, Mike addresses a question that occasionally arises among listeners and fellow believers: Why don't you participate in formal theological debates? This episode is not a criticism of debate or those who are gifted in that area of ministry. Rather, it is a personal reflection on ministry focus, spiritual gifting, and the distinction between teaching and debating. Mike shares why he prefers the format of teaching, apologetics, and biblical exposition over formal public debates, while reaffirming his commitment to defending the doctrines of grace and engaging difficult theological questions. Whether you agree with Calvinism or not, this episode offers insight into the heart and purpose behind The Closet Calvinist Podcast and why its focus remains on Scripture, theology, and thoughtful discussion rather than public debate. Why some Christians choose not to participate in formal debatesThe difference between teaching and debatingDefending the faith without seeking confrontationThe role of apologetics in the Christian lifeWhy theological convictions should be grounded in ScriptureThe importance of humility and gentleness in theological discussionsPersonal reflections on ministry, study, and podcastingWhy The Closet Calvinist Podcast focuses on biblical teaching rather than debate1 Peter 3:15 (KJV) "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." Choosing not to participate in formal debates is not an admission of fear or an inability to defend one's beliefs. Christians are called to use their gifts for the glory of God, and while some are gifted in debate, others are gifted in teaching, discipleship, and biblical exposition. This episode explains why The Closet Calvinist Podcast remains committed to the latter. 🎙 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and other major podcast platforms. 🌐 Visit the website:https://theclosetcalvinist.com 📖 New episodes released regularly exploring Reformed theology, apologetics, and the doctrines of grace from a biblical perspective. Thank you for listening and supporting The Closet Calvinist Podcast. Topics DiscussedKey ScriptureKey TakeawayConnect With The Closet Calvinist

    5 min

  3. 5d ago

    Did God Choose You—or Did You Choose God?A Study of 2 Thessalonians 2:13

    Episode 28 — Did God Choose You—or Did You Choose God?A Study of 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Description In this episode, we examine 2 Thessalonians 2:13 and address one of the most important questions in salvation theology: Who is the decisive actor in salvation—God or man? The Apostle Paul gives thanks to God—not to believers—for their salvation. That gratitude reveals the true cause behind faith, belief, and sanctification. This episode explores how God’s sovereign choice precedes human response and why faith is the result of God’s work, not the reason for it. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV) “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” Gratitude as evidence of causation in salvation Election as God’s initiative, not a reaction to faith Faith and sanctification as means, not sources The role of the Holy Spirit in regeneration Why God’s sovereignty offends human pride Assurance grounded in God’s unchanging purpose 2 Thessalonians 2:13 — God chose you to be saved Ephesians 1:4–5 — Chosen before the foundation of the world Romans 8:30 — Predestined, called, justified John 6:37 — All the Father gives will come Acts 13:48 — Appointed to eternal life, then believed Philippians 1:29 — Faith granted by God John 3:5–6 — Born of the Spirit Titus 3:5 — Regeneration by the Holy Spirit Romans 9:16 — Not dependent on human will Philippians 2:12–13 — God works in us to will and act 2 Timothy 1:9 — Saved according to God’s purpose Romans 11:29 — God’s calling is irrevocable Scripture consistently places the cause of salvation in God Election precedes faith, not the other way around Belief is real, necessary, and God-enabled The Holy Spirit regenerates before the sinner responds Assurance rests on God’s choice, not human consistency 2 Thessalonians 2:13 leaves no room for confusion: salvation begins with God’s choice, is carried out by the Spirit’s work, and results in genuine belief in the truth. The gospel does not ask us to trust in our decision—but in God’s sovereign grace. Key PassageMain ThemesScripture References (ESV)God’s Choice as the SourceFaith as the ResultThe Spirit’s WorkGod’s Sovereignty and AssuranceKey TakeawaysBottom Line

    6 min

  4. Jun 10 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode 14: Does Jesus Teach Gnosticism in Matthew 13?

    Episode Title: Bonus Episode 14: Does Jesus Teach Gnosticism in Matthew 13? Episode Summary:In this follow-up to Bonus Episode 13, Mike examines Matthew 13:10-11 and addresses the claim that Jesus' reference to the "secrets of the kingdom" resembles Gnosticism. By exploring the biblical meaning of mystery, the purpose of parables, and God's role in granting spiritual understanding, this episode demonstrates the difference between Gnostic secret knowledge and biblical divine revelation. Key Topics Covered: What Gnosticism actually taughtThe biblical meaning of "mysteries" or "secrets"Why Jesus taught in parablesDivine revelation versus secret knowledgeGod's sovereignty in granting spiritual understandingWhy Matthew 13 does not support Gnostic interpretationsScripture References: Matthew 13:10-17Matthew 11:25-27John 3:19John 6:65Luke 24:45Romans 16:25-26Ephesians 3:4-61 Corinthians 4:7Main Takeaway:The "secrets of the kingdom" are not hidden truths reserved for a spiritual elite. They are truths revealed by God according to His sovereign purpose. Christianity is centered on the public proclamation of Christ, not the possession of secret knowledge. Connect With The Closet Calvinist Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who are interested in Reformed theology, biblical doctrine, and thoughtful apologetics.

    7 min

  5. Jun 5

    Who Did the Choosing? — A Study of 1 Peter 2:9

    Episode 27 — Who Did the Choosing?A Study of 1 Peter 2:9 Description In this episode, we take a close look at 1 Peter 2:9 and ask a foundational question: Who did the choosing—God or man? Many Christians assume salvation begins with a human decision. But when we let Scripture speak for itself, a different picture emerges—one where God’s sovereign choice precedes faith, calling, and belief. This episode examines the biblical language of election, calling, and purpose, showing how salvation originates in God’s will, not man’s initiative. 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” What it means to be a chosen people Passive vs. active language in salvation God’s calling as rescue, not self-initiation The relationship between election and faith Why election fuels worship, not pride John 15:16 — “You did not choose me, but I chose you…” Ephesians 1:4 — Chosen before the foundation of the world Deuteronomy 7:6–8 — Chosen as God’s treasured possession 1 Peter 2:9 — Called out of darkness into light Colossians 1:13 — Delivered from the domain of darkness John 6:44 — No one can come unless the Father draws him Philippians 1:29 — Faith granted by God Acts 13:48 — Those appointed to eternal life believed Romans 8:30 — Predestined, called, justified 1 Corinthians 1:29–31 — No boasting before God Scripture describes believers as chosen, not self-chosen God’s call precedes our response Faith flows from election, not the other way around Salvation rests on God’s power, not human consistency Election exists for the purpose of proclaiming God’s excellencies 1 Peter 2:9 does not point us inward to our decision—it points us upward to God’s sovereign grace. We are a chosen people, called out of darkness by God Himself, so that our lives and lips might proclaim what He has done. Key PassageMain ThemesScripture References (ESV)God’s Choice Comes FirstCalled Out of DarknessFaith as a GiftAssurance and PurposeKey TakeawaysBottom Line

    5 min

  6. Jun 3 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode 13 Is Calvinism the Doctrine of Fate from the Gnostics?

    Bonus Episode 13: Is Calvinism the Doctrine of Fate from the Gnostics? A social media comment claimed that Calvinism is "the doctrine of fate from the gnostics." In this episode, we examine that claim biblically and historically. What was Gnosticism? Is God's sovereignty the same as fate? And does Scripture teach election and predestination? Topics Covered What Gnosticism actually taught Why Gnosticism and Christianity are fundamentally different The difference between fate and divine sovereignty Biblical election and predestination God's sovereignty and human responsibility Why Calvinism is evaluated by Scripture, not stereotypes Scripture References Isaiah 46:9-10 Genesis 50:20 Daniel 4:35 John 6:37 Ephesians 1:4 Ephesians 1:11 Romans 8:28-30 Romans 9:15-16 Key Takeaway Calvinism is not Gnosticism and God's sovereignty is not fate. Gnosticism taught salvation through secret knowledge, while biblical Christianity teaches salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The doctrines of election and predestination are found in Scripture and reflect the purpose and wisdom of a personal, sovereign God.

    6 min

  7. May 29

    Why Doesn’t God Choose His Elect at Birth?

    The Closet Calvinist Podcast Episode 26: Why Doesn’t God Choose His Elect at Birth? Episode Focus: Election, timing of salvation, eternal decree vs. temporal conversion Audience: Christians who believe God waits until adulthood or belief to choose His people A common assumption about election is that God chooses people at some point in their life—often when they reach adulthood, maturity, or make a conscious decision of faith. From this perspective, election appears to be something God does in time, in response to human development or choice. In Episode 26 of The Closet Calvinist Podcast, we examine this assumption in the light of Scripture. By distinguishing between God’s eternal act of election and the timing of conversion, we show that the Bible does not teach that God waits to choose His people. Instead, Scripture consistently teaches that election is eternal, while salvation is applied in time according to God’s purpose. All Scripture references in this episode are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Does God: Choose His people at birth, adulthood, or belief? Or Choose His elect eternally, before time, and save them at the moment He appoints? The difference between election and conversion Why election is not an event that happens within human history Scriptural examples of God setting people apart before birth Why salvation occurs at different times for different people The fallen human condition and the necessity of sovereign election Pastoral implications for assurance and trust in God’s timing Ephesians 1:4 — Chosen before the foundation of the world 2 Timothy 1:9 — Grace given before the ages began Romans 8:29–30 — God’s saving purpose from foreknowledge to glory Jeremiah 1:5 — Known and consecrated before birth Galatians 1:15 — Paul set apart before he was born Psalm 139:13–16 — God’s sovereign knowledge of life in the womb Romans 9:11–13 — Jacob and Esau chosen before doing good or bad Romans 9:16 — Salvation depends on God’s mercy, not human will Psalm 51:5 — Born in sin Ephesians 2:1–3 — Dead in trespasses and sins John 6:44 — No one can come unless drawn by the Father Ecclesiastes 3:1 — A time for every purpose John 6:37 — Those given to the Son will come Acts 13:48 — Appointed to eternal life believed Scripture does not teach that God waits until birth, adulthood, or belief to choose His elect. Instead, the Bible teaches that election is eternal, grounded in God’s sovereign purpose, while conversion occurs in time according to His perfect will. God is never early. God is never late. He saves His people precisely when He intends. The right question is not when God chose His elect—but whether we trust that His purposes are wise, good, and unchanging. Episode 25: “I Will Draw All People to Myself” — John 12:32 Episode 27: Who Did the Choosing? — 1 Peter 2:9 Episode 30: Faith Is a Gift — Monergism vs. Synergism

    6 min

  8. May 27 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode 12 - Pascal’s Wager — Can You Bet Your Way Into Heaven?

    Bonus Episode 12 - Pascal’s Wager — Can You Bet Your Way Into Heaven? In this episode, we examine Blaise Pascal’s famous argument known as Pascal’s Wager. Pascal argued that believing in God is the most rational decision because if God exists, the reward is eternal life, and if He does not, little is lost. But can this kind of reasoning produce saving faith? From a Reformed perspective, the answer is no. Faith is not the result of a risk assessment; it is the gift of God to spiritually dead sinners whom He sovereignly regenerates and draws to Christ. Ephesians 2:8–9Philippians 1:291 Corinthians 2:14Ephesians 2:1John 6:37John 6:44John 6:65Ezekiel 36:26John 3:3Hebrews 11:6Acts 16:31John CalvinCharles SpurgeonPascal’s Wager may prompt a person to think seriously about eternity, but only the sovereign grace of God can bring a sinner to genuine faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is not a bet. Faith is a gift.

    7 min
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About

hosted by Mike G this podcast will show how some christians publicly renounce and hate calvinism, but secretly adhere to some of it's doctrines which makes them a closet calvinist! We also discuss some of the misconceptions people have about Calvinism. We're not trying to start arguments, but explain from a biblical perspective why we adhere to the Doctrines of Grace.

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