The Closet Calvinist Podcast

Mike G
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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. 2d ago

    The Pharisee and the Tax Collector— Grace for the Humble

    Episode 42 — The Pharisee and the Tax Collector Grace for the Humble (Luke 18:9–14)Description In Luke 18:9–14, Jesus tells a parable about two men who go up to the temple to pray — one a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. One boasts in his righteousness. The other pleads for mercy. And when the story ends, the man everyone expected to be justified is not — and the one no one expected is declared righteous. In this episode, we explore how this parable illustrates the doctrine of sovereign saving grace. Salvation is not rooted in human performance, religious achievement, or moral comparison. It is by grace alone — and grace leaves no room for boasting. Luke 18:9–14 (ESV) “He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt… ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray…’ … ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ … ‘I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other.’” Trusting in self vs. trusting in mercy Religious boasting vs. broken humility Justification by grace, not works The elimination of boasting in salvation Humility as evidence of God’s regenerating grace The Pharisee prays, but his prayer is self-congratulation. Luke 18:11–12 (ESV) “God, I thank you that I am not like other men… I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.” He trusts in himself. Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV) “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Salvation excludes boasting. The Pharisee boasts — and is not justified. The tax collector stands far off. He will not lift his eyes. He beats his breast. Luke 18:13 (ESV) “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” No résumé. No comparison. Only mercy. Psalm 51:17 (ESV) “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit…” Jesus declares: Luke 18:14 (ESV) “This man went down to his house justified, rather than the other.” Justification is a gift. Romans 3:24 (ESV) “And are justified by his grace as a gift…” Romans 4:5 (ESV) “To the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly…” The tax collector trusted in mercy. The Pharisee trusted in works. Why was one humble and the other proud? Scripture teaches that humility itself is evidence of grace. James 4:6 (ESV) “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV) “And I will give you a new heart…” A new heart produces brokenness and dependence upon mercy. Salvation belongs entirely to God. John 6:44 (ESV) “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” Philippians 1:29 (ESV) “It has been granted to you… to believe in him.” Even repentance and faith are gifts of grace. The Pharisee trusted in himself; the tax collector trusted in mercy. Justification is granted to the humble, not the self-righteous. Grace eliminates boasting and exalts God alone. Humility is not self-produced righteousness; it is evidence of God’s work. Salvation is by grace through faith — not by works. Luke 18:9–14 vividly illustrates the gospel. The proud man boasting in his righteousness was not justified. The broken sinner pleading for mercy was declared righteous. Salvation is not earned — it is granted. Grace alone saves, and grace leaves no room for boasting. Key PassageMain ThemesThe Pharisee — Boasting in WorksThe Tax Collector — Pleading for MercyJustified by GraceSovereign Grace and HumilityGrace Eliminates BoastingKey TakeawaysBottom Line

  2. Sep 11

    Two Criminals, One Conversion

    Episode 41 — Two Criminals, One ConversionMatthew 27:42–44 & Luke 23:39–43 — No Contradiction, But Irresistible GraceDescription Did both criminals mock Jesus — or did one believe? In Matthew 27:42–44, we read that the robbers crucified with Jesus reviled Him. Yet in Luke 23:39–43, one of those same criminals defends Jesus and asks to be remembered in His kingdom. Is this a contradiction? Or does this moment provide one of the clearest examples in Scripture of irresistible grace — the sovereign, regenerating work of the Holy Spirit that transforms a hardened sinner into a believer? In this episode, we examine the harmony of the Gospel accounts and show how the conversion of the thief on the cross confirms the doctrine of election and effectual calling. “He saved others; he cannot save himself… And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.” “One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him… But the other rebuked him… ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Matthew summarizes the early mocking. Luke records a later development: one criminal is transformed. Both mocked. One was changed. This is not contradiction — it is progression. The believing criminal demonstrates: Luke 23:41 (ESV) “We indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds…” 2 Timothy 2:25 (ESV) “God may perhaps grant them repentance…” Repentance is granted by God. Luke 23:41 (ESV) “This man has done nothing wrong.” 1 Corinthians 12:3 (ESV) “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.” Luke 23:42 (ESV) “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Even in apparent defeat, he sees a King. John 3:3 (ESV) “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This transformation did not originate in the sinner. Romans 3:11 (ESV) “No one seeks for God.” John 6:44 (ESV) “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” Why did one believe and not the other? Both were equally guilty. Both equally close to death. Scripture answers: Romans 9:16 (ESV) “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” One received justice. One received mercy. Neither received injustice. Luke 23:43 (ESV) “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Salvation was immediate and complete — not because of works, but because of grace. The Gospel accounts harmonize — they describe different moments. The believing thief demonstrates repentance, faith, and spiritual insight. Such transformation cannot arise from fallen human nature. The only biblical explanation is regenerating grace. This moment powerfully illustrates effectual calling and sovereign mercy. The conversion of the thief on the cross is not a contradiction — it is a testimony. A man who began the day mocking Christ ended it in paradise. Not because he decided to reform at the last minute, but because God intervened. His salvation stands as one of the clearest examples of irresistible grace in all of Scripture. Key Passages (ESV)Matthew 27:42–44Luke 23:39–43No Contradiction — A TimelineEvidence of Regenerating Grace1. Repentance2. Confession of Christ’s Innocence3. Faith in Christ’s KingshipSpiritual Inability and Divine DrawingSovereign MercyImmediate AssuranceKey TakeawaysBottom Line

  3. Sep 4

    “I Have Many in This City” Acts 18:9–10 and the Doctrine of Election

    Episode 40 — “I Have Many in This City” Acts 18:9–10 and the Doctrine of Election Description In Acts 18, the Apostle Paul is discouraged in Corinth. Opposition is strong, and ministry is difficult. Then the Lord speaks to him in a vision and says: “I have many in this city who are my people.” What does that mean? In this episode, we examine Acts 18:9–10 (ESV) and show how this passage powerfully confirms the doctrine of election. Christ speaks of people who already belong to Him before they have believed. Their conversion is certain because they are already His. Far from discouraging evangelism, election fuels it. Acts 18:9–10 (ESV) “And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.’” Christ’s ownership precedes conversion Election guarantees evangelistic fruit Divine sovereignty as comfort for ministry The relationship between election and preaching God’s people gathered through the gospel Jesus does not say, “I will have many.” He says, “I have many.” This indicates prior ownership. John 10:16 (ESV) “And I have other sheep… I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.” Sheep belong to Him before they are brought. Scripture consistently shows that belief follows divine appointment. Acts 13:48 (ESV) “As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” John 6:37 (ESV) “All that the Father gives me will come to me…” God’s giving precedes man’s coming. Acts 18 shows election functioning as encouragement, not hindrance. 2 Timothy 2:10 (ESV) “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect…” Paul perseveres because he knows God has chosen people who will respond. Election does not eliminate preaching — it requires it. Romans 10:14 (ESV) “How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?” God ordains: The elect The preacher The message The response Jesus tells Paul: “Do not be afraid.” “I am with you.” “I have many…” Divine election provides confidence that gospel labor is not in vain. Christ has people who belong to Him before they believe. Election guarantees the success of gospel proclamation. Sovereign grace is a comfort in ministry, not a barrier. God’s chosen people are gathered through preaching. Acts 18 demonstrates election in narrative form. Acts 18:9–10 confirms that election is not abstract theology — it is living reality. Christ had people in Corinth before they heard the gospel, and because they were His, they would believe. Election does not weaken evangelism; it assures its success. Key PassageMain ThemesThey Were His Before They BelievedElection Precedes FaithElection Encourages EvangelismGod Ordains the MeansComfort in Sovereign GraceKey TakeawaysBottom Line

  4. Aug 28

    Genesis 6:5 and the Doctrine of Total Depravity

    Episode 39 — Genesis 6:5 and the Doctrine of Total Depravity Description Genesis 6:5 contains one of the strongest statements in all of Scripture about the human condition: “Every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Does this verse confirm the doctrine of Total Depravity? In this episode, we examine Genesis 6:5 in its context and trace its implications throughout the rest of Scripture. We show how this verse describes not merely outward corruption, but inward, pervasive sinfulness — a condition that makes sovereign grace absolutely necessary. Genesis 6:5 (ESV) “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” The meaning of Total Depravity Internal corruption of the heart Universal and continual sinfulness Spiritual inability The necessity of sovereign grace “Wickedness… was great in the earth.” Sin was not isolated. It was widespread and pervasive. “Every intention of the thoughts of his heart…” The problem is not merely behavior. It is the heart — the control center of human life. Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” “Only evil continually.” This language describes comprehensive corruption — not maximum evil at every moment, but total domination of the heart by sin. The flood judged sin, but it did not remove depravity. Genesis 8:21 (ESV) “…the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” The problem was not environmental. It was internal. Genesis 6:5 is not an isolated historical anomaly. It reflects the broader biblical diagnosis of humanity. Romans 3:10–11 (ESV) “None is righteous, no, not one… no one seeks for God.” Romans 8:7–8 (ESV) “The mind that is set on the flesh… does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God… and he is not able to understand them.” Ephesians 2:1–3 (ESV) “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins…” Spiritual death confirms inability. If the heart is corrupted, salvation cannot begin with man. John 6:44 (ESV) “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV) “And I will give you a new heart…” Ephesians 2:4–5 (ESV) “But God… made us alive together with Christ…” Grace must resurrect what sin has killed. Genesis 6:5 describes internal, comprehensive corruption. The problem is the heart, not merely outward behavior. The flood did not cure depravity; it confirmed it. The New Testament affirms humanity’s spiritual inability. Total Depravity makes sovereign grace necessary, not optional. Genesis 6:5 confirms that humanity’s problem is not superficial — it is total. The heart is corrupted, the will is bent toward sin, and apart from God’s intervention, no one seeks Him. Total Depravity does not magnify sin to diminish hope — it magnifies grace by showing how desperately we need it. Key PassageMain ThemesBreaking Down Genesis 6:5The Magnitude of SinThe Depth of SinThe Extent of SinAfter the Flood — No Change in Human NatureTotal Depravity in the New TestamentThe Necessity of Divine GraceKey TakeawaysBottom Line

  5. Aug 21

    If God Chooses the Elect, Do the Non-Elect Have Hope?

    Episode 38 — If God Chooses the Elect, Do the Non-Elect Have Hope? Description One of the most difficult and emotional questions surrounding the doctrine of election is this: If God chooses certain people for salvation, what about those who are not elect? Do they have any hope? Is the gospel offer sincere? In this episode, we examine what Scripture (ESV) actually says about election, the universal proclamation of the gospel, human responsibility, and the promise that all who come to Christ will be received. Rather than speculating beyond Scripture, we focus on the clear biblical teaching: the door of the gospel stands open to all who believe. The secret nature of election The universal call of the gospel Human responsibility and refusal Divine mercy and justice Assurance grounded in faith, not speculation Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God…” The identity of the elect is not revealed to us. Scripture never instructs anyone to determine whether they are elect before coming to Christ. Romans 10:13 “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Isaiah 55:1 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters…” Revelation 22:17 “Let the one who is thirsty come…” The offer of salvation is genuine and indiscriminate. John 6:37 “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Scripture never presents someone who sincerely comes to Christ being rejected because they were not elect. John 3:19 “People loved the darkness rather than the light…” John 5:40 “You refuse to come to me that you may have life.” The barrier is not divine unwillingness but human rebellion. Romans 9:14–16 “Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! … So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” No one receives injustice. Some receive mercy. Acts 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” The gospel calls people to repent and believe—not to speculate about election. Romans 3:11 “No one seeks for God.” John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father… draws him.” A desire for Christ is itself evidence of God’s gracious work. 2 Corinthians 6:2 “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” As long as the gospel is heard, hope remains. We do not know who the elect are—God alone knows. The gospel promise is clear: whoever calls will be saved. Scripture never portrays someone longing for Christ but being turned away. Human refusal—not divine unwillingness—is the reason people remain lost. Election guarantees that some will be saved; it does not close the door to any who come. The doctrine of election does not eliminate hope. The Bible never tells people to determine whether they are elect before believing. It commands them to repent and trust Christ—and promises that all who come will be received. Election is not a barrier to salvation; it is the reason anyone is saved at all. Key ThemesScripture References (ESV)Election Is God’s Secret DecreeThe Universal Gospel InvitationChrist Will Not Reject Those Who ComeWhy Some Do Not ComeGod’s Justice and MercyThe Call to BelieveEvidence of God’s DrawingThe Present OpportunityKey TakeawaysBottom Line

  6. Aug 14

    Do James 4:8 and John 6:44 Contradict Each Other? Drawing Near and Being Drawn in Light of Election

    Episode 37 — Do James 4:8 and John 6:44 Contradict Each Other? Drawing Near and Being Drawn in Light of Election Description James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” John 6:44 says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” At first glance, one verse seems to emphasize human action, while the other stresses divine initiative. Do these passages contradict each other? Do they undermine the doctrine of election? In this episode, we examine both verses in context and show how they address different aspects of the Christian life—conversion and sanctification—without conflict. Far from contradicting election, both passages fit perfectly within the biblical framework of sovereign grace and human responsibility. James 4:8 (ESV) “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” John 6:44 (ESV) “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” Spiritual inability and divine initiative The context of James 4 (believers and repentance) The context of John 6 (conversion and salvation) Command does not imply natural ability Sovereignty and responsibility working together John 6:37 “All that the Father gives me will come to me…” John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him…” Romans 8:7–8 “The mind that is set on the flesh… does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God… and he is not able to understand them…” John 6 explains why anyone comes to Christ at all—God must draw first. James 4:4 “Friendship with the world is enmity with God.” James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James addresses believers drifting into worldliness and calls them to repentance and restored fellowship. Deuteronomy 10:16 “Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart…” Deuteronomy 30:6 “The LORD your God will circumcise your heart…” Philippians 2:12–13 “…work out your own salvation… for it is God who works in you…” Scripture frequently commands what only God can ultimately enable. 1 John 4:19 “We love because he first loved us.” Election initiates; believers respond. John 6:44 addresses conversion and spiritual inability. James 4:8 addresses sanctification and restored fellowship. Divine sovereignty and human responsibility are not opposites. God draws sinners to salvation; believers draw near in obedience. The two verses complement rather than contradict each other. James 4:8 and John 6:44 do not oppose one another. John 6 explains why anyone comes to Christ—God draws first. James 4 calls believers to pursue deeper fellowship. Election does not eliminate responsibility; it makes obedience possible. The God who draws sinners effectually also invites His redeemed people to draw near to Him daily. Key PassagesMain ThemesScripture References (ESV)Spiritual Inability (John 6 Context)Repentance and Fellowship (James 4 Context)Command and Divine EnablingDivine Initiative and Human ResponseKey TakeawaysBottom Line

  7. Aug 7

    Does Revelation 3:20 Refute Election? Or Does It Teach Universalism?

    Episode 36 — Does Revelation 3:20 Refute Election? Or Does It Teach Universalism? Description “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” (Revelation 3:20, ESV) This verse is often used in evangelism to portray Jesus knocking on the door of every human heart, waiting for permission to enter. Some claim it disproves election or teaches that salvation ultimately depends on human decision. Others even suggest it supports universalism. In this episode, we examine Revelation 3:20 in its immediate context and in light of the whole counsel of Scripture. We show that this passage is addressed to a lukewarm church, concerns restored fellowship—not initial conversion—and does not refute sovereign election or teach universal salvation. Revelation 3:20 (ESV) “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Jesus is addressing the church in Laodicea. Revelation 3:14 (ESV) “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write…” Revelation 3:15–16 (ESV) “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot… because you are lukewarm… I will spit you out of my mouth.” This is covenant rebuke and discipline language directed toward a professing church—not an evangelistic appeal to the entire world. Audience: a complacent church Fellowship vs. justification Christ’s sovereign initiative Hearing His voice Why this verse does not teach universalism The promise is relational: Revelation 3:20 (ESV) “…I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” This is table fellowship language—symbolizing restored communion—not regeneration or justification. Even in this passage, Jesus takes the first step. 1 John 4:19 (ESV) “We love because he first loved us.” Philippians 2:13 (ESV) “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work…” Grace initiates; believers respond. Hearing in Scripture is spiritual and effectual for Christ’s sheep. John 10:27 (ESV) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Acts 13:48 (ESV) “As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” Election precedes and guarantees response. Other clear passages affirm sovereign grace: John 6:37 (ESV) “All that the Father gives me will come to me…” John 6:44 (ESV) “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” Revelation 3:20 must be read consistently with these texts. The verse is conditional: “If anyone hears… and opens…” Not everyone hears. Not everyone responds. Final judgment remains real. Revelation 20:15 (ESV) “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 3:20 is addressed to a church, not the world at large. The passage concerns restored fellowship, not initial regeneration. Christ initiates even here. Hearing His voice is consistent with sovereign grace. The verse does not refute election or teach universalism. Revelation 3:20 is not a picture of Christ helplessly knocking at every human heart. It is a call to repentance directed toward a complacent church, with a promise of restored fellowship. Read in context and alongside the rest of Scripture, it harmonizes perfectly with the doctrines of sovereign election and effectual grace. Key PassageContext MattersMain ThemesFellowship, Not Initial SalvationChrist InitiatesWho Hears His Voice?This Verse Does Not Refute ElectionThis Verse Does Not Teach UniversalismKey TakeawaysBottom Line

  8. Jul 31

    Does Romans 10:10–13 Refute Election? Or Does It Teach Universalism?

    Episode 35 — Does Romans 10:10–13 Refute Election? Or Does It Teach Universalism? Description Romans 10:13 is one of the most quoted verses in evangelism: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (ESV) But does this verse refute the doctrine of election? Does it teach that all people will ultimately be saved? In this episode, we examine Romans 10:10–13 in its immediate and broader biblical context. We show that this passage affirms the universal offer of the gospel without denying sovereign election—and it does not support universalism. Romans 10:10–13 (ESV) “For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Salvation requires faith and confession “Everyone” in context (Jew and Gentile alike) The difference between universal offer and universal salvation Election and human responsibility in Romans Calling as the result of sovereign grace Romans 10:10 “With the heart one believes and is justified…” Romans 3:28 “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” Universalism cannot stand where faith is required. Romans 10:12 “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek…” Paul’s emphasis is on inclusion of Gentiles—not universal salvation. Revelation 5:9 “You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” The scope is global, not universal without exception. Romans 8:30 “Those whom he predestined he also called…” Romans 9:16 “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” Romans 10 must be read in light of Romans 8–9. Romans 3:11 “No one seeks for God.” Romans 8:7–8 “The mind that is set on the flesh… does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” Calling on the Lord is real—but it flows from God’s prior work. Acts 13:48 “As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” Philippians 1:29 “It has been granted to you… to believe in him.” Romans 10 affirms the necessity of faith. “Everyone” refers to all who call—without ethnic distinction. The passage does not teach universal salvation. Election and gospel proclamation coexist in Romans. God’s sovereign grace ensures that His people will call on Him. Romans 10:10–13 magnifies the universal proclamation of the gospel without denying sovereign election. The promise is clear: everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved. Scripture also makes clear why anyone calls at all—because God first works in the heart. Key PassageMain ThemesScripture References (ESV)Salvation Is Conditional Upon FaithNo Distinction Between Jew and GentileElection in the Same LetterWho Actually Calls?Grace Precedes FaithKey TakeawaysBottom Line

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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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