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. 18h ago

    Election, Hardening, and the Justice of God How Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Work Together

    Episode 47 — Election, Hardening, and the Justice of God How Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Work Together Description Few doctrines generate more tension than election and hardening. If God chooses some for salvation, what does it mean when Scripture says He hardens others? Is God unjust? Does hardening remove human responsibility? In this episode, we examine key passages from Scripture (ESV) that address election, divine hardening, and the perfect justice of God. We show that the Bible consistently upholds both God’s sovereign purpose and man’s moral accountability — without contradiction. God’s sovereign election Judicial hardening Human responsibility in unbelief Mercy versus justice God’s glory in both salvation and judgment “Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad… she was told, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ As it is written, ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’” God’s choice was made before works — grounded in His purpose. “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world… he predestined us…” Election is rooted in God’s will, not human merit. One of the clearest examples is Pharaoh. “The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh…” Yet Scripture also says: “He hardened his heart…” Both are true: Pharaoh hardened his own heart. God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh… ‘For this very purpose I have raised you up…’ So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.” Hardening is not God creating innocent rebellion — it is God giving sinners over to their chosen sin. “Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts…” “For this reason God gave them up…” Hardening is often judicial — God confirming people in the rebellion they already love. Even when Scripture speaks of hardening, it never removes human guilt. “People loved the darkness rather than the light…” “You refuse to come to me…” Unbelief is voluntary. Paul anticipates the objection directly. “What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means!” “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy… So then it depends not on human will… but on God, who has mercy.” Justice condemns sinners.Mercy saves sinners.No one receives injustice. “Vessels of wrath prepared for destruction… in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy…” Scripture presents two realities: Mercy displayed in salvation Justice displayed in judgment Both reveal God’s glory. Election demonstrates God’s sovereign mercy.Hardening demonstrates God’s righteous judgment. Neither contradicts His goodness. God sovereignly chooses according to His purpose. Hardening is judicial, not arbitrary. Human responsibility is never removed. God is perfectly just in judgment. Salvation magnifies mercy; condemnation magnifies justice. Election and hardening are not contradictory doctrines — they are complementary aspects of God’s sovereign rule. Scripture affirms both divine mercy and divine justice without apology. The Judge of all the earth always does what is right (Genesis 18:25, ESV). And in both salvation and judgment, God’s glory is revealed. Key ThemesElection Is Clearly TaughtRomans 9:11–13 (ESV)Ephesians 1:4–5 (ESV)Hardening in ScriptureExodus 9:12 (ESV)Exodus 8:15 (ESV)Romans 9:17–18 (ESV)Judicial HardeningRomans 1:24 (ESV)Romans 1:26 (ESV)Human Responsibility RemainsJohn 3:19 (ESV)John 5:40 (ESV)Is God Unjust?Romans 9:14 (ESV)Romans 9:15–16 (ESV)Vessels of Mercy and WrathRomans 9:22–23 (ESV)Election and Hardening TogetherKey TakeawaysBottom Line

  2. Oct 16

    Psalm 145:18–20 Does This Refute Election or Teach Universalism?

    Episode 46 — Psalm 145:18–20 Does This Refute Election or Teach Universalism? Description Psalm 145:18–20 says: “The LORD is near to all who call on him…” Does this refute sovereign election? Does it teach universal salvation? In this episode, we show that the Psalm affirms God’s faithfulness to those who call on Him, while clearly distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked. “The LORD is near to all who call on him… The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.” “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” The promise applies to those who call. “No one seeks for God.” “No one can come… unless the Father… draws him.” Election explains why anyone calls. “I will put the fear of me in their hearts…” “We love because he first loved us.” “All the wicked he will destroy.” Two groups remain distinct. Psalm 145 affirms God’s nearness to those who call. It does not address the cause of calling. It clearly distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. It does not refute election. It does not teach universal salvation. Psalm 145 magnifies God’s faithfulness to His people and His justice toward the wicked. Sovereign election remains consistent with this passage, and universalism is clearly excluded. Key PassagePsalm 145:18–20 (ESV)The Conditional PromiseRomans 10:13 (ESV)Calling Requires GraceRomans 3:11 (ESV)John 6:44 (ESV)Fear and Love Are GiftsJeremiah 32:40 (ESV)1 John 4:19 (ESV)Clear Rejection of UniversalismPsalm 145:20 (ESV) 47 — Romans 11:7–8 Election, Hardening, and the Justice of God Key Passage: Romans 11:7-8: What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest qwere hardened, as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.” Description Romans 11:7–8 presents one of the clearest biblical distinctions between the elect and the hardened. Paul writes that “the elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened.” This passage affirms God’s sovereign election unto salvation and judicial hardening unto condemnation. In this episode, we examine how Scripture supports the doctrine of election, how hardening operates within God’s sovereign purposes, and why neither group receives injustice. The elect receive mercy; the hardened receive justice. Mercy is not owed. Justice is not unfair. The biblical distinction between the elect and the rest Sovereign election rooted in God’s purpose Judicial hardening of the rebellious The difference between mercy and justice Why no one receives injustice Romans 11:7 teaches that salvation is obtained by “the elect.” Election precedes merit. “…in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls…” “There is a remnant, chosen by grace.” “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world…” Salvation rests in God’s gracious choice, not human performance. The elect obtain righteousness as a gift. “Justified by his grace as a gift…” “By grace you have been saved… not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” The elect receive mercy, not reward. Romans 11:7–8 also speaks of “the rest” who were hardened. This hardening is judicial, not arbitrary. “People loved the darkness rather than the light…” “Therefore God gave them up…” Hardening confirms sinners in the rebellion they already desire. Paul anticipates this objection. “Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! … I will have mercy on whom I have mercy…” “All have sinned…” Everyone deserves judgment.Some receive mercy.None receive injustice. “It depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” “The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” The elect receive undeserved grace.The hardened receive deserved justice. Romans 11 warns believers against pride. “Do not become proud, but fear.”

  3. Oct 9

    Matthew 11:28 & John 6:44 Did Jesus Contradict Himself?

    Episode 45 — Matthew 11:28 & John 6:44 Did Jesus Contradict Himself? Description Jesus says: “Come to me…” (Matthew 11:28) But also: “No one can come… unless the Father draws him.” (John 6:44) Is this a contradiction? Or does it present the full biblical picture of salvation? In this episode, we show how both verses stand together without tension and affirm the doctrine of election. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden…” “No one can come to me unless the Father… draws him.” “…it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” “You refuse to come to me…” The problem is inability and unwillingness. “All that the Father gives me will come to me…” “As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” Election precedes belief. John 6:44 explains why anyone comes. Matthew 11:28 assures that all who come are received. Invitation and election are not opposites. Jesus did not contradict Himself — He completed the picture. Divine drawing explains response. Gospel invitation assures acceptance. Sovereign election stands fully intact in both passages. Key PassagesMatthew 11:28 (ESV)John 6:44 (ESV)Spiritual InabilityRomans 8:7–8 (ESV)John 5:40 (ESV)Divine Drawing and Certain ComingJohn 6:37 (ESV)Acts 13:48 (ESV)

  4. Oct 2

    Matthew 11:27–28 Sovereign Revelation and the Free Invitation

    Episode 44 — Matthew 11:27–28 Sovereign Revelation and the Free Invitation Description In Matthew 11:27–28, Jesus declares two profound truths side by side: The Son sovereignly reveals the Father to whom He wills. All who are weary and burdened are invited to come. Do these verses contradict each other? Or do they reveal the harmony between divine election and the sincere gospel invitation? In this episode, we show that sovereign revelation explains why anyone comes — and the invitation guarantees that all who come will receive rest. “No one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” “…anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Knowledge of God is not self-generated — it is revealed. “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him…” “The natural person… is not able to understand…” Election explains spiritual understanding. “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” The invitation is sincere and certain. Verse 27 explains divine initiative. Verse 28 declares the open invitation. Sovereign grace and gospel invitation work together. Election does not negate the call — it guarantees response. Matthew 11:27 protects God’s sovereignty. Matthew 11:28 proclaims the sincerity of the gospel. Together they reveal a salvation that is both sovereignly initiated and freely offered. Key PassageMatthew 11:27–28 (ESV)Sovereign RevelationMatthew 11:27 (ESV)John 6:44 (ESV)1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)The Genuine InvitationMatthew 11:28 (ESV)John 6:37 (ESV)

  5. Sep 30 ·  Bonus

    SPECIAL EPISODE: Why I Wrote 25 Reasons Why You May Be in a Bad Church

    SPECIAL EPISODE: Why I Wrote 25 Reasons Why You May Be in a Bad Church In this special edition of The Closet Calvinist Podcast, I step away from the usual format to talk about my first book, 25 Reasons Why You May Be in a Bad Church: And What You Can Do About It. The book began with a list of 25 warning signs I originally wrote roughly twenty years ago after experiencing serious problems within a church firsthand. Those original notes eventually became the foundation for this short, accessible book about recognizing unhealthy church leadership and examining our churches in light of Scripture. This isn't about finding a perfect church. There are no perfect churches because there are no perfect Christians. But there is a difference between an imperfect church and an unhealthy one. In this episode, I discuss why I wrote the book, the difference between legitimate biblical authority and spiritual manipulation, the importance of accountability in church leadership, and why Christians must ultimately evaluate their churches according to the Word of God—not personalities, popularity, programs, or outward success. I also discuss an important question at the heart of the book: If you recognize serious problems in your church, what should you do about it? Leaving isn't necessarily the first answer. These situations require prayer, wisdom, careful examination of Scripture, and sometimes difficult conversations with pastors and elders. But there may also be circumstances when leaving a church becomes necessary. My hope for this book—and for this special episode—is simple: that Christians will practice biblical discernment and continually ask: "What does Scripture say?" 📖 THE BOOK 25 Reasons Why You May Be in a Bad Church: And What You Can Do About It Available on Amazon. 🎙️ THE CLOSET CALVINIST PODCAST Biblical theology and apologetics from a Reformed perspective. 🌐 Website: theclosetcalvinist.com Soli Deo Gloria.

  6. Sep 25

    Stumbling and Chosen 1 Peter 2:7–9 and the Doctrine of Election

    Episode 43 — Stumbling and Chosen 1 Peter 2:7–9 and the Doctrine of Election Description In 1 Peter 2:7–9, the apostle Peter presents a sobering and glorious contrast. Some stumble over Christ in unbelief, and others are described as a “chosen race” and “a people for his own possession.” Verse 8 speaks of those who disobey and stumble “as they were destined to do.”Verse 9 declares believers to be chosen by God. In this episode, we examine how this passage clearly affirms both divine sovereignty and human responsibility — and how it reveals the biblical distinction between the non-elect who reject Christ and the elect who are called out of darkness into His marvelous light. “So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,’ and ‘A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.’ They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession…” “The honor is for you who believe…” (1 Peter 2:7, ESV) Believers receive honor because they trust in Christ, the Cornerstone. “They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.” (1 Peter 2:8, ESV) Their stumbling is tied to disobedience — they are responsible for their unbelief. Yet Peter also says their stumbling was within divine appointment. The word “destined” indicates divine determination or appointment. Other passages affirm this reality: “What if God… has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction…” “Certain people… long ago were designated for this condemnation…” “The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” Scripture does not remove human responsibility, but it does affirm God’s sovereign decree. In contrast, Peter declares: “But you are a chosen race…” (1 Peter 2:9, ESV) This is unmistakable election language. “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world…” “God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved…” Believers are not self-selected. They are chosen by God. “A people for his own possession…” (1 Peter 2:9, ESV) This echoes Old Testament covenant language: “The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession…” Election is rooted in God’s sovereign love and purpose. Scripture answers clearly: “All that the Father gives me will come to me…” “What do you have that you did not receive?” Faith is not self-generated superiority. It is received mercy. Verse 9 continues: “That you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Election results in transformation and proclamation. “But God… made us alive together with Christ…” The elect are not better — they are made alive. 1 Peter 2:7–9 presents two groups: those who believe and those who stumble. Unbelief is both morally responsible and within God’s sovereign decree. Believers are explicitly described as chosen by God. Election magnifies mercy and removes boasting. Salvation ultimately belongs to the Lord. 1 Peter 2:7–9 does not soften the reality of divine sovereignty — it declares it plainly. Some stumble in disobedience as appointed; others are chosen and called into light. The distinction between belief and unbelief ultimately rests not in human superiority, but in God’s sovereign saving grace. Key Passage1 Peter 2:7–9 (ESV)Two Groups — Two ResponsesThose Who BelieveThose Who Do Not BelieveDestined to Stumble — Divine SovereigntyRomans 9:22 (ESV)Jude 4 (ESV)Proverbs 16:4 (ESV)Chosen for Salvation — Divine GraceEphesians 1:4 (ESV)2 Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV)A People for His PossessionDeuteronomy 7:6 (ESV)Why Do Some Believe and Others Stumble?John 6:37 (ESV)1 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)Called Out of DarknessEphesians 2:4–5 (ESV)Key TakeawaysBottom Line

  7. Sep 18

    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

  8. 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

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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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