J.C. Philpot

Hyper Calvinism

J.C. Philpot (1802-1869) was a gifted English Baptist minister and theologian who is often associated with the hyper-Calvinist movement. Hyper-Calvinism is a term used to describe a particular interpretation of Calvinism, which is a system of Christian theology that emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the doctrine of predestination, omitting the scriptural and confessional teaching of human responsibility. Hyper-Calvinists believe that the gospel should only be preached to those whom God has already predestined to be saved and that it is not necessary, or even right to offer the gospel freely to those who are not elect. Election governs all in the preaching.

There is evidence that Philpot held hyper-Calvinist beliefs. In his writings, he emphasized the sovereignty of God and the doctrine of predestination to the exclusion of personal repentance and faith. He often spoke of ‘the way it goes’ in the heart and life of the weak and tried believer but never points the unbeliever to Christ by preaching repentance and faith. He argued that it was wrong to offer the gospel to those who were not predestined to be saved because it would be an act of disobedience to God's eternal will.

However, it is important to note that most Calvinists are not hyper-Calvinists and that there are differing interpretations of Calvinism within the broader historical movement. (See the Canons of Dort, Head 3/4, Articles 8 and 9) It is also important to note that Philpot's beliefs were shaped by the context of his time and the specific theological debates that were taking place in the early 19th century.

There are wonderful passages in the writings of Philpot, warm and true. But his label should come with a warning: “This man omits weighty matters of the Gospel.”