was matthew henry a calvinist

asalmes

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04-12-2024

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Matthew Henry (1662-1714), renowned for his comprehensive Bible commentary, remains a significant figure in Christian history. His work continues to be widely read and appreciated. However, pinpointing his precise theological stance, particularly regarding Calvinism, requires careful examination of his writings and historical context. Was Matthew Henry a Calvinist? The answer isn't a simple "yes" or "no."

Understanding Calvinism: Key Doctrines

Before assessing Henry's theology, it's crucial to understand the core tenets of Calvinism, often summarized by the acronym TULIP:

• Total Depravity: Humanity's inherent sinfulness renders us incapable of choosing God without divine intervention.
• Unconditional Election: God chooses to save some individuals, not based on foreseen faith, but purely out of His sovereign grace.
• Limited Atonement: Christ's atoning sacrifice was intended only for the elect.
• Irresistible Grace: God's grace in salvation cannot be resisted by those He has chosen.
• Perseverance of the Saints: Those whom God has chosen will persevere in faith until the end.

Matthew Henry's Theological Position: A nuanced perspective

While Henry's commentary doesn't explicitly address every point of TULIP, his writings reveal a theological landscape that aligns with certain aspects of Calvinism while diverging from others.

Areas of Alignment with Calvinistic Thought:

• Emphasis on God's Sovereignty: Throughout his commentary, Henry consistently emphasizes God's sovereignty in salvation. He highlights God's initiative in reaching out to humanity, a concept central to Calvinistic thought. He stresses that salvation is a gift of God's grace, not something earned through human merit. This resonates strongly with the Calvinistic doctrine of unconditional election.

• The Importance of Grace: Henry repeatedly underscores the role of grace in salvation. He emphasizes the inability of humanity to save themselves and the necessity of God's grace for spiritual regeneration. This aligns with the Calvinistic understanding of total depravity and irresistible grace.

• Focus on God's Word: Henry's commentary is deeply rooted in Scripture. He meticulously examines biblical texts, seeking to understand their meaning within their historical and literary context. This emphasis on sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) is a cornerstone of Reformed theology, which includes Calvinism.

Areas of Departure from Strict Calvinism:

• Less Emphasis on Predestination: While Henry acknowledges God's sovereignty in salvation, his writings don't dwell extensively on the intricate details of predestination. He focuses more on the practical implications of faith and the Christian life. He doesn't emphasize the controversial aspects of election to the same degree as some stricter Calvinists.

• Broader View of Atonement: Henry doesn't explicitly limit Christ's atonement to the elect alone. His commentary suggests a more inclusive understanding of Christ's sacrifice, extending its benefits to all who believe. This contrasts with the Calvinistic doctrine of limited atonement.

• Inclusion of Free Will (to a degree): Henry's writings, while emphasizing grace, don't entirely negate human free will. He stresses the importance of personal response to God's call, suggesting that while salvation is initiated by God, individuals must actively choose to accept it.

Conclusion: A High-View of Grace, Not a Strict Label

Categorizing Matthew Henry as strictly "Calvinist" or "non-Calvinist" is an oversimplification. His theology reflects a high view of God's grace and sovereignty, aligning with certain key aspects of Calvinism. However, his less emphatic focus on the more controversial aspects of TULIP, coupled with his emphasis on personal response to the Gospel, prevents a straightforward categorization. It's more accurate to describe him as holding a theological perspective that incorporates elements of Calvinistic thought within a broader evangelical framework. His enduring legacy lies not in rigid adherence to a particular theological system, but in his profound exposition of Scripture and his clear articulation of the Gospel message. He was a man deeply committed to the centrality of God's grace in salvation, yet also concerned with communicating that grace in a way that encouraged faith and godly living. Therefore, rather than focusing on a label, it's more beneficial to appreciate the richness of his theological insights within their historical context.