Primitive Baptists Are Not Calvinists

Summary

Elder Neal Phelan Jr. explains that Primitive Baptists are often mistaken for Calvinists because they believe in election and predestination, biblical doctrines taught in the New Testament long before John Calvin. He emphasizes that Primitive Baptists differ from Calvinists primarily in their understanding of the gospel's purpose: Primitive Baptists believe the gospel gives light to spiritual life already possessed, whereas Calvinists believe the gospel imparts spiritual life. He also highlights that Primitive Baptists believe God has elect people even where the gospel has never been preached, contrasting with Calvinist views.