Examining "Calvinism"

It’s been way too long since I’ve written anything, so I thought I’d make an attempt today. There are many things swirling around in my head, but I just hadn’t taken the time to organize them and get them down on paper…or computer. It’s a rather cold and rainy day here in north Texas – too cold for late spring. I *should* be studying for my exam, but I can’t seem to get into it.

I think I’ll begin (and probably end) with one of the main things that has been nagging at me lately, and that is the complete mischaracterization by many of this thing called, “Calvinism.” First of all, Calvinism is a NICKNAME – it is not, in and of itself, something to be taught. Calvinisim is the nickname for a systematic study of the Bible; it answers the question,”What does the whole of the Bible teach?” and then ‘systematizes’ or arranges the material. John Calvin wasn’t even a Calvinist, as he was long dead (1564) before the Synod of Dort formulated the “Five Points of Calvinism.”

In 1610, James (or Jacob) Arminius had just died and his biblical systematic theology was formulated into five main points, which became known as The Five Points of Arminianism (Arminianism). Briefly, those points are: 1) Free Will (or human ability), which posited that although man was affected by the fall of Adam, he was not totally incapable of choosing spiritual good; 2) Conditional Election, which taught that God knew/foresaw those who would respond to the gospel and, on that basis, ‘elected’ them for salvation; 3) Universal Redemption (general atonement) taught that Christ died to save all men, but His death was only ‘effectual’ for those who would choose to believe; 4) The Holy Spirit’s work in regeneration is limited by the human will, which means that His work could be resisted by the human heart; and 5) Falling from grace taught that a saved individual could ultimately fall from salvation. This is the logical outcome of a system that postulates man ‘chooses’ to be saved.

These Five Points were presented to the Synod of Dort in 1618, and the church was called to examine the teachings in light of the Scriptures. At the end of seven months, the synod could not reconcile this Arminian viewpoint with what was expounded in Holy Writ. To reaffirm the Reformation position expressed by Calvin, and to counter these five points, the Synod of Dort formulated their own ‘five points’ which became known as The Five Points of Calvinism. They are also set forth in the form of the acrostic, TULIP. T = Total Depravity – every area of man was affected by the Fall; sin affects the totality of man’s being – his will, mind, affections, etc, thereby rendering him UNABLE to ‘choose’ spiritual things (See Gen 6:5; Ps 51:5; Rom 5:12; 1 Cor 2:15; Eph 2:1; 2 Tim 2:25; Mark 4:11, 12); U = Unconditional Election – As a result of man’s being dead in sin and unable to appraise spiritual things, much less be inclined to God, He, before the foundation of the world chose a people for Himself and then saved them (See John 15:6; Rom 9:6-2; Eph 1:1-6; Acts 13:48). L = Limited Atonement (particular redemption) – Christ died to save a particular number of people, His sheep. He died to effectually and absolutely save sinners, not potentially save them, dependent upon THEIR choice of HIM (See John 17:9; Eph 1:4; Eph 5:25). I = Irresistible Grace – God’s calling upon the heart of a human being is irresistible in that it cannot be thwarted or frustrated. (See John 6:37-45; Rom 8:14; Gal 1:15; 1 Pet 2:9; 1 Pet 5:10).  P = Perseverance of the Saints – In complete opposition to the fifth point of Arminianism, this point posits that the believer’s salvation is secure – not because he secures himself, but because of God’s keeping power. HE causes His own to persevere to the end. (See John 6:39; John 10:28-29; Rom 5:10; Rom 8:27; Phil 1:6).

Now, this is by no means an exhaustive commentary on what is known as Calvinism.  There are enough passages cited, though, to get you started on your own study.  Go on...examine the Scriptures for yourself; see what they teach.  It's the straw man set ups and arguments that can become so frustrating.  "Calvinists only follow a man!"  "John Calvin was a murderer!"  Blech.  It just goes to show that lack of diligent study (laziness) and over-the-top emotionalism cloud peoples' judgments.  Actually, John Calvin and other reformers like Martin Luther reformed their soteriology, and that's about all they had time for.  They were still wrong with regard to some of the other teachings to which they continued to adhere.  As well, they were products of their century and their culture at the time, so they were imperfect people, as are we.  But they got salvation right.  Salvation - from beginning to end - is ALL of God.  It is initiated by God, it ends with God, and every part in between is of God.  By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.  For the glory of God!   

Yours in grace,