CalvinismJohn Calvin 1508-1564

Introduction John Calvin 1508 – 1564. One of the leading reformation thinkers. Re-taught Augustinian ideas. Augustine was Bishop

of Hippo (north Africa) and lived 354 – 430 AD. Calvin has been very influential on Baptist,

Presbyterian, Reformed, Anglican and many other groups.

Sometimes called “reformed theology.”

“T.U.L.I.P.”Total depravityUnconditional electionLimited atonementIrresistible gracePerseverance of the saints

1. Total Depravity

Doctrine No good in fallen man All actions before conversion are sinful and selfish Salvation is completely from God – man has no

part in the conversion process Only when God’s Spirit “quickens” a man and

enables him can he be saved

Total Depravity

Supporting passages Eph 2.1 Rom 3.12

Biblical emphasis Sinfulness and lostness of man This lacking in religious world today

Total Depravity

Weaknesses Man is sinful, but to say there is no good in an

unsaved person is going too far. Rom 5.7 Cornelius (Acts 10.2,35). Drowning man must grab the lifebelt! Seems to miss the reality that man has free will.

2. Unconditional Election

Doctrine Decision about who saved is 100% God’s We cannot change God’s mind

Supporting passages Eph 2.8-9 Grace saves, faith is a gift Acts 13.48 Appointed for eternal life Rev 20.15 Book of life Rom 8.29 Predestination

Unconditional Election

Biblical emphasis Emphasis on God’s sovereignty All races, classes etc. Can be saved – salvation

unconditional in this sense

Unconditional ElectionWeaknesses: Eph 2.8-9 Faith not the gift, salvation is. Acts 13.46, 48 Man is justly responsible for accepting or

rejecting the gospel. Rev 20.15 See passages in Rev 3.5, Psalm 69.27-28

shows that the names can be erased. Rom 8.29 Christians are predestined to become like

Christ, not the same as being predestined to salvation.

Free will: Under-appreciated

Weaknesses – continued.Issue of predestination is complex and yet a biblical doctrine. Illustrations may

help:

I. A train destination.You board a London train, and the destination is clearly marked “Heathrow

airport”. This destination has been decided in advance. Heathrow airport is its “predestination”. As long as you stay on the train, you are fine. If however you choose to leave the train, you forfeit your “predestination.” The train still goes to the airport, but you will miss it – unless of course you manage to get back on the train.

Ii. An aerial view.From the top of a tall building, you are able to view two intersecting streets.

Down the first street a speeding sports car approaches the deadly intersection, while down the other street zooms a motorcycle. From your vantage point, you can “see” the accident before it happens. But are you responsible for the collision? Foreknowledge does not imply predestination.

Unconditional ElectionWeaknesses - continued.

God does call us (2 Thess 2.14), but this is through the gospel. There is an inseparable link between the gospel and the “sanctifying work of the spirit” – 2 Thess 2.13, 1 Peter 1.2. No one is saved in a vacuum (see also Rom 10. 13-17).

Unconditional election is unfair! If, despite all your sincere attempts to be saved God has already decided that you are to be damned, this seems to goe against all the Bible teaches regarding God’s just and compassionate nature.

3. Limited Atonement

Doctrine The cross is only for the saved Christ bore the sins of the elect, not all mankind

Supporting passages Matt 26.28 Forgiveness for “many” Eph 5.25 Christ gave self for the church Acts 20.28 God bought the church with his blood

Limited Atonement

Biblical emphasis Enhances the success and victory of the

crucifixion Affirms that God does nothing in vain Shows that salvation is bought at a price

Limited Atonement

Weaknesses: Rom 5.18 All men are potentially saved - through

the cross. 1 Tim 2.4 God wants all men to be saved. Matt 26.28 “Many” does not imply a set number. Eph 5.25 Does not imply that Jesus’ blood

could only save a few. 1 Tim 4.10 – anyone willing to believe and repent

can be saved.

4. Irresistible GraceDoctrine Spirit of God draws men to Christ and it is impossible to resist

this

Supporting passages John 6.44 God draws men to Christ Acts 16.14 Lydia

Biblical emphasis The Spirit’s power

Irresistible GraceWeaknesses: John 6.44 God draws men, but this passage does not state

the basis of that calling. God draws people who will accept him on his terms (John 1.11-13,

8.31 etc.). Lydia God opened her heart through the message

(Acts 16.13, c.f. also Rom 10.17) Grace Can be resisted (Acts 7.51, Gal 5.4, Heb 10.29-

30, 12.15) Free will exists.

5. Perseverance of the SaintsDoctrine. Once saved we cannot become “unsaved”. Someone leaving

God shows they were not really saved in the first place.

Supporting passages. John 10.29 No one can steal the sheep. Rom 8.38-39 Nothing can separate us from Christ’s.

Love.Biblical emphasis. Security of salvation.

Perseverance of the Saints

Weaknesses Jn 10.29 We can still choose to walk away Rom 8.38 Still need to do our part (Jude 21) James 5.19Can wander from the truth John 15.6 Obedience essential 2 Pet 2.20 Can leave God Matt 28.19Evangelism is irrelevant if this is

true

Calvinism’s Correct Concepts

Sinfulness of manSovereignty of GodSuccess of the crucifixionSpirit’s powerSecurity of grace

Calvinism’s Clear Contradictions

Maintains too negative a view of man Denies effective free will Provides little incentive for evangelism Creates an unjust God Runs contrary to experience Breeds lukewarm commitment Can be refuted by many verses

Conclusion to Calvinism Calvin had a tremendous impact on the religious

world of his day and his influence continues down the ages.

His stand for what he saw as the truth was courageous.

Many doctrines of Calvin are contradicted by many scriptures.

Make up your own mind by studying for yourself!

CalvinismJohn Calvin 1508-1564