5 Points Of Calvinism

We can differ in how we understand the scriptures.  Scripture debates demand humility because regardless of what we believe, we are deriving our beliefs from the scriptures. Sometimes, the scripture does a good job of arguing two views that oppose each other. My advice is to never discount or explain away a scripture to fit your theology. There have been those who have asked me in the past whether or not I am a Calvinist. I prefer not to consider myself any kind of “ist.” I believe Calvinism is a perversion of the Gospel in many regards. Then they ask, are you an Arminian. I am not an Arminian either. What am I then you might ask? Well, I will tell you, I am saved by grace, through faith, in Jesus Christ - and that not of myself, it is the free gift of God. I don’t claim to have all the answers, and I don’t think the Bible supports the interpretations of either view completely (Calvinism/Arminianism). I will tackle Calvinism here and explain the problems I have with it. I could literally spend a week straight writing on this topic, but I am going to keep it short and sweet. Those of you who are used to my writing know that I always back everything I do up with as much scripture as I can find on the topic. However, I don’t use any scripture in this response. I encourage everyone to search out the scriptures and find your own answers for your theology! I exhort you to be careful in defining your theology. Leave room for God to be bigger than your present understanding of Him. I have learned to do this over the years because my view on many things has changed repeatedly! Don’t sacrifice scriptures to argue your viewpoints. If scripture argues two different points, then concede scripture says both. Scripture should humble us all. As soon as you think you understand it all, God finds a way to show you that you don’t understand everything. Nobody has it all figured out!

Tulip is an acronym to describe the 5 points of Calvinism.

Total depravity – This means that man is totally unable to do anything to save himself. 100% Agree

Unconditional election – God chose you before the foundations of the world. If God chose me and I had no legitimate choice in the matter, it would seem to make it meaningless. My accepting God would seem to be meaningless to me. I believe God sovereignly chose me, but for me to put limits or qualifications on that goes beyond what scriptures teach, in my opinion. The Bible doesn't explain foreknowledge. We don’t know if foreknowledge is specifically referring to God knowing we would choose Him, or whether he chose us for any other reason. I think for us to claim we know what God was thinking goes beyond our pay grade. But, the Bible says God chose me. For who He foreknew, he also predestined. And so, I believe the Bible – but I don’t claim to know exactly what it means. It might be wiser to say God chose us for reasons known only to himself. So, unconditional election goes beyond what scripture says to some degree.

Limited Atonement – Unlimited atonement would be Universalism, which the Bible clearly does NOT teach. The Bible mentions many things to the contrary of unlimited atonement. Everyone except Universalists limit the atonement in some way. If you don’t have faith in Jesus being your atonement for sin, then you don’t have atonement. Calvinists say it only works for the elect, Arminians would say it only works for people who accept Jesus. The Universalists clearly have a wrong idea about atonement. The details quickly get muddied up between the Calvinists and the Arminians believing basically the same thing with the exception being that Calvinists claim those who accept Jesus are the elect. I agree with limited atonement, but don’t wish to worry about whether or not it describes the elect only. Based on scripture, I can safely conclude that Jesus died for the sins of the world and if you receive him, he will never turn you away. I don’t think it much matters whether you take the Arminian view of limited atonement or the Calvinist view.

Irresistible Grace - There a lots of instances in the scripture of people resisting God’s grace. God’s offer for atonement would mean nothing if you couldn't resist it. However, I wouldn't limit the power of God to say he couldn't allow things in my life to happen in such a way as to draw me to him. But, I believe in free will, therefore, no matter what, I still have a choice. I believe God does actually allow things to happen to many of us that are intended to draw us to Himself. But, I have seen others reject this drawing, and in the process witnessed their hearts grow very hard and cold towards God.  God has given everyone free choice, all the way back to Adam and Eve. I think we can resist God’s grace.

Perseverance of the saints – This means that someone who truly has salvation cannot lose their salvation – ever. 100% agree. Many in the church are divided by this one topic of discussion, which I discuss in great detail here.

I agree with about 3 points of Calvinism. I agree with total depravity, and perseverance of the saints completely 100%, but I have issues with the way the Calvinists describe unconditional election and limited atonement because I believe the Bible teaches both Arminian views as well as Calvinist views on both topics and I don't explain away scriptures to fit my theological viewpoints. Nevertheless, I agree with limited atonement and unconditional election because I believe the Bible teaches them. I just don't go along with the way Calvinists define points 2 & 3. I totally disagree with irresistible grace.

I know what I believe based on years of studying the scriptures and I would encourage others to seek their answers from the scriptures as well. It's about God, so it is important to know why we believe what we believe. Don't take my word or anyone else's word on theological issues. Psalm 118:8 says, "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:7 says, "Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything." So, with those verses, I exhort everyone to seek out the scriptures for yourself and let the Holy Spirit be your guide!

I used to be a person who would argue many of these Calvinistic points, but more and more, I am becoming someone who is humbled enough to realize that it is somewhat prideful and outside my pay grade to claim truths that the Bible doesn't clearly explain are right and theorize that others are wrong. The nice thing is, that all the important things in the Bible are very clearly explained, such as salvation. I believe I should focus my thoughts, comments, and attention on those things more so than the controversial things. However, I bring all this up because it is good to know what we believe on anything having to do with the word of God.