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Published Saturday, February 04, 2012 in Religion
Pastor's Corner: Part 2 – Is Calvinism biblical?
By DANIEL AUSBUN
First Baptist Church, Moreland
Is Calvinism biblical? Does TULIP reflect the message and mission of God? John Calvin (1509-1564) taught infant baptism, presbyterial polity, the linkage of church and state, and the state's punishment of dissident believers.
What does Calvinism (or Reformed Theology) believe is total depravity? Man is fallen in every aspect of his being and cannot, without regeneration and the imputed righteousness of Christ, ever please God or be satisfactory to God. In order for a depraved human to respond to God's redemptive act in Christ, that person must first be regenerated. God regenerates an individual, thus enabling him to exercise repentance and faith. Romans 3:9-26 tells us we're dead in sin. What can a dead man do? When Adam and Eve first took the fruit of the tree, they died (Genesis 2:17). They ate and died, yet in another sense they kept on living. Though dead spiritually, they could and did respond to God, preparing for His visit, hiding, talking with Him, and eventually accepting His remedy for their nakedness. In every way we are totally depraved, but, Lord, I thank God that the Bible's witness, throughout its pages, is that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13).
What is unconditional election? Election is unconditional in the sense that it is based not upon our decision for God, but rather upon God's decision for us. From eternity past it has been decreed that the elect must be saved and non-elect cannot be saved. I do not believe you can put yourself under the authority of Scripture and not believe in election. Hebrews 2:9 affirms, "by God's grace He might taste death for everyone." 1 Timothy 2:4 says Jesus desires "everyone to be saved." The Greek for this verse literally means, "who willeth all men." God desires all men to be saved and "come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).
Was the atonement limited to only the elect? This belief is that Christ only bore the punishment due for the sins of the elect alone. Consequently, no one else can or will receive the saving benefits of His death. Four key texts in the New Testament affirm an unlimited atonement, referring to the "world" (John 1:29; 3:16-17; 17:6; 1 John 2:2).
Can you say "no" to God? Irresistible grace means that people who are going to be saved have no other option. They really don't have a choice. The grace of God cannot be resisted. Jesus taught and ministered in ways that seem to be inconsistent with the notion of irresistible grace. Matthew 23:37 says, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem! She who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, yet you are not willing!" Jesus was saddened that God's people in Jerusalem rejected the message that was sent to them and were not willing to respond to God. A rich young ruler asked Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal life" (Luke 18:18). If Jesus were a Calvinist, one might have expected Him to answer, "Nothing!" and admonish the young ruler for having the idea that he could do anything to inherit eternal life. Instead, Jesus tells him what he could do: go and sell his possessions and give to the poor. The instructions were not just about money, but about his heart. The young man was unwilling to make a total commitment to God and Jesus let him walk away and face the consequences of his decision. Noting the rich young ruler unwillingness, Jesus then comments about how hard it is for a rich person to enter into heaven (Luke 18:24-25). If Jesus were a Calvinist, He never would have suggested that it was harder for rich persons to be saved by God's irresistible grace than poor persons. There wills would be changed immediately and invincibly upon hearing God's effectual call. It would be no harder for a rich person to be saved by God's irresistible calling than it would be for any other sinner.
Can anyone know they'll remain saved until the day of redemption? The perseverance of the saints means to persist, to continue, to be steadfast and unrelenting in purpose. 2 Timothy 1:12 affirms a person can know with certainty he is presently saved. It also affirms, he can know with certainty he will remain saved. Assurance in our salvation is found in our justification in Christ rather than our sanctification. Our gift of faith remains (or perseveres), and it inevitably manifests itself in the life of a believer. The level of manifestation varies from believer to believer. Abraham and Lot were both justified (2 Peter 2:7-8), but they evidenced it very differently.
Calvinists often attempt to sidestep criticism by asserting that the doctrine has been misunderstood, even when non-Calvinists have quoted or paraphrased what Calvinists themselves have said in describing their own doctrine.
While a public profession of faith is not a guarantee of salvation, it always accompanies salvation (Romans 10:9-10). This is why we give an invitation. By studying the doctrine of Calvinism, I invite you to respond to God's call.
• • •
Daniel Ausbun can be reached at daniel@fbcmoreland.org .
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Calvinists agree that we must repent and believe to be saved. The issue is whether that saving belief is foundationally the work of God or generated by human “free will.”
Isa55:11 says, “...so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Noncalvinists disagree and say that the human will can send God's intended saving word back to Him a failure – usually by mishandling Matt23:37 and texts with “all” or “world.”
Posted by charles at 11:23 PM
In Acts there are 7 examples of conversion(being saved, born again, Christian). There are no other specific examples. In all these examples to be saved a person has to hear the Word, believe the Word, and be immersed(baptized).Repent is specificly required in two examples and implied in the other five. The is no room for interpitation here. There is only room for an open, repentent and humble heart before God.
Posted by Bonnie Blue at 5:02 PM
The eye of the needle story is simply an allegory.
Posted by coweta cur-mudgeon at 12:01 AM
It's funny to see people debate on which part of their faith is real and which is rumors. Newsflash: it's all a story made up after the fact to keep the powerful in power and to give those less fortunate something favroable to cling to. Mission Accomplished!
Posted by Mr. Coweta at 6:15 PM
(Speaking of not being able to understand context)
charles, I know that's a rumor, but, when it comes to subjects like these, rumor is all you have to base your "belief" or "faith". Did you even read the last sentence I wrote?
Besides, if you're using the King James version, you're just using a translation of a translation. So, the context may not be the original context, and definitely not the actual "word of God".
Posted by travis strickland at 11:58 AM
Hebrews 2:9 affirms He tasted death for “everyone." Heb 2:10-17 provides context to explain who the “everyone” is: His “sons, children, brothers, those who are made holy, Abraham’s descendants (Gal3:29)”
Gal3:13 says that Christ “became a curse for us” on the cross…yet in Matt25:41, the Judge says “Depart, you accursed.” That’s because He laid down His life for His sheep (John10:15), not the goats.
Heb10:13 says that Jesus “waits for His enemies to be made His footstool.” A scary place to be.
Psalm2 says to “kiss the Son” but the imaginary, unbiblical Jesus taught by many could never be angry.
Posted by charles at 1:48 PM
If the "eye of the needle" were a "small opening in a wall" that it was possible for a camel to pass, the crowd would not have reacted as if it was impossible to be saved (and Jesus would not have concluded by saying salvation was impossible with man.)
Context will tell you the definition if you learn to use it.
The gate is a made-up story – use google or snopes if using context is too difficult.
Posted by charles at 1:01 PM
I've heard that the "eye of the needle" was a small small opening in a wall. A camel could get through it, but it could be a problem depending on the size of the camel and the load the animal was carrying.
Good luck coming to a final resolution for these unresolvable conflicts.
Posted by travis strickland at 10:09 PM
Mr. Ausbun may not agree with Calvinism, but he should be thankful to be benefiting from the fruits Calvinists who started the Southern Baptist Convention.
Posted by iMark at 9:26 PM
John 3:17 tells us that Jesus was sent to save this “world” that God loves – not to condemn this “world.” Yet v.18 tells us that while believers are not condemned, unbelievers are condemned “already.”
So who is it that condemns these unbelievers? If Jesus did not intend to condemn them, is the Father in opposition to the Son? Is the Trinity divided?
In context - the “world” in v16 is “believers” only. John rarely meant “every single person” when he wrote “world/kosmos.”
You say that God is reconciled to unbelievers (“atonement”), the bible says that God’s wrath abides on them.
Posted by charles at 7:48 PM
Your analysis of Luke18:18 makes no sense. Jesus is NOT saying it is “harder” for a rich man to enter than it is for a poor man – more the opposite: that if a rich (blessed), jewish man has no more chance of entering the kingdom than a camel has of squeezing through a 1mm opening, then what chance does anyone else have?
That’s what the crowd understands and how He interprets Himself: salvation is impossible with man…the best man in the world cannot and will not believe without God stepping in. Like Adam, he would rather run and hide.
Posted by charles at 7:38 PM
This reads exactly like Norman Geisler's Chosen But Free.
I suggest reading James White's response to the book, "The Potter's Freedom." White provides exegesis of the prooftexts used in this article.
Posted by J at 12:29 PM
What fruit did Adam and Eve eat? Google First Scandal.
Posted by Robert Hagedorn at 10:00 PM
what i say today, will not be written the same 400 year from now
what John Calvin said probably was correct, like ever thing else when smart people interpreted what he said well well
Posted by Henry Keith Noble at 7:04 PM
One more question for the author: in terms of Jesus coming to save all (unlimited atonement), doesn't that equal universalism, which is no where to be found in Scripture? How do you handle the following passages: John 10.25-30; Ephesians 1; Romans 9.
Thank you and I look forward to your response!
Posted by Love the Bible! at 11:25 AM
Couple of questions for the author to answer:
It was my understanding that John Knox was the founder of Presbyterianism and not John Calvin - and that Calvin wasn't exiled to Geneva but was persuaded to stay there by William Farel. Is that not true? Where has Calvin been referred to as the Protestant Pope? I'm just curious as to what references you are using!
Posted by Love the Bible! at 11:20 AM
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1Tim2:4 and "all"
2/12/2012
Link To This Comment
The Greek word used for "all" in 1Tim2:4 is the same word used later in 1Tim6:10 “...root of ALL evil.” Did the love of money prompt David to commit adultery? Most of us understand (and later translations demonstrate this) that “all kinds” of evil rather than “every single evil” is intended.
Same thing in Acts2:17 “...on ALL people.” Did God pour out His Spirit on every single person at Pentecost or only believers? All kinds of believers (young/old/men/women) but only believers, not every single person.
Please check the Greek yourself.
Posted by charles at 11:32 PM