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.
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Daniel Ausbun can be reached at daniel@fbcmoreland.org .
