Calvinism is a series of theological beliefs that is both beneficial and controversial to many Christians. It was first originated and promoted by John Calvin himself (1509-1564), a reputed leader of the Reformation. This body of teachings was affirmed at the Synod of Dordt (1618-1619) and accepted as the true, consistent, and comprehensive doctrine with regards to salvation which is found in the Bible.
It is the foundation of what is now known as the Reformed Theology. To grasp and to have a simplified understanding of Calvinism, its essence or its core belief is best described by the acronym “TULIP.”The five letters represent the five points or five pillars of Calvinism. T stands for “Total Depravity,” U stands for “Unconditional Election,” L for “Limited atonement,” I represents “Irresistible Grace,” and P means “Perseverance of the Saints” .
Discussion While there are opposing groups within Christendom that disagree with Calvinism, it has stood its ground through time and has proven itself more Biblical and consistent in its claims than many of its opponents.Opposing groups1. Arminianism. First in line among opposing groups are the Armenians.
Jacob Arminius (1560-1609) was the originator of this teaching and had staunchly opposed Calvin’s teaching of predestination (Shelly, Bruce L., 1982, p.338). Armenians teach doctrines that totally contradict the five points of Calvinism.
Every person has been given by God enough free will whether to accept salvation by faith or reject it . It does not depend totally on God. Contrary to what Calvinists claim, each person can or may choose to be saved.2.
Universalism. It is the belief that ultimately, all men will be saved and reach heaven. God did not predestine some men to eternal condemnation in hell fire as Calvin claimed. It’s not important whether a person has in his/her life time received the gift of salvation or not; it is also irrelevant whatever the degree of one’s sins.
Everyone will attain heaven.3. Religious Liberals. Although there is no total agreement in people within this ranks, most of them argue that it would not be compatible of God to have created the universe, the earth and man, only to predestine majority of them to be tormented in hell. Liberals could not accept the concept that only because of that single act of Adam’s disobedience, every human born after him was/is sinful by nature. For the Liberals, this is just irrational.
Calvinism’s five points are all solidly grounded on the clear teachings of the Scriptures.1.) Total Depravity. This teaching is based on Rom.
5:12 which tell of the origin and far-reaching effects of sin. The result of the first couple’s disobedience to God has so affected man’s whole being – his thinking, his desires/emotions, and his will. Hence, man is totally depraved. If God will not intervene through His Spirit, man will not be able to accept nor understand the gospel message and will be lost forever.2.) Unconditional Election.
This is predestination. God has elected some from the foundation of the world (Eph.1:4) to be saved and understand the gospel message; these are the elect (Rom.9:11-15).
3.) Limited Atonement. Calvinists believe that the death that Jesus died is not for all humans but only for sinners who would believe. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Eph.5:25).
Christ died only for the church.4.) Irresistible Grace. The elect will not miss and resist the call of God. Every one of them will inevitably come to the knowledge of truth/salvation. All of God’s elect will come to know God in a saving and intimate way.
“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day” (Jn.6:44).5.) Perseverance of the Saints. On this actually rests the doctrine of “once saved, always saved.” A person who is saved will “persevere” and so remains in the state of being “saved.
” God who started the work of salvation in believers will continue and complete it until they reach heaven (Phil.1:6, Jude 24, Rom.8:28-39). Not one of the elect are lost in the economy of God, for it is impossible for them to lose their salvation; it is God who keeps them. “And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day” (Jn.
6:39).Conclusion Calvinism is, of all body of doctrines, the most consistent to the Character of God and declarations of the Scriptures. It is most comforting and also solemn in its warnings. Anybody who would bother to study Calvin’s Institutes will find it Biblically sound and rests firmly on the inspired Scriptures.
