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Author	Thread: What is Calvinism and is it biblical?
dljrn04 View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 10 Aug, 2013 02:26 PM Answer: The five points of Calvinism can be summarized by the acronym TULIP. T stands for total depravity, U for unconditional election, L for limited atonement, I for irresistible grace, and P for perseverance of the saints. Here are the definitions and Scripture references Calvinists use to defend their beliefs: Total Depravity - As a result of Adam�s fall, the entire human race is affected; all humanity is dead in trespasses and sins. Man is unable to save himself (Genesis 6:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-18). Unconditional Election - Because man is dead in sin, he is unable to initiate a response to God; therefore, in eternity past God elected certain people to salvation. Election and predestination are unconditional; they are not based on man�s response (Romans 8:29-30;9:11; Ephesians 1:4-6, 11-12) because man is unable to respond, nor does he want to. Limited Atonement - Because God determined that certain ones should be saved as a result of God�s unconditional election, He determined that Christ should die for the elect alone. All whom God has elected and for whom Christ died will be saved (Matthew 1:21; John 10:11; 17:9; Acts 20:28; Romans 8:32; Ephesians 5:25). Irresistible Grace - Those whom God elected He draws to Himself through irresistible grace. God makes man willing to come to Him. When God calls, man responds (John 6:37, 44; 10:16). Perseverance of the Saints - The precise ones God has elected and drawn to Himself through the Holy Spirit will persevere in faith. None whom God has elected will be lost; they are eternally secure (John 10:27-29; Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:3-14). While all these doctrines have a biblical basis, many people reject all or some of them. So-called �four-point Calvinists� accept Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints as biblical doctrines. Man is definitely sinful and incapable of believing in God on his own. God elects people based on His will alone � election is not based on any merit in the person chosen. All those whom God has chosen will come to faith. All those who are truly born-again will persevere in their faith. As for Limited Atonement, however, four-point Calvinists believe that atonement in unlimited, arguing that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, not just for the sins of the elect. �And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world� (1 John 2:2). Other verses in opposition to limited atonement are John 1:29; 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:6; and 2 Peter 2:1. The five-point Calvinists, however, see problems with four-point Calvinism. First, they argue, if Total Depravity is true, then Unlimited Atonement cannot possibly be true because, if Jesus died for the sins of every person, then whether or not His death is applicable to an individual depends on whether or not that person �accepts� Christ. But as we have seen from the above description of Total Depravity, man in his natural state has no capacity whatsoever to choose God, nor does he want to. In addition, if Unlimited Atonement is true, then hell is full of people for whom Christ died. He shed His blood in vain for them. To the five-point Calvinist, this is unthinkable. Please note: this article is only a brief summary of the five points of Calvinism. For a more in in-depth look, please visit the following pages: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. Recommended Resources: Logos Bible Software and Chosen But Free, revised edition: A Balanced View of God's Sovereignty and Free Will by Norm Geisler and The Potter's Freedom by James White. Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/calvinism.html#ixzz2bbUaeXxa Post Reply
teach_ib View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 17 Aug, 2013 11:57 AM No problem with all meaning all in a city, town, family, region, or world. You seem to try to change the meaning of all or whole to meet your beliefs. I don't know what harmonization you are trying to make. There are verses that seem to contradict others but the Bible is always right when rightly divided. Post Reply
dljrn04 View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 17 Aug, 2013 11:58 AM "some because of His reputation of healing, some out of curiosity, some because they believed He was the Messiah, they sought Him for various reasons. All in this instance, in context, means all in the city." There you go first pulling scripture out of context now adding to God's word. This does not prove your false teaching on "free will" Just for your info, when a dignitary comes to town i could care less i have never gone, weather i liked him or not. So that statement is another far fetched fantasy . Post Reply
teach_ib View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 17 Aug, 2013 01:14 PM In a recent visit to the city of Ephesus, it was easy to see how everyone in a Biblical city would be there to see whoever passed through...but knowing human nature, it is even easier to imagine everyone in the city watching a dignitary or the humble, well-known Jesus passing through (not saying that Jesus passed through Ephesus). As for context, I cited a section that was totally in context. What I was pointing out was even non-believers sought an opportunity to see Jesus. Many of them came to a saving knowledge of Him as a result of their curiosity. Many rejected Him...made a choice to not believe Him. And as I pointed out the magi who followed the star sought Him based on the teachings they had received and their study of the Word available at that time...based on OT teachings. Post Reply
dljrn04 View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 17 Aug, 2013 01:25 PM i understand we will never agree until God opens your eyes to his truth. God alone is truth. You can spread you false teaching all you want by pulling scripture out of context,and adding to it all you need to prove your point. You have been warned and now are accountable to God for hearing truth. God is sovereign, and will do his will in heaven and on earth no matter how many false teachers there are. God's word never returns void. ALL the elect will be glorified in the end. Post Reply
teach_ib View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 17 Aug, 2013 03:07 PM Maybe God is trying to open your eyes. Maybe you have incorrectly assumed that you have been elected. I know whom I believe in, I know why I believe in Him, and I know that through my faith in His redemptive sacrifice that I am saved from everlasting punishment and have a home in Heaven. Thank God for His saving grace for ALL who call upon His name. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord SHALL be saved! Post Reply

View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 17 Aug, 2013 05:38 PM And who is Rom.10:13 written to Teach? Important that we establish some context, right? Donna is right in pointing out that you cherry pick verses out from their context. Romans 1:6,7 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call. 1Co 1:24., Rom 8:28; Rom 9:11; 1Co 1:26, 1Co 1:27. Rev 17:14 Jud 1:1. Rom 8:30; Rom 9:24; 1Co 1:9; 1Co 7:17 Gal 1:15; Eph 4:1; Col 3:15; 1Th 2:12; 1Th 5:24; 2Ti 1:9. Post Reply
View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 17 Aug, 2013 05:45 PM And for that matter, what happened to the "callers" in this group? " Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;" They are calling him Lord, yet he says that he never knew them. Post Reply
teach_ib View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 17 Aug, 2013 07:03 PM It seems you also 'cherry pick' verses. A thorough study of the Bible is required; however, there are many verses and passages and chapters that cover the topic, too numerous to share. I'm still curious as to what makes you believe you are a Christian...I am not saying you are not a Christian...just trying to find out what makes you think you are saved. Post Reply
View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 17 Aug, 2013 07:22 PM Gal 1:15-16 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. KJV But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone. ESV This was my experience and as a result I believed the Truth of the Word, the Gospel, and repented. I am keeping my explanation simple and brief. Post Reply
teach_ib View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 17 Aug, 2013 08:12 PM IWA: "This was my experience and as a result I believed the Truth of the Word, the Gospel, and repented. I am keeping my explanation simple and brief." Thanks for sharing...so you believed and repented...how is that different than what I have been saying? That I believed and repented? Post Reply