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
View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 10 Aug, 2013 03:23 PM It's funny that no matter how many times this is explained, people still define Calvinism however they want and then attack their own misunderstandings of it. Post Reply
View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 10 Aug, 2013 03:31 PM 12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. Post Reply
dljrn04 View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 10 Aug, 2013 03:33 PM Yep, God tells us darkness hate the light, unbelievers do not like truth. No one in a reprobate state will submit to a sovereign God who is in control of everything at all times. Until God changes ones heart they will never thirst after righteousness. ALL will strip God of the glory due him until the have become redeemed by the blood of our precious Jesus Christ. Post Reply
View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 10 Aug, 2013 03:44 PM so your response to scripture is nannna booboo? Post Reply
View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 10 Aug, 2013 04:14 PM I don't see anywhere where she said "nannna booboo". In fact, I don't see where she responded to you at all. "Calvinism" or "TULIP" are just simple ways of describing a collection of doctrine. It's easier to use a single word than to type out the entire understanding as this post demonstrates. It could be called "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and that would not make one guilty of following anyone other than Christ. The doctrine is spelled out in the Word. I hope you find some understanding. Post Reply
View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 10 Aug, 2013 04:17 PM Yes, calvinism is spelled out in the word, where is the name calvin again? Post Reply
View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 10 Aug, 2013 04:20 PM Have you ever heard of "Pauline theology"? Does that mean that one is following Paul? or are they merely referring to a specific set of doctrines using shorthand? I sincerely hope that you find some understanding. Post Reply
teach_ib View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 10 Aug, 2013 06:07 PM According to Calvinism, it doesn't matter because I'm either going to be saved or I am cursed...so I won't worry about understanding. I can go about my life as if nothing matters because God has already decided my fate. No use spending my trying to figure it out. Post Reply
View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 10 Aug, 2013 06:11 PM Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall 2 Peter 1:10 Post Reply
teach_ib View Profile History	What is Calvinism and is it biblical? Posted : 10 Aug, 2013 06:35 PM So now I have to work to earn my election? If God has already chosen me, there is nothing I can do according to TULIP. Whenever God is ready to reveal to me my election, I will have no choice... Post Reply

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