Even though I embrace reformed theology (aka �Calvinism�) now, I understand the thinking behind articles such as Dan Delzell�s recent �Infant Baptism and 5-Point Calvinism are Limited�. I grew up under an Arminian pastor who I still deeply respect and admire that would nod in agreement with all the points Delzell makes in his post.
When I first went to seminary, I studied systematic theology under a very well know theologian who espouses what he calls �moderate Calvinism�, which is really an inconsistent form of Arminian theology.[1] At the time, that framework seemed logical to me.
But when I started my Ph.D. studies, I chose as the focus of my dissertation the apologetics of the Apostle Paul. This topic forced me to do something I had never done in my Christian life up to that point: seriously study the doctrines of grace. I�m ashamed to admit I had never actually examined any of the Biblical arguments of reformed thinkers, but had only read what those opposed to Calvinism said that reformed theology taught.
The outcome of that Biblical investigation was that I became convinced of reformed theology�s validity.
Because I know both sides of the fence so well, I thought I�d try and sort out what I believe to be the top incorrect stereotypes and misconceptions about Calvinism that I constantly run into and see if some of the confusion that surrounds this sometimes volatile subject can�t be cleared up. I�ll use Calvinism�s TULIP acronym[2] to work through each false impression.
T � Total Depravity
Misconception: People don�t have �free will� and are basically robots without any ability to choose on their own.
Fact: Calvinism acknowledges that all human beings make various choices in life. However, when it comes to making a decision for God, reformed theology affirms that no one seeks God or receives Christ on their own without being spiritually awakened by God and enabled to do so.
It is no understatement to say that once a person fully understands the doctrine of total depravity, all other points in Calvinism are easy to accept. Get this teaching wrong, and you have a theological mess on your hands.
Do people make choices? Of course, each and every day, and on many different levels. But when it comes to salvation in Christ, the Bible is clear that each person is born in sin (), spiritually dead (), and morally incapable of coming to Christ by themselves (, ).
Jesus made the explicit statement, �No one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father� (), which clearly showcases an inability in everyone to freely choose Christ unless granted by the Father (see also ). Once an unbeliever is spiritually called by God out of their darkness () and their eyes are opened (), they then willingly receive Jesus as Savior.
James White sums up the correct position well when he says: �Reformed Christians believe that men believe and choose. It is the order of events that is in dispute. Every Christian has chosen Christ, believed in Christ, embraced Christ, and even more, continues to do so. The question is not �must a person believe,� but can a person believe while a slave to sin? Further, whose decision comes first: the decision of God to free the enslaved, dead sinner and give him the ability to believe, or the free-choice decision of the sinner that then makes him or her one of the elect?�[3]
U � Unconditional Election
Misconception: The doctrine that says God chooses who will be saved is incredibly unfair.
Fact: Reformed theology upholds that no one deserves salvation and that God displays incredible mercy in saving those He chooses.
Arthur Pink began one message in Australia many years ago by saying, �I am going to speak tonight on one of the most hated doctrines of the Bible, namely, that of God�s sovereign election.�[4]
By far, the most uttered complaint against election is that it�s not fair. And yet, every Christian acknowledges they don�t deserve God�s mercy and His salvation � that it�s �fair� if God chose to judge all sinners as being unworthy of spending eternal life with Him.
That being the case why is it considered repugnant if God chooses to show mercy to some and allows His justice to fall on others who willingly continue in their sin? Would a governor be considered an ogre and unfair simply because he/she decided to grant amnesty to one criminal while others are left to carry out their proper sentence?
Those who reject election believe in choice, but they don�t want God to choose; they want humanity to choose instead. This seems more fair and just to them.
However, Paul anticipated this response from the audience that received his letter to the Romans. In chapter 9, after carefully laying out the doctrine of election, Paul specifically and proactively answers the charge of unfairness with God and clearly spells out that salvation has nothing to do with our choice but is rather His alone:
�What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God�s part? By no means! For he says to Moses, �I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.� So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy� ().
Such a statement from Paul makes absolutely no sense if the Apostle believed that we are the ultimate decision maker where salvation is concerned vs. God. From a human standpoint, what would be unfair about that?
L � Limited Atonement[5]
Misconception: Only Calvinism limits the atonement of Christ on the cross.
Fact: Outside of Universalists, every Christian believes in limited atonement.
Unless you�re a Universalist and believe that everyone will eventually be saved, then you believe that the atonement of Christ is limited and that it automatically doesn�t save all of humanity.
How is the atonement limited? It is limited to those who believe ().
But how does a person come to believe? This is where we must boomerang back up to the �T� and �U� of Calvinism�s TULIP and first understand how God saves those He chooses.
But as to who truly limits Christ�s sacrifice on the cross, reformed pastor Charles Spurgeon offers these helpful words in this semi-lengthy, but helpful quote:
�We are often told that we limit the atonement of Christ. Because we say that Christ has not made a satisfaction for all men or all men would be saved. Now our reply to this is on the other hand our opponents limit it, we do not. The Arminians say Christ died for all men. Ask them what they mean by that. Did Christ die to secure the salvation of all men? They say no, certainly not. We ask them the next question: Did Christ die to secure the salvation of any one person in particular? They say no. They�re obliged to say that if they�re consistent. They say, no, Christ has died that any man may be saved if ... and then follow certain conditions of salvation��Now, who is it that limits of the death of Christ? Why, you - you say that Christ did not die so as to infallibly secure the salvation of anybody. We beg your pardon. When you say we limit Christ�s death we say no my dear sir it is you that do that. We say that Christ so died that He infallibly secured the salvation of a multitude that no man can number who through Christ�s death not only may be saved but will be saved and cannot by any possibility run the hazard of being anything but saved. You are welcome to your atonement; you may keep it. We will never renounce ours for the sake of it.�[6]
I � Irresistible Grace
Misconception: God drags people kicking and screaming against their will into His kingdom.
Fact: Reform theology teaches that God lovingly overcomes the natural rebellion in the sinner�s heart so that they may accept His gift of salvation.
J. I. Packer sums up this doctrine in a very succinct manner when he says, �Grace proves irresistible just because it destroys the disposition to resist.�[7]
A passage in Acts showcases this efficacious call of God in action: �And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer; and we sat down and began speaking to the women who had assembled. A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. � ().
Another point worth making is that this call is not given to everyone. This fact is evident in Paul�s first letter to the Corinthians: �But we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God� ().
Notice the same two groups are preached to (Jews and Gentiles) and yet only those called by God (also Jews and Gentiles) are saved by His grace. These are the ones who receive God�s efficacious call (i.e. His irresistible grace).
P � Perseverance of the Saints
Misconception: A person remains saved no matter how they live their life.
Fact: Calvinism teaches that a professing Christian with no change in behavior and no movement toward sanctification proves that they were never saved to begin with.
Reformed scholar and pastor John Piper tells the story of a woman who heard a message he delivered on the perseverance of the saints (which says a born again Christian can never lose their salvation, but will persevere to the end). She came to him and stated that she was in an adulterous affair, but because she was saved, she intended to continue in her affair without any worry about losing her salvation.
Piper�s reply to her was direct and rare in our current sugar-coated, seeker-friendly church environment: �God will dam n you to Hell if you continue in your sin.�[8]
In making that statement, Piper was simply affirming the Bible�s teaching that the fruit of the tree identifies the type of tree (). In no way does Calvinism teach that a person born again may continue in their rebellion, sin against God, and see eternal life with the Creator.
Instead, reformed theology upholds just the opposite: that a true Christian will manifest holy affections that prove their salvation, although they will always struggle with the sin nature that they have (see ). For an excellent treatment of this subject, see Jonathan Edward�s magisterial work, �A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections�.[9]
Conclusion
While I have no fanciful dreams that the above will instantly turn those who oppose Calvinism into reformed theologians, I do hope that perhaps some of the faulty critiques aimed at the doctrines of grace will be blunted, and that believers will take their Bible in one hand and some accurate teaching of reformed theology in the other[10], and at least understand the positions in a more accurate way.
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have ALL men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.�
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;�
6 Who gave himself a ransom for ALL, to be testified in due time.
Isaiah 53:6 ALL we like sheep have gone astray; WE have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us ALL.
Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
John 6:44 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.�
45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be ALL taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.�
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.�
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
John 9:35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?�
36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?�
37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.�
38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
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If we would never sin again because we cannot resist God's will, we would not need 1John 1:9
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1 John 1:9�If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Yes, I read it, again. I have read many articles on what Calvinism teaches, written by those who believe in what it teaches. I study both sides of religions, teachings so that I can understand the arguments for and against.
I have learned to trust the words in the Bible and to find multiple passages throughout the Old and New Testaments that address a topic. I do not claim to be a theologian, just a student of the Bible. And I prefer to quote Scripture as opposed to the words of fallible men...no matter what they teach. If I do not understand a passage or topic, I may study a variety of commentaries...even some that I generally do not agree with, and in the end, I will trust what's written in the Bible...because with enough research of the Word, the truth is revealed.
Just as a curiosity, (and I am truly interested in hearing your point of view) how do you reconcile the fact that two people can study the exact same bible and even the exact same verses and come to conclusions that are very different from one another? Do you ultimately conclude that someone like me is not a believer? might be a believer but just wrong? , etc.
I mean ultimately, why would the Holy Spirit guide two students in separate directions? give them two different understandings? It seems logically there are two distinct conclusions because both people cannot be right.
A. One is right and one is wrong
B. Both are wrong and still don't understand things rightly.
I believe the answer is B...that neither is 100% correct because we are still only human. We will not be able to fully understand all what God has written because we are the products of the teachings...of basic English, of any other languages, influences of our upbringing, the schools and classes we've taken...and the teachers who inject their beliefs...or disbeleifs.
There are elements of what Calvin/Reformed teaches that are true; however, I believe that God offers all the opportunity to accept or reject Him...Romans 1 talks of even those who do not have the written Word can see Him through the creation.
There are elements of the truth in most religions because they all are spin offs of the basic truth but have been altered through the years as they were passed down from generation to generation or altered because some did not like elements like a literal Hell...
I have learned to rely and trust in the Bible...and if Something doesn't make sense, I pray for wisdom to understand. Sometimes, I have to just say...that's what the Bible says...and take it at that. Things like eternity, God's foreknowledge of the end from the beginning, how Jesus 'limited' His abilities on earth, and other topics are beyond my earthly comprehension...so I just accept it.
If I happen to be wrong on the need to believe and repent, I am no worse off...but if I believed I could do nothing about my fate...and found out in eternity that I could have, that would be worse knowing I was spending eternity separated from God when I didn't have to.
Limited Atonement Is Hermeneutically Insupportable
Arguing against limited atonement are verses which appear to teach universal atonement, the absence of verses that explicitly limit Christ�s atonement, verses that declare the necessity of faith for salvation, and several Old Testament types of Christ that do not fit the limited atonement paradigm.
Passages Supporting Universal Atonement
Universal (or unlimited) atonement is supported throughout the New Testament. John 3:16�17 says that �God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. . . . God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.� The Greek word kosmos, translated �the world,� covers the inhabitants of the entire earth. Other verses supporting unlimited atonement include John 1:29, where Jesus is said to take away �the sin of the world�; Romans 11:32, in which God has mercy on �all� the disobedient; and 1 John 2:2, which says Jesus is �the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.�
None of these verses contain any kind of limitation, stated or implied, on Christ�s sacrifice. As if saying that Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world was not sufficient, the apostle John specifically included the Greek word holou, which means �whole, entire, all, complete.� Unless limited atonement is presumed, there is no solid basis for limiting the extent of the atonement mentioned in 1 John 2:2.
Passages Only Mentioning Atonement for Believers
On the other side of the coin, there are verses that say Jesus died for those who believe. Verses that seem to support limited atonement include John 10:15, where Jesus says, �I lay down my life for the sheep�; and Revelation 5:9, which indicates that Jesus� blood �purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.�
These passages and others only mention a select group of people as being the focus of God�s redemptive work. However, none of the passages explicitly limit His offer of salvation. They simply say Jesus died for those who believe, not that He died only for those who believe. Jesus said He laid down His life for the sheep; He did not say that He laid down His life only for the sheep. There remains a larger group of which the sheep are but a part.
Faith Necessary for Salvation
�Universal atonement� is not the same as �universalism,� which says that everyone will be saved and go to heaven. Unlimited atonement acknowledges the reality that Jesus� atonement must be accepted by faith, and that not everyone will believe. Four-point Calvinists believe that salvation comes only to those who have faith; it is faith that brings the saving effects of the atonement to the Christian. Unbelievers, though offered the gift of salvation through the atonement of Christ, have rejected God�s gift. Some passages proclaiming the necessity of faith for salvation are Luke 8:12; John 20:31; Acts 16:31; Romans 1:16; 10:9; and Ephesians 2:8.
Old Testament Types of Christ
An oft-repeated type of Christ presents Him as a lamb. The Old Testament sacrificial system and the Passover celebration clearly show the penalty of sin and the need for us to have an innocent substitute to cover our sin (see 1 Corinthians 5:7). At the time of the first Passover, all the Israelites had the opportunity to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to their doorposts. At the same time, each family had to exercise faith in God. The Passover�s atonement was universal in that it was offered to all, but the atonement still had to be applied individually, by faith.
Another type of Christ in the Old Testament is the bronze serpent on the pole (Numbers 21:5�9). Jesus related this object to Himself in John 3:14, explaining that He must be �lifted up� from the earth. During the plague of the �fiery serpents� in Moses� day, every person who looked to the bronze serpent�believing that God would heal�was made whole. The healing power was universal in that it was available to every one of the Israelites, dependent only upon their willingness to obey. Jesus compared that incident to His own death on the cross and the spiritual healing He provides.
Argument 2: Christian Tradition Opposes Limited Atonement
Limited atonement has always been a controversial belief. The Synod of Dort in 1619 issued the points of doctrine now known as TULIP; however, several theologians at the synod rejected limited atonement while accepting the other four points of Calvinism.
Long before the Protestant confessions and synods, though, the early church father Athanasius was describing universal atonement. In his "On the Incarnation of the Word" (2.9), Athanasius writes that Jesus� death was �a substitute for the life of all� and that, because of Jesus� sacrifice, �the corruption which goes with death has lost its power over all.� Note the word all. Athanasius� point is that Jesus� death atoned for all of humanity.
Ironically, Calvin himself may not have placed much value on the idea of a limited atonement. After all, the five points of what is called �Calvinism� came from a synod in the Netherlands almost 60 years after his death. Calvin had this to say about John 3:16: �It is a remarkable commendation of faith, that it frees us from everlasting destruction. . . . And he has employed the universal term whosoever, both to invite all indiscriminately to partake of life, and to cut off every excuse from unbelievers. Such is also the import of the term World; . . . he shows himself to be reconciled to the whole world, when he invites all men without exception to the faith of Christ, which is nothing else than an entrance into life� (Commentary on John, Vol. 1).
Argument 3: Limited Atonement Would Make It Impossible to Genuinely Offer Salvation to All
Limited atonement affects one�s beliefs regarding evangelism and the offer of salvation. Essentially, if only those who will be saved (the elect) are atoned for, there is no atonement to be offered to anyone else. You could only truly offer salvation to the elect. Even a cursory look at Jesus� ministry shows that He extended invitations of salvation to people He knew would take part in crucifying Him (see Luke 13:34). In the book of Acts, Paul preached to large portions of entire towns, Peter to thousands at a time. Salvation was offered to all without caveat, proviso, or discrimination. Repentance and faith were the required responses (see Matthew 21:32). If Christ�s death did not provide atonement for everyone, then the apostles, and even Jesus Himself, were offering something that most of their audiences could never receive.
Conclusion:
Limited atonement is the point of traditional Calvinism that has caused the most confusion and consternation among Bible-believing theologians. Will only the elect be saved? Yes. However, Christ�s sacrifice is sufficient to pay for all sin, and the offer of salvation is universal. Our invitation for others to accept Christ should echo the Spirit�s call in Revelation 22:17: ��Come!� Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.�
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.
While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.
The concept of repenting, believing, faith, for salvation is presented throughout the New Testament...
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Matthew 3:1�In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,�
2 And saying, Repent ye:for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 4:17�From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent:for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mark 1:14�Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,�
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand:repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Mark 6:12�And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Luke 13:2�And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
3 I tell you, Nay:but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.�
4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5 �I tell you, Nay:but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Luke 16:30�And he said, Nay, father Abraham:but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.� 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Acts 2:37�Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?�
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts�3:19�Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Acts 8:21�Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter:for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.�
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Acts 17:30�And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:�
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Acts 26:20�But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Revelation 3:19�As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:be zealous therefore, and repent.�
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Matthew 19:25�When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?�
26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
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I, again, would rather err on the need for repentance and belief than take a chance on spending eternity separated from God.
The concept of repenting, believing, faith, for salvation is presented throughout the New Testament...
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Matthew 3:1�In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,�
2 And saying, Repent ye:for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 4:17�From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent:for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mark 1:14�Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,�
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand:repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Mark 6:12�And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Luke 13:2�And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
3 I tell you, Nay:but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.�
4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5 �I tell you, Nay:but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Luke 16:30�And he said, Nay, father Abraham:but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.� 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Acts 2:37�Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?�
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts�3:19�Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Acts 8:21�Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter:for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.�
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Acts 17:30�And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:�
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Acts 26:20�But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Revelation 3:19�As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:be zealous therefore, and repent.�
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Matthew 19:25�When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?�
26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
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I, again, would rather err on the need for repentance and belief than take a chance on spending eternity separated from God.
Psalms 139:1 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
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These are David's words, an elected/selected king over the Israelites, a man after God's own heart, and adulterer and a murderer...he didn't understand all the attributes of God...and even with the benefit of the entire Old and New Testaments, there are still many things about God that are 'too wonderful for me...which I cannot attain unto it.'
