Calvinism

Some form of Calvinism tends to be the position of many conservative Protestants so we took a closer look. Many verses above and beyond those given last week talk about "chosen", "election", "foreknowledge" and "predestination". (Mt 22:14, Mt 24:31, John 15:16, Acts 13:48, Rom 8:29-30, Rom 8:32,33, Rom 9:11, Rom 11:7, 1 Cor 1:27, Eph 1:4, 5, 11, Tit 1:1, 1 Pet 1:1-2, 1 Pet 2:9) Key theologians and teachers support the Calvinist world view: John Calvin (p 315 of the textbook), Westminster Confession of Faith, Charles Spurgeon, J.I. Packer (even though our textbook gives a balanced view). Christian Theology by Millard J Erickson takes a more subtle view, "God first decides to provide the atoning work of Jesus and then decides to elect some to receive salvation", which is still a Calvinist view.

The so-called "5 points of Calvinism" was briefly discussed to illustrate this world view. Calvin himself never articulated these points and the points themselves were made in rebuttal to other teachings so these points should not be thought of as a definitive "creed". However, they do help illustrate a world view that utterly depends on the sovereignty of God's omnipotence, even in our salvation. The points are typically summarized with the acronym, "TULIP":

• Total depravity: we ourselves cannot approach God on our own (it does not mean we are maximally evil).
• Unconditional election: God's election of those who are saved is not conditional on any human action
• Limited atonement: Jesus's death is for the elect.
• Irresistible grace: God will work to save those He has chosen.
• Perseverance of the saints: once saved, always saved.

Our small group discussion was to consider the implication of this world view on: i) worship; ii) evangelism; iii) morality; iv) personal calling. For worship, God's absolute sovereignty is an item to be praised. Eph 1:4, 5, 11 are key teaching on predestination yet that whole chapter is nothing more than a passage of praise.