Topic(s): Bible Study, Denominationalism, Salvation

Calvinism is a system of doctrine based on the teachings of John Calvin (1509–1564), a French theologian influential in the Protestant Reformation. Calvin’s best known writing is the Institutes of the Christian Religion. His system has five major points defined by an acrostic of the word TULIP. These points are in conflict with the clear teaching of Scripture.

1. Total Depravity. Calvinism says that because of the fall of Adam, every child is born into the world completely sinful, corrupt, and blind to spiritual things. Only the direct operation of the Spirit can bring sinful man to Christ. Jesus, however, taught that sinful man may learn the truth and obey God. “Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me” (John 6:45).

2. Unconditional Predestination. Calvinism says that God in His sovereignty chooses or predestines some to be saved (the elect), and others to be lost. The sinner has no ability or free will to choose or reject God. The Bible teaches, however, that man makes the choice whether to follow Christ. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

3. Limited Atonement. Calvinism says that the atoning work of Christ was only for the “elect,” not for all men who through free will might respond to Christ’s love. Jesus, however, invited all to come to Him. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He came to seek and save all men who would respond to the conditions of the gospel. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1–2).

4. Irresistible Grace. Calvinism says that there is a special call by the Holy Spirit, separate and apart from the revealed Word of God, which comes irresistibly to the sinner who is among the elect. The written Word thus has no power until the Holy Spirit makes the sinner respond. Scripture teaches instead that anyone who responds to the message of the gospel revealed in the Bible receives salvation. Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15–16).

5. Perseverance of the Saints. Calvinism says that the elect (those chosen by God), cannot fall from grace or turn their backs on God. Paul taught, however, “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace” (Galatians 5:4). Christians must be faithful to the end, or they will fall. —Bob Prichard