Calvinism is a theological system of belief that emphasizes the sovereignty of God and salvation by grace alone. It is named after the 16th century French reformer John Calvin, who codified and systematized many of these beliefs. Here is an overview of some of the key points of Calvinist theology:
Total Depravity
Calvinists believe in the total depravity of human beings as a result of the Fall. This means that humans are unable to initiate salvation on their own or do anything to earn or merit it. They are completely helpless and hopeless in their sinful state (Romans 3:10-18, 23). Only through God’s grace can people be saved.
Unconditional Election
Calvinists believe that God, in His sovereignty, chose certain people to be saved before the foundation of the world. This election or predestination is unconditional – it is not based on any foreseen faith or merit in the person. God elects them solely according to His sovereign will and grace (Ephesians 1:4-6, Romans 8:29-30).
Limited Atonement
Calvinists believe that Jesus’ atoning death on the cross was designed to actually secure salvation for those whom God had already elected. Christ did not die simply to make salvation possible for all – He actually purchased and secured it for the elect alone. His atonement is therefore “limited” to those God had chosen (John 10:14-15, 27-28).
Irresistible Grace
Calvinists believe that when God calls one of His elect to salvation, they cannot resist or reject that calling, but will be drawn to Christ by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. God effectively gives them the gift of faith and repentance so they willing come to salvation (John 6:37, 44).
Perseverance of the Saints
Calvinists believe that those whom God has elected, redeemed, and called to faith will persevere in that faith until the end. True believers will not utterly forsake Christ or finally fall away from Him, but will continue believing until death. This perseverance is ensured by God’s preservation of His elect (John 10:28-29, Romans 8:38-39).
Predestination and Foreknowledge
A key passage Calvinists point to regarding predestination is Romans 8:29-30: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
God’s foreknowledge refers to His sovereign plan and intention to save specific people, not simply His awareness of future events or human choices. Those He foreknew, He predestined – His election was not in response to human action, but as an outworking of His gracious will.
The Sovereignty of God
At the heart of Calvinism is a strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God over all things. God ordains whatsoever comes to pass – including salvation. Yet God is not the author of sin nor does He violate human free will (though Calvinists define freedom differently than non-Calvinists). His sovereign ordaining and human responsibility are compatible in a way thatfinite humans cannot fully understand.
Glory to God Alone
Since God sovereignly works salvation from start to finish, all glory for that salvation belongs to Him alone. Even a saved person’s faith and repentance are ultimately gifts from God. Calvinism seeks to give God alone honor for the redemption of sinners and their preservation in grace.
Objections to Calvinism
There are a number of common objections made against Calvinist theology:
It makes God the author of evil
Critics claim unconditional election and predestination impugn God’s holiness and morality by making Him the author of evil and sin. But Calvinists are quick to deny this charge and maintain that while God decrees all things that come to pass, He does so in such a way that does not violate creaturely free will or make Him morally culpable for their actions.
It removes human free will and responsibility
Opponents argue that Calvinism undermines human freedom and moral accountability by teaching God’s absolute sovereignty. But Calvinists respond that real human freedom is compatible with God’s sovereign decrees, though our freedom is limited by our nature as fallen creatures. We remain responsible for our actions.
It promotes fatalism or passivity
Some think Calvinism leads to fatalism, apathy or inactivity in evangelism and missions. But Calvinists are among some of the most passionately evangelistic Christians historically, seeing it as their duty to fulfill the Great Commission. God’s sovereignty works in harmony with our responsibility.
It wrongly limits Christ’s atonement
Arminians and other non-Calvinists argue that limited atonement is unbiblical, since Scripture presents a Jesus who died for the sins of the entire world. But Calvinists respond that “world” has different meanings in different contexts and that Christ’s atoning work intrinsically accomplishes and purchases salvation – not just the possibility of it.
It is rationally incoherent
Some claim that Calvinism is riddled with philosophical inconsistencies and paradoxes that cannot be reasonably reconciled. Calvinists admit there are “tensions” in their theology, stemming from the Creator-creature distinction, but deny that their beliefs contain logical contradictions. Apparent paradoxes reflect the limits of human perspective.
Calvinism vs. Arminianism
In simplistic terms, Calvinism can be contrasted with Arminian theology, named after the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius. He objected to some of Calvin’s teachings. Here are some of the key differences:
Arminianism
– Conditional election based on foreseen faith
– Universal atonement
– Resistible grace
– Loss of salvation is possible
Calvinism
– Unconditional election
– Limited atonement
– Irresistible grace
– Perseverance of the saints
So in a nutshell, Calvinism emphasizes God’s sovereignty and grace in all aspects of salvation, while Arminianism emphasizes human free will and responsibility. The reality is often more nuanced, with moderate Calvinists and Arminians closer together on some points.
Prominent Calvinist Teachers
Some leading historical figures associated with Calvinism include:
– John Calvin – Again, the system’s namesake and popularizer. Wrote Institutes of the Christian Religion.
– Jonathan Edwards – Preacher during the First Great Awakening and author of works like Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.
– George Whitefield – Leading revivalist preacher of the First Great Awakening in Britain and America.
– Charles Spurgeon – Well-known 19th century Baptist preacher in London. Wrote sermons and commentaries.
– R.C. Sproul – Modern American theologian and founder of Ligonier Ministries. Wrote books defending Calvinism.
– John Piper – Contemporary Calvinist pastor and theologian. Authored Desiring God and other influential works.
Key Distinctives of Calvinism
In summary, Calvinism is most distinguished by its emphasis on the following theological distinctives:
– The sovereignty of God over salvation and human history
– The total depravity of humanity
– Unconditional election to salvation by God alone
– The efficacy of Christ’s atonement only for the elect
– The irresistible grace of God in effectual calling
– The perseverance of true saints and eternal security
This system of soteriology (doctrine of salvation) seeks to exalt a sovereign, gracious God over all of life. It has profoundly impacted Protestant theology since the Reformation and remains influential in churches, missions and Christian thought today.