Calvinism

1. An Introduction to the Doctrine Calvinism

2. Life of John Calvin (1509-1564) • Upbringing of John Calvin • Born to family of some wealth & status • Well educated in theology, law & classics • Converted in 1533 with violent emotions • Determined to give self to spread reform • Efforts to spread reform • Soon joined Nicholas Cop to advance ideas at University of Paris & asked to leave • 1536 published Institutes of the Christian Religion, systematic statement of beliefs • 1541 turned Geneva to his views & ruled it • Used govt. to kill or banish opponents • Established college to advance his ideas • Accepted Bible as infallible guide, but only elect could understand it

3. Conversion “Experience” of Calvin ...Out of obedience to my father's wishes, I tried my best to work hard [at Law], yet God at last turned my course in another direction by the secret rein of his providence. What happened first was that by an unexpected conversion he tamed to receptivity a mind too stubborn for its years – for I was so strongly devoted to the superstitions of the Papacy that nothing less could draw me from such depths of mire. And so this mere taste of true godliness that I received set me on fire with such a desire to progress that I pursued the rest of my studies more coolly, although I did not give them up altogether. Before a year had slipped by anybody who longed for a purer doctrine kept on coming to learn from me, [although I was] still a beginner, a raw recruit...

4. Teaching of John Calvin • Calvinism’s Basic Concepts • Called “Reformed” or “Presbyterian” after system of church government • Started with idea of absolute sovereignty of God permitting no choice of free will • Concepts came as a result of his own experience (thought his will overpowered) • Went to Scripture with preconceived idea based on his own experience • Reinterpreted Scripture to fit his ideas • “Systematic Theology” consistent, but wrong • Views of human depravity, predestination & divine control of human will are results • Efforts to force compliance with his ideas is outgrowth of concepts on God’s control

5. Consequences of Non-Biblical View of Sovereignty Total hereditary depravity Unconditional election Limited atonement Irresistiblegrace Perseverance of the saints (Once saved, always saved)

6. Arminius vs. Calvin Two Views of Human Will 1560 - 1609 1509 - 1564

7. Jacob Arminius (1560-1609) • Professor at the University of Leyden • Taught that Calvin’s emphasis on bondage of human will and consequent doctrines not biblical • Taught man had freedom of choice in his will • Taught God would not will that contrary to His will, thus His will is restricted by His justice • Foreknowledge of God, not arbitrary predestination • Said the grace of God is resistible • Affirmed the possibility of apostasy, but God actively helps all who desire to continue in right • Difference brought division that continues to exist

8. Bible Teaching on Human Will • People doing evil have the ability to choose good • Deut. 30:19 Life & death set before them; “Choose life” • Josh. 24:15 Choose you this day whom ye will serve • 1 Kgs. 18:21 How long go ye limping between two sides? • Rom. 6:12-19 “Present” members to serve right or sin • 2 Tim. 2:22-26 One snared by devil may recover himself • Challenges the will of all through the gospel • John 5:38-47 Parallel effect between OT & Christ’s word • John 7:17 If any man willeth to do His will… • Acts 8:18-24 Simon told to repent & pray for forgiveness • Jas. 1:13-25 Sin is of own lust; left as hear & do word • Rev. 22:17 He that will, may come & take water of life • God’s sovereignty provided for man’s free will

9. If Man Has Free Will… Calvinism Is A False Doctrine!