Calvinism is a theological system that stems from the teachings of John Calvin, a French theologian of the Reformation era. It emphasizes the sovereignty of God in all aspects of salvation and is often associated with the beliefs articulated in the Five Points of Calvinism, commonly represented by the acronym TULIP:
1. **Total Depravity**: The belief that, as a result of the Fall, every part of humanity is affected by sin, and thus, individuals cannot save themselves.
– Biblical References:
– Romans 3:10-12: “As it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.'”
– Ephesians 2:1-3: “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world…”
2. **Unconditional Election**: The belief that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation based solely on His will, not on any foreseen merit or action on the part of those individuals.
– Biblical References:
– Ephesians 1:4-5: “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ…”
– Romans 8:29-30: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son… And those whom he predestined he also called…”
3. **Limited Atonement**: The view that Christ’s atonement is limited in scope to the elect, meaning He died specifically for those whom God has chosen for salvation.
– Biblical References:
– John 10:14-15: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
– Acts 20:28: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”
4. **Irresistible Grace**: The belief that when God extends His grace to the elect, it effectively leads to their salvation; they cannot resist it.
– Biblical References:
– John 6:37: “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”
– Romans 9:16: “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”
5. **Perseverance of the Saints**: The doctrine that those who are truly elected by God will persevere in faith and will not fall away from grace.
– Biblical References:
– Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
– 1 Peter 1:5: “Who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
The question of whether Calvinism is biblical can be a subject of debate among Christians. Supporters argue that the doctrines of Calvinism are firmly based on Scripture, highlighting its emphasis on God’s sovereignty and grace. Critics, however, may point to verses that emphasize human responsibility and the universal offer of salvation, such as John 3:16 (“For God so loved the world…”) and 1 Timothy 2:4 (“who desires all people to be saved…”).
Ultimately, interpretations vary widely across different Christian traditions, and the evaluation of Calvinism’s biblical foundations often hinges on one’s theological perspective regarding the nature of God, sin, grace, and salvation.