In simple terms, Calvinism is a system of thought named after John Calvin (1509 - 1564). His teaching was extensive and covered much of the bible. Today, many scholars are informed by his commentaries and his contribution to reformed theology is paralleled only by Martin Luther.
After John Calvin died in 1964, a then four year old Jacobus Arminius (1560 - 1609) would grow up to become reformed like Calvin. Arminius was taught by Calvin's successor, Theodore Beza, but eventually diverged away from irresistible grace as the means of predestination. When Arminius died in 1609, his colleagues and adherents defended his views in the Five Articles of Remonstrance.
They targeted five points against the teachings of predestination which have come to be known as TULIP and stand for:
It's important to note that while these areas are taught in the works of John Calvin, he neither created the acronym nor the arguments supporting them. They were decided at the Synod of Dort in 1618 - 1619, after both Calvin and Arminius had died.
It is entirely possible that John Calvin may disagree with some or all of the points as they are presented by his followers. Similarly, many people that are followers of John Calvin's work, but only in part, are sometimes referred to as three-point, four-point, or five-point calvinists.
Many consider the opposite of Calvinism to be Arminianism. However, upon a balanced review of Calvinism vs Arminianism, there are more similarities between the two views than most people admit.
1. Total Depravity
The teaching of total depravity is that humans are wholly sinful, and incapable of reconciling themselves to God. Every action we take comes from our sinful nature and we are slaves to our sin. Humans do not posses the desire, nor ability to live a life that is free from sin. It is through God alone that we receive faith to repent.
Arminian's also believe that humans are sinful as a result of the fall and incapable of choosing God. However, the divergent thought is that God's prevenient grace regenerates the mind and will of man to choose God freely.
You can find out more in my article about Total Depravity.
2. Unconditional Election
The teaching of unconditional election is that God alone chooses who he will receive eternal life or remain damned to eternal death. It is not by our choice, or any merit within us that God chooses to save. This list is definite and particular, therefore it is sometimes referred to as particular election. God chose a limited and exact number of people to save.
Arminians believe that while all are sinful, election is based on a response to God's prevenient grace. Rather than ordain a particular elect, God foreknew those that would respond and they are elect by his foreknowledge. Therefore, election was conditional based on who would respond.
You can find out more in my article about Unconditional Election.
3. Limited Atonement
The teaching of limited atonement is that Jesus' death on the cross is for the elect only. While his death has sufficient power for all, it is efficient only for the elect. Therefore, since the elect were unconditionally chosen by God, his death was only for those that he chose.
Arminians likewise believe that Jesus' death on the cross is similarly sufficient for all and efficient only for the elect. However, God's intent was to save all, but permits any or all to reject his grace.
You can find out more in my article about Limited Atonement.
4. Irresistible Grace
Irresistible grace is based upon a differentiation of the outward call to repent and believe the gospel, versus a separate inward call to the elect by the Holy Spirit. While the outward call can, and often is rejected, the inward call of the elect is irresistible. Therefore, the unconditionally elected will always respond to the gospel.
Arminians believe that election is conditioned upon believers responding in faith to God. Since their belief is conditional, the Holy Spirit is only effective in those that allow Him to regenerate them. In this sense, the call of God is resistible.
5. Perseverance of the Saints
Perseverance of the saints is based upon the belief that all believers are unconditionally elected and the grace of God is irresistible to them. Therefore, the elect are always going to persevere and their salvation is fully assured.
Arminians believe that election is a free choice, it can be resisted, and effective only if believers maintain the faith. However, that is not to say that believers accidentally lose faith, but they willfully disobey and reject God. Therefore, once they willingly reject their faith, they willingly become condemned.
Summary of salvation according to Calvinism
To summarise, John Calvin puts forward the belief that salvation is accomplished by God alone. The Father chose a people; the Son died for those people; the Spirit brings those elect to faith and repentance. The entire work is by God and by grace alone, thus God not man is the determiner of who will receive salvation.
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