Michael Brooks
Calvinism is a theological approach named after John Calvin, which has gained traction in popular Christianity. However, many people refute Calvinism, arguing that it is not supported by accurate scriptural exegesis and is theologically, philosophically, and scientifically illogical. For instance, Calvinism's belief in total depravity or the idea that humans are completely unable and unwilling to recognize the truth without God, contradicts the Bible's claim that humans have free will and the ability to choose between good and evil. Furthermore, Calvinism's belief in limited atonement, or that Jesus did not die for everyone, is considered bizarre by most Christians and is refuted by scriptures such as 1 Timothy 2:4, which states that God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calvinism is not supported by accurate scriptural exegesis | John 6:44, 1 John 5:7, Matthew 18:16, Hebrews 10:28, Revelation 11:3, 2 Corinthians 13:1-14 |
| Theological conflicts distract from the preaching of Kingdom Gospel, unity of the body, compassion for the needy and fellow believers | Deuteronomy 30:15-20, John 3:16-18 |
| Calvinism is theologically, philosophically and scientifically illogical | Jeremiah 32:35, John 8:46, Psalm 25:8, Exodus 34:6 |
| Calvinism denies that Christians have the ability to choose life or death | Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8, James 1:17, Hebrews 11:3, Hebrews 11:6, James 1:5-8 |
| Calvinism's belief in the order of salvation is inconsistent with the Bible | Ephesians 1, John 20:30-31, John 3:5, Matthew 10:22, 1 John 2:2, 1 John 5:19 |
| Calvinism's belief that God is the author of sin is inconsistent with the Bible | Proverbs 15:26, Ephesians 4:30 |
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What You'll Learn
God detests evil plans and sin, so how can He decree them?
The concept of Calvinism is a theological approach named after John Calvin. It is a doctrine that has been refuted by many, who argue that it is not supported by accurate scriptural exegesis and is theologically, philosophically, and scientifically illogical. One of the main points of contention is the idea that God decrees or creates evil and sin. This idea contradicts the belief that God is good and just.
The Bible contains numerous verses that suggest God detests evil and sin. For example, Proverbs 15:26 states, "The Lord detests the plans of the one who is evil." Similarly, in Jeremiah 32:35, God says, "They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molek, though I never commanded—nor did it enter my mind—that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin." These verses suggest that God does not approve of or decree evil plans and sins but rather finds them detestable.
Furthermore, the Bible teaches that God is not the author of sin or confusion (1 John 1:5, 1 Corinthians 14:33). While some may interpret Isaiah 45:7 as proof that God creates evil, the New American Standard Bible clarifies that God creates darkness and calamity, not evil. Instead, evil originates from fallen creatures, as stated in Genesis 1:31, where God declares everything he created as "exceedingly good."
While it is acknowledged that God is sovereign and in control of all things, it is important to understand the distinction between God controlling evil and creating evil. God can use sinful people and events to achieve His objectives without being the author of sin. Romans 8:28 says, "For those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." This includes both good and bad things, as God can bring about His glory and our good through struggles and tragedies.
In conclusion, the idea that God detests evil plans and sin is supported by Scripture. God gives people the real choice to love or reject Him and to follow His ways or turn to their own ways. While He may use evil to accomplish His plans, He does not create or decree it.
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God's character is consistent; He does not change
God's character is unchanging and consistent. This is a key tenet of the Christian faith and is supported by scripture. Malachi 3:6 states that God does not change, and this is echoed in Hebrews 13:8 and James 1:17. God's character is the same in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, God tells the nation of Israel that they have a choice: to choose life or death (Deuteronomy 30:15–20).
God's character is also revealed through His actions. He is patient and long-suffering, giving sinners time to repent (1 Peter 3:20). God is also faithful and will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). He provides a way out when we are tempted, so we can endure (1 Corinthians 10:13). God's character is further revealed in His desire to be a Father to all who draw near to Him (Psalm 68:5; 103:13; Isaiah 63:16; 64:8; Ephesians 4:6; 1 John 3:1).
The belief in God's unchanging character is a direct refutation of Calvinism, which asserts that God has foreordained everything, including all evil acts. This belief contradicts God's character as revealed in scripture, where He expresses detest for evil plans (Proverbs 15:26) and grieves over sin (Ephesians 4:30). God's character, as presented in the Bible, is one of goodness and holiness (Psalm 25:8; Exodus 34:6).
Additionally, Calvinism's doctrine of total depravity suggests that humans are unable to recognise truth without God drawing them (John 6:44). However, this interpretation is refuted by other scriptures that emphasise the importance of choice and free will. For example, the Bible teaches that faith is a choice (Ephesians 2:8-9), and that we cannot please God without it (Hebrews 11:6).
In conclusion, God's character is indeed consistent and unchanging. This belief is central to Christianity and is supported by numerous scriptures. God's character, as revealed in both the Old and New Testaments, demonstrates His patience, faithfulness, and desire to be a Father to those who draw near to Him.
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God gives people a real choice to love or reject Him
The concept of free will is central to the debate between Calvinism and Catholicism. From a Calvinist perspective, the idea of 'total depravity' suggests that humans are inherently sinful and unable to recognise truth or choose Christ without God's intervention. This interpretation is often derived from John 6:44, where Jesus says, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day."
However, Catholicism upholds the belief in free will, asserting that God gives people a genuine choice to love or reject Him, and to follow His ways or turn to their own paths. This belief is supported by various biblical passages. For instance, in Deuteronomy 30:15-20, God presents the nation of Israel with a choice between life and death. Similarly, in the Garden of Eden, Eve had to choose whether to obey or rebel against God's command.
The biblical narrative also portrays God as grieved by humanity's sins, suggesting that He did not decree them. For example, Ephesians 4:30 says, "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit." This contradicts the notion that God sovereignly ordained every sin, as some Calvinists believe. Instead, the Bible portrays God as merciful and gracious, abounding in goodness and truth, as described in Exodus 34:6.
The interpretation of 'world' in certain biblical passages also differs between Calvinists and Catholics. While Calvinists argue that 'world' in 1 John 2:2 refers specifically to the 'elect' or 'chosen' ones, Catholics interpret it more broadly to include all people, including unbelievers. This interpretation aligns with the Catholic belief that Jesus atoned for the sins of all humanity, providing a path to salvation for anyone who chooses to receive it.
Furthermore, the idea that God desires the salvation of all people is supported by 1 Timothy 2:4, where Paul writes that God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." This notion of universal salvation is echoed in Christ's commandment to preach the gospel to all nations, indicating His desire for all people to have the opportunity to choose Him.
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The Bible teaches that truth sets us free
The idea that truth liberates is found in John 8:32, where we are told that it is the truth that sets us free. This freedom is not just a vague concept, but a freedom from the bondage of sin and the power it holds over us. Sin enslaves, but Christ liberates, and this is a core tenet of the Christian faith. Jesus came to give us liberty from the power of sin, and this is a message of hope for Christians.
This message is often obscured or twisted. Some may see their faith in Christ as restrictive, narrow-minded, or out of touch. Indeed, some may even believe that their faith is a kind of bondage. This is a misunderstanding of the Christian message. Jesus came not to make us feel comfortable in our sins, but to free us from them. This is a radical message, and one that can be challenging to hear, but it is a message of liberation and hope.
The idea of freedom from sin is a powerful one, and it is this freedom that the truth brings. This truth is found in Christ, and it is only through faith in Him that we can be set free. This is a choice that we make, to turn to Christ and be forgiven of our sins. This choice is open to all, and it is a core part of the Gospel message.
This teaching on freedom and truth is one of the reasons that Calvinism is refuted by many Christians. Calvinism, as a theological approach, is seen by some as illogical and unsupported by scripture. For example, the Calvinist belief in total depravity, the idea that humans are unable to recognise truth or respond to God without His intervention, is refuted by scripture. The Bible teaches that we have free will and the ability to choose to follow God. This is a fundamental difference between the two belief systems.
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Calvinism's order of salvation is unbiblical
Calvinism is a theological approach that derives from the teachings of John Calvin, a thinker who predates Calvinism by hundreds of years. Calvinism has developed in various ways over the last four hundred years, and there is a good deal of theological and stylistic diversity within the tradition. Calvinists believe that God creates some people with the express purpose of eventually damning them. Calvinists also believe that an unsaved person is spiritually dead, meaning they have no ability to understand or respond to God.
However, Calvinism's order of salvation is considered unbiblical. Ephesians 1, for example, refutes Calvinism's backward and unbiblical order of salvation, where supernatural regeneration must occur before a person irresistibly responds to Christ. The passage teaches the correct order: firstly, "you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation", secondly, "and believed in Him", and thirdly, "you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit". This order of salvation is consistent throughout the New Testament.
The Bible claims that truth is established on the account of two or three witnesses, and that this rule is something that determines the order of things done from heaven. This means that we need to make sure that the statement in John 6:44 ("No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day") isn't addressed or fulfilled later in scripture. If this is the case, then it changes the meaning and interpretation entirely.
Additionally, Calvinism denies that Christians have the ability to put their faith in something, whereas the good news of the gospel is that through faith we are given grace and forgiven of our sins due to what Jesus did for us by dying on the cross and coming back to life. In the Old Testament, God makes it clear to the nation of Israel that they have two options: to choose life or death. As another example, in the Garden of Eden, Eve had to choose to rebel against what God had commanded her and Adam to do.
Furthermore, the biblical view is that God gives people a real choice to love or reject Him, to follow His ways or turn to their own ways. This is supported by Jeremiah 32:35, where God says:
> They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molek, though I never commanded—nor did it enter my mind—that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin.
Finally, Calvinism's belief that God is the author of sin is refuted by Proverbs 15:26 ("The Lord detests the plans of the one who is evil") and Ephesians 4:30 ("Do not grieve the Holy Spirit, by whom you are sealed").
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Frequently asked questions
Calvinists believe that an unsaved person is spiritually dead, meaning they have a lack of ability to understand or respond to God. They believe that sin has destroyed the ability to receive salvation and has destroyed the human will.
Spiritual death can be interpreted as separation from God, rather than annihilation or destruction of the ability to hear or respond to God. This interpretation is more consistent with the idea of free will and the ability to choose to follow God.
Calvinists believe in a specific order of salvation, which includes supernatural regeneration before a person can respond to Christ. This order is refuted by passages in the Bible, such as Ephesians 1 and John 20:30-31, which suggest a different sequence of hearing the word, believing, and then receiving life in Christ's name.
While many Calvinists deny that God is the author of sin, they believe that God has decreed every detail of evil acts. However, this idea contradicts various Bible verses, such as Proverbs 15:26, which states that God detests evil plans, and Jeremiah 32:35, where God expresses dismay at the sacrifices of Judah to Molek.
Calvinists believe in the sovereignty of God and his divine will. However, this raises questions about the purpose of prayer and the concept of praying for God's will to be done. From a Catholic perspective, contemplative prayer is preferred, as passive engagement with the spirit world can be risky.
