Mind you, Arminianism (the opposing camp) does exactly the
same thing with a different selection of verses from the Biblical menu.
People who hold strongly to Calvinism are called Calvinists
(nothing to do with being devotees of the cartoon character).
Calvinists have a reductionist approach and summarise their
position with a flower – T.U.L.I.P.
I will now explain tulip and many “pew warmers” will be
horrified, I hope, at the prospect and uncertainty it may hold for them. But
then, that is the price of Bible literalism.
T = Total depravity. The Calvinist says that you, dear
reader, are totally and utterly depraved! You are shot through with sin and
evil from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. You are totally
incapable of a single good and pure act (bad motives – you see). I won’t quote
all the verses used – but believe me there are plenty!
U = Unconditional Election. The Calvinist says that, God
sovereignly chooses who will be saved. He made the choice before creation. If
you were not chosen, then you do not have a hope in hell of not going to
hell. (Again, a selection of verses are given, the primary ones being Eph. 1:4-8; Rom. 9:11;
Rom. 9:15, 21)
L = Limited atonement. They say that Jesus died for the elect and
not for the whole world. Why waste his time on those who were not chosen
beforehand by God?
I = Irresistible Grace. If you were chosen then God will draw you
to Christ. You will “get saved”. Free will appears to fly out the window.
P = Perseverance of the Saints. This is also known as “once saved,
always saved”. This means you can’t lose your salvation no matter how bad you
are. On the other hand, if you were not chosen, you cannot get salvation no
matter how good you are. Even believing in and accepting Jesus won’t save you!
(Why? Because you were not chosen, and thus according to L, you’re gonna burn!)
Well, I hope this has cheered you up no end!
Were you chosen? How do you really know? I feel it you reply.
Sorry, salvation by feeling saved is not an option in this Calvinist framework.
2 comments:
A clear explanation. But I suect many Christians to not have a cohernent theology. They tend to pick and choose their favorite Bible verses.
Haha love it! :)
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