The Rev. James Leonard's recent blog Churches Beware! Calvinism on the Sly! details a poignant trend that he has personally witnessed within his own church and serves as a warning to other unsuspecting evangelicals who might not be aware of the duplicitous acts that are being committed by convinced Calvinists nation-wide. The heinous crime? It seems that some theologians are creeping in unawares to Arminian churches while continuing to hold firm to the historic, biblical faith of Jesus, Paul, St. Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Whitefield, Spurgeon, etc. and are having the audacity to preach such biblical truth without using certain keywords to notify the listening audience that they are being taught the doctrines of grace! (It is worth pointing out here that if one cannot disagree with reformed theology apart from objecting to certain buzz words or phrases, then it might just be that reformed theology is the theology of the Bible. Hmmmmm...)
But this is where Rev. Leonard takes issue. "Pastor X", as he refers to this reformed theologian in his blog, was a "fully committed five point Calvinist", and he failed to use certain keywords (such as "Calvinism", "total depravity", "unconditional election," "limited atonement", or "perseverance of the saints") while preaching. Instead, "Pastor X" opted for the language of the Bible when he claimed, as Matthew did that, "Christ died for the sins of His people," (Matt 1:21; Matt. 26:28; John 17:9). Without some signal (i.e., limited atonement) to notify the audience that Calvinistic theology was coming, they were duped into listening to a sermon exposited from Scripture and where forced to believe the words of the Bible. Perhaps this is why many "Calvinists" refrain from using certain jargon - for the negative connotation and emotionalism that is certainly attached to these keywords. Again, if one cannot object to the message, but can only object to the buzz words used, then that alone should give one pause.
Think for a moment, though. What is the real opposition to the doctrines of grace? What is there to which one could object when all emotional and humanistic objections are laid to rest? Consider just a few points that only the doctrines of grace can offer:
The doctrines of grace deepen our respect of God's sovereignty. The doctrine of God's sovereignty affords an exulted view like no other doctrinal system. No Christian would outright deny the sovereignty of God, but it is only in the Calvinistic system that when logically followed through allows God to remain supreme in all aspects of life, including being the "author and finisher of our faith," (Heb 12:2). It maintains the creatorial rights and insists that the potter has the right over the clay to do with it whatever He so desires. God's omnipotence is preserved in that He alone determines the outcome of all events relative to His creation.
The doctrines of grace display God's impeccable wisdom involving sin. While evil will forever remain an incomprehensible mystery, the Lord allows the Devil to wage war against Him, but yet uses sin to bring His plan to fruition. If God were not sovereign over all, including evil, then God's wisdom and might would be called into question. While Calvinism denies that God is the author of sin, it maintains that He is sovereign over wickedness and allows its existence for purposes that are beyond our comprehension. Nevertheless, God uses the sinful acts of men for His glory.
The doctrines of grace teach that God alone saves. God does not merely make salvation theoretical but brings it to fruition. Salvation is a gift from God, apart from any human contribution no matter how slight. It is wholly of God, and it does not depend on any human action. Some unknowingly turn faith into meritorious works by insisting that human deeds are a necessary condition upon which one's salvation comes to fruition. But this type of assertion leaves one with a soteriology of salvation by works which is antithetical to the Christian message. Unless we understand that we are utterly dependent upon God for salvation and that it is wholly of grace, we will eventually become influenced by humanistic thought and slowly remove God's responsibility in the salvific process. The doctrines of grace ensure that God remains at the center of salvation.
The doctrines of grace humble man. Any who would dare argue that Calvinism exalts man and gives him reason to boast does not truly understand the doctrines of grace. Reformed theology teaches that the heart is "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked," (Jer 17:9). The Biblical language used to describe man pictures him as utterly helpless, one who is at enmity with God, and in need of a savior. Because man has been left in this helpless state after the fall in the Garden of Eden, he is in need of a God who saves. He is in a desperate condition and without God's grace and mercy will perish for all of eternity. This dark view of natural man, as expressed by Reformed theology, nullifies the notion of elitism or arrogance in Calvinism.
The doctrines of grace encourage believers and provide comfort. The precious truth is that God is sovereign, and His might cannot be shaken. Whatsoever comes to pass, whether a sparrow falls to the ground, or the Devil and his minions afflict us, it is all under the controlling hand of the Lord. All actions are ordained and are under the directing influence of God almighty. When something does not go our way, or when we feel as if there is no one who understands, there is one who is greater than all who controls the universe for His good pleasure.
The doctrines of grace guarantees triumph over evil. Ever since the serpent first tempted Eve in the garden, there has been an ongoing conflict between good and evil. Millions of Christians have been despised and persecuted, while the unrighteous have seemed to operate with impunity. Someday that will all change. There will be no failure with God, for God is not a man that He should be defeated. He is sovereign over His creation, and there will come a day when Satan will be bound to the lake of fire and will no longer cause pain or suffering. God will not be defeated, nor can He be. The particulars of His secretive will are currently being worked out according to His good pleasure. All we can do is be patient and know we serve a risen Savior who has already conquered sin and death.
If space and time would permit, I could enumerate countless other reasons why it is of import to discuss Calvinism, but for the sake of brevity the aforementioned should suffice for now. I do not want to withdraw from expounding the Reformed faith, because I believe Calvinism rightly gives God the credit that is due Him. And before I draw this blog to a close, allow me to share the words of A. W. Pink who wrote a rejoinder when he was faced with the charge that Calvinism was a horrible and dangerous doctrine. Wrote Pink:
"Here then is the refutation of the wicked charge that this doctrine is a horrible calumny upon God and dangerous to expound to His people. Can a doctrine be "horrible" and "dangerous" that gives God His true place, that maintains His rights, that magnifies His grace, that ascribes all glory to Him and removes every ground of boasting from the creature? Can a doctrine be "horrible" and "dangerous" which affords the saints a sense of security in danger, that supplies them comfort in sorrow, that begets patience within them in adversity, that evokes from them praise at all times? Can a doctrine be "horrible" and "dangerous" which assures us of the certain triumph of good over evil, and which provides a sure resting-place for our hearts, and that place, the perfections of the Sovereign Himself? No; a thousand times, no. Instead of being "horrible and dangerous" this doctrine of the Sovereignty of God is glorious and edifying, and a due apprehension of it will but serve to make us exclaim with Moses, Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?"
What more needs to be said?
