John Calvin
(1509-1564)
FOUNDER
of
The Presbyterian Church
(Switzerland, 1536 AD)
A Number of Churches
Teach
His Fundamental Doctrine.
Calvinism
Total Hereditary Depravity
Unconditional Election
L imited Atonement
I rresistible Grace
Perseverance of the Saints
Calvinism
Total Hereditary Depravity
Unconditional Election
L imited Atonement
I rresistible Grace
Perseverance of the Saints
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
“All are not created on equal terms, but some are
preordained to eternal life, others to eternal
damnation; and, accordingly, as each has been
created for one or other of these ends, we say that
he has been predestinated to life or to death.”
John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
“God from all eternity did by the most wise and holy
counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably
ordain whatsoever comes to pass…By the decree of
God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men
and angels are predestined unto life, and others
foreordained to everlasting death. These angels and
men, thus predestinated and foreordained, are
particularly and unchangeably designed; and their
number is so certain and definite it cannot be either
increased or diminished.”
The Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. (Ch. III)
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
“GodMen, Angels Are Onlyby the most wise and holy
Like from all eternity did Separated From God By Sin
counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably
II Pet. 2:4, “For if God spared not the the decree of
ordain whatsoever comes to pass…By angels THAT
God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men
SINNED, but cast them down to hell (# 5020, tartaroo),
and angels them into chains of darkness, to be reserved
and delivered are predestined unto life, and others
foreordained to everlasting death. These angels and
unto judgment.”
men, thus predestinated and foreordained, are
Jude 1:6, “And unchangeably KEPT NOT THEIR
particularly andthe angels which designed; and their
number ESTATE (NKJV, „proper domain‟), but be either
FIRST is so certain and definite it cannot left their
own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains
increased or diminished.”
The darkness of Faith judgment of the great U.S.A.
under Confessionunto theof the Presbyterian Church,day.” (Ch. III)
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
“God from all eternity did by the most wise and holy
Saul Was God’s Anointed
counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably
I Sam. 10:24, “And Samuel said to all the the decree of
ordain whatsoever comes to pass…By people, See ye
him for THE LORD HATH his glory, some men
God, whomthe manifestation of CHOSEN, that there is
none like him among all the people? life, the others
and angels are predestined unto And alland people
shouted, and to God save the king.”
foreordainedsaid, everlasting death. These angels and
men, thus predestinated and foreordained, are
I Sam. 15:18-23, “…23 For rebellion is as and their
particularly and unchangeably designed; the sin of
witchcraft, and stubbornness is as it cannot idolatry.
number is so certain and definite iniquity andbe either
BECAUSE THOU HAST REJECTED THE WORD OF
increased or diminished.”
The Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian from being king.”
THE LORD, he hath also rejected thee Church, U.S.A. (Ch. III)
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
• Unconditional Election – Dictionary.com Unabridged
• Unconditional – “not limited by conditions; absolute:
an unconditional promise.”
• Election – “the act of electing. Theology. the choice by
God of individuals, as for a particular work or for favor
or salvation.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts
Acts 13:48, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were
glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and AS MANY AS
were ORDAINED TO ETERNAL LIFE BELIEVED.”
This Verse Does Not Say: They Who Were Ordained To
Eternal Life Were Given It Apart From Their Own Will.
God Foreordained The Gospel, But Man Must Obey It In
Order To Receive The Benefits Of It (II Thess. 1:8-10).
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts
Acts 13:48, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were
glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and AS MANY AS
were ORDAINED TO ETERNAL LIFE BELIEVED.”
Salvation Is “In Christ” - Eph. 1:4, 5, 11; II Tim. 2:10
Gal. 3:26-27, “For ye are ALL the children of God BY FAITH
IN CHRIST JESUS. 27 For AS MANY of you AS have been
BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST have PUT ON CHRIST.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts
Acts 13:48, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were
glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and AS MANY AS
were ORDAINED TO ETERNAL LIFE BELIEVED.”
Cf. I Pet. 2:8-9, “And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of
offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being
disobedient: whereunto also THEY WERE APPOINTED. 9
But ye are A CHOSEN GENERATION, a royal priesthood,
an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth
the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into
his marvellous light.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts
Acts 13:48, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were
glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and AS MANY AS
were ORDAINED TO ETERNAL LIFE BELIEVED.”
Cf. I Pet. 2:8-9, “And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of
Isa. 28:16, “Therefore which stumble at the word, being
offence, even to them thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I
lay in Zion for a foundation a WERE tried stone,
disobedient: whereunto also THEYstone, a APPOINTED.a9
But ye are A CHOSEN GENERATION, a royal priesthood,
precious corner stone, a sure foundation: HE THAT
BELIEVETH SHALL NOT MAKE ye should shew forth
an holy nation, a peculiar people; that HASTE.” Cf. 8:14
the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into
his marvellous light.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts
I Thess. 1:4, “KNOWING, brethren beloved, YOUR
ELECTION OF GOD.”
Question: How Were They Elected?
vv. 5-6, “For our GOSPEL came not unto you in word only,
but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much
assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among
you for your sake. 6 And ye became followers of us, and of
the Lord, having RECEIVED THE WORD in much
affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.” Cf. II Thess. 2:14
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts
I Pet. 1:1-2, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers
scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and
Bithynia, 2 ELECT according to the foreknowledge of God
the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto
OBEDIENCE and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.” Cf. I Jn. 1:7
Question: When Were They Elected “Through” The Spirit?
V. 22f, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in OBEYING
THE TRUTH through the Spirit…23 Being born again, not of
corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God…”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts
Compare:
On The First Day of School, A Teacher Stated That
Some Would Pass His Class, But Many Would Fail.
He Then Described All That Would Be Necessary To Pass.
At Semester‟s End Some Passed, But Many Failed.
Since The Teacher Predestinated The Outcome, Did It Mean
That He Caused Each Individual To Either Pass Or Fail?
Was There Nothing They Could Do About The Outcome?
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
God Is Impartial, Not A Respecter of Persons
Acts 10:34-35 (Rom. 1:16-17)
II Chron. 19:7, “Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be
upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the
LORD our God, NOR RESPECT OF PERSONS, nor taking
of gifts.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
God Is Impartial, Not A Respecter of Persons
Acts 10:34-35 (Rom. 1:16-17)
Job 34:19, “How much less to him that ACCEPTETH NOT
THE PERSONS OF PRINCES, nor REGARDETH THE
RICH MORE THAN THE POOR? for THEY ALL ARE
THE WORK OF HIS HANDS.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
God Is Impartial, Not A Respecter of Persons
Acts 10:34-35 (Rom. 1:16-17)
Rom. 2:11, “For there is NO RESPECT OF PERSONS with
God.”
Gal. 2:6, “But of these who seemed to be somewhat,
(whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: GOD
ACCEPTETH NO MAN’S PERSON:) for they who seemed
to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
God Is Impartial, Not A Respecter of Persons
Acts 10:34-35 (Rom. 1:16-17)
Eph. 6:9, “And, ye masters, do the same things unto them,
forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in
heaven; NEITHER IS THERE RESPECT OF PERSONS
WITH HIM.”
Col. 3:25, “But HE THAT DOETH WRONG shall
RECEIVE FOR THE WRONG which he hath DONE: and
THERE IS NO RESPECT OF PERSONS.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
God Is Impartial, Not A Respecter of Persons
Acts 10:34-35 (Rom. 1:16-17)
I Pet. 1:17, “And if ye call on the Father, WHO WITHOUT
RESPECT OF PERSONS JUDGETH ACCORDING TO
EVERY MAN’S WORK, pass the time of your sojourning
here in fear.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
God Is Impartial, Not A Respecter of Persons
Acts 10:34-35 (Rom. 1:16-17)
God Has Not Exempted Anyone From The Opportunity To
Obtain Eternal Life:
I Tim. 2:3-4, “For this (prayer for all men, v. 2) is good and
acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have
ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, and to COME UNTO THE
KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.” Cf. Rev. 22:17
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
God Is Impartial, Not A Respecter of Persons
Acts 10:34-35 (Rom. 1:16-17)
God Has Not Exempted Anyone From The Opportunity To
Obtain Eternal Life:
II Pet. 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as
some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward,
NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, but that
ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
God’s Invitation Is Offered To “Whosoever Will”
Jn. 3:16
Rev. 22:17, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let
him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come.
And WHOSOEVER WILL, let him take the water of life
freely.” Cf. Mt. 16:25; Mk. 8:34 (Jn. 4:13-14)
Rom. 10:13, “For WHOSOEVER shall CALL UPON the
name of the Lord shall BE SAVED.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
God Has Given Mankind Freedom of Choice
Josh. 24:15; Rom. 6:16-18
The Psalmist
Psa. 119:30, “I have CHOSEN THE WAY OF TRUTH: thy
judgments have I laid before me.” Cf. Isa. 1:18-20
Mary
Lk. 10:42, “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath CHOSEN
that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
God Has Given Mankind Freedom of Choice
Josh. 24:15; Rom. 6:16-18
The Psalmist
Deut. 30:19, “I call heaven and earth to record this
Psa. 119:30, “I have CHOSEN THE WAY OF TRUTH: thy
day against you, that I HAVE SET 1:18-20
judgments have I laid before me.” Cf. Isa.BEFORE YOU
LIFE and DEATH, BLESSING and CURSING:
Mary
therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that BOTH THOU and
Lk. 10:42, “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath CHOSEN
THY SEED MAY LIVE.”
that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
Our Salvation Is Not Wholly Dependent On God
The Origin of Our Salvation Is Utterly Dependent On Him,
Eph. 2:8
But, The Reception of Our Salvation Is Dependent On Us:
Phil. 2:12, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always
OBEYED, not as in my presence only, but now much more in
my absence, WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION with
fear and trembling.” Cf. Eph. 2:9-10
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
Our Salvation Is Not Wholly Dependent On God
The Origin of Our Salvation Is Utterly Dependent On Him,
Eph. 2:8
But, The Reception of Our Salvation Is Dependent On Us:
I Pet. 1:22-23, “Seeing YE HAVE PURIFIED YOUR SOULS
IN OBEYING THE TRUTH…23 Being born again, not of
corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God,
which liveth and abideth for ever.” Cf. Acts 2:40-41
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
Our Salvation Is Not Wholly Dependent On God
The Origin of Our Salvation Is Utterly Dependent On Him,
Eph. 2:8
But, The Reception of Our Salvation Is Dependent On Us:
Heb. 5:8-9, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience
by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect,
HE became THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION
unto ALL THEM THAT OBEY HIM.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
Our Salvation Is Not Wholly Dependent On God
The Origin of Our Salvation Is Utterly Dependent On Him,
Eph. 2:8
But, The Reception of Our Salvation Is Dependent On Us:
Jn. 12:48, “He that REJECTETH ME, and RECEIVETH
NOT MY WORDS, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I
have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
Our Salvation Is Not Wholly Dependent On God
The Origin of Our Salvation Is Utterly Dependent On Him,
Eph. 2:8
But, The Reception of Our Salvation Is Dependent On Us:
Acts 7:51, “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and
ears, YE DO ALWAYS RESIST THE HOLY GHOST: as
your fathers did, so do ye.”
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
Unconditional Election Nullifies The Great Commission
Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16
Nothing Could Be More Foolish Than To Preach The Gospel
To Every Creature If Only Specific People Whom God
Arbitrarily Choose Are Able To Understand It!
If Our Efforts Cannot Change Anyone‟s Status In Relation To
Salvation or Condemnation, Why Preach It (Cf. Mt. 10:16)?
Calvinism
Unconditional Election
Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed
Unconditional Election Nullifies The Great Commission
Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16
Why Warn People To “Flee From The Wrath To Come”?
Cf. Mt. 3:7 (II Cor. 5:11)
Unconditional Election Nullifies The Universal Invitation Of
Christ! Why Would Jesus Plead With People To Do The
Impossible? Cf. Mt. 11:28-30 (Jn. 6:44-45)