Calvinism

“Calvinism”

Galatians 1:6 – 9

By: Pastor J. B. Hall

Introduction: From time to time throughout history false doctrines have surfaced, or resurfaced, and have gained great popularity. But as we learned in our reference text, those who preach, teach, and espouse such false doctrines, must not be tolerated, lest the pure doctrine of Christ should be corrupted, and men should be lost, believing a false message.

Today, one such teaching is sweeping our nation, and I feel it must be exposed for the heresy it is. This morning I want to preach a message on the 5 points of Calvinism, and examine each one in the light of scripture.

The 5 points of Calvinism are usually identified by using the acronym T-U-L-I-P; each letter representing a point that, taken together, constitutes the doctrine of Calvinism.

Let’s look at what each letter represents, and then we’ll examine each one individually:

T – Total Depravity (also known as Total Inability and Original Sin)

U – Unconditional Election

L – Limited Atonement (also known as Particular Atonement)

I – Irresistible Grace

P – Perseverance of the Saints

Some claim to be only a 1 point, or 2 point, or 3 point, or 4 point Calvinist.

But contrary to what these believe and teach, these 5 points must be accepted as a package; for refuse any one, and like a house of cards; the entire doctrine collapses.

Now let’s examine what each point teaches, and what scripture says about it.

1. Total Depravity (also known as Total Inability and Original Sin)

A. “The Calvinist asks the question, "In light of the scriptures that declare man’s true nature as being utterly lost and incapable, how is it possible for anyone to choose or desire God?" The answer is, "He cannot. Therefore God must predestine."

Calvinism also maintains that because of our fallen nature we are born again not by our own will but God’s will…” (The Calvinist Corner)

B. So then, the Calvinist teaches that because of man’s total depravity, he is incapable of choosing to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

C. Does the Bible really teach ‘original sin’?

D. Yes! Romans 5:12 says, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”

E. Romans 5:18a says, “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation…”

F. Do the scriptures teach that man is totally depraved (immoral; corrupt; wicked)?

G. Yes! Romans 3:10 – 18 describe the complete depravity of man (Read).

H. Romans 3:23 concludes, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

I. If then, the scriptures teach that because of Adam’s sin, all mankind has inherited the same sin nature; and that because of this inherited sin nature all men are depraved, that they have all fallen short of God’s glory and do not seek Him, is it possible for man to have the ability to choose to believe?

J. While ‘Original Sin’ and ‘Total Depravity’ are scriptural concepts, ‘Total Inability’, or the inability of man to make a choice concerning his relationship to God is not true according to scripture.

K. In Deuteronomy 30:19 God had given Moses the words of the covenant to make with the children of Israel.

L. Here, in this verse Moses at the word of the Lord commands the children of Israel to “…choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”

M. If man was incapable of making a choice concerning God’s commandments, and God would have to make the choice for him, then this command is ludicrous.

N. In Joshua 24:15 Joshua demanded of the people to choose that very day whom they would serve.

O. He said, “…choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

P. In John 3:17 – 19 (Read) Jesus made it clear that condemnation was not his purpose for coming into the world; but that condemnation was a choice that man makes when he refuses His gift.

Q. Man does this because man’s deeds are evil and he enjoys the darkness rather than the light.

R. In Verse 20 Jesus said that those who do evil refuse to come to the light.

S. So, man’s condemnation is not based upon his inability to come; but rather upon his refusal to come.

T. In John 6:40 Jesus said, “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”