Calvinism

Calvinism

1. humanity is totally depraved because of fall

   • cannot respond obediently to God
     • cannot obey/disobey - too sinful
   • we all deserve damnation, only God can prevent this
     • God selects some for salvation
       • Ephesians 2:8 - "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith .. it is a gift from God"
       • romans 8:29 - "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son"
       • 2 Thessalonians 2:13 "God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation"

2. Elect + reprobates- doctrine of election

   • Romans 9 - Jacob + Esau - God's mercy - Jacob chosen regardless of anything
   • Rev. John Samson - not unfair - we have no righteousness + so God dispenses mercy as he sees fit
   • elect have sins forgiven through Christ's atonement
     • why = divine mystery
       • inspires wonder + reverence
     • Not through action, but God predestines you to be hard-working + faithful
   • reprobates go to hell - predestined to fall prey to sin + have no faith
   • Spurgeon - "If God had not chosen me, I should never have chosen Him"

3. Synod of Dort - calvin/armin debate

   • T otal depravity
     • sinful - fall, cannot choose good, sin extended to every part of moral agent's personality - unintentional
   • U nconditional Election
     • not based on merit, decided before Earth was created
   • L imited atonement
     • Christ's death for elect only - Jesus blood 'poured our for MANY' (not all)
   • I rresistible Grace
     • certain response to inward call of Gospel
   • P erseverence of Elect
     • sanctification of elect continues until eternal life