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| Calvinism is based on Sola Scriptura (scripture only) -- but the Bible doesn't teach Calvinism. | ||
Calvinism
Many Protestant denominations are founded on Calvinism including: Presbyterian, some Baptist, and Reformed (Puritan) denominations. The five points of Calvinism are:
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T otal depravity No one merits salvation. Man does not have free will. U nconditional election God elects (predestines) some for salvation. L imited atonement Christ only died for the elect. I rresistible grace The elect cannot resist God's call. Man does not have free will. P erseverance of the saints Once saved, always saved. |
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Luther, Calvin, and the other Protestant Reformers believed in predestination (read more).
In this article I highlight Biblical passages which clearly contradict one or more of these five points of Calvinism. In consideration of these passages and to be true to the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, Calvinists must somehow resolve the contradictions. Some approaches they can take:
Links:
Biblical Passages Contradicting Calvinism
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory. (1 Cor 2:7)
This verse does not support unconditional election.
It is God's plan of salvation which was predetermined, not an individual believer's salvation.
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. (2 Thess 2:13)
This verse does not support unconditional election.
It is the gospel message which is predetermined, not an individual believer's salvation.
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Who will have all men to be saved. (1 Tim 2:4)
This verse refutes total depravity, unconditional election and irresistible grace.
Calvinism asserts that God only chose some, but this verse refutes that. Under Calvinism, if God really wanted all men to be saved, He would elect all men for salvation. But this verse states clearly that God does want all men to be saved.
Man has free will to reject God.
Man has free will to accept God's grace. Original sin doesn't prevent man from responding in faith. This implies that man is not totally depraved.
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Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Tim 6:12)
This verse refutes total depravity, unconditional election and irresistible grace.
Lay hold -- Man has free will.
Calling does not guarantee man will respond. This refutes the notion of irresistable grace. Man can resist God's call but God calls all.
Called as a result of his confession (profession).
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Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2 Pet 1:10,11)
This verse refutes total depravity, unconditional election, irresistible grace and perseverance of the saints.
Make -- Man has free will.
Sure, never fall -- Salvation is not certain even for the elect.
Note that this passage is referring to salvation which we see by the reference to the "entrance . . . into the everlasting kingdom."
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If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard. . . . (Col 1:23)
This verse refutes total depravity, irresistible grace and perseverance of the saints.
If ye continue in the faith -- Man has free will and can choose to persevere.
Salvation is not certain; man must persevere.
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For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end. (Heb 3:14)
This verse refutes total depravity, irresistible grace and perseverance of the saints.
Hold -- Man has free will.
Salvation requires perseverance.
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Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (1 Cor 9:24)
This verse refutes total depravity, irresistible grace and perseverance of the saints.
Man has free will.
Perseverance comes from man, not from God. (But we should ask God to continuously help us).
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We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not. (1 John 5:18)
This verse refutes total depravity.
This verse refutes the notion that man is totally depraved.
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Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. (Acts 2:23)
This verse refutes unconditional election.
God's plan (counsel) and His foreknowledge go together. Calvinists must of necessity separate them.
Calvinists typically believe that God has elected [chosen] only some for salvation. Anti-Calvinists counter this argument by saying that God "elects" those who He "foreknew" would accept Him. In this passage, God's plan and His foreknowledge are equated, which refutes the Calvinist view. Note that I am not saying that God "elects" those who He "foreknew" would accept Him, but merely that God's plan (counsel) and His foreknowledge are in some way related.
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John Shepard
© Copyright 2007
Calvinism is based on Sola Scriptura (scripture only) -- but the Bible doesn't teach Calvinism.
email: js16@northforest.org
http://www.northforest.org/CatholicApologetics/Calvinism.html
Revised: July 4, 2004