Calvinism | Eastside church of Christ

Calvinism on Wednesday evenings at 6:00pm. We will begin this study on July 4, 2018. [ddownload id=”2307″ text=”Download Study Guide (PDF)”]

John Calvin (1509-1564) was a French theologian who greatly influenced the Reformation movement. He did not start a new church or denomination and none are named for him. However, he is arguably the most influential figure in Protestantism (those churches born from the Reformation movement). The fundamental idea of Calvinism can be understood and remembered using the TULIP acronym:

T: Total Depravity – Because the guilt of Adam’s sin in the Garden is inherited by everyone who has come after him, we have all inherited a sinful nature and are unable to come to God on our own.
U: Unconditional Election – Those who will be saved (the elect) have been chosen by God and individually selected for salvation without having to do anything.
L: Limited Atonement – Since salvation is “unconditional” and not all will be saved (cf. Matthew 7:13-14), then Jesus death on the cross made atonement only for the elect.
I: Irresistible Grace – Those who have been predetermined by God for salvation cannot do anything to “resist” the working of God’s spirit to save him.
P: Perseverance of the Saints – Because the elect are saved unconditionally, they also cannot lose their salvation; instead, once saved, they will never fall away.

Each of these basic tenets are contrary to the Scriptures. However, there is a logical progression to them. If one point is accepted as true, each of the next points logically follow each other. As we go through this study, we will contrast the teachings of Calvinism with the gospel of Christ.