Millions of people around the globe have been and continue to be influenced by the theological slant of a 16th century reformer named John Calvin. Calvin, influenced by such notables as Augustine, Ulrich Zwingli and Martin Luther, presented views of God and the salvation of man in his Institutes of the Christian Religion.
If Calvinism was congruent, or equal to “the Doctrine of Christ,” then we would be discussing Christ and his doctrine, and we may never have heard of the term “Calvinism.” Unfortunately, all too many have bought the assumption that to speak of Calvinism is the same as speaking of Christ and His doctrine. Yet, they are not the same.
All men must determine who they are going to follow. Why is there the human tendency for us to either worship or follow after the doctrines of uninspired, mere mortal men? True Christians must follow none other than Jesus Christ, allowing His Word to abide in us. Will we hear Calvin, Krishna or Christ? God says, “Hear my Son” (cf., Matthew 17:5; Hebrews 1:2).
Calvinism has its own distinct way of viewing God. With an improper view of God’s sovereignty, Calvin took it to the extreme by claiming that God makes all the choices and is responsible for everything that happens.
Calvin says before the foundation of the world, God chose specific individuals (he foreknew and foreordained) to be among the “elect.” On the other hand, those specific individuals he did not predestine to be among the elect are styled the “non-elect” and are void of any hope of eternal life and that Jesus’ blood was not even shed for them.
The doctrine of Christ, however, paints a far better picture for everyone concerned. For instance, Jesus says the Gospel is for all men wherever they are found (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).
The apostle Peter, having received the baptismal measure of the Holy Spirit, preached the glad tidings to both Jews and Gentiles. To Cornelius and household he proclaimed, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34-35). Who does Peter say can be pleasing to God?
God has reached out to all of humanity in sending Jesus Christ to be the Savior of the world. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men…” (Titus 2:11; John 3:16).
Unfortunately, not all will be saved because of unbelief or unwillingness to conform their lives to the image of God’s only begotten Son. Such is the example of men and women to whom Paul and Barnabas offered the gift of heaven in Antioch of Pisidia: “It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). Who rejected whom? Who judged whom unworthy of life?
Since the beginning, God has given men a choice. Those of Antioch exercised their freedom of choice by rejecting the Savior of the world. You and I have the same choice, and God does not make it for us. Will you follow Calvin to the grave, or Christ unto life in heaven?
