Having written extensively on the errors and heresies
of dispensational theology, I have purposed to delve further into its roots in
the concepts of Calvinism dating backinto the sixteenth century. John Calvin
(1509-1564) was themost prominent and influential theologian of the
second generation after the onset ofthe
Protestant Reformation. Born in France his original training was in the law.
His major lifetime works were the volumes entitled Institutes of the Christian
Religion. His profound effect on the development of Protestantism cannot be
overestimated. The theology of Calvinism was subsequently broken down into five
major points summarizing the massive writings propagating his conclusions which
were spread widely over Europe. Each of his five points was subsequently
challenged by Janes Arminius who was a godly Dutch professor of theology. There
occurred a few years after the death of Arminius a large gathering at what
became known as the Counsel of Dort convened in Holland in 1618 and lasting a period
of seven months in which the major issues of these two opposing views of
theology were discussed and debated. Followers of Arminius presented a series
of remonstrances (objections) to each of the five points of Calvinism. The final
result of this lengthy theological debate was that Calvinism was established as
the standard of Christian thought and has been projected historically in one
form or another for centuries in the Christian churches. Armenian thought was
greatly restricted after the Counsel of Dort, but was still held by some of
note including John Wesley. This reality of the prevalence of Calvinism is a
centuries old impediment to the development of sound Biblical truth. We will
prove the forgoing statement through an extensive search of the Scriptures
concerning each of the five punts. In
each case we will present the Calvinist tenet and then arguing from the
Scriptures the inherent errors represented.
We will then present commentary based on the Bible showing that James
Arminius had developed a sound foundation for the emerging Protestant church
which unfortunately was largely rejected and did not obtain a place of
dominance.
The
first and basic tenet of Calvinism is that of total depravity.
Adherents of the doctrine would say that because of the fall and the original
sin of Adam, man is totally unable of himself to savingly believe the gospel.
The sinner is dead, blind and deaf to the things of God. His will is not free,
but is in bondage to his evil nature; therefore he will not—indeed cannot choose
good over evil. It takes much more than the Spirit’s assistance to bring him to
Christ. It takes a gift of enablement
sovereignly bestowed and the man has nothing to contribute.
Armenian
doctrine would contest this view adamantly by asserting while agreeing that
man’s nature has been corrupted completely and he has become sinful, fallen and
separated from God. This condition has not, however, deprived him of his free
will. God graciously enables a sinner to repent. The sinner can respond to the Spirit’s
conviction upon his conscience and he can exercise the act of repentance. He is
able to believe and exercise faith unto regeneration.
Having outlined these two opposing
views it will be necessary to find out what the Scriptures say. Early in the
gospel of Matthew we find the words of John the Baptist speaking to the
Pharisees and the Seduces “ O generation
of vipers who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth
therefore fruits meet for repentance.” (Matthew 3:8-9). Is it not clear
that these sinners could in fact repent?
At
John 7:17 Jesus says: “If any man will do
his will, he shall know the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak
of myself. One can then respond
to the ministry of the word assenting in his will to align himself with
the will of God and thus to know that which has been communicated to him.
“And the times of this ignorance God winked
at; but now comandeth all men everywhere to repent.” ( Acts 7:30) Notice
that it is all men everywhere.
“And showed first unto them of Damascus,
and Jerusalem, and throughout the
coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to
God, and do works meet for repentance.” (Acts
26:20).
“Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if
you hear his voice harden not your hearts…”(Heb.3:7). When the Holy Spirit speaks we not only can
but must respond.
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And
him that heareth say, come. And him that is athirst come. And whosoever will,
let him take of the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17).
There
are many other like scriptures in both the New and the old testaments which
make it clear that man’s will is free to choose, and although he is certainly
lost in trespasses and sin God has made available forgiveness and ultimately
the possibility of salvation.
“Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in
the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing
spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their
conscience seared with a hot iron.” (I
Timothy 4:1=2). It is sad to say that the modern day church has largely come to
this state.
David Lance
Dean Visit my website and
blogs at: authordavidlancedean.com
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