“Calvinism:  An Enemy Of God”

Romans 9:13

 

Intro  We have been studying the doctrinal heresy of Calvinism, or “TULIP Theology.”  Is the doctrine of Calvinism simply a theological difference between “good” fundamental men?  Is Calvinism an area in which we can “agree to disagree?”  I think that it is much more than either of these two things.  Calvinism in an enemy of the gospel of Jesus Christ, therefore, an enemy of God!  I have never known an individual who has become a Calvinist through personal Bible study, but rather, they follow the philosophy of other men.  They are simply being led by some “Pied Piper” through either reading after them or listening and fellowshipping with them.  I have spent a total of 9-10 weeks on this subject that has divided (and may I say rightly so) the fundamental ranks.  I personally will not allow one who is Calvinistic fill my pulpit (at least not knowingly.)  I will not support one who is of this theology because to be Calvinistic is to be anti-Bible as well as anti-gospel.  The word gospel simply means “good news” and it is to be preached to every creature.  To preach “good news” to every creature is to preach salvation to many who cannot come to God according to this philosophy.  I pray that what little that I have sent out will be a blessing to you.  God bless!

 

1.  We have covered the “T” of the “TULIP” - “Total Depravity” or, as the Calvinist teaches,  “Total Inability”

            a.  We found that man is totally depraved, but

            b.  According to Scripture is commanded to make a choice of salvation.

 

2.  We have covered the “U” of the “TULIP” -  “Unconditional Election”, and found that there are several conditions to salvation

            a.  You must believe

            b.  You must repent

            c.  You must come

 

3.  We have covered the “L” of the “TULIP”- “Limited Atonement” - and found that Atonement is limited to:

a.  To whosoever will

b.  To every man

c.  To all

d.  To any man

e.  To every creature

f.  To the whole world

 

4.  We have covered the “I” of the “TULIP” – “Irresistible Grace” – and found that God’s grace and Holy Spirit has and can be resisted!

 

5.  We have covered the “P” of the “TULIP” – “Perseverance of the Saints” – and found that it is preservation and not perseverance!  That preservation is based upon our obeying the Gospel and having the precious blood of Christ applied.

 

 

A.  Calvinism Is An Enemy Of The Character Of God

            1.  Calvinism Attacks The Veracity Of God

2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

1 Timothy 2:4  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

            2.  Calvinism Attacks The Righteousness Of God

Acts 10:34  Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

                        Romans 2:11  For there is no respect of persons with God.

Ephesians 6:9  And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

James 2:9  But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

Isaiah 45:22  Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

Isaiah 55:1  Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Ezekiel 18:23  Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

Ezekiel 33:11  Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Colossians 3:23-25  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;  Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

3.  Calvinism Attacks The Character Of God

            1 John 4:8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Matthew 5:44  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 26:50  And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

B.  Calvinism Is An Enemy Of The Cross Of Christ

Colossians 1:20  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

John 12:32  And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

1 John 2:2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

C.  Calvinism Is An Enemy Of The Commission Of The Church

Matthew 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  (All Nations)

Mark 16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  (All Of Mankind)

D.  Calvinism Is An Enemy Of The Command To The Soul Winner (Calvinist are not zealous soul winners – their visitation is sporadic)

Luke 14:23  And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Acts 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

 

 

Pastor David Johnston

Galatians 6:14

Temple Baptist Church

Laurens, SC