SEMESTER 1
215 – An Overview of So-called Calvinism
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY I LESSON # 15
AN OVERVIEW OF SO-CALLED CALVINISM
INTRODUCTION:
1. Again, let it be said, that “Calvinism” is only a name given to a system of doctrine (rightly or wrongly).
2. It deals with a system of soteriology, not in any sense all that Calvin believed.
3. The system has very broad interpretation ranging from near Arminianism, to near fatalism.
4. This misinterpretation, does not disqualify the system or its order, but should motivate very careful study.
5. All Baptists, with the single exception of “Freewill Baptists” hold to these doctrines.
i. In varying degrees and interpretations
ii. In the order and divisions of the system.
iii. Even those who most hotly deny them, in some sense believe them.
6. The order and clarity of the system (though not necessarily of all the doctrines in particular) have kept it alive through hundreds of years.
i. Let it be said that the “TULIP” titles are far more misunderstood, than doubted, by most of their opponents.
ii. The word has stood because of the system.
7. Let us identify these “5 points” in order, not to prove them all, but to simply be sure you know what I am talking about.
V. T – TOTAL DEPRAVITY
We have already dealt with this subject in lessons 6 through 8.
1. Man’s depravity is total extensively.
2. Man’s depravity is not total intensively.
VI. U – UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION
We shall deal with this difficult subject in lessons to follow.
1. There is more genuine difference of opinion here, than in the other four combined.
2. We do not say, God chooses by caprice or by foreseen conduct, but according to the good pleasure of His will, without revealing His reason to us. (Eph 1:4-5
)
VII. L – LIMITED ATONEMENT
1. Here there is much disagreement, none of it is practical.
2. But there is far more misunderstanding of brethren of like faith.
3. All evangelicals believe the atonement is limited in some sense.
4. They all agree as to its ultimate effect.
VIII. I – IRRESISTIBLE GRACE
1. Like limited atonement this may not be an accurately descriptive title for the subject.
2. I have never met a man (though there may be some) who believe the classic caricature of this.
3. I have never met a Christian who did not (if only subconsciously) believe the doctrine, as it was originally presented.
4. I have heard men who hated the title, unknowingly preach some great messages on the subject.
IX. P – PRESERVATION OR PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS.
1. The Bible clearly teaches both.
i. Preservation is all of God, is always perfect, and is the cause.
ii. Perseverance is never without voids, it is the effect of preservation, and while it is sure, it will not always be as obvious as it should be, because of our fleshly imperfection.
CONCLUSION: Every Bible believer believes something about each of these essential doctrines. Let us try to study them humbly and biblically.