The Doctrines of John Calvin

Calvin Taught Baptismal Regeneration

Calvin taught the Roman Catholic teaching that a person must be baptised in order to go to heaven.

Calvin wrote “But as baptism is a solemn recognition by which God introduces his children into the possession of life [e.g., regeneration], a true and effectual sealing of the promise, a pledge of sacred union with Christ, it is justly said to be the entrance and reception into the church. And as the instruments of the Holy Spirit are not dead, God truly performs and effects by baptism what he figures.”

Calvin also wrote, “There is a union complementary with the thing figured, lest the sign be empty, because that which the Lord represents in sign he effects at the same time, and executes in us by the power of the Spirit . . . What indeed do we abrogate or take away from God when we teach that he acts through his instruments, indeed, he alone . . . God works . . . through the sacraments as instruments… The Spirit is the author, the sacrament is truly the instrument used.”

The Bible does not teach Baptismal Regeneration. Baptism is an outward profession of faith. Baptism is an outward expression of a inward work of grace, it has no saving power.

Calvin Taught Limited Atonement

John Calvin erroneously asserted that Jesus's sacrifice was solely for the special elect people that He desired to save. In contrast, the Bible supports the notion of universal atonement. As stated in 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.” Additionally, 2 Corinthians 5:15 affirms, “And that he died for all...” Moreover, 1 Timothy 1:15 declares, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” The Scriptures consistently indicate that Christ's mission was to save sinners in general, not merely a select few.

Furthermore, consider the clear message of 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.” This verse unequivocally indicates that all individuals have the potential to repent. God does not desire for anyone to perish. If the tenets of Calvinism are accurate, one must grapple with the contradiction of God's intention for all men to repent while only predestining select individuals for salvation. The principles of Calvinism lack coherence.

Calvinism is Unbiblical

Calvin postulated that God predestines individuals for salvation. He advocated for the notion of "selective salvation" (also referred to as "unconditional election"), which asserts that God determines who will attain salvation and who will not, a concept absent from Scripture. Furthermore, Calvin espoused the idea of "irresistible grace," suggesting that God compels an individual to accept salvation.

This raises several questions: Why did Paul engage in door-to-door evangelism in Acts 20:20? Why did Jesus issue the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Why did Jesus endeavour to convert the wicked Scribes and Pharisees? Why did Stephen persist in preaching to an enraged crowd? Why did early Christians continue to propagate the gospel even after Herod executed James for his preaching? The answer lies in the hope that exists for every sinner to turn to Christ. It is due to God granting humanity free will, allowing each person to make their own decision. Ultimately, God does not determine who will be saved or lost; that choice rests solely with the individual.

It is evident that Calvin exhibited certain tendencies akin to Roman Catholicism. Among John Calvin’s beliefs is the idea that God's church and the sacraments are bestowed by God’s grace for the edification of the elect and the benefit of the world. The church, unified across all time, is recognized through the preaching and reception of God’s Word and the appropriate administration of the sacraments. Although the true church is known only to God, there is a thorough linkage to the visible church on earth. Church officers and leaders ought to be individuals who strive to follow the path of Christian discipleship responsibly, yet their authority should not rely solely on their righteousness." The positions within the church should be limited to those specified in the New Testament. Sacraments, such as baptism and the Eucharist, should be observed as mysteries wherein Christ is spiritually present; in the Eucharist, Calvin believed that Christ is present both symbolically and through his spiritual power, which is conveyed from his heavenly body to the souls of believers who partake in the Eucharist. This view, referred to as "dynamic presence," occupies a position between the beliefs of Luther and Zwingli.

Calvinism should not be regarded as a biblical doctrine, but rather as a philosophical system catering to the proud intellect. It ventures into the domain of human philosophy. It is peculiar that, after 1,500 years of Christianity, Calvin's doctrine of predestination was largely unrecognized until he introduced it as a philosophical concept.

Scripture has consistently provided clear guidance on doctrine. Prior to Calvin's emergence, individuals did not struggle to uncover the truth regarding salvation.

Those intent on disseminating unbiblical teachings often seek to persuade us that the truth is beyond our comprehension, unattainable without their guidance. As stated in 1 John 2:27, “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” All that is required is the Word of God and the Holy Spirit as our teachers.

Calvin authored the "Institutes of Christian Religion" at the young age of 27 during a significant period in history when a structured theology was necessary. His teachings have misled a multitude of individuals, leading many to regard the "Institutes" as the most impactful theological work in the annals of church history. One might reflect on what his writings could have inspired in the hearts and minds of individuals had he truly embodied the love of Jesus. His unwavering emphasis on the profound majesty and righteousness of God compelled him to equally stress the complete worthlessness of fallen, sinful humanity. He championed the belief that humanity is powerless in the act of salvation, asserting that salvation is wholly dependent on grace, albeit only for the elect.

Given humanity's fallen nature and the distortion of human intellect, which has become a tool of sin, the outcomes of natural theology are inherently idolatrous. Calvin's adherents were under the false impression that the spirit of Christ operated within them, guiding them toward the perfection to which God has summoned them. Calvin's teachings tended toward perfectionism and necessitated stringent regulation of both personal and social conduct. He lacked the humility to recognize that individuals like himself, who strive for justification through the law, are mistaken.

In essence, Calvin's governance can be characterized as a theocratic dictatorship. In opposition to biblical teachings, he presumed the existence of a capitalist economic framework within society and constructed his ethics upon that foundation. Similar to the complacent church of contemporary times, he equated good works with the accumulation of wealth. According to this flawed reasoning, God allocates wealth and poverty as He chooses. It is not human merit or labour that bestows riches upon an individual; rather, it is God's grace, with wealth serving as a testament to God's favour.

Calvin On the Perseverance of the Saints

In contrast to popular belief, John Calvin did not advocate for the concept of eternal security. Calvin maintained that believers are required to persevere in their faith in order to remain in a state of grace. He asserted that the elect will inevitably persist in faith and continue in grace, ultimately achieving salvation. Such erroneous teachings diverge significantly from Biblical doctrine. The notion that Calvinism stipulates a saint must "persevere" until the end is, in fact, a troubling heresy. Eternal security pertains to the preservation of the saints, rather than their perseverance. The idea of "perseverance" equates to a works-based salvation.

This notion poses a significant theological threat as it undermines the principle of eternal life as a gift. A gift is by nature free of obligations; it does not come with a waiting or testing period prior to its reception. Eternal life is granted at the precise moment an individual places their trust in Christ as their personal Saviour. Romans 5:15 and Romans 6:23 affirm that eternal life is described as a "gift" from God, with Romans 5:15 specifically referring to it as a "free gift." Human actions and endeavours are entirely irrelevant to God’s salvation. The continuation of faith by a believer is inconsequential. A person is either saved and cannot lose that salvation or is not saved at all. One’s spiritual rebirth cannot be reversed, much like one's physical birth cannot be undone. John 3:16 elucidates the essence of salvation, stating, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Therefore, if an unsaved individual places their faith in Christ, they will not face perishing.

In Calvin's interpretation of 1 John 3:9, he employs the term "perseverance," asserting: "the hearts of the godly are so effectually governed by the Spirit of God, that through an inflexible disposition they follow his guidance." (John Calvin) "the power of the Spirit is so effectual, that it necessarily retains us in continual obedience to righteousness." (John Calvin)

Some believers may stray into sinful behaviour without reconciling their relationship with God. While their communion with God may be disrupted, their relationship remains intact. For instance, David committed adultery and subsequently orchestrated the death of the woman's husband. David remained unrepentant for a year, and if he had died in that state, he would have entered Heaven rather than Hell, contradicting Calvin's teachings. Nonetheless, David did eventually repent. In contrast, Solomon lived a life marked by rebellion against God until his demise.

Calvin's teachings are often associated with the concept of Lordship Salvation, leading to considerable misunderstanding regarding his views on eternal security. Some individuals assert that Calvin promoted unconditional eternal security, while others argue that he held the view that eternal security was contingent upon the believer's perseverance. A careful examination of Calvin's writings reveals his belief in Lordship Salvation, which posits that mere trust in Christ for salvation is insufficient; rather, a life characterized by commitment and perseverance is required as evidence of true conversion. Although the Bible indeed teaches that an individual becomes a new creation in Christ upon regeneration, one cannot always assess that salvation based solely on external appearances. Lot, for instance, appeared to be an unsaved pagan, yet God referred to him as a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7). Many believers may choose to live in wilful sin, but this does not preclude the possibility of their salvation. Critics who negate this reality are unintentionally introducing a works-based approach to salvation.