The Philosophy of Calvinism

Calvinism states that humans are born into an immense amount of sin. They are hopeless, there’s nothing they could ever do to change it. The only thing that can save them is an almighty God. However, God has already chosen who he is going to send to heaven and hell (Mark). God’s grace is the only thing that can save us. Ultimately, God is the only of source salvation. Humans do not know if they are among God’s chosen. Humans are required to look through their daily lives to judge if they are good or bad. They would look for signs to see if they were among God’s chosen (Mark). However, it’s important to note that good works and wealth could not sway God’s sovereign decision (A Dummy's Guide to Calvinism).

In my opinion, Calvinism seems to be logically correct because it goes in accordance with the Bible. The teachings of TULIP were originally found inside the bible but were later used as articles.

T stands for total inability or total depravity. Ephesians 4:18, NIV states that, 'They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts”. Because of the fall, free will fails to truly exist. There can’t be a true free will when we’re in bondage to sin (A Dummy's Guide to Calvinism).

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U is for unconditional election. Election is not determined by any good works done or seen by man (Mark). God uses his spirit to bring acceptance and willingness into the hearts of those selected. According to John Calvin, and the Bible, God’s choice of the sinner brings salvation. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. Jonah 2:9 also states this as well. “What I have vowed I will make good.I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.”

L stands for limited atonement or particular redemption (A Dummy's Guide to Calvinism).

Christ’s death was only meant to secure salvation for those chosen to be saved. Christ took on the cost of sin for certain sinners. Christ’s death and resurrection paid for all our sins. He then gave us the gift of faith so that we could unite to his chosen sinners and Him (Mark).

I is for irresistible grace. Because of mass sin, humans are incapable of accepting God’s salvation. However, when God chooses to bring a chosen sinner to salvation he sends to Holy Spirit to soften their heart (A Dummy's Guide to Calvinism). P is for perseverance of the Saints. No matter what, a chosen sinner cannot outrun God’s power and Grace. They are eternally secure in Christ (A Dummy's Guide to Calvinism).

Some may argue that the Bible points away from Calvinism. For example, the story of Adam and Eve. The recurring question is why did God ask where they were, and why they covered up if he was all knowing. Since Adam and Eve had the free will to pick from the forbidden tree, do we have the free will to choose if we go to heaven or hell?

First, free will after the fall is different than free will before the fall, because through Adam came death, and a deceitful heart that is inclined toward continually towards sin, making it necessary for God alone to soften the heart and give the gift of faith. Adam and Eve had freely chose to sin yet it was already decreed by God to come to pass.

God wasn’t caught off guard when Adam and Eve sinned, He didn’t have to “change plans” when they did. Romans 10:9 states that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. However, the only way we can do that is when God softens our hearts to trust Him. We are totally broken by sin. We won’t just say one day that we want to believe and put our trust in God. He has to work in us, which is why I believe in calvinism.

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