If there is one word that carries a lot of baggage these days it is the word “Calvinist.” When it was originally coined the term referred to more than just John Calvin’s position on God’s sovereignty. It was John Calvin’s view of the Lord’s Table known today as “the spiritual presence of Christ,” that divided often. Martin Luther, a believer in the “sacramental union” view, would not have been a Calvinist in that sense of the word. Ulrich Zwingli would not have been a Calvinist because he held to the “memorial meal” view of the Table.
Today the term “Calvinist” no longer refers to that. (“Reformed” now covers Calvin’s view of the Table). Today it means anyone who holds to the doctrines of grace, summarized in a useful acronym called “TULIP.” Though Calvin himself did not come up with TULIP (we can thank the Synod of Dort for that), it is still an excellent summary of his teaching as contained in the Institutes of the Christian Religion, his commentaries, and his many sermons.
The “T” in TULIP stands for Total Depravity. The “U” stands for Unconditional Election. The “L” stands for Limited Atonement. The “I” stands for Irresistible Grace. The “P” stands for Perseverance of the Saints. Together these are the doctrines of grace or the soteriological system known as “Calvinism.”
Who believes this stuff?
There are many different denominations in Christianity that hold to Calvinism. Even some “non-denominational” churches affirm the TULIP model. But the group best known for their Calvinism and Reformed view point are Presbyterians. Here in Marshall, TX there are three Presbyterian churches. The first is First Presbyterian Church which is part of the PCUSA, a liberal denomination that affirms the ordination of homosexuals to the clergy.
The second is Cumberland Presbyterian Church which, though a Presbyterian Church, is not a Reformed church with regards to their view of salvation. They are not Calvinists.
The third is Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Marshall, TX. This is the church to which I am proud to say I am a member. At EPC, we believe this Calvinism business. We believe it because we feel the Bible teaches it. We love it and are devoted to it because it gives God the glory from beginning to end.
There was war in the blogosphere…
So when I read someone attacking the theology I love, it catches my attention. When it is someone in the same town I live in, I raise my eyebrows. When it is a youth minister teaching students in a small group context in the town I live in, I am alarmed. This is precisely what I found at the blog of a youth pastor here in Marshall, TX. In five blog posts from April 2010 to May 2010, this youth pastor writes about the five points of Calvinism, offers traditional Scriptural support, and then counters with other biblical texts. 
Because I love the Bible, Reformed theology, and youth, I feel it my responsibility to offer some kind of response to this brother in Christ and to do it in the spirit of love and respect I know he deserves. With that said, I will be firm in my response and will try not to mince words. I want to be cordial but I do not want to compromise.
My only disclaimer is that my views are not necessarily the views of either EPC of Marshall or the EPC as a denomination. While I feel that my views are in line with the teachings of the Westminster Confession of Faith, I realize that there are some various interpretations of that document with which I may not be aligned.
My next post will be on the subject of Total Depravity. If you would like to read the blog I am referring to, please email me at benjaminjohnwall@yahoo.com.
