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“The Stinky Tulip”
Categories: CALVINISM, RELIGIONSOur pastor has recently started studying books on John Calvin – the 5 steps (TULIP). I don’t agree with a lot of its content and statements. What are your thoughts?Sincerely,
Taking A Step Back
Dear Taking A Step Back,
There is a reason you don’t agree with a lot of the content – it disagrees with the Bible. A while back, we wrote a large post dealing with the five steps of the TULIP theory. The post is entitled “Calvin And Sobs”, and it will give you a detailed answer to your concerns.
The short answer is that John Calvin believed that all humans are born sinful and incapable of doing anything pleasing to God. This goes directly contrary to the Bible’s teachings. The Bible commands us to turn to God (Acts 3:19), a command that makes absolutely no sense if we are incapable of choosing to do good. Furthermore, Calvin taught that once you were saved, you could never be lost. This also is false. Heb 6:4-6 clearly states that we can fall away if we stop being faithful.
Calvinism destroys the hope for the lost, and it removes the importance of a lifetime of service to God. It is in direct contradiction to the Biblical teaching that all can be saved in Christ (Jhn 3:16).
