Calvinism is once again a popular belief. We are living in a day when more and more are embracing the system of doctrine which the followers of Calvin enumerated in answer to the 5 points of the Remonstrance developed by Jacob Hermann, whose Latin name was Arminius (1560-1609). How popular is Calvinism today? Just look at the number of books, conferences, and videos available today by men who profess to believe it. The ultimate was in an offer I recently heard about, promoting a T-Shirt for $20 with pictures of the Reformers on it and some of their sayings.
Merely believing in the 5 points of Calvinism is no proof of salvation. Nowhere in Scripture do we find mere intellectual assent to doctrine as proof that one is the Lords. It is possible to believe many truths, without knowing the TRUTH. It is also wrong to take what the Scripture clearly sets forth as the Gospel, and to put any man’s name to it, I Cor. 3:3-11. The issue is not Calvinism, but the GOSPEL, Galatians 1:6-10!
Nevertheless, to deny the essence of the doctrine which is summed up in the 5 points, is a clear indication of unbelief and rejection of the TRUTH. Can a person deny that God is sovereign in all things and still believe in God? Can a person deny his own depravity in all things and still say that he has been made to see his sinfulness? Can a person deny the saving efficacy of Christ’s death and still say that he believes that salvation is through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ alone? Can a person deny that it is God alone who draws the sinner to Christ by His almighty, irresistible grace, and still give God all the glory in salvation? Can a person deny that it is God who preserves each one for whom Christ died, and still say that he believes that salvation is all of grace?
What are the 5 points of the Gospel? CHRIST CAME as God in the flesh, CHRIST DIED as the Substitute of His people, CHRIST AROSE AGAIN having satisfied all of the Father's just requirements, CHRIST ASCENDED ON HIGH having vanquished the Law, sin, death and the devil, and CHRIST REIGNS as the Savior and Redeemer of the elect whom God the Father gave Him from all eternity, Hebrews 9:24-28. He is the HOPE of every believer– I Timothy 1:1. This is the faith of God’s elect, Titus 1:1-3. Salvation is sure because it is in HIM!