What Love is This? Calvinism's Misrepresentation of God

1. Calvinism's Resurgence Prompts Necessary Examination

"I had scarcely given Calvinism a thought for years. Then suddenly - or so it seemed to me - in the last two years Calvinism began emerging as an issue everywhere."

Growing prominence. The author notes a recent, aggressive promotion of Calvinism within evangelical circles, surprising many who were previously unaware of its specific doctrines. This resurgence is seen in media, churches, seminaries, and Christian colleges, leading to confusion and division.

Challenging silence. Despite warnings from friends and colleagues to remain silent due to the controversial nature and potential for division, the author felt compelled to investigate and write. The increasing insistence by proponents that Calvinism is the gospel necessitates a careful, biblical examination.

Issue of importance. If Calvinism represents the purest form of Christianity, as some claim, then those who do not preach it are not preaching the true gospel. This serious charge, coupled with the historical and theological complexities, elevates the discussion beyond mere academic debate to a matter of vital importance for the church.

2. Calvinism's Deep, Troubling Roots in Augustine and Roman Catholicism

"Multitudes who believe they understand Calvinism will be shocked to discover its Roman Catholic roots and Calvin's grossly un-Christian behavior as the 'Protestant Pope' of Geneva, Switzerland."

Augustinian origins. The author argues that Calvinism's core doctrines, particularly concerning sovereignty, predestination, and depravity, did not originate with John Calvin but were heavily influenced by Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD). Calvin himself frequently cited Augustine as authoritative.

Catholic connection. Augustine is considered a key figure in shaping Roman Catholic theology, advocating for:

• Salvation through the Church and its sacraments
• Infant baptism for regeneration
• Use of state force against "heretics"
• Allegorical interpretation of prophecy
• Authority of tradition alongside Scripture

Polluted stream. The author contends that Calvin drew from this "polluted stream," carrying over significant Roman Catholic ideas into Reformed theology, such as infant baptism, a special clergy class, and the use of civil power to enforce religious conformity, despite rejecting the papacy itself.

3. John Calvin's Tyranny in Geneva Contradicts Christian Character

"There is hardly a day, in the records of the settings of the Town Council, in which we do not find the remark: 'Better consult Master Calvin about this.'"

Imposed godliness. John Calvin, acting as the dominant figure in Geneva, established a theocratic system where civil law enforced his religious doctrines. This included strict regulations on personal conduct, dress, and even speech, with severe penalties for non-compliance or dissent.

Un-Christian methods. Calvin's rule was marked by:

• Censorship and surveillance
• Fines, imprisonment, banishment, and execution for moral and theological offenses
• Use of torture to extract confessions
• Advocacy for the death penalty for "heretics" like Michael Servetus

Contradiction in practice. While opposing the tyranny of the papacy, Calvin wielded similar authoritarian power, attempting to force ungodly people into godly living. This contradicted the New Testament model of persuasion and love, proving that coercion cannot change the heart.

4. Calvinism's "Total Depravity" Misrepresents Human Inability

"To say that God commands men to do what they cannot do without His grace, then withholds the grace they need and punishes them eternally for failing to obey, is to make a mockery of God's Word, of His mercy and love, and is to libel His character."

Depravity as inability. Calvinism defines "Total Depravity" not just as pervasive sinfulness but as total inability – the unregenerate person is incapable of understanding the gospel, seeking God, or believing in Christ without prior sovereign regeneration.

Unbiblical premise. The author argues this definition is unbiblical, as Scripture repeatedly calls on "all men everywhere" to repent and believe, implying capability. Passages cited by Calvinists often describe man's unwillingness or condition, not an inherent incapacity to respond to God's drawing.

Logical fallacy. Equating spiritual death with physical death is a flawed analogy. A physically dead person can do nothing, but a spiritually dead person can still think, choose, sin, and even do good deeds (Luke 6:33). The Bible presents faith as preceding salvation, not following regeneration.

5. Calvinism Distorts God's Sovereignty, Making Him Author of Sin

"To make God the author of sin is to terribly misrepresent Him."

Extreme sovereignty. Calvinism's view of God's sovereignty insists that He foreordains and causes everything that happens, including every thought, word, and deed, good or evil. This is seen as necessary for God to be truly in control.

God as cause of sin. This extreme view leads to the conclusion that God is the effective cause of sin, including Adam's fall and all subsequent evil. Calvin and his followers explicitly state that God foreordained sin for His own purposes and glory.

Biblical contradiction. The Bible clearly states that God cannot be tempted with evil and tempts no one (James 1:13). Evil comes from man's own lust (James 1:14). God's sovereignty does not require Him to cause sin; He can sovereignly allow man free will and use man's choices (even evil ones) to fulfill His purposes without being their author.

6. Calvinism Confuses Foreknowledge with Predestination

"If God did not foreordain all things, then he could not know the future."

Foreknowledge defined. Biblical foreknowledge means God knows everything that will happen before it happens, not because He caused it, but because He is omniscient and outside of time. This is proven by fulfilled prophecy.

Calvinist redefinition. Calvinism redefines foreknowledge to mean foreordination or predetermination. They argue God knows the future only because He decreed it. This is unbiblical and illogical, as it would limit God's knowledge to only what He causes.

Basis of election. Scripture states that election/predestination is according to God's foreknowledge (Romans 8:29, 1 Peter 1:2). The author argues this means God foreknew who would believe and on that basis predestined them to specific blessings (like conformity to Christ's image), not to salvation itself.

7. "Unconditional Election" Limits God's Love and Mercy

"To many this seems a perplexing subject, because they deem it most incongruous that of the great body of mankind some should be predestinated to salvation, and others to destruction."

Doctrine defined. Unconditional Election means God chose a select number of individuals for salvation from eternity past, based solely on His sovereign will, not on any foreseen faith or action in them. The rest are "reprobated" or foreordained to damnation.

Contradicts God's character. This doctrine is seen as a libel against God's character, contradicting numerous scriptures stating:

• God is love (1 John 4:8)
• His tender mercies are over all His works (Psalms 145:9)
• He is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9)
• He wills for all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4)

Lack of reason. Calvinists admit there is no reason for God choosing some and not others, calling it a "mystery" or simply God's "good pleasure." The author argues God always has reasons for His actions, and damning those He could save contradicts His revealed nature.

8. "Limited Atonement" Contradicts Scripture's Universal Offer

"The doctrine of limited atonement is simply that the cross of Christ provides a sure, secure and real salvation for everyone God intended it to save and for them alone."

Doctrine defined. Limited Atonement asserts that Christ's death was intended to save only the elect and is effective only for them. This follows logically from Unconditional Election.

Contradicts universal offer. This doctrine directly contradicts numerous scriptures stating:

• God so loved the world (John 3:16)
• Christ is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2)
• Christ tasted death for every man (Hebrews 2:9)
• God is the Savior of all men, especially believers (1 Timothy 4:10)

Changing definitions. To maintain Limited Atonement, Calvinists must redefine words like "world," "all," and "every man" to mean only "the elect," despite no biblical basis for such changes.

9. "Irresistible Grace" Denies Free Will and God's Loving Persuasion

"On its very face, the phrase 'irresistible grace' presents another irreconcilable contradiction."

Doctrine defined. Irresistible Grace means God's saving grace cannot be resisted by the elect. It sovereignly overcomes their rebellion, making them willing to believe. This is necessary because of the belief in Total Depravity (inability).

Contradicts grace and love. Grace is unmerited favor, willingly received. To impose it irresistibly is the opposite of grace. Love requires a genuine choice; forced love is not love. God's power in salvation is His ability to pay the penalty for sin, not to force belief.

Unbiblical concept. The word "irresistible" is not in the Bible. Scripture shows God's grace can be resisted (Acts 7:51) and that men are persuaded (2 Corinthians 5:11) and drawn (John 6:44) but can refuse to come (Matthew 23:37).

10. Assurance of Salvation Rests on Faith, Not Performance or Election

"Biblical assurance of salvation does not depend upon one's performance but upon the gospel's declaration that Christ died for the sins of the world and upon His promise that whosoever believes in Him receives the gift of eternal life."

Calvinist assurance. In Calvinism, assurance often depends on discerning if one is among the elect, which is frequently evidenced by one's subsequent performance and good works. This leads to doubt and despair, as perfect performance is impossible.

Biblical assurance. The Bible teaches assurance comes from believing Christ's promises:

• "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37)
• "These things have I written unto you that believe... that ye may know that ye have eternal life" (1 John 5:13)
• Eternal life is a gift received by faith, not earned by works (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9).

Performance vs. promise. Relying on performance for assurance shifts focus from Christ's finished work and promise to human effort, contradicting salvation by grace through faith alone.

11. Calvinism Ultimately Misrepresents the Loving God of the Bible

"The God of the Bible is love, His tender mercies are over all His works, He doesn't want anyone to be lost, and He so loved the world that He gave Christ to pay the penalty of sin for every man."

Contrasting portrayals. The author argues that Calvinism portrays a God who:

• Limits His love, mercy, and grace to a select few.
• Takes pleasure in damning billions He could save.
• Is the author of sin and suffering.
• Requires a standard of mercy from man that He does not exhibit Himself.

Biblical reality. The Bible consistently reveals a God who:

• Is infinite in love, mercy, and grace towards all.
• Is not willing that any should perish.
• Provided salvation for the whole world through Christ's death.
• Calls all to repent and believe, respecting their choice.

The core issue. The fundamental disagreement is not over God's sovereignty, which all Christians affirm, but over whether that sovereignty is exercised in perfect harmony with His infinite love, mercy, and justice for all mankind, or if it necessitates the arbitrary damnation of the majority.

Last updated: May 10, 2025