Thanks for clarifying your first note. Frankly, I have zero interests in Calvin's beliefs. I can do nothing to persuade, offend, save, or condemn him. His fate is sealed and in the Lord's hands, although I find his role in the
martyrdom of Servetus to be intriguing and possibly telling.
My ultimate concern lies in correcting the error that is today associated with Calvin. I'll leave Calvin's true beliefs and actions up to God to judge and the academics to discuss. Whether the modern doctrine is or is not Calvin's teaching is beside the point. This current error perverts the plan of salvation, casting doubt on the salvation of those who follow it, and furthermore, whether recognized or not, the doctrine implies that God is unjust.
How? Do you believe baptism is commanded for the remission of sins (
Acts 2:37-38; Romans 6:1-4; I Peter 3:21)? If I my assessment is correct, what hope does a disobedient soul have, since they have willfully disobeyed the command
"for the remission of sins" according to the Bible? (If God chooses to save them anyway, that is His business, but I can only preach what is revealed.) Please recall that people who were incorrectly baptized required being baptized again for the correct reason (
Acts 19:1-5); therefore, being baptized, for any other reason, is not sufficient. ... How do you explain God condemning children for the sins of their fathers? Yes, they sinned too, because of their depravity, but from whence did they receive this depravity? Not only is this transmission of guilt condemned by Scripture (
Ezekiel 18), it disparages the fairness and justice of God as Judge! I could go on, but this discussion assumes the thing to be proven. What we really need to discuss, if you are open to it, is the tenets related to grace, justification, and salvation.
So, this is not just a matter of academics without practical implication. This doctrine permeates the very fiber of our soul and is exhibited in almost every action. One cannot even deliver the basic plan of salvation without determining an answer to this question. Ultimately, it may even cost one his soul. Keep in mind other false doctrines that were held in the NT brought condemnation to the adherent (requirement for circumcision produced
"fallen from grace",
Galatians 5:2-4; belief that the resurrection had passed produced a
"shipwrecked faith";
II Timothy 2:17-18). If other false doctrines that perverted one's justification or hope could produce eternal condemnation, why not Calvinism?
Please do not be deceived or lulled into a false sense of security. This is no splitting of hairs. We are are battling for the salvation of souls, not to mention the unity of those who would wear the name of Christ, which is another cornerstone mission of all Christians (
John 17:20-23; I Corinthians 1:10-13).
In my opinion, to discuss anything else besides the pressing issue of the requirements for salvation, as you and I might see it, would be either academic (
II Timothy 2:14-16) or a matter of "getting the cart before the horse". If you would like to study the requirements for salvation according to the Bible, I will be happy to discuss it carefully and patiently with you.
May God help us to have open eyes and ears unto His truth,
m273p15c