Calvinism's Goal

Introduction

Bro. Don has done a wonderful job over the last couple weeks leading through some of the basic positions of the “doctrines of grace” - sometimes called Calvinism.

I don’t really have anything to add to that series. What I want to do today is to discuss ways in which Calvinism should affect our lives.

Handbook of Evangelical Theologians Calvinist

He who believes in God without reserve, and is determined that God shall be God to him in all his thinking, feeling, willing—in the entire compass of his life-activities, intellectual, moral, spiritual, throughout all his individual, social, religious relations—is, by the force of that strictest of all logic which presides over the outworking of principles into thought and life, by the very necessity of the case, a Calvinist.… Whoever believes in God; whoever recognizes in the recesses of his soul his utter dependence on God; whoever in all his thought of salvation hears in his heart of hearts the echo of the soli Deo gloria of the evangelical profession—by whatever name he may call himself, or by whatever intellectual puzzles his logical understanding may be confused—Calvinism recognizes as implicitly a Calvinist

Warfield makes it clear - these doctrines should affect the entire compass of our life-activities: individual, social, and religious

How Does Calvinism Affect Us Personally?

Teaches us that all of life is to be lived for the Glory of God - soli Deo gloria

Teaches us to be humble, looking to Christ as our only hope of eternal life

Teaches us to live holy - we are chosen, redeemed, called for a purpose. Unto holiness and good works.

Teaches us to be confident (bold) with the gospel

Gives us comfort - things are not in my hands

How Does Calvinism Affect Us Corporately?

John Newton, writer of “Amazing Grace” had a good illustration of this: contrast eating a lump of sugar versus putting that lump into coffee and sweetening the whole.

NOTE: “our calvinism in your hymnals”

Preaching - high view of God in preaching, every text should lead us in some way to Christ, cutting out the cotton candy, ties together with the whole system of Chrsitian doctrine

Evangelism - avoiding man-centered high-pressure tactics

What are some other ways in which these doctrines might affect us personally and corporately?

Answering some common accusations against Calvinism:

Calvinism kills missions/evangelism - “Calvinists don’t witness”

Arrogance - you think you’re so special

Antinomianism

What is often charged against Calvinists is sometimes true. However, these problems are not unique to Calvinists. They’re problems in all theological systems. It’s almost as if we’re totally depraved and sin still dwells in us after we’ve trusted Christ.