Calvinism - False Doctrine

Calvinism is a False Doctrine

Colossians 2:8

8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

This doctrine says that the moment you receive the Holy Ghost your salvation is sure. This false doctrine proposes that you have secured a spot in heaven and in no wise can you lose this security. This doctrine makes provision for sin in the church, and testifies that the church has escaped the judgment of God. However, the scripture tells us that judgment must begin at the house of God (1 Peter 4:17). What then would He judge us of? The scriptures are very clear on this issue, so let us allow them to speak.

Soteriology or Calvinism, is the study of the doctrine of salvation. However, if the soteriologia do not have the proper foundational perspective of scripture, then their study will always be deficient of absolute truth. This is truth that cannot be refuted because it is rendered in light of all scripture. This brings me to another vital point. The Lord said to remind His people that truth is sufficient. It is fully capable of producing that which is purposed in the heart of the Father.

Therefore, it must prove to be sufficient for each of us as we allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into that truth. I also want to point out that though there are some in my own ministry who have become victims of this heresy, I find that in the Body of Christ’s determination to find some alternative to holiness and accountability for sin, the doctrine of eternal security has become more and more appealing to those who were once believers in perfection through divine nature.

I recall being in a counseling session with one of our pastors as they attempted to minister to one such person. This sister had been with the ministry for many years but wanted to meet with us to discuss this doctrine of grace she had been introduced to. At one point in the meeting she stated that she believed sin would not be a hindrance to her making it to heaven, even if she lived in fornication and died in that sin. Most of us would say that we doubt whether that sister was ever really saved. But more and more, pastors who once preached holiness and victory over sin are turning to this promiscuous doctrine of grace and eternal security.

Now the real question: “Can you lose your salvation after having been born again?” This is such a controversial issue in the Body of Christ. It is imperative that we allow only the scriptures to be the authority here. First of all, let us examine how John Calvin, a French brother and theologian, who lived from 1509-1564, came to believe in unconditional eternal security.

The Calvinism false grace doctrine of salvation promotes Unconditional electIon. It falsely states that Election and predestination are unconditional. This doctrine maintains that since man is dead in sin, he is unable to respond positively to the offer of salvation. In other words, his spiritual state has taken away his ability to choose or even want to be saved. Therefore, God chose those whom He would save before the foundation of the world. And because He did the choosing without utilizing His foreknowledge of any decision we would make to receive Christ, this means that He brought the elect to Christ regardless of their will. This also means that He will guarantee they make it to heaven, regardless of their conduct. It further falsely states that they are the elect; therefore, if they should sin in this life there will be no consequence for them in the next. Finally, this false doctrine clearly states that it is impossible for one who is truly born again to fall away.

THE NEW TESTAMENT REVELATION OF GRACE

It is true that after the fall, all men were born in sin. Jesus made it clear that we were of our father the devil, and it was his lusts that we did. However, Enoch walked with God, Noah responded in obedience to God, and the list goes on. Even in our fallen state we are able to respond to God. The passage below is an open affront to the idea of unconditional election.

Titus 1:1-3

1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after after godliness;

2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

I submit that it is true we are saved by the grace of God, not of our own works, lest we would be able to boast. Thus, election is unconditional as it relates to being chosen because of any goodness or good works we might have done or would do. But it is not unconditional as it relates to faith in Jesus Christ. According to the above passage, God, who cannot lie, promised eternal life according to the faith of the elect and their acknowledging of the truth. If the promise was made in eternity past, then it is certain that it was made to those who would acknowledge the truth and offer faith in Jesus Christ after hearing the preaching of the truth.

After all, faith comes by hearing the Word of God. The preaching of the gospel and the souls who receive or reject Christ, is now being manifested in our time. The most common scriptures can refute this part of the doctrine:

John 3:16; For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

To imply that Jesus only died for those whom God chose beforehand, is to leave the rest of the world without hope. This is just not the character of God. Salvation through Jesus Christ is a gift to the entire world, without respect of persons.

1 John 2:2;

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

But the following scriptures rebut such ideology. They prove that even those who are called by God are able to resist the call.

John 1:11-12

11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Matthew 22:14

14 For many are called, but few are chosen. Not everyone who is called will answer. The chosen are those who will not resist the call or walk away in unbelief. These were named by God before the world was ever formed.

Romans 3:3

3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

Hebrews 4:6-7

6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Hebrews 4:11

11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Not only are we able to resist the call of God to salvation, but also, those who do accept the call and receive Christ, can indeed walk away from Him. For the day of the Lord will not come until there be a great falling away first. The scriptures below refute the notion that all who are born again will persevere in the faith.

Backsliders: those who have been born again can choose to depart from the faith and return to a life of sin as noted in 2 Peter 2:20-22. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Castaways: those who have been born of God, even ministered in the kingdom of God, can indeed cross a line of demarcation where God will discard them from the Body of Christ. Paul made this clear in 1 Corinthians 9:27. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Transgressors: It is possible for those who have been born again to make themselves transgressors of the faith, as Paul explained the the Galatians 2:17-18 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. this transgressive state leaves the individual without justification. 1 Timothy 6:10 takes this truth a little further. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Christ is not the administrator of sin. Neither is He the Lord over a house full of sinners. He is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Those who choose to walk after the flesh will have their part with unbelievers. Let me remind you of my opening statement: “Truth is sufficient.” The doctrines of Christ are infallible. If any part of a doctrine is found to be in error, or contradictory to the righteous perspective of scripture, then it surely did not come from God. I am sure that many of those who preach and teach such doctrines may be sincere in what they are doing and think to be right in their belief.

However, I must say that these men who promote this false Calvinism doctrine must examine themselves for pride and/or arrogance because those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are promised to be filled. The Holy Ghost will lead us into all truths if our hearts are open to receive it. Meanwhile let us sincerely pray for those who have placed their hope in a doctrine that promises security for the soul without true holiness.

1 John 1:5-6

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

Beloved, these verses are written to the children of God. They are not written to the lost souls of the world. These are admonitions to the church. The church will never escape accountability. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14:12). Again I say to you God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth (1 John 2:8). The true light of righteousness shines in Christ and in us. We are the light of the world, because He is light and He is our life. He is the minister to those who are righteous and will never fellowship with those who turn again to the darkness of this world.

Titus 2:11-15

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; The Bible doctrine of grace does not make provision for sin. But it teaches quite the contrary. We are to live holy before God and man. This is the power of the resurrection of Christ in us.

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

The sons of God are not sinners. They are not like the world. But they were created to do righteous works. They are the salt of the world. Salt is good: but if the salt has lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out (Luke 14:34-35). He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. This false doctrine of grace causes the salt to lose its savor

Titus 2:15. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise (condemn) thee.

Beloved, may the Lord bless and keep you.