Misconceptions about Calvinism

[Calvinist Dark Lord]

It isn't a matter of putting up fences but one of not giving the free-will religionist an answer that makes it seem as though we only preach because we are made to.

i'm sorry, but i'm not really responsible for what a free will religionist choses to think (pun intended)

They're hostile to the idea that God (and not their free will) is sovereign. So they are going to think whatever they think. When they reply on the basis of those thoughts the grace of God slaps them down again.

i'm just called to provide an answer. Illumination and/or acceptance is God's job, not mine.

 

[GQ Chris]

That its Biblical

Or true

Funny, I thought the same exact thing coming out of Charismatic/Pentecostal churches; everyone there thinks they're a Prophet of God, everyone there thinks they can heal, everyone there thinks they can yell gibberish and say its from God; also naming and claiming everything as if Jesus was some genie whose name you could use to get anything you want.



Sorry I couldn't resist.

 

[AMR]

In your experience, what's the most common mistaken assumption people make about our doctrines?

The most common to me is that the interlocutor is raising of a regular "defeater" or "refuter" of Reformed thinking that has not already been considered and thoroughly--that is, with proper warrant from the full counsel and necessary consequence of Scripture-- answered by so many that have come before us. Anyone offering up the well worn canards as posted herein gives ample evidence of a sad soul drawing his or her doctrine from the internet, itching ears, and the spiritual immaturity that leads him or her to conclude they are the captains of their eternal destiny versus our being but unprofitable servants of He who made us.

Not a week passes that someone claims they have been enlightened to the level of "proving" Reformed thought is in error. The fact that proper answers can be given to these "newly discovered revelations" speaks to the proper illumination of the Spirit in the saints that interpret Scripture in community.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

The most common to me is that the interlocutor is raising of a regular "defeater" or "refuter" of Reformed thinking that has not already been considered and thoroughly--that is, with proper warrant from the full counsel and necessary consequence of Scripture-- answered by so many that have come before us. Anyone offering up the well worn canards as posted herein gives ample evidence of a sad soul drawing his or her doctrine from the internet, itching ears, and the spiritual immaturity that leads him or her to conclude they are the captains of their eternal destiny versus our being but unprofitable servants of He who made us.

Not a week passes that someone claims they have been enlightened to the level of "proving" Reformed thought is in error. The fact that proper answers can be given to these "newly discovered revelations" speaks to the proper illumination of the Spirit in the saints that interpret Scripture in community.

Our "opponents" often mistakenly think that we have never considered things as simple and fundamental as John 3:16. They actually try to do a "gotcha" with John 3:16! Amazing.

 

[drjean]

While there are different levels to Calvinism, I agree the most common myth is the one that we " don't care about others eternity because God has already decided who will live in heaven" or something to that effect. It's election and predestination totally misunderstood.

I witness to and share God's love with everyone...I have no idea who will accept it.

 

[GreatistheLord]

Couldn't resist...but you deny irresistible grace?

I deny circular arguements that fundamentally can only be extrapolated and leave God looking guilty as hell

 

[AMR]

Our "opponents" often mistakenly think that we have never considered things as simple and fundamental as John 3:16. They actually try to do a "gotcha" with John 3:16! Amazing.

Indeed. Next time point them in this direction:

A Puritan's Mind » An Exegetical Look at John 3:16 – by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon

 

[striger]

In your experience, what's the most common mistaken assumption people make about our doctrines?

Most don't know God is the One who regenerates us.

 

[JM]

I deny circular arguements that fundamentally can only be extrapolated and leave God looking guilty as hell

Universalism and open theism is not to be promoted in this orthodox biblical forum.

see Rules

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

In your experience, what's the most common mistaken assumption people make about our doctrines?

In my limited and errant experiences, the most common probably has to do with free will or predestination. It seems many buy into the misconception that Calvinists deny "free will". At one time it seemed that way to me, until I learned more about "compatibilism" what that means, and the different theological/philosophical positions concerning the will, and also read from primary sources enough to get an idea of the position of a number of prominent Calvinists throughout history. JM brought up another common (and mistaken) assumption, which is also often constructed as an insult.

 

[MoreCoffee]

What is, in your considered opinions, a correct conception about Calvinism?

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

What is, in your considered opinions, a correct conception about Calvinism?

The go to conceptions in my humble opinion, are stated best and most plainly in the bodies of Reformed confessions.

I would start with The Three Forms of Unity...

...from there I would glean from the Westminster Confession including Scripture proofs.

There are many agreed upon shared conceptions within the refined scope of Reformed Christianity, such as the Five Solas and the Five Points which highlight distinctives of Reformed Christianity.

 

[MoreCoffee]

The go to conceptions in my humble opinion, are stated best and most plainly in the bodies of Reformed confessions.

I would start with The Three Forms of Unity...

...from there I would glean from the Westminster Confession including Scripture proofs.

There are many agreed upon shared conceptions within the refined scope of Reformed Christianity, such as the Five Solas and the Five Points which highlight distinctives of Reformed Christianity.

Okay.

May ask if you accept what the Westminster confession of faith has to say about sabbath observance, for example?

CHAPTER 21
Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day

7. As it is the law of nature, that, in general, a due proportion of time be set apart for the worship of God; so, in his Word, by a positive, moral, and perpetual commandment binding all men in all ages, he hath particularly appointed one day in seven, for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unto him: which, from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and, from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week, which, in Scripture, is called the Lord's day, and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath.

8. This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations, but also are taken up, the whole time, in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy.​

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

May ask if you accept what the Westminster confession of faith has to say about sabbath observance, for example?

I am sorry but may I ask why or why not it is important that I accept or deny what the WCF has to say about sabbath observance?

The nature of the question begs a personal answer, one which the public has no right to, but I will offer one, nonetheless.

Something worth consideration is this, in matters pertaining to observance or obedience, the WCF is not (nor claims to be) an exhaustive treatment of the matter by any means. So, I can agree with the WCF, and I can also confess that I am guilty of not following what I agree with and believe, not only not following perfectly, but falling woefully short and in need of great mercy and forgiveness from my great and merciful Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

This is not an excuse, but personally I live in an area where, if a person is not at least willing to work on Sunday's, it is likely the same person will be unemployed without any income for God only knows how long. I doubt God would have His people (including family) starved to death before working on a Sunday. How often we forget that Christ is our Sabbath, that He is our rest, and our rest is in Him, the Lord of the Sabbath.

Finally, I would like to suggest that Sabbath observance, is not a Reformed distinctive, such that it would lead to a correct conception about Calvinism.

 

[MoreCoffee]

I am sorry but may I ask why or why not it is important that I accept or deny what the WCF has to say about sabbath observance?

Your personal acceptance or rejection of WCF teaching on the sabbath isn't important to Calvinism as a whole or to the world at large. That there is a teaching about the sabbath in the WCF indicates that the issue of sabbath observance was important in the system of doctrine that the WCF presents.

The nature of the question begs a personal answer, one which the public has no right to, but I will offer one, nonetheless.

Something worth consideration is this, in matters pertaining to observance or obedience, the WCF is not (nor claims to be) an exhaustive treatment of the matter by any means. So, I can agree with the WCF, and I can also confess that I am guilty of not following what I agree with and believe, not only not following perfectly, but falling woefully short and in need of great mercy and forgiveness from my great and merciful Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

This is not an excuse, but personally I live in an area where, if a person is not at least willing to work on Sunday's, it is likely the same person will be unemployed without any income for God only knows how long. I doubt God would have His people (including family) starved to death before working on a Sunday. How often we forget that Christ is our Sabbath, that He is our rest, and our rest is in Him, the Lord of the Sabbath.

Finally, I would like to suggest that Sabbath observance, is not a Reformed distinctive, such that it would lead to a correct conception about Calvinism.

 

[MoreCoffee]

May I ask if the WCF teaching on the civil magistrate is part of a correct conception of Calvinism?

CHAPTER XXIII.

Of the Civil Magistrate.

I. God, the Supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under him over the people, for his own glory and the public good; and to this end, hath armed them with the power of the sword, for the defense and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evil-doers.

II. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate when called thereunto; in the managing whereof, as they ought especially to maintain piety, justice, and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each commonwealth, so, for that end, they may lawfully, now under the New Testament, wage war upon just and necessary occasions.

III. The civil magistrate may not assume to himself the administration of the Word and sacraments, or the power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven: yet he hath authority, and it is his duty, to take order, that unity and peace be preserved in the Church, that the truth of God be kept pure and entire; that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed; all corruptions and abuses in worship and discipline prevented or reformed; and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed. For the better effecting whereof, he hath power to call synods, to be present at them, and to provide that whatsoever is transacted in them be according to the mind of God.

IV. It is the duty of the people to pray for magistrates, to honor their persons, to pay them tribute and other dues, to obey their lawful commands, and to be subject to their authority, for conscience' sake. Infidelity, or difference in religion, doth not make void the magistrate's just and legal authority, nor free the people from their obedience to him: from which ecclesiastical persons are not exempted; much less hath the Pope any power or jurisdiction over them in their dominions, or over any of their people; and least of all to deprive them of their dominions or lives, if he shall judge them to be heretics, or upon any other pretense whatsoever.​

I set the text to bold for a portion of section III (3) because it appears to be out of step with secularism as it is practised in the theory of government current in the USA by means of the USA constitution and its amendments. Is the bold text also a part of a correct concept of Calvinism?

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

May I ask if the WCF teaching on the civil magistrate is part of a correct conception of Calvinism?

CHAPTER XXIII.

Of the Civil Magistrate.

I. God, the Supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under him over the people, for his own glory and the public good; and to this end, hath armed them with the power of the sword, for the defense and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evil-doers.

II. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate when called thereunto; in the managing whereof, as they ought especially to maintain piety, justice, and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each commonwealth, so, for that end, they may lawfully, now under the New Testament, wage war upon just and necessary occasions.

III. The civil magistrate may not assume to himself the administration of the Word and sacraments, or the power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven: yet he hath authority, and it is his duty, to take order, that unity and peace be preserved in the Church, that the truth of God be kept pure and entire; that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed; all corruptions and abuses in worship and discipline prevented or reformed; and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed. For the better effecting whereof, he hath power to call synods, to be present at them, and to provide that whatsoever is transacted in them be according to the mind of God.

IV. It is the duty of the people to pray for magistrates, to honor their persons, to pay them tribute and other dues, to obey their lawful commands, and to be subject to their authority, for conscience' sake. Infidelity, or difference in religion, doth not make void the magistrate's just and legal authority, nor free the people from their obedience to him: from which ecclesiastical persons are not exempted; much less hath the Pope any power or jurisdiction over them in their dominions, or over any of their people; and least of all to deprive them of their dominions or lives, if he shall judge them to be heretics, or upon any other pretense whatsoever.​

I set the text to bold for a portion of section III (3) because it appears to be out of step with secularism as it is practised in the theory of government current in the USA by means of the USA constitution and its amendments. Is the bold text also a part of a correct concept of Calvinism?

What you are doing my friend in asking such questions is akin to me quoting from Levitical laws (especially the rather unpleasant ones) from Scripture, and asking if it represents a correct concept of biblical Civil Magistrate, and further if you agree with which involves personal observance.

I answered your question, but it seems you prefer red herrings, which sadly I entertained.

 

[MoreCoffee]

What you are doing my friend in asking such questions is akin to me quoting from Levitical laws (especially the rather unpleasant ones) from Scripture, and asking if it represents a correct concept of biblical Civil Magistrate, and further if you agree with which involves personal observance.

I answered your question, but it seems you prefer red herrings, which sadly I entertained.

The chapters on the civil magistrate and religious worship and the sabbath day are both parts of the system of doctrine presented in the WCF and since the WCF along with the three forms of unity were recommended as a starting place for the formation of an accurate conception of Calvinism it seems both reasonable and helpful to ask questions about the content of the WCF as I attempt to form a correct conception of Calvinism thus avoiding misconceptions. Why is that a red herring?

 

[moonbeam]

This is not an excuse, but personally I live in an area where, if a person is not at least willing to work on Sunday's, it is likely the same person will be unemployed without any income for God only knows how long. I doubt God would have His people (including family) starved to death before working on a Sunday. How often we forget that Christ is our Sabbath, that He is our rest, and our rest is in Him, the Lord of the Sabbath.

I must say…though there is no need that I do so.

I find your response most agreeable…anyone for a coffee break?

.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

The chapters on the civil magistrate and religious worship and the sabbath day are both parts of the system of doctrine presented in the WCF and since the WCF along with the three forms of unity were recommended as a starting place for the formation of an accurate conception of Calvinism it seems both reasonable and helpful to ask questions about the content of the WCF as I attempt to form a correct conception of Calvinism thus avoiding misconceptions. Why is that a red herring?

The concepts on the civil magistrate and religious worship and the sabbath day are not unique to Reformed theology are they? Neither do these define the major differences between what Calvinism is and is not do they?

Should I have included the Thirty Nine Articles too, and the London Baptist Confession?

Maybe I should have narrowed "Calvinism" down to The Canons of the Council of Orange and The Canons of Dordt for people with rabbit trail tendencies.

I thought this was about common misconceptions about "Calvinism" in the modern sense of the word, not civil magistrate and religious worship and the sabbath day, none of which define modern "Calvinism", though Reformed Christianity has always had positions on, ever striving to be faithful to God and the Scriptures.