The 'C' Word
Just to make sure, I did a Bible Gateway search to see if the word ‘Calvin’ is in the Bible. To my utter shock and amazement, it was no where to be found in scripture. (Smile) And this is why I do not understand why prominent, learned theologians keep referring to a Biblical doctrine as “Calvinism”.
Does anyone else find this bizarre? Here we have one of the most precious truths of our Sovereign God referred to by the name of a mere man.
Think about this for a moment. What if the ‘Free Will’ folks referred to an alter call as a “Finney” or “Finneyism”? Or, how about referring to a ‘decision for Christ’ as a ‘Graham’. Now, I realize that alter calls and ‘decisions’ came about earlier but do you get the point? It really is silly, isn’t it?
I really do believe that referring to Election as Calvinism keeps many from recognizing Election as really ‘Election’. They can only think of that cold heartless Calvin with the long beard and funny hat using his magistrates to go gunning for the Anabaptists. Or, his ordering of ‘green wood’ so that Servetus would take longer to burn at the stake.
When the outcry over the burning of Servetus reached its nadir, Calvin wrote that he was being persecuted!
Is this someone you want to name the precious doctrine of Election after? Do we ever want to name any truth from our Sovereign God after a mere man?
Now, I realize that Calvin deserves some respect and honor due to his articulation of Biblical precepts and I do not want to negate that. But Election does not belong to Calvin nor did Election come from Calvin. Election belongs to God. And somehow, I am not too sure God is pleased about us calling it Calvinism. He wants the Glory for this Doctrine of Grace all to Himself.
As for me and my house, we will call it Election.
Does anyone else find this bizarre? Here we have one of the most precious truths of our Sovereign God referred to by the name of a mere man.
Think about this for a moment. What if the ‘Free Will’ folks referred to an alter call as a “Finney” or “Finneyism”? Or, how about referring to a ‘decision for Christ’ as a ‘Graham’. Now, I realize that alter calls and ‘decisions’ came about earlier but do you get the point? It really is silly, isn’t it?
I really do believe that referring to Election as Calvinism keeps many from recognizing Election as really ‘Election’. They can only think of that cold heartless Calvin with the long beard and funny hat using his magistrates to go gunning for the Anabaptists. Or, his ordering of ‘green wood’ so that Servetus would take longer to burn at the stake.
When the outcry over the burning of Servetus reached its nadir, Calvin wrote that he was being persecuted!
Is this someone you want to name the precious doctrine of Election after? Do we ever want to name any truth from our Sovereign God after a mere man?
Now, I realize that Calvin deserves some respect and honor due to his articulation of Biblical precepts and I do not want to negate that. But Election does not belong to Calvin nor did Election come from Calvin. Election belongs to God. And somehow, I am not too sure God is pleased about us calling it Calvinism. He wants the Glory for this Doctrine of Grace all to Himself.
As for me and my house, we will call it Election.
7 comments:
Is it just me, or have you noticed a disproportionate number of those seeking truth at BBC also adhere to the doctrines of grace and election?
Hmm. Just noticed my posts are an hour ahead. It's 2:31 on my computer...
Yes, I have noticed that, too. hmmmmm.
Thanks for not calling it the 'C' word! :o/
I am in a different time zone. Actually, I am in the twilight zone more these days.....
Different time zone? I guess that and your speaking of Bellevue as "they" means you're not a member. And here I was hoping to meet you afore long. :-(
I'd like to converse privately if you wouldn't mind emailing me...
Oh my...and I am missing out on this conversation? Oh drats!
"Calvin"-ism is more often overshadowed by HYPERCALVINISM. Spurgeon has several works disputing hypercalvinism.
Its funny to see "finney"-ism. I almost spit my coffee on my computer! lol
When in conversation, I will try to avoid terminology with "Calvin" because of the stigma caused by the incorrect assumptions HYPER-calvinism.
Election is, I believe, probably the most beautiful doctrine of the Bible. That is as understood as part of the doctrines of grace.
Scott, Welcome brother!
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