THREE MAJOR THINGS CALVINISM DESTROYS
#1- Calvinism Destroys the Cross of Christ
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18
In Calvinism, election, not the cross of Christ, is the ultimate decider of one’s salvation. If you don’t agree, then ask any Calvinist how he knows for sure that he’s saved. If he’s a consistent Calvinist, his answer has to be that he hopes he’s one of the elect. His salvation does not focus simply on believing in the life, death and resurrection of Christ according to the Scriptures.
His hope must go beyond, or rather before, the cross, to what he’s been taught by Calvinistic philosophy. His hope must be placed in Calvinism’s idea of God’s mysterious, unconditional election for only some to be saved.
If your faith is ultimately placed in Calvinistic election,
then the cross of Christ is, at best, a stepping stone.
“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” 1 Corinthians 1:17
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#2 – Calvinism Destroys God’s Character
“God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5b
If God is sovereign in the consistently Calvinistic view, then God must be sovereign, that is to say micromanaging, over all things, not just some things.
If we take this to its logical conclusion, then just as A.W. Pink and other consistent Calvinists have concluded, God MUST be the author and arbiter of evil. If this were true, which it’s not, that would mean evil is actually designed and implemented by God.
In actuality, this is more of a Hinduistic concept than a Biblical one. In Hinduism and most, if not all, eastern philosophies and religions, there is neither good nor evil. There is simply a demand to balance light and dark. Both are necessary. Neither is an enemy. Neither is an intruder. Both will remain forever.
To say that God is the author of good and evil essentially renders evil a necessary thing caused and brought about by our good and loving Creator. To cling to Calvinism in a strict and consistent manner, one will inevitably and often unwittingly find himself representing a redefined and unbiblical view of both good and evil. No longer is evil truly an enemy. No longer is it an intruder in the “very good” universe spoken into existence by our good God. Regardless of what many may argue, in a Calvinistic system, evil is simply the other side of the same coin and would have to be a necessary and created tool from and for God. To say otherwise would be to say that there is something that is outside of God’s Calvinistically sovereign origination and manipulation.
In order to follow Calvinistic sovereignty (micromanaged determinism/manipulation) to its logical end, one will be forced to redefine and reinterpret God’s Word and God’s very character. The Bible is clear that God is good. He is not the author of evil. He does not tempt men. There is no darkness in Him… AT ALL. (1 John 1:5)
It seems only reasonable to conclude if someone believes that God is the designer and micromanaging manipulator of everything, then He must be the author of evil. If this is the case, then either evil is not darkness or one’s philosophy on the matter is evil.
When Bible-believing Christians think of sin, two things should come to mind… self and Satan… Never the Savior. Jesus coming to earth as a man and living a sinless life clearly demonstrated that God is neither the author nor a lover of sin.
God chose to become sin for us, but NEVER did He choose for us to sin. (2 Corinthians 5:21) To say otherwise is an absolute attack
on God’s very character.
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is NOT of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16 [Emphasis mine]
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither does He tempt any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:13-17
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#3- Calvinism Destroys God’s Glory
“Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things. And blessed be His glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen, and Amen.” Psalms 72:18-19
Calvinism’s ultimate end goal isn’t about God’s sufficient work on the cross nor God’s sustaining power by the Holy Spirit in our day-to-day sanctification.
Regardless of Calvinist claims that Calvinism is all about God’s glory, the ultimate goal of Calvinism takes man’s focus away from God and onto himself. This is revealed in its last letter of T.U.L.I.P. The “P” stands for Perseverance of the Saints. This point reveals the end goal of Calvinism’s philosophy.
Calvinism is not ultimately about giving glory to God, but rather to man. The number one issue for every consistent Calvinist is that no one really knows whether he is part of the elect or not. The only way a Calvinist could ever possibly be somewhat reassured of his salvation would either be in his infant baptism or in his continued perseverance, that is to say his consistent and continued good works.
Perseverance of the Saints doesn’t place one’s final hope in the finished work of Jesus but rather in one’s own good works. Just like Eve, Calvinism will inevitably lead its consistent followers to focus on their fruit, not the Root (Jesus).
The reasoning here is if you continue to do good works each minute of every day, then those good works will verify or validate that God has elected you unto salvation. It is not in His resurrected victory over sin and death. It is not ultimately in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is in his perseverance, ultimately validated by his good deeds.
Ultimately speaking, a Calvinist’s hope is not completely, totally,
and sufficiently in the finished work Christ.
If our final assurance comes from our own persevering works on a daily basis, then we must conclude that Calvinism leads men to focus on their own works instead of the finished work of Christ. Calvinism not only leads many of its sincere followers into a confused and often disheartened view of Christianity. It also takes one’s heart and mind away from God and His glorious Word and work and instead fixes our hope and joy in our good works.
This is neither good nor glorifying to the Lord.
“Give unto the LORD, O you mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” Psalms 29:1-2