There has been much talk over the last few years about the rise of Calvinism within American evangelicalism in general and within the SBC in particular. Not surprisingly, some people are thrilled about this, others are aghast, and others don't care.
I'm one of the ones who is thrilled, but only to a degree. I'm thrilled because Calvinism rightly understood sees God's glory as the ultimate goal in the universe. Salvation is all the work of God as He interacts graciously with man. If we understand this correctly, Calvinism should only bring about humility - after all, salvation is all the work of God. So, count me a Calvinist if this is what it means.
I'm only thrilled to a degree, as I said above, because for some odd reason there are some (mostly young) annoying Calvinists out there. I've heard about this type of person, but I had never actually seen/heard one until recently.
A few weeks ago I wandered into our local Lifeway Store in Savannah. I immediately heard a group of young men, who all appeared to be college age, laughing and having a good time. No problem there. Unfortunately, the laughing and joking continued and continued. I was curious so I walked over near them. Then I saw him. The "ringleader" was truly a young, annoying Calvinist.
He was almost a stereotype. He was wearing a Monergism T-shirt that had the words "John Calvin" on the back. This by itself was fine, but his attitude was not. He proceeded to tell his buddies loudly how the ESV Study Bible was basically the greatest bible ever (I like my copy of this bible, but his overstatement was ridiculous). He was also talking about how the ESV translation is the best because it "comes straight from the NA-27 Greek Edition." This guy probably had very little idea of what he was even talking about. He was a good example of the maxim "a little knowledge can be very dangerous."
He just kept talking and talking. His friends just kept laughing and laughing. I couldn't figure it out. After discussing the wonders of the ESV, they decided to shift the conversation and tear down most of the other bible versions there. Sigh.
The biggest problem I had with this young man was that although he was a Christian, his attitude was a prideful turnoff. Additionally, he was perpetuating the stereotype that Calvinists are arrogant.
So, they do exist - annoying Calvinists. I'm sad to say I met one.
I hope I'm not one myself. When we properly (biblically) understand that God is absolutely sovereign over salvation, this ought to cause us all to be extremely humble people. There is no room for arrogance in the Kingdom of God.
2 comments:
Pastor Eric -
How does a person "become saved?" As a Catholic, I've been taught that I was saved at Baptism (I came from my mom and dad, obviously, who devoted me to God -- this is a consistent pattern throughout the Bible. Children are all saved, obviously, based on the clear teaching of Jesus, not to mention common sense).
I WAS saved then, as a child.
Now, I am in the process of BEING saved, as an adult.
In the future, when time is irrelevant (God lives outside of time and space), I WILL BE saved, I believe and hope.
Some people pretend that they know the future, but they are being presumptuous, or at least disingenuous. I would come right out and say they are lying, if you would pardon my harsh language. Nobody KNOWS the future, except God.
What is your belief about Catholics like me? Are we saved? Don't beat around the bush. Are you claiming that most of the world's Christians (Roman Catholics) are not "saved?"
Joe,
Thank you for your comment.
I'm not sure if you are asking genuine questions or trying to make a point. However, I'll go ahead and answer your question about salvation anyway.
The first issue, however, is authority. The bible is our authority, so I will answer your questions based upon scripture.
A person is saved (justified) when they declare faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In Romans 10:9, Paul writes, "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
We are saved based upon our faith.
Another key point is that we are saved apart from works. It is God's grace alone that saves, through our faith. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Salvation occurs at a point in time (the point of faith). Sanctification (growing in holiness) occurs over the remainder of our lives after salvation.
You asked at the end of your comment whether or not Catholics are saved. I really have no idea. I do know that anyone who has faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is saved. If you have faith, then you are saved.
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