CALVINISM
John Calvin (1509-1564) was one of the most influential teachers in the history of Christianity and was founder of the Presbyterian church. Over 50 million people regard themselves Calvinist (example: Baptists). It is based on five false doctrines (“TULIP”):
1. TOTAL HEREDITARY DEPRAVITY. Every child is born guilty of inherited sin, totally corrupt spiritually and unable to choose God. Read Dt 30:19 which says “…therefore choose,” and Ez 18:20: “The son shall not inherit the sin of the father…” Innocent babes are going to hell. Completely false
2.UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION. God determined the eternal fate of all people before time began… before you were born you would be either saved or damned. It denies free will. Read Ez 18:23, 2 Pet 3:9, Gal 5:4, Heb 12:15 and Rev 2:10. Totally false.
3. LIMITED ATONEMENT. Christ’s death only atoned for the sins of those elected to be saved. John 2:2 says the blood forgives the sins of the whole world. Absolutely false.
4. IRRESISTABLE GRACE. Salvation is by grace alone. The Bible teaches us how to respond to the favor or grace of God (Tit 2:11-12a). Belief, repentance, confession, right living must be thrown out. Altogether false.
5. PERSEVERANCE IN GRACE, or “once you are saved”, it is impossible to fall away.” Heb 6:4-6 states some DID fall away. Paul said he COULD fall away (I Cor 9:27). Ridiculously false.
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