However, as I've learned about John Calvin's observations on sin and grace, I feel inclined to agree with him. Questions about heaven, hell, and salvation seem to have some clarity and bring me some peace of mind.
For those who aren't well-learned of church history, John Calvin was among many thinkers who furthered the Reformation or Protestant movement. I don't want anyone to think that I'm somehow worshipping Calvin or elevating him to prophet status. In fact, for this reason many prefer to be identified as Reformed. It's merely referring to those who agree with Calvin's studies and interpretations about Christian theology. I believe in the same tenets and foundations as my family and friends who are Christians.
I'll be honest in saying that I don't know anyone personally that follows this school of thought. I know at one point that there was a movement within my own church to push for this system. However, this was years back. What little knowledge I have of Calvinism has been gathered from a podcast series that focused on it and a little bit of reading here and there. I'm not claiming to be an authority or even terribly knowledgable about it, but I can express my own reflections on what I've learned. Onward to my reasons.
My investigations on Calvin's interpretation of divine election and grace have provoked thoughts and, potentially, answers to things that I frequently ponder. Particularly as of late. The concept of irresistable grace, that a person who might be completely hostile to Christianity and then joins the Body of Christ, for example, explains some things. Another example could pertain to our concern about areas of the world where people are unaware or not exposed to Christianity. Through this idea of irresistable grace, we can take comfort in knowing that the Father is more than fair and chooses His elect without discrimination. No location, color, age, gender, or history can obstruct His blessing of election. It is not earned, but given. Through His will, an individual among the elect will naturally be pulled into accepting Christ's gift of salvation. This doesn't negate the necessity to witness, but it does bring a sense of privilege and devotion toward Him in that we can be His instrument to carry out His will.
On the other side of the coin, this can also explain how certain individuals will adamantly refuse and reject Christianity. They could be subjected to the most compelling of evidence or experiences and still would not admit that Christ is Lord. I know someone that is exactly like this. I've mentioned him in a previous entry. Both the doctrines of total depravity and irresistable grace (or lack thereof) could feasibly explain that. I hope that I'm wrong and he comes around.
What has likely given me the most to occupy my mind is the fifth point of Calvinism, Perserverance of the Saints. This is not new doctrine for me as my church has always taught this view. However, my exposure to it from the aforementioned podcast provided food for thought. When leading the reformation, Martin Luther was challenged on this view by the Roman Catholic Church. They objected to this interpretation of scripture, believing that if salvation did not require continuous renewal then man would feel free to do as he pleased without fear of repercussions. Luther replied that one who has the gift of salvation will desire to please God. The point being that a Christian, a true Christian, displays the fruits of the Spirit. It may not be apparent to others, but God knows. We generally look at the people that are "playing the part" and make a judgement call based on that. It's all about the heart. It's reflected in whether you're being good to become a Christian or you're being good as a result of being a Christian.
I lost a close friend some time ago. His mother, naturally, was concerned about where he was in eternity. She asked me if I thought he was in heaven. I said that I hoped so and assured her that God is more than fair. I told her that if he was saved, then his soul would be with Christ. Then she got into some other stuff that Roman Catholics don't believe in getting saved (which is not true, FYI), but it did get me thinking. Assuming that he had asked for salvation, did he receive it? By that I mean, in his heart was he really asking for it? I knew my friend for nearly his entire life and yet I never found myself exposed to his fruits of the Spirit. He never expressed much love for religion or anything remotely spiritual.
What I'm saying is that it made me realize that words from the mouth do not bring salvation. Words from the heart do. My inclination is to believe that my friend did not receive salvation. It's disconcerting on one hand at the thought of my friend being in hell. On the other hand, God is fair. Beyond more than fair. I take comfort in knowing that. It's nothing I have control over, anyway.
As far as points of doctrine that are chaffing to me, I have a hard time with limited atonement. I believe that Christ's sacrifice atoned for the sins of everyone and not just those among the unmerited elect. The idea that even the possibility of salvation is denied to many people seems to fly in the face of God's gift of free will. However, the Calvinist's understanding of free will seems to function differently than what is taught to Arminians. But getting into that might make this entry even more longer than it is now. Maybe another time.
It's been fun reading and learning about this stuff if for no other reason than to provide me with the challenge to observe my faith through a different set of lenses.
-L. Travis Hoffman
5/1/2015
