Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism

Introduction

• Speaker: Eric Holmberg
• Purpose: To explore the history and theology of Calvinism, specifically focusing on how a sinner is redeemed before a just and holy God.

Key Themes

1. Sovereignty of God

   • God enables us to live and breathe; life is a gift of grace.
   • Salvation is not a collaborative effort between God and man; it's solely by God's grace.

2. Nature of Man and Sin

   • Augustine: Man is born dead in sin and requires resurrection.
   • Calvinism asserts total depravity; humans are completely unable to choose God without divine intervention.

3. Doctrine of Salvation

   • Calvinism teaches salvation by grace alone, not by human effort or decision.
   • Faith itself is a gift from God, not a human achievement.

4. Historical Context

   • Pelagian Controversy: Pelagius vs. Augustine
     • Pelagius believed in man's ability to choose righteousness without divine aid.
     • Augustine emphasized human dependence on God's grace.
   • Council of Carthage (412 AD):
     • Condemned Pelagianism, affirming original sin and need for divine grace.

5. Reformation and Calvinism

   • Martin Luther: Advocated for salvation by faith and grace alone, opposing semi-Pelagian views.
   • Council of Trent (1545–1563): Roman Catholic counter-reformation asserting human cooperation in salvation.
   • Synod of Dort (1618–1619):
     • Reaffirmed Calvinist doctrines against Arminianism, which echoed semi-Pelagian beliefs.
     • Formulated the Five Points of Calvinism in response to Arminian challenges.

6. Calvinism vs. Arminianism

   • Calvinism: Unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.
   • Arminianism: Conditional election, universal atonement, resistible grace, and potential for falling away.
   • Calvinism emphasizes God's sovereignty and election based purely on His will, not human action.

7. Evangelism and God’s Sovereignty

   • Calvinism does not negate evangelism; it's a command and privilege.
   • God uses human means to fulfill His will in saving the elect.

8. Contemporary Implications

   • Calvinism provides a framework for understanding Scripture's inerrancy and God's plan.
   • It has influenced theological and political thought, emphasizing God's sovereign rule over human affairs.

Conclusion

• Key Takeaway: Calvinism asserts the exclusivity of God's grace in salvation, challenging human autonomy and emphasizing divine sovereignty.
• An appeal to embrace the doctrines of grace as a true reflection of biblical teaching and God's redemptive plan.