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''Synopsis:'' {{Infobox_Contents |topic_name = Calvinism is a system of Christian theology advanced by [[John Calvin]], a Protestant Reformer in the 16th century, and further developed by his followers. The term also refers to the doctrines and practices of the Reformed churches, of which Calvin was an early leader. Calvinism is perhaps best known for its doctrine of [|subtopics = [predestination]], and its history is associated with some notable experiments in Christian [[theocracyHypercalvinism]]. {{rtoc}}{{topics}}

* [[John Calvin]]* [[Predestination]] |opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |}}

==Main articleBackground==

Calvinism is a system of [[theology]] advanced by [[John Calvin]], a [[Protestant]] Reformer in based on the 16th century, understanding that God is completely sovereign and further developed by his followershas preordained all that comes to pass. The term also refers "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the doctrines and practices purpose of him who works all things according to the Reformed churches, counsel of which Calvin was an early leaderhis will... Calvinism is perhaps best known for its doctrine of " ([[predestinationEphesians 1:11]]). Because the Bible teaches that not all people are saved and that God is not frustrated in his plans or desires, Calvinism maintains that God has predetermined who will be saved and its history is sovereignly dispenses saving grace accordingly. The theological terms most often associated with some notable experiments Calvinism are "predestination" and "election", which refer to the particularity of God's grace in Christian theocracysalvation.

Calvinism is based on the understanding that God is completely sovereign and has preordained all that comes to pass. "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will..." ([[Ephesians 1:11]]). Because the Bible teaches that all people are not saved and that God is not frustrated in his plans or desires, Calvinism maintains that God has predetermined who will be saved and sovereignly dispenses his saving grace accordingly. The theological terms most often associated with Calvinism are predestination and election which refer to the particularity of God's grace in salvation.  Calvinism is named after 16th century Reformer, John Calvin , whose overall theology is contained in his [[Institutes of the Christian Religion]] (1559). Sometimes Calvinism is referred to by other names , such as "Augustinianism" , because Calvin basically followed [[Augustine]] (A.D. 354-430) in areas of predestination and the sovereignty of God.

====Five points of Calvinism (known by the acronym TULIP)====

The Calvinist doctrine of salvation is summarized in what is commonly called the Five Points of Calvinism. These five points are a summary of summarize the Canons of Dort , which in turn was the judgment judgement of the Synod of Dort (1618 -1619) against related Arminian teaching. These five points are not intended to be a comprehensive summary of Calvinism or Reformed doctrine, but only an exposition on the particular points in dispute disputes raised by the Arminians of that day.

The effect unregenerate (unsaved) person is dead in sin ([[Romans 5:12]]). Without the power of the fall upon man Holy Spirit, the natural person is that sin has extended blind and deaf to every part the message of his personality -- his thinking, his emotions, and his willthe gospel ([[Mark 4:11]]f). Not necessarily that he This is intensely sinful, but that sin why total depravity has extended also been called "total inability." The person without a knowledge of God will never come to his entire beingthis knowledge unless God makes that person alive through Christ ([[Ephesians 2:1]]-5).

Unconditional election Limited atonement (also known as "definite atonement") is a doctrine offered in answer to the doctrine which states question, "for whose sins did Christ atone?" The Bible teaches that God chose Christ died for those whom he was pleased God gave him to bring to a knowledge of himself, not based upon any merit shown by the object of his grace and not based upon foreseen faith save (especially a mere decisional faith[[John 17:9]]). God has electedChrist died for many people, based solely upon the counsel of his own will, some for glory and others but not for damnation all (Romans 9[[Matthew 26:15,2128]]). He has done this act before Specifically, Christ died for the foundations invisible Church – the sum total of all those who would ever rightly bear the world name "Christian" ([[Ephesians 5:25]], [[1John 2:4-82]]).

The result of God's irresistible grace is the certain response by the elect to the inward call of the Holy Spirit, when the outward call is given by the evangelist or minister of the Word of God. Christ himself taught that all whom God has elected will come to a knowledge of him ([[John 6:37]]). People come to Christ in salvation when the Father calls them ([[John 6:44]]), and the very Spirit of God leads God''Limited Atonement'''s beloved to repentance ([[Romans 8:14]]).

Limited atonement (also known as "definite atonement") is a doctrine offered in answer to the question, "for whose sins did Christ atone?" The Bible teaches that Christ died for those whom God gave him to save (John 17:9). Christ died, indeed, for many people, but not all (Matthew 26:28). Specifically, Christ died for the invisible Church -- the sum total ===Perseverance of all those who would ever rightly bear the name "Christian" (Ephesians 5:25). Saints===

The result Five Solas of God's irresistible grace is the certain response by the elect Reformation are not unique to the inward call of the Holy SpiritCalvinism, when nor are they necessarily unique to the outward call is given by the evangelist or minister of the Word of God. ChristReformed tradition in Christianity, himselfhowever, teaches that all whom God has elected will come they are integral to a knowledge of him (John 6:37). Men come to Christ in salvation when the Father calls them (John 6:44), and the very Spirit theological perspective of God leads God's beloved to repentance (Romans 8:14). What a comfort it is to know that the gospel of Christ will penetrate our hard, sinful hearts Calvinism and wondrously save us through the gracious inward call of the Holy Spirit (I Peter 5therefore bear restating here:10)!

* '''Perseverance of the SaintsSola Scriptura'''– by the Scriptures alone, in reference to authority.

Those called and justified will certainly be glorified (Romans 8:28-39). The work of sanctification which God has brought about in his elect will continue until it reaches its fulfillment in eternal life (Phil. 1:6). * '''Solo Christo''' – by Christ assures the elect that he will not lose them alone, as our sole mediator and that they will be glorified at the "last day" (John 6:39). The Calvinist stands upon the Word of intercessor before God and trusts in Christ's promise that he will perfectly fulfill the will of the Father in saving all the elect.

====The Five Solas of * '''Soli Deo gloria''' – to God alone the Reformation====glory.

Sola Scriptura - by the Scriptures aloneNote: These are commonly used to caricature Calvinist or Reformation doctrine, in reference but most only apply to those who hold to authoritysome form of "Hyper-Calvinism".

Solo Christo * No need for evangelism - by Christ alone"If God has preordained whatsoever comes to pass, as our sole mediator and intercessor before God. pre-selected all whom he is going to save, then where is the need for evangelism?"

Sola gratia - by grace alone, in reference to salvation.  Soli Deo gloria - to God alone the glory.   ====Common carricatures of Calvinism==== Note: These are commonly used to caricature calvinist or reformation doctrine, but most only apply to those who hold to some form of "Hyper-Calvinism".  No need for evangelism - "If God has preordained whatsoever comes to pass, and pre-selected all whom he is going to save, then where is the need for evangelism?"  * God's coercion of sinners and saints - "Calvinism says that God forces people to do things against their will."

{{returnto}} [[PredestinationChristianity]] -> [[Theology]]  [[Category:Denominations]][[Category:Reformed]][[Category:Protestant]]