• The system known as Calvinism dates back to Augustine, well before Calvin.
  • Calvinism is based on a misunderstanding of the sovereignty of God.
  • God has the power to save, but also the power and right to set the conditions for salvation.
  • Matthew 11:28-29
  • John Calvin endorsed the beliefs of Augustine and expanded on them. The five points of Calvinism were formed during the Synod of Dort in the 1618-1619.
  • Calvinism is based on the belief that God saves man without intervention from man. Sinners do not save themselves in any manner at all.
  • The Five Points
    • Total depravity: Born guilty of Adam’s sin; thus, totally inclined to evil, incapable of a good thought or deed.
    • Unconditional predestination: Being born incapable of a good thought, none could choose to be saved; therefore, God chose some to be saved.
    • Limited atonement: God chose some to be saved; some were not chosen, therefore Christ died only for the chosen ones.
    • Irresistible grace (direct operation of the Holy Spirit): God chose some to be saved and sent the Holy Spirit upon those He had chosen.
    • Perseverance of saints (once saved, always saved)
  • A logical system
    • Each step follows very logically.
  • Logical, but wrong!