John Calvin ( ) FOUNDER of The Presbyterian Church (Switzerland, 1536 AD) A Number of Churches Teach His Fundamental Doctrine.

CalvinismT U L I P otal Hereditary Depravity nconditional Election imited Atonement rresistible Grace erseverance of the Saints

CalvinismTULIP otal Hereditary Depravity nconditional Election imited Atonement rresistible Grace erseverance of the Saints

Calvinism “Christ’s redeeming work was intended to save the elect only and actually secured salvation for them. His death was a substitutionary sacrifice of the penalty of sin in the place of certain specified sinners. In addition to putting away the sins of His people, Christ’s redemption secured everything necessary for their salvation, including faith, which united them to Him. The gift of faith is infallibly applied by the Spirit to all for whom Christ died, thereby guaranteeing their salvation.” David N. Steele & Curtis C. Thomas, The Five Points of Calvinism, Defined, Defended, Documented (p. 17) Limited Atonement

Calvinism “He came into the world to represent and save only those given to him by the Father. Thus Christ’s saving work was limited in that it was designed to save some and not others.” David N. Steele & Curtis C. Thomas, The Five Points of Calvinism, Defined, Defended, Documented (p. 39) “We believe that God has an elect people whom he has chosen unto eternal salvation. We believe that the atonement of Christ was for that chosen number and no one else.” Eddie Garrett (Primitive Baptist), The Christian Baptist, March 1972

Calvinism Limited Atonement –Dictionary.com UnabridgedLimited Atonement – Dictionary.com Unabridged Limited – “the final, utmost, or furthest boundary or point as to extent, amount; a boundary or bound, as of a country, area, or district.”Limited – “the final, utmost, or furthest boundary or point as to extent, amount; a boundary or bound, as of a country, area, or district.” Atonement – “satisfaction or reparation for a wrong or injury; amends. Theology. the doctrine concerning the reconciliation of God and humankind, esp. as accomplished through the life, suffering, and death of Christ.”Atonement – “satisfaction or reparation for a wrong or injury; amends. Theology. the doctrine concerning the reconciliation of God and humankind, esp. as accomplished through the life, suffering, and death of Christ.” Limited Atonement

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Calvinism Limited Atonement Cf. v. 16, “And OTHER SHEEP I HAVE, which are NOT OF THIS FOLD: them also I must bring, and they shall HEAR MY VOICE; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” Jn. 10:15, “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR THE SHEEP.” Question: According To John Calvin, How Can There Be “Other Sheep” Who Are “Not Of This Fold”?

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Calvinism Limited Atonement Note The Conditions To Become One of His “Sheep” v. 27, “MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE, and I know them, and THEY FOLLOW ME.” Cf. Mt. 25:31-34, 41, 46 Cf. v. 16, “And OTHER SHEEP I HAVE, which are NOT OF THIS FOLD: them also I must bring, and they shall HEAR MY VOICE; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” Jn. 10:15, “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR THE SHEEP.”

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Calvinism Limited Atonement Where Do These Verses Say That Christ Died Only For Those Who Were Preordained To Be Saved (I.E. “The Elect”)? Acts 20:28, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed THE CHURCH OF GOD, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Cf. Mt. 1:21 Eph. 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also LOVED THE CHURCH, and GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT.”

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Calvinism Limited Atonement These Verses Do Not Exclude Anyone From Becoming A Member of The Church (Cf. Eph. 5:23; Heb. 5:9). Acts 20:28, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed THE CHURCH OF GOD, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Cf. Mt. 1:21 Eph. 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also LOVED THE CHURCH, and GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT.”

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Calvinism Limited Atonement The Saved Consist Of All Who “Gladly Receive” The Word And Are Thus “Added” To The Church (Acts 2:40-41, 47). Acts 20:28, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed THE CHURCH OF GOD, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Cf. Mt. 1:21 Eph. 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also LOVED THE CHURCH, and GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT.”

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Acts 20:28, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed THE CHURCH OF GOD, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Cf. Mt. 1:21 Eph. 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also LOVED THE CHURCH, and GAVE HIMSELF FOR IT.” Calvinism Limited Atonement Salvation Is “Limited,” In That It Is Secured Only By Those Who Do The Will of The Father (Mt. 7:21; Heb. 10:36; I Jn. 2:17).

Calvinism Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Rom. 9:10-13, “And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father ISAAC; 11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that THE PURPOSE OF GOD ACCORDING TO ELECTION MIGHT STAND, not of works, BUT OF HIM THAT CALLETH;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger (Cf. Gen. 25:23). 13 As it is written, JACOB HAVE I LOVED, but ESAU HAVE I HATED” (Cf. Mal. 1:2-3). Note The Context: vv. 1-9 Limited Atonement This Context Is Simply Discussing The Lineage of Christ.

Calvinism Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Titus 2:14, “WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR US, that he might REDEEM US from all iniquity, and purify unto himself A PECULIAR PEOPLE, zealous of good works.” Limited Atonement Cf. vv , “For THE GRACE OF GOD that BRINGETH SALVATION hath appeared TO ALL MEN, 12 Teaching US that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, WE should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Calvinism Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Limited Atonement Mt. 20:28, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and TO GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY.” Isa. 53:12, “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and HE BARE THE SIN OF MANY, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Calvinism Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Limited Atonement Mt. 26:28, “For this is MY BLOOD of the new testament, WHICH IS SHED FOR MANY for the remission of sins.” Isa. 53:12, “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and HE BARE THE SIN OF MANY, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Calvinism Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Limited Atonement Isa. 53:6, “ALL WE like sheep have gone astray; we have turned EVERY ONE to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity OF US ALL.” Cf. I Jn. 2:2 Isa. 53:12, “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and HE BARE THE SIN OF MANY, and made intercession for the transgressors.” “Many” Is Used As A Synecdoche For “All”

Calvinism Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Limited Atonement “Many” Is Used As A Synecdoche For “All” Mt. 20:16, “So the last shall be first, and the first last: FOR MANY BE CALLED, but FEW CHOSEN.” Cf. II Thess. 2:14 Isa. 53:12, “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and HE BARE THE SIN OF MANY, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Calvinism Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Limited Atonement “Many” Is Used As A Synecdoche For “All” Heb. 9:28, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins OF MANY; and unto THEM that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Cp. w. Tit. 2:11-14 Isa. 53:12, “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and HE BARE THE SIN OF MANY, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Calvinism Jesus Died For All People Limited Atonement Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed Lk. 2:10, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, WHICH SHALL BE TO ALL PEOPLE.” Jn. 12:32, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, WILL DRAW ALL MEN UNTO ME.” Jn. 3:16-17, “…For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that THE WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED.” Cf. Jn. 1:29; 6:51

Calvinism Jesus Died For All People Limited Atonement Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed Rom. 5:10-18, “…being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom WE HAVE NOW RECEIVED THE ATONEMENT. 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and SO DEATH passed upon ALL MEN, for that ALL have sinned…18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon ALL MEN TO CONDEMNATION; even so by the righteousness of one THE FREE GIFT CAME UPON ALL MEN UNTO JUSTIFICATION OF LIFE.” Cf. Acts 17:30-31

Calvinism Jesus Died For All People Limited Atonement Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed II Cor. 5:14-15, “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that IF ONE DIED FOR ALL, then were ALL DEAD: 15 And that HE DIED FOR ALL, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto HIM which DIED FOR THEM, and rose again.” I Tim. 2:5-6, “For there is one God, and ONE MEDIATOR BETWEEN GOD AND MEN, the man Christ Jesus; 6 WHO GAVE HIMSELF A RANSOM FOR ALL, to be testified in due time.”

Calvinism Jesus Died For All People Limited Atonement Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed I Tim. 4:10, “For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is THE SAVIOR OF ALL MEN, especially of those who believe.” Heb. 2:9, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that HE, by the grace of God, MIGHT TASTE DEATH FOR EVERYONE.”

Calvinism Jesus Died For All People Limited Atonement Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed I Jn. 2:1-2, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And HE IS THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS: and NOT FOR OURS ONLY, but ALSO FOR the sins of THE WHOLE WORLD.” I Jn. 4:10-11, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS. 11 Beloved, if GOD SO LOVED US, we ought also to love one another.” Cf. Jn. 3:16

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed See Also: II Chron. 19:7; Job 34:19; Rom. 2:11; Gal. 2:6; Eph. 6:9; Col. 3:25; I Pet. 1:17 Calvinism God Is Impartial, Not A Respecter of Persons Acts 10:34-35 (Rom. 1:16-17) Limited Atonement

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed God Has Not Precluded Anyone From The Opportunity To Obtain Eternal Life: Calvinism God Is Impartial, Not A Respecter of Persons Acts 10:34-35 (Rom. 1:16-17) I Tim. 2:3-4, “For this (prayer for all men, v. 2) is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, and to COME UNTO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.” Limited Atonement

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed God Has Not Precluded Anyone From The Opportunity To Obtain Eternal Life: Calvinism God Is Impartial, Not A Respecter of Persons Acts 10:34-35 (Rom. 1:16-17) II Pet. 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, but that ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE.” Limited Atonement

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed Rom. 10:13, “For WHOSOEVER shall CALL UPON the name of the Lord shall BE SAVED.” Calvinism God’s Invitation Is Offered To “Whosoever Will” Jn. 3:16 Rev. 22:17, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And WHOSOEVER WILL, let him take the water of life freely.” Cf. Mt. 16:25; Mk. 8:34 (Jn. 4:13-14) Limited Atonement

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed The Psalmist Psa. 119:30, “I have CHOSEN THE WAY OF TRUTH: thy judgments have I laid before me.” Cf. Isa. 1:18-20 Calvinism God Has Given Mankind The Freedom of Choice Josh. 24:15; Rom. 6:16-18 Mary Lk. 10:42, “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath CHOSEN that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Limited Atonement

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed The Psalmist Psa. 119:30, “I have CHOSEN THE WAY OF TRUTH: thy judgments have I laid before me.” Cf. Isa. 1:18-20 Calvinism God Has Given Mankind The Freedom of Choice Josh. 24:15; Rom. 6:16-18 Mary Lk. 10:42, “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath CHOSEN that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Deut. 30:19, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU LIFE and DEATH, BLESSING and CURSING: therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that BOTH THOU and THY SEED MAY LIVE.” Limited Atonement

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed Calvinism The Consequences of Limited Atonement: It Limits The Love Of Christ Limited Atonement II Cor. 5:14-15, “For THE LOVE OF CHRIST constraineth us; because we thus judge, that IF ONE DIED FOR ALL, then were ALL DEAD: 15 And that HE DIED FOR ALL, that THEY which LIVE should not henceforth live unto themselves, BUT UNTO HIM which DIED FOR THEM, and rose again.” Cf. I Jn. 4:19

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed Calvinism The Consequences of Limited Atonement: It Limits God’s Grace Limited Atonement Heb. 2:9, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that HE BY THE GRACE OF GOD SHOULD TASTE DEATH FOR EVERY MAN.” Cf. Titus 2:11

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed Calvinism The Consequences of Limited Atonement: It Denies That Christ Died For Sinners Limited Atonement Rom. 5:6-8, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward US, in that, WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, Christ DIED FOR US.” Cf. Lk. 19:10; I Tim. 1:15

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed Calvinism The Consequences of Limited Atonement: It Makes A Mockery of The Great Commission Limited Atonement Mk. 16:15-16, “And he said unto them, GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, and PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Cf. Acts 2:38-39

Calvin’s “Proof” Texts Exposed Calvinism The Consequences of Limited Atonement: It Will Condemn The Souls of Men & Women Limited Atonement II Jn. 1:9, “WHOSOEVER transgresseth, and ABIDETH NOT IN THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, HATH NOT GOD. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.”