Calvinism, also known as Reformed theology, is a theological framework that emphasizes God’s sovereignty and humanity’s predestination. It is named after the 16th-century French reformer John Calvin. The five points of Calvinism are often summarized by the acronym TULIP: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints.
Some Christians believe that certain aspects of Calvinist doctrine could potentially hinder the spread of the gospel. Here are some of their concerns:
Emphasis on predestination over free will
Calvinism teaches that God, in His sovereignty, predestines some to salvation and others to damnation. This can conflict with the notion that salvation is freely offered to all who exercise faith in Christ (John 3:16). Some argue that overemphasizing predestination diminishes the urgency of evangelism and the responsibility of individuals to choose Christ.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)
Unconditional election
Calvinism teaches unconditional election – that God chooses who will be saved based solely on His will, not on anything a person does or believes. Some claim this contradicts the biblical call to repentance and faith, making evangelism unnecessary since God will save the elect regardless.
“if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)
Limited atonement
Limited atonement teaches that Christ died only for the sins of the elect, not for all humanity. Critics argue this undermines the genuineness of God’s love for the whole world and the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice for all. This could potentially hinder evangelistic zeal.
“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2 ESV)
Emphasis on divine sovereignty over human responsibility
Some believe Calvinism’s strong emphasis on God’s sovereignty in salvation minimizes the importance of human responsibility in evangelism. If God is completely in control, why passionately preach the gospel? Critics say this logic could discourage evangelistic efforts.
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14 ESV)
Perseverance of the saints
Perseverance of the saints teaches that true believers will remain in faith until the end. Critics argue this can breed complacency and false assurance of salvation, ignoring the Bible’s warnings against falling away (Hebrews 6:4-6). This could hinder self-examination and passion for evangelism.
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” (Philippians 2:12 ESV)
Potential barriers to salvation
Some evangelicals worry that certain Calvinist doctrines present logical or emotional barriers to non-Christians considering salvation. For example, emphasizing that God preselects who will be saved may lead some to ask why they should bother responding to the gospel.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 ESV)
Perceived arrogance or elitism
Some perceive hardcore Calvinists as intellectually arrogant, more concerned with theology than evangelism. Rightly or wrongly, this reputation could hinder some from considering the gospel.
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.” (1 Corinthians 3:18 ESV)
Potential for hyper-Calvinism
Critics caution that Calvinism can sometimes lead to hyper-Calvinism which denies the necessity of evangelism altogether since God will save whoever He chooses anyways. This, of course, contradicts the Great Commission.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19 ESV)
Defense of Calvinism
Calvinists respond to these criticisms in various ways. Many argue that critics misrepresent Calvinism and its implications. When properly understood, they claim their doctrines glorify God’s grace and empower evangelism. Here are some common Calvinist rebuttals:
God’s sovereignty complements human responsibility
Calvinists argue that predestination and free will are both taught in Scripture. God’s sovereignty does not negate human responsibility. There is no contradiction between God’s control and our decisions.
Election motivated by God’s love
Election is according to God’s redemptive love, not based on arbitrary preselection. God graciously chooses to save some out of humanity’s fallen lump.
“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 ESV)
Atonement sufficient for the world
Though Christ’s atonement is designed for the elect, it is sufficient for the sins of the whole world. The offer of salvation is genuine to all based on Christ’s universal merits.
Doctrines intended to magnify grace
Calvinists contend their doctrines maximize God’s glory and grace in salvation. This should inspire worship, humility, and evangelistic zeal born out of gratitude.
Evangelism commanded by God
Though God ordains the ends, He also ordains the means – including a believer’s responsibility to proclaim the gospel to all people. Biblical Calvinism affirms evangelism and missions.
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14 ESV)
Perseverance motivated by God’s preserving grace
The doctrine of perseverance does not negate warnings against apostasy. Rather, it reminds believers that God finishes the work He begins, empowering obedience till the end.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6 ESV)
Cautious against hyper-Calvinism
Most Calvinists actively reject hyper-Calvinism and its rejection of evangelism. They emphasize the responsibility to preach the gospel to all, trusting God with the results.
Conclusion
How exactly Calvinism impacts evangelism continues to be passionately debated within the church. Critics argue certain doctrines logically discourage proclaiming the gospel, while Calvinists insist their theology fuels evangelistic zeal when properly understood.
Perhaps the impact of Calvinism depends much on the particular beliefs and practices of individual Christians and churches. Biblical truth should lead to biblical evangelism. With wisdom and grace, the complexities of divine sovereignty and human responsibility can motivate outreach, not hinder it.
In the end, evangelism is commanded by God and modeled by Jesus and the apostles. By obeying this call with humility and earnestness, Christians can leave the theoretical impact of theology on evangelism in God’s hands while practically making disciples of all nations for His glory.
