What comes to mind when you hear “Calvinism”?
You might think of a bunch of old men with long beards. They’re kind of crusty and curmudgeon, and they never have any fun. They think what they believe about the Bible is always right, and if someone disagrees with their beliefs, that other person must be wrong.
Okay, maybe this isn’t what you think of. Maybe you think more positively. Or maybe you don’t even know what Calvinism is.
Calvinism is a set of Christian beliefs and doctrines that was made popular by theologian John Calvin several hundred years ago, and it is most known for the doctrines of grace or five points. These points are often remembered with the acrostic TULIP – Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints.
Oftentimes, when Christians discover the truths of these points, they become puffed up with pride, and they tend to argue constantly with those who disagree with them, believing they now have some “special knowledge” that is backed up by scripture and church fathers. What they believe about the grace of God is right, and any other beliefs are wrong. I’ll be honest – there have been times when I have acted this same way. But when this happens, other people around us no longer want anything to do with Christianity.
This is a big problem.
And it’s this problem Jeff Medders addresses in his book Humble Calvinism. The five doctrines of grace should not puff us up with pride. Instead, they should humble us because they reveal the truly amazing grace God has shown to us wretched sinners.
“But real Calvinism, the Christ-enjoying Calvinism, creates humble and happy Calvinists. When we behold the glory of Jesus in the five points, our hearts burn within us, transforming us into the character of Christ: humble, lowly, kind, patient, loving.” (1)
Full of humor and wit, Humble Calvinism discusses each of the five points and how they humble us and urge us to show love to our neighbors. Throughout the book, Jeff emphasizes two ideas. One of these ideas is,
“Jesus’ blood runs deeper than temporary theological differences.” (1)
Not all Christians believe in Calvinism, and that’s okay! The five points aren’t what’s most important to believe in. The most important and necessary belief for us to have is that Jesus Christ our Lord died for our sins and resurrected to give us eternal life.
The second idea Jeff emphasizes is,
“It’s cool to be a Calvinist.” (1)
Calvinism is not just for old men. It’s for men and women, young and old. The five points are not old-fashioned. They’ve grown to be quite popular in today’s Christian world.
So, if you believe you need more humility, read this book. If you don’t believe you need more humility, you probably do, and you should read this book. If you want to learn about the basic beliefs of Calvinism, read this book. And perhaps, after you read it, you will become a happy, humble Calvinist.
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- J.A. Medders, Humble Calvinism (The Good Book Company, 2019), 19, 26, 30.
