Besides inventing a new word, I thought I would draw your attention to two errors that some make when it comes to thinking about the doctrine of predestination. These two errors can also be seen as two extremes on opposite ends of the theology spectrum: Arminianism and Hyper-Calvinism
Category: Calvinism
Perseverance of the saints
Can a Christian loose their salvation? The Bible says no.
The last point of Calvinism is: The perseverance of the saints. Perhaps a better summary would be: God’s preservation of the saints or God’s persevering with the saints. (BTW “Saints” is the word the New Testament uses for regular Christians.)
The Westminster Confession of Faith has a great definition of this doctrine. It says, “They whom God has accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved.”
Why saving grace must be irresistible
The fourth point of Calvinism is Irresistible Grace. This doctrine says that when God calls us to faith in Jesus he calls effectively; he always succeeds in his purpose to save us.
The Bible distinguished between the general call of God to all sinners to come to Jesus (e.g. Jesus saying “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”) and the specific call or summons God gives to his elect (e.g. Romans 1:6…you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ…)
Why I believe in Limited Atonement
Who did Jesus die for? What did Jesus’ death actually achieve?
These two questions point to the heart of the third so-called point of Calvinism1, “Limited Atonement2“. Most Christians would say that Jesus died for all the sins of every person in the entire world. In other words, Jesus paid the price for each sin of every person and we apply that forgiveness to us personally when we put our faith in Jesus.
Free Will vs. Total Depravity
Can we choose God? Would we ever want to choose God? Do we have free will?
These questions have caused controversy amongst Christians throughout church history. The reformed doctrine of Total Depravity speaks to this.