Seven Things Calvinists Trust Besides Jesus Christ Alone

Seven Things Calvinists Trust Besides Jesus Christ Alone

This article critiques seven key aspects of Calvinist theology, arguing that the system diverts its adherents away from trusting in the biblical Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Calvinism, according to this analysis, promotes a counterfeit gospel built on theological constructs rather than the simplicity of faith.

Introduction

The foundation of salvation, as laid out in Scripture, is trusting Jesus Christ alone. However, Calvinism is presented here as an ideology that replaces that simple, saving faith with man-made doctrines. The following seven things are the main areas where Calvinists place their trust, instead of Christ alone.

1. Election and Predestination

Calvinists believe that God chooses certain individuals for salvation before they are born. This concept, often linked with predestination, leads to assurance based not on Christ’s redemptive work but on the belief that they are among God’s elect. Calvinists frequently assert that they are Christians because God chose them, not necessarily because they trusted in Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross.

2. Gift Faith

In Calvinist doctrine, faith is considered a gift given exclusively to the elect. This idea, derived from their denial of free will, shifts the foundation of salvation from personal belief in Christ to an assumption that God has bestowed them with this special gift of faith. Consequently, their trust rests on whether they have received this “gift” rather than on Jesus’ atoning sacrifice.

3. A False Christ

Calvinists are said to follow a different Christ—a Christ who only died for the elect, according to their belief in limited atonement. This directly contradicts biblical verses like John 4:42, which present Christ as the Savior of the world. Believing in a Christ who did not die for everyone is viewed as trusting in a false Jesus, making true salvation impossible under this theological framework.

4. Regeneration Preceding Faith

Calvinism teaches that regeneration occurs before faith, implying that God regenerates a person without them believing first. This doctrine creates uncertainty, as one could never be sure of regeneration without proof of being one of the elect. Instead of placing trust in the simple act of believing in Christ for salvation, Calvinists rely on the sequence of events dictated by their theology.

5. Faith Plus Works

Calvinist assurance is often tied to examining one's own works. John Calvin himself said, “We are saved by faith alone, but true faith is never alone.” This mindset introduces works-based salvation, as believers must look at the quality of their lives for proof of their salvation. In contrast, free grace theology asserts that assurance comes solely from trusting God’s promises, such as John 6:47: “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”

6. Perseverance of the Saints

Perseverance of the saints, the final point of the TULIP acronym, asserts that the elect will persevere in good works and faith until the end to be eternally saved. This doctrine, however, reverses the order of salvation by making perseverance a requirement rather than a result of salvation. The emphasis on continuing to do good works to prove one's salvation ultimately shifts trust away from Christ and onto one’s ability to persevere.

7. Repenting of Sins (ROYS)

Calvinists often teach that repenting of sins is necessary for salvation. John Calvin described repentance as “putting off the old man and living in newness of life.” However, the Bible does not present repentance from sin as a condition for salvation. Rather, believers are encouraged to put off the old man after they are saved (Ephesians 4). Trusting in the act of renouncing sin as a requirement for salvation is seen here as a works-based addition to the gospel.

Conclusion

The sermon concludes that Calvinism promotes a counterfeit system that redefines grace, the gospel, and the person of Jesus Christ. Instead of relying on Christ’s finished work, Calvinists are said to trust in theological constructs like election, works, and perseverance. This deviation from biblical teaching results in confusion and spiritual blindness.

The true gospel, as emphasized, is simple: trusting in the real Jesus who died for the sins of the whole world. Salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ alone, without any additional requirements.