The God of Calvinism: Forcing Faith or Free Will?
The God of Calvinism: Forcing Faith or Free Will?
Calvinism, a theological framework derived from the teachings of John Calvin, often stirs deep emotions and spirited debates among Christians. One of the most controversial aspects of Calvinist doctrine is the concept of predestination—the belief that God chooses, from eternity past, who will be saved and who will not. This teaching extends to the idea that God grants faith as a gift to the elect, effectively "forcing" faith upon them. But is this interpretation biblically sound?
Faith: A Gift or a Command?
The foundational argument of Calvinism lies in passages such as John 6:44, which states, No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. Calvinists interpret the word "draw" (from the Greek helkō) as "drag," suggesting an irresistible force akin to entrapment. However, this view narrows the scope of the word's meaning. In English alone, "draw" has multiple definitions, including "induce," "attract," "pull," and "guide."
John 6:45 clarifies the drawing process: It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. This verse emphasizes learning and responding to God's word, rather than being compelled against one’s will. Salvation involves hearing the gospel, understanding it, and choosing to believe.
The Illogic of Forced Faith
If faith is indeed "forced," why does the Bible repeatedly command belief? For instance, 1 John 3:23 says, And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. Commands inherently require action and choice. How can God simultaneously command faith and impose it unilaterally? The Calvinist position, in this light, seems contradictory.
Furthermore, Calvinists often claim that faith is a gift, selectively given to the elect. If so, why would God command all people to believe? Why would scripture present salvation as universally accessible through faith in Jesus Christ, as stated in John 3:16? These inconsistencies highlight significant flaws in Calvinistic theology.
Faith Alone vs. Faith Plus Works
Calvinism also muddles the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Quotes from prominent Calvinists suggest that works are a necessary component of salvation. For example: Justification by faith establishes the necessity of good works. But the Bible teaches otherwise. Romans 3:28 states, Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Adding works to faith undermines the sufficiency of Christ's finished work on the cross.
Another Calvinist claim is that justification and sanctification are inseparable. They assert that no one is justified unless they are also being sanctified experientially. While sanctification is a natural result of salvation, it is not a requirement for justification. This subtle blending of faith and works reveals a reliance on human effort, contrary to the gospel message.
The True Nature of Faith
Biblical faith for eternal salvation is a one-time event, not a lifelong process. The moment an individual believes in Jesus Christ as their Savior, they are saved, sealed, and given everlasting life (Ephesians 1:13, John 3:16). This act of faith is not a gradual journey but an immediate transaction of trust, as indicated in John 6:47: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
Biblical faith is not coercion. It is a heartfelt trust in Jesus Christ as the Savior, freely offered to all who hear the gospel. God draws people to Himself through His word, but individuals must respond willingly. As John 6:47 says, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
Faith is not about being "dragged" into belief but about learning, hearing, and choosing to trust God. Calvinism's portrayal of a God who "crams faith down people's throats" is not only unbiblical but also misrepresents His loving nature. Salvation is an invitation, not an imposition.
Conclusion
The debate over Calvinism highlights the importance of aligning our theology with Scripture. The Bible presents a God who desires all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9) and who offers salvation freely to anyone willing to believe. Let us reject doctrines that mischaracterize God’s nature and instead embrace the truth of His word: that faith is a gift available to all who seek Him, not a forced imposition on a select few.