Sometimes I get asked what Calvinism is. Calvinism is the doctrine clearly stated in Scripture that Salvation is of the Lord. Every conceivable component and step along the way is ordered and orchestrated by the Lord in His divine providence.

Calvinism is the sure knowledge that our sin is insurmountable in our own strength.

Calvinism teaches we can’t wash away our misdeeds; We are unable to cleanse our own thoughts; We do not have the virtue to obey the simplest of the commandments; Our good deeds don’t have the power to outweigh our wicked ways.

Calvinism is the conviction that salvation is beyond the reach of our arms and we must rely on an alien righteousness to make us right before God.

Calvinism teaches the utter sufficiency of Christ’s passive and active obedience to save us from our sin and God’s righteous wrath.

Calvinism teaches the sufficiency of Christ’s blood atonement to justify, sanctify, and save to the uttermost those God has known and foreloved since before the world began.

Calvinism teaches the faith that tethers us to this gracious atonement is a gift that flows from the cross, not an act of merit – however slight it may be considered – that adds to Christ’s sacrifice.

Calvinism teaches Jesus, as the word made manifest, is our heavenly bread. Every word that comes from his mouth is our sustenance. Scripture and scripture alone is our guide and authoritative source of obedience toward God.

Calvinism teaches that sin has been utterly defeated by Christ’s obedient life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection: The penalty of sin has been dealt with; the power of sin is broken and ultimately the presence of sin will be eradicated.

Calvinism teaches the scope of Christ’s salvation is framed by the Father’s election of particular individuals before the foundation of the world. Those chosen by the Father will be eternally secured by the Lamb of God’s once-for-all sacrifice. 

Calvinism teaches the Holy Spirit overcomes our sinful resistance to God and His righteousness, applying the redemptive benefits of Jesus Christ’s substitutional death and victorious resurrection to all His sheep.  

Calvinism teaches God’s preservation through every stage of our Christian walk – assuring our perseverance in the faith. None of God’s beloved elect will fall from Christ’s firm grip.

Calvinism teaches the Holy Trinity has covenanted together to undertake all these things for our good so that we may rightly praise His glorious grace for all the ages to come.

Calvinism articulates what God in His word has so clearly revealed. Salvation is of the Lord from beginning to end.

Amen.