The Doctrines of Grace: Introduction

In this series, I define and defend the system of Reformed soteriology known as "the doctrines of grace" (more commonly known as "Calvinism" or "TULIP").

This is part 1 of TBD, in which I explain my purpose in writing and how this series will differ from my original "Doctrines of Grace" series.

Introduction

About two years ago, I wrote a five-part blog series in defense of the doctrines of grace. Until recently, that series was available to be read here on my blog. However, that series has been unpublished. My original blog series was, at some points, rather raw - sometimes brash. In the last two years, though, my thinking has developed further. God has grown and matured me. He has taught me the importance of wisdom and charity in theological discussion. I hope this will be reflected in this series.

My previous blog series on this topic was written fresh after I became fully convinced of the merit of the doctrines of grace. I was so overwhelmed with the wonder and awe at my God-accomplished salvation and the internal coherence of the Scriptures, that I rushed into writing much too quickly. What resulted were blog posts that were a combination of my own thoughts and also the thoughts of others. Now, there's nothing wrong with utilizing the work of others; however, in my previous series, there were times when made use of someone else's argument without working through the particular text or argument for myself. Since then, I have seen the weakness in that. I have studied the passages, read many commentators' views, traced the historical interpretations, and come to my own conclusions.

What follows is not the overflow of the unbridled excitement of a freshly convinced Calvinist. Rather, it is the result of my study, research, and reflection on these topics over the last couple years. My previous series was broken into five parts - one part for each of the five points. This series will be structured quite differently. One of the changes is that this series will include at least one post devoted entirely to the historical background of the doctrines of grace. Additionally, in my previous series, many of the articles were quite lengthy (sometimes approaching 5000 words). In this series, I will break each of the five points into multiple articles (all of which will be under or around 1500 words). I hope that these changes will make the series more readable and easier to follow.

The Goal of this Series

My goal through this series is not simply to convert as many people to Calvinism as possible; it is not to make much of John Calvin. I am only devoted to the teaching of John Calvin (or any other man) insofar as it matches up with the teaching of the Bible. Where John Calvin (or any other man) parts ways with Scripture (at least my understanding of it), I part ways with John Calvin. Though these doctrines so commonly bear his name, John Calvin did not invent the doctrines of grace. These precious doctrines are contained and explained in pages of the Bible, God's written word.

Let me be perfectly clear so as to avoid any confusion: I do not follow John Calvin (or any other man). I follow Jesus Christ. My desire is to make much of him. My goal through this series is to systematically and theologically explain and defend the Bible's teaching about man's salvation.

Why is this Discussion Important?

There are many people who will say that this discussion is not important. They say that this discussion does more harm than it does good, because it is so often the cause of division and strife among Christians. While there is some truth to that sentiment, it is not entirely true.

First, I don't know if there is any other theological discussion among genuine Christians that is more important than the doctrine of salvation. It is vitally important that we understand the Bible's teaching about our great salvation. To say that such a discussion is not beneficial is not a valid objection.

Second, the cause of division and strife among Christians is not theological discussion; rather, it is the attitude of those who participate in theological discussion. Whether or not we see eye-to-eye on all areas of theology, as Christians, we are united in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are joint heirs to the promises of God. Do not misunderstand me, theological discussion is vitally important (hence this series). But, in participating in theological discussion, it is also vitally important to do so with grace and charity toward our fellow brothers with whom we disagree.

This is an important discussion to participate in for a couple reasons. First, because we are pursuing the truth. Jesus tells us in John 8:31-32 that there is freedom in knowing the truth. We need to diligently pursue truth - even if it proves what we have believed our whole lives to be false. Second, because we are pursuing unity. As discussed above, theological discussion can have a tendency to divide. But this is not the way it should be. We should approach theological discussion with the mindset of coming out on the other side in agreement with one another. In John 17:20-21, Jesus prays that those who believe in him will be one in the same way that he is one with the Father. This type of unity should be our goal in theological discussion. If we approach disagreements with these things in mind, theological discussions will not be so intimidating. Doctrinal disagreements will no longer cast a shadow of darkness on the testimony of the church. We must demonstrate that we are capable of engaging one another in serious, contemplative, theological discussion - not in order to puff ourselves up or win an argument - but for the sake of knowing and defending the truth of the Bible in unity as the body of Christ, to the praise of his glorious grace.

That is my goal in this series. I pray that you will join the discussion.

BY HIS GRACE (1 Cor 15:10) – FOR HIS GLORY (1 Tim 1:17)

Continued in The Doctrines of Grace: the History Behind the Controversy