A different ‘tulip’

For all of my years as a Southern Baptist pastor or staff person, Jesus has been our focus. As simplistic as it sounds, it was true long before our “intellectual elitism” took center stage. For many years, and especially at the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting, it seems we hear more about John Calvin than we do Jesus Christ. It seems that the make or break of our fellowship has become our view of Calvin’s writings and work. Calvin is worthy of our reading and study just like Luther, Wesley, Spurgeon and St. Augustine are. However, as I study God’s Word, were Calvin’s “TULIP” completely accurate and biblical, it would negate the need for evangelism and discipleship. Furthermore Jesus would have been wasting His final words if it has already been predetermined. 

We all know that salvation is of, by and from God. We can agree that the Spirit of God pricks the heart of man, thus beginning this process of salvation. However, for whatever reason, God gave man the responsibility of responding to His call of “whosoever will.”

Here is Calvin’s TULIP:
Total Depravity
Unconditional Election
Limited Atonement
Irresistible Grace  
Perseverance of the Saints

I offer a contrasting TULIP for your consideration.
The Biblical TULIP:
Total Depravity
Unconditional Love
Limitless Atonement
Invitational Grace
Perseverance of the Saints

To say that mankind has a choice and responsibility in no way threatens the sovereignty of God. In His foreknowledge, He sees the beginning and end, but that in no way takes away the free choice and responsibility of mankind. 

I pray that Southern Baptists can check human leaders at the door, just like Paul called on the Corinthians to do, and recognize that while we are debating “debatable things,” we are losing our culture to the darkness.

Jerry N. Watts
Hueytown, Ala.