The Calvinist’s beliefs

In response to Brother Tony Barber’s letter on Oct. 1: It is very disappointing to see a disagreement between fellow Baptists to breakdown to using terms such as “abhorrent” and “heretical” when it is clear Brother Barber did not take the time to understand the Calvinist’s beliefs.

John Calvin himself said, “Since no man is excluded from calling upon God, the gate of salvation is open to all. There is nothing else to hinder us from entering but our own unbelief.” (christianquotes.org)

The Calvinist believes John 3:16 just as much as any other Christian, but we also believe John 6:44 and John 6:65. We believe that man has a “free will” in that he does what he wants to do. We do not believe that a man has a “free will” that is free from the corruption of sin. We believe that man is so corrupted by sin that he will not choose God but must be drawn by God. Please read Romans 8 and 9 and Ephesians 1 for yourself, and decide if Scripture supports this.

Ron Champion
Albertville, Ala.

EDITOR’S NOTE — The major teachings of Calvinism are generally expressed in the acrostic TULIP, which means Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace and Perseverance of the saints. The aspects of unconditional election and irresistible grace lead most people to conclude that God has chosen some people for salvation and those people cannot resist God’s grace.