There are many false doctrines that are peculiar to a single
denomination, but likewise we find that there are many false doctrines
which are shared by numbers of denominations. The cause for such is
clear
when we consider the common beginning of many of the denominational
bodies that we have today. The sixteenth century is called the beginning
of the reformation movement. Such names as Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli
and John Calvin come to the minds of many people when you mention the
reformation movement.
John Calvin’s theology is evidently based on his presumption and premise
that every single person is born completely in sin, which he took form
Catholicism. Once he was convinced of this first premise then the rest
of
his major points of his doctrine fall into place. The five major premises
of his doctrine are: 1 Total hereditary depravity; 2. Unconditional
election (foreordination, predestination); 3. Limited atonement; 4.
Irresistible grace; 5. Perseverance of the saints. Within itself this
Calvinistic doctrine is methodical, systematic, harmonious and well
arranged. Let us look at each of these points in a little greater detail.
First, Total hereditary depravity. This teaching of Calvin is that
everyone is conceived in sin and that man is depraved, dead in sin,
a
slave in sin, wicked and is absolutely, thoroughly helpless to do
anything to save himself. Calvin was influenced by Augustine’s views
on
original sin, that each person born inherited Adam’s original sin.
They
view such passages as Psalm 51:5 to teach that man is born in sin;
also
that Ephesians 2:3, teaches that we will answer for Adam’s sin; that
1
Corinthians 15:20-21, teaches that little children are born sinners
and
Romans 5:12 teaches that all mankind is total depraved and therefore
cannot respond to God nor to His word.
How do we answer such claims and such scriptures? First and foremost,
that God affirmed that we CANNOT bear the iniquity (sin) of our fathers
or our children (Ezekiel 18:20). David was born into a world full of
sin,
and Psalm 51:5 has nothing to do with his being born guilty of sin.
Infants and children are not born in sin, they are not of the devil
and
are not depraved, why else would Jesus point out that we must become
like
little children to see heaven if they are sinners (Matthew 18:3,5;
19:14). If Calvin’s first premise is true then we must conclude that
God
Himself is the author of sin, which we know is totally false.