Back in 2003, I received a note from an avowed Calvinist, based on with some materials posted on a website with which I have a nominal relationship. These writings call into question the basis of Calvinist thinking, and are based those writings on the body of extensive writing, from both John Calvin and those who espouse his teaching, that is widely and easily accessible on the Internet.
Here is the note I received (all information that might identify the author has been deleted):
"Beings that you are part of the www.bible.ca organization, I was wondering what you view is on Calvinism and if you also personally believe it to be heresy. If so, then I would love to begin a discussion with you on the topic."
His reply was signed with a typical email signature which also contained the following:
"John 17:17"
and
"Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed in the Scripture alone to the glory of God alone."
I could not righteously fail to reply to any legitimate questions in the mind of the author and so I wrote back, as follows:
"Thank you for your note. I am always happy to sit with those who are interested in spiritual matters. However, I am not interested in a harangue with someone who proudly wears the name of his theological father as though it is a badge of honor.
"I wonder why anyone, who would worship and serve the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, would proudly wear the name and revel in the theological identity of someone who lived and died 1500 years after Jesus died so that we might be called by His name and find salvation in him only. I wonder why anyone would pat himself on the back for writing an email signature that denies both the spirit and the word of God's eternal revelation.
"I wonder why anyone would cite John 17:17 in his signature, even as he propounds a dogma that denies it to be true. I wonder how on Earth a person can read the Word of God and then consent to bend to the will and way of a man who never understood the nature of God, the scriptural identity and work of Christ, the revelation of the Divine mystery of redemption, the work of the Holy Spirit, the nature of the church, the nature and fruits of faith, and the nature of Divine grace?
"I wonder why anyone would claim to believe in grace when ~every~ element of the theological system he wears is fraught with legalism and the open exaltation of salvation by flawless deeds and works of human merit?
"Shall we begin with James 2:24, or will you also deny that the epistle of James is inspired of God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work? Will you take that scripture for what it says and preach it exactly as James wrote it, without saying that James did not mean what even the ignorant can read that he said?
"Or, should we consider Colossians 2:12? Or, perhaps you would prefer to discuss Ephesians 2:8-9?
"Have you ~ever~ had an original thought from the scriptures, or one that did not suckle the teat of a 29-year old fanatic and murderer of God's people? Will you continue the pogram of the man whose name you wear?"
No doubt, my words were strong, as they were intended to be. They were intended to be the thrown-down gauntlet of a crusader for the will of God. I do not think myself to be the possessor of all truth, but I know God has revealed Himself and am willing to let Him speak for Himself.
And so, the correspondence continued...
