How Calvinism Is Misrepresented
Transcript:
If you’re new to the study of Soteriology, be aware that misrepresenting Calvinism is very common. I can’t say this is true of all non-Calvinists, but in my experience, the majority of people I have interacted with over the years tend to be highly emotional. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it often affects their ability to represent Calvinism accurately or fairly. Again, this is just a generalization based on my own experience.
Let me give you an example of how Calvinism is misrepresented from a YouTuber,
“No matter how much you prayed, repented, wept, or cried out for mercy, it wouldn’t matter—because in the eyes of God you were created for damnation.”
It’s true that no matter what you do, it wouldn’t matter. But do you know that it also matters? Both are taught in Scripture. So here’s the thing: The non-elect do not have the desire to pray, repent, weep, or cry out to God for mercy from the Heart. Do you know of any non-believer who would say, “I cried out to God, asking Him for mercy. I tried to come to Him, but He didn’t let me. He wouldn’t let me in!”? Jesus promises, “The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out,” and again, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
The YouTuber is attempting to portray Calvinism as hopelessly discouraging to stir people away from it, but in doing so, fails to represent it accurately or fairly.
Here’s one more example from another YouTuber,
“If Calvinism is true, then the reason that I do not believe in Calvinism is because God has determined that I will not and do not believe in Calvinism.”
While it’s true that God has determined who will believe (cf. Acts 13:48), it’s also true that people don’t believe primarily because they hate the truth—they despise God. It’s worth asking why non-Calvinists who make videos critiquing Calvinism conveniently omit the issue of the Heart. It’s as if to say: “The reason I don’t believe in Calvinism is because God determined it so, and my Heart has absolutely nothing to do with it.”
They’re quick to tell you that “this is what Calvinism teaches” but then ignore the “also” “Calvinism also teaches this…” Theological nuances like this are often ignored!
It’s true that God has determined who will believe, but people don’t know that for certain—whether they’re appointed to eternal life or not—until they believe and make their calling and election sure. Non-Calvinists want to focus on Election and ignore the Heart. Scripture, however, teaches both: An Uncircumcised Heart always resist the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51), and those appointed to eternal life will believe (Acts 13:48).
Why don’t non-Calvinists seek to represent Calvinism accurately or fairly? You tell me.