POR QUE NÃO SOU CALVINISTA

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares personal reflections on why they are not a Calvinist, contrasting Calvinism with Arminianism. They discuss key theological differences such as unconditional vs. contingent election, limited vs. unlimited atonement, and the nature of grace and salvation. The speaker highlights biblical passages that challenge Calvinist views, advocating for an expansive, inclusive understanding of God's love and salvation. Despite theological differences, the speaker emphasizes unity in the Christian mission, acknowledging the shared commitment to evangelism and holiness among both Calvinists and Arminians.

Takeaways

• 😀 Calvinism and Arminianism are two different theological perspectives on salvation. Calvinism emphasizes God's unilateral control, while Arminianism stresses the importance of human response.
• 😀 Calvinism believes in total depravity, meaning humans are completely incapable of seeking God without divine intervention. Arminianism, on the other hand, believes in prevenient grace, enabling humans to respond to God.
• 😀 John 3:16 is interpreted to emphasize that salvation is available to 'whosoever' believes, challenging the idea of limited atonement in Calvinism.
• 😀 The idea of God's desire for everyone to be saved, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:4, raises the question of whether God is unable to save everyone or if human response plays a role in salvation.
• 😀 The video challenges the idea of limited atonement, arguing that God's love and atonement should be available to all, and this aligns with the expansive nature of God's kingdom.
• 😀 The theological issue of whether salvation is unilateral (Calvinism) or requires a human response (Arminianism) creates tension between the two perspectives, despite shared practices in evangelism.
• 😀 The concept of 'perseverance of the saints' in Calvinism is critiqued through the examples of 2 Corinthians 6:1 and Hebrews 6, where people can fall away from the faith, contrary to the Calvinist view.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that the church should focus on biblical practice over theological divergence, advocating for unity in preaching the gospel despite differing theological views.
• 😀 The speaker criticizes the divisive spirit attributed to Calvinism, particularly pointing out John Calvin's involvement in the persecution of those with differing theological views.
• 😀 Despite theological differences, the speaker expresses love for Calvinists and encourages collaboration in spreading the gospel, recognizing the shared goal of bringing people to Christ.

Q & A

Why does the speaker not identify as a Calvinist?

The speaker does not identify as a Calvinist because they believe Calvinism presents theological and philosophical problems, particularly around the concepts of limited atonement, predestination, and God's desire for all people to be saved.

What is the difference between Calvinism and Arminianism in terms of salvation?

Calvinism believes in unconditional election, where God chooses the saved before the foundation of the world without regard to human response, while Arminianism teaches contingent election, where God chooses based on foreseen faith. Calvinism also believes in limited atonement and irresistible grace, whereas Arminianism believes in unlimited atonement and the ability to reject God's grace.

How does the speaker interpret John 3:16 in relation to Calvinism?

The speaker believes that John 3:16, which states that God loved the world and gave His Son for whoever believes, suggests a universal offer of salvation that contradicts the Calvinist doctrine of limited atonement, which argues that Jesus died only for the elect.

What are the two primary texts the speaker references to critique Calvinism?

The speaker references John 3:16 and 1 Timothy 2:4 to critique Calvinism, highlighting that these passages suggest God's desire for all people to be saved, which seems incompatible with the Calvinist view of limited atonement and predestination.

How does the speaker view God's sovereignty in relation to salvation?

The speaker believes that God's sovereignty is not challenged by the idea of human free will. While God desires all to be saved, salvation is offered as a gift, and it is up to the individual to accept or reject it, maintaining both God's sovereignty and human responsibility.

What does the speaker say about the historical context of Calvinism?

The speaker notes that Calvinism is a relatively modern interpretation and that the early church fathers did not share Calvin's views on predestination. The speaker quotes Calvin's own writings, where he admits that his views were not widely supported by the early church.

What critique does the speaker have about Calvinist evangelism?

The speaker finds it problematic to preach a Calvinist version of evangelism that suggests some people may be excluded from salvation by God's will, which they believe contradicts the expansive nature of the Kingdom of God and the message of salvation for all.

How does the speaker differentiate between justification and faithfulness?

The speaker emphasizes that justification is entirely by God's grace, beyond human control, while faithfulness is the human responsibility to remain faithful after receiving grace, not letting God's grace be received in vain.

What is the speaker's view on the practice of evangelism in both Calvinist and Arminian communities?

The speaker appreciates that both Calvinists and Arminians are active in evangelism, preaching the gospel and striving for holiness. Despite theological differences, both groups aim to spread the good news of Jesus and reach the lost.

What does the speaker suggest about the practical unity of Calvinists and Arminians?

The speaker suggests that while Calvinists and Arminians may have theoretical differences about soteriology, their practical efforts in evangelism and their commitment to spreading the gospel should unite them in purpose, as both groups seek to proclaim Christ and build up the Kingdom of God.