Calvinism Definition: Who Are They? What Do They Believe In?

Calvinism is a branch of Protestant Christianity based on the teachings of the French theologian John Calvin, who lived in the 16th century. Calvinists are followers of the theological tradition, and their beliefs are rooted in what is known as Reformed theology. The theology emphasizes God’s sovereignty, the authority of the Bible, and the necessity of grace through faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

One key aspect of Calvinist beliefs is the concept of predestination, which holds that God has predetermined the salvation or damnation of individuals before their birth. Calvinist beliefs are associated with the doctrine of election, which suggests that God has chosen certain people for salvation not based on their merits or actions but on His grace and will.

Calvinism beliefs uphold the doctrine of total depravity, which posits that every aspect of human nature is tainted by sin as a result of Adam and Eve’s fall. People are incapable of saving themselves or even cooperating with God’s grace without divine intervention. Another important Calvinist belief is irresistible grace, which asserts that when God chooses to bestow His saving grace upon an individual, it is not resisted or rejected. The grace is sufficient to save people whom God has elected.

Calvinism teaches the perseverance of the saints, which means that individuals who are indeed chosen by God and redeemed by Christ persevere in faith until the end and do not lose their salvation. Calvinism is a Christian theological tradition that emphasizes God’s sovereignty, predestination, total depravity, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of the saints as key components of its beliefs.

What is Calvinism?

Calvinism is a branch of Protestant Christianity that emphasizes the sovereignty of God in all aspects of salvation, including predestination and election. Calvinism is named after John Calvin, a French theologian and reformer who developed the Reformed tradition in the 16th century. The Calvinism definition encompasses a theological framework that stresses the depravity of human beings, the unconditional election of a certain number of people for salvation, and the limited atonement achieved by Christ’s sacrifice. The irresistible grace of God and the perseverance of the saints.

Calvinism was formed during the Protestant Reformation, a movement that sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church, which resulted in the establishment of various Protestant denominations. John Calvin’s teachings, as outlined in his seminal work Institutes of the Christian Religion, were instrumental in shaping the Reformed tradition. Calvin’s ideas spread rapidly throughout Europe, influencing other reformers and establishing Reformed churches in Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Scotland, and elsewhere.

John Calvin is considered the founder of Calvinism, which was built upon the ideas of earlier reformers such as Martin Luther. Calvin’s systematic theology and emphasis on the authority of Scripture, the sovereignty of God, and the doctrine of predestination set him apart as a leading figure in the development of Reformed theology. His work had a lasting impact on the Protestant Reformation and continues to influence Reformed churches and Calvinist beliefs.

How does Calvinism differ from Christianity?

Calvinism differs from Christianity in its emphasis on predestination, total depravity, God’s sovereignty, and the perseverance of the saints. These beliefs form the core of Reformed theology and distinguish Calvinism from other Christian traditions.

Calvinism differs from Christianity because it is a specific branch within the broader Christian tradition, characterized by its unique theological perspectives and interpretations of biblical teachings. Christians are not all Calvinists, but all Calvinists are Christians. The differences between Calvinism and other branches of Christianity are seen in several key areas of belief and doctrine.

One of the main ways Calvinism differs is in its understanding of salvation and predestination. Calvinists adhere to the doctrine of unconditional election, which means that God chose a specific group of people for salvation before the world was created without regard to their merit or actions. It contrasts with other Christian traditions that emphasize free will and the ability of individuals to choose or reject salvation.

Another distinctive belief in Calvinism is the concept of total depravity. Calvinists believe that, as a result of Adam and Eve’s fall, every aspect of human nature is corrupted by sin, making it impossible for individuals to come to God or achieve salvation on their own. It contrasts with other Christian perspectives that view humans as having some inherent goodness or seeking God.

Calvinism emphasizes God’s sovereignty in all things, including salvation. The belief in God’s absolute control and authority is a cornerstone of Reformed theology and sets Calvinism apart from other Christian traditions that place a greater emphasis on human agency and cooperation with God’s grace.

The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is a crucial tenet of Calvinism, which asserts that people who are genuinely elected by God and saved persevere in their faith until the end. It differs from other Christian beliefs that suggest believers fall away from their faith and lose their salvation.

How does Calvinism compare to Lutheranism in terms of doctrine?

Calvinism and Lutheranism are compared in terms of doctrine by examining their distinct theological perspectives and interpretations of critical Christian teachings. Calvinism and Lutheranism emerged during the Protestant Reformation and shared common beliefs, such as the authority of Scripture and the doctrine of justification by faith alone. However, their doctrines differ in several areas.

One of the main differences between Calvinism and Lutheranism lies in their understanding of predestination and election. Calvinism holds to the doctrine of unconditional election, where God has predestined specific individuals for salvation based on His sovereign will, not on any foreseen faith or merit. Lutheranism teaches that God’s election is based on His foreknowledge of people who believe in Christ, emphasizing a more synergistic relationship between divine sovereignty and human response.

Another area of difference is their views on the extent of the atonement. Calvinists believe in limited atonement, meaning that Christ’s death on the cross was intended to save the elect. Lutherans affirm unlimited atonement. They teach that Christ died for all people and that His sacrifice made salvation available to everyone, but not everyone accepts it.

The sacraments, or the Lord’s Supper, represent a significant doctrinal divergence. Calvinists hold to a spiritual presence view, where Christ is spiritually present in the elements of bread and wine but not physically. Lutherans believe in the real presence, asserting that Christ’s body and blood are truly present “in, with, and under” the forms of bread and wine.

Lutherans maintain a higher view of church traditions and liturgy in terms of ecclesiology or church doctrine. They retain elements from pre-Reformation worship practices. Calvinists, or individuals in the Reformed tradition, emphasize simplicity in worship and have a more decentralized view of church governance.

Are Lutherans considered Calvinists?

No, Lutherans are not considered Calvinists. Lutheranism and Calvinism are branches of Protestant Christianity that emerged from the Reformation. They have distinct theological traditions and doctrinal beliefs. Lutheranism is based on Martin Luther’s teachings, while Calvinism is based on John Calvin’s teachings. 

Lutheranism and Calvinism differ in their views on predestination, the Lord’s Supper, and the extent of the atonement, among other doctrinal issues. Lutherans and Calvinists belong to separate theological traditions within the broader Christian faith.

What is a Calvinist?

A Calvinist is an adherent of Calvinism, a branch of Protestant Christianity that is rooted in the theological teachings of John Calvin, a French reformer of the 16th century. Calvinists are associated with the broader Reformed tradition, which encompasses a variety of churches and denominations that share similar theological beliefs based on the principles of the Reformation.

Calvinists hold to core beliefs that distinguish their theological perspective. One of the central tenets of Calvinism is the sovereignty of God, which emphasizes that God is in complete control of all aspects of the universe, including human salvation. The belief is tied to the doctrine of predestination, which asserts that God has predestined specific individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, based on His sovereign will rather than any merit or decision on their part.

Another critical belief in Calvinism is total depravity, the idea that humanity is inherently sinful and incapable of choosing or achieving salvation without divine intervention. It leads to unconditional election, where God unconditionally chooses saved people, and limited atonement, which teaches that Christ’s atonement on the cross was explicitly intended for the elect.

Calvinists believe in irresistible grace, which is not resisted or rejected when God extends His saving grace to an individual. The perseverance of the saints doctrine asserts that individuals elected by God will persevere in their faith until the end and cannot lose their salvation.

What are the Five Points of Calvinism?

The Five Points of Calvinism are listed below.

• Total Depravity: Total Depravity is the belief that, as a result of the fall of Adam and Eve, every part of human nature is corrupted by sin. Humans do not come to God or do good without divine intervention.
• Unconditional Election: Calvinists believe that God has chosen, before the creation of the world, specific individuals for salvation, not based on any foreseen merit or action on their part, but solely out of His grace and sovereign will.
• Limited Atonement: Limited Atonement is the belief that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross was intended to save the elect and effectively secure their salvation.
• Irresistible Grace: Irresistible Grace is the doctrine that when God chooses to extend His grace to one of the elect, the person inevitably comes to faith because God’s grace does not resist or reject.
• Perseverance of the Saints: Calvinists hold that people truly chosen by God and regenerated by the Holy Spirit persevere in their faith until the end and do not lose their salvation.

How do Reformed theologians interpret Calvinism?

Reformed theologians interpret Calvinism as a comprehensive theological system emphasizing God’s sovereignty in all aspects of salvation and life. The interpretation is grounded in the belief that God is the supreme authority and that His will is decisive in the salvation of individuals and the unfolding of history.

One of the key interpretations by Reformed theologians is the emphasis on the doctrine of predestination. They view God’s election of individuals for salvation as an expression of His grace and sovereignty, independent of human merit or decision. The doctrine strongly emphasizes unconditional election and limited atonement, asserting that God’s saving grace is directed toward those He has chosen and that Christ’s atonement is efficacious only for the elect.

Reformed theologians interpret total depravity as a fundamental aspect of human nature, highlighting the need for divine intervention for salvation. They believe that because of the fall, humans are incapable of turning to God or choosing salvation on their own, underscoring the necessity of irresistible grace, where God’s grace effectively brings about the salvation of the elect.

Reformed theologians interpret Calvinism with a strong emphasis on the perseverance of the saints. They believe individuals elected and regenerated by the Holy Spirit inevitably persevere in their faith until the end, assuring salvation for believers.

Reformed theologians interpret Calvinism as a theological framework centered on God’s sovereignty, predestination, and the efficacy of divine grace in salvation. The interpretation is characterized by an emphasis on Calvinism’s five points (TULIP) and a commitment to Scripture’s authority as the ultimate guide for faith and practice.

Is Reformed theology the same as Calvinism?

Yes, Reformed theology is the same as Calvinism, but some nuances must be considered. Reformed theology is a broader framework that emerged from the Protestant Reformation. It encompasses a range of beliefs and practices found in Reformed churches. Calvinism is a specific theological system within Reformed theology that emphasizes God’s sovereignty, predestination, and the five points summarized by the acronym TULIP.

Reformed theology includes other aspects, such as covenant theology, the regulative principle of worship, and a particular understanding of the sacraments, while Calvinism is a central component. Other reformers and theologians, such as Ulrich Zwingli and John Knox, have influenced Reformed theology and contributed to the development of Reformed thought beyond Calvin’s teachings.

Reformed theology and Calvinism are related and used interchangeably. Reformed theology is a broader term encompassing a more comprehensive range of beliefs and practices within the Reformed tradition. Calvinism is a key part of Reformed theology, focusing on doctrines related to salvation and the sovereignty of God.

What distinguishes Calvinism from other Protestant beliefs?

Calvinism distinguishes from other Protestant beliefs by its specific theological emphases and interpretations of key Christian doctrines. Protestant denominations have commonalities, and certain aspects of Calvinism set them apart from other branches of Protestantism.

One of Calvinism’s main distinguishing features is its doctrine of predestination and unconditional election. Calvinists believe that God sovereignly chose specific individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, based solely on His grace and foreseen faith or merit on the part of the individual. It contrasts with other Protestant beliefs that emphasize the role of human free will in accepting or rejecting salvation.

Another distinctive aspect of Calvinism is the doctrine of total depravity. Calvinists hold that as a result of the fall, every part of human nature is corrupted by sin, making it impossible for individuals to come to God or do good without divine intervention. The view of human nature is more pessimistic than other Protestant traditions, which acknowledge a degree of human ability to respond to God’s grace.

The doctrine of limited atonement is unique to Calvinism within Protestantism. Calvinists believe that Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross was explicitly intended for the elect and is effective for them. Other Protestant denominations teach that Christ died for all people and that His atonement is available to anyone who believes.

Calvinism emphasizes God’s sovereignty in all aspects of life and salvation, asserting that God’s will is determinative and that His grace is irresistible to the people He has chosen. The emphasis on God’s sovereignty and the efficacy of His grace is a key distinguishing feature of Calvinism compared to other Protestant beliefs emphasizing human cooperation with God’s grace.

Calvinism distinguishes itself from other Protestant beliefs through its doctrines of predestination, total depravity, limited atonement, and God’s sovereignty. These theological emphases shape the Calvinist understanding of salvation and the nature of God’s relationship with humanity.

How does Calvinism influence community life?

Calvinism influences community life by shaping the values, practices, and social structures that adhere to its principles. The emphasis on God’s sovereignty, moral integrity, and the importance of living a life that reflects one’s faith profoundly impact how Calvinist communities are organized and how members interact.

One way Calvinism influences community life is by emphasizing discipline and moral order. Calvinist communities prioritize ethical living, adherence to biblical teachings, and accountability within the congregation. It leads to a strong sense of community cohesion and mutual support as members strive to live following their shared values.

Calvinism places a significant emphasis on education and the study of Scripture. It has historically led to establishing schools and universities within Calvinist communities, and a culture that values intellectual engagement with theological and moral issues. Calvinism’s focus on education contributes to a well-informed and engaged community equipped to address spiritual and social challenges.

Calvinism emphasizes the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, which supports the idea that the individual has a direct relationship with God and a role to play within the church community. It leads to a more egalitarian approach to community life, where all members are encouraged to contribute their gifts and talents to the service of the church and the wider community.

Calvinism’s emphasis on social justice and community welfare has historically led to the development of social institutions such as hospitals, charitable organizations, and social reform movements. Calvinist communities view it as part of their religious duty to care for the poor, advocate for justice, and work to better society.

Calvinism influences community life by promoting moral integrity, education, equality within the congregation, and social engagement. These values and practices shape how Calvinist communities are organized and interact with the broader world.

Is Calvinism considered a Protestant Denomination?

Yes, Calvinism is considered a Protestant denomination, characterized by its distinct theological framework and historical roots in the Reformation. Calvinism remains a significant and influential branch of Protestant Christianity. It is one of the major branches of Protestant Christianity, alongside other denominations such as Lutheranism, Anglicanism, and Methodism.

Calvinism originated during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, with the teachings of John Calvin, a French theologian and reformer. His theological insights and writings, the “Institutes of the Christian Religion,” laid the foundation for the Calvinist tradition. Calvinism quickly spread throughout Europe, influencing the development of Reformed churches in Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Scotland, and elsewhere.

A church denomination is a distinct branch within Christianity with its own set of beliefs, practices, governance, and tradition. Christianity is divided into denominations because of theological, liturgical, and organizational differences. Each church denomination has a variety of interpretations of the Bible and Christian doctrines, which results in various ways to express faith and worship within each denomination.

Calvinism shares core beliefs with other Protestant traditions, such as the authority of Scripture, justification by faith alone, and the priesthood of all believers as a Protestant denomination. However, it is distinguished by its specific theological emphases, such as the doctrines of predestination, total depravity, and God’s sovereignty.

Does Calvinism Believe in the Importance of Baptism?

Yes, Calvinism believes in the importance of baptism as a sign of God’s covenant and a means of grace. Baptism is valued as an outward expression of inward faith and a significant part of Christian life and worship. Baptism is considered a sacrament, a means of grace, and a sign and seal of God’s covenant with His people in Calvinist theology. It is viewed as an essential element of Christian faith and practice. Its significance and interpretation may differ from other Christian traditions.

Calvinists show the importance of Baptism because they believe baptism symbolizes the washing away of sins, the dying and rising with Christ, and the believer’s incorporation into the body of Christ, which is the church. It is seen as a visible sign of God’s promise to save and a means through which God’s grace is communicated to the believer. However, Calvinists do not believe that baptism itself brings about salvation. It is a sign of the covenant of grace and a confirmation of God’s promises.

Infant baptism is practiced and understood in Calvinist theology as a sign of God’s covenantal faithfulness, similar to circumcision in the Old Testament. It signifies the child’s inclusion in the covenant community and God’s promise to be their God. The baptism of infants is not seen as a guarantee of salvation but as a call for the child to eventually come to faith and live a life of obedience to God.