Calvinism and Cancer

I am a Southern Baptist pastor and I see some things that are disturbing me greatly. There is a resurgence of Calvinism among young Southern Baptist pastors. Many come to churches and cover up the fact of where they stand on this theological position. They get into their churches by masking the fact of what they believe.

Here's the core of what they believe:
"Basically, Calvinism is known by an acronym: T.U.L.I.P.

Total Depravity (also known as Total Inability and Original Sin)
Unconditional Election
Limited Atonement (also known as Particular Atonement)
Irresistible Grace
Perseverance of the Saints (also known as Once Saved Always Saved)"1

The U, L, and I is where I have the most theological problem. In a nutshell, Calvinists' believe that God only died for the elect (the people that God chooses). If you are one of the chosen, you will come into a relationship with God. If you are not chosen, you have no chance at salvation. God condemns those to hell that He does not choose.

John 3:16 seems like the obvious Scripture to refute Calvinism, "(NASB95) For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever (emphasis mine) believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." Of course, Calvinists have an answer as to why you can't take this verse at face value.

My ministry is based on the fact that everyone has value in the eyes of God. God wants none to perish but all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (NASB95) "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." Of course, Calvinists have an answer for this verse too.

I think it all comes down to the heart of God. Is God really a God of love? My life and ministry are turned over to God daily because I believe He loves everyone. The whole of Scripture tells that story. Not a story of some chosen and some not. That is NOT God's heart.

I had a long conversation with a dear friend today about some theological things, one of them being Calvinism. This person is in a situation where Calvinism is affecting them personally. This person is trying to decide how to respond in love through it.

I am very concerned about the spread of Calvinism in Southern Baptist circles. Calvinism spreads like a cancer. It is not God's heart.

More than anything, here is my biggest problem with Calvinism... if you believe what Calvinists believe... it means that God sends some people to hell. My God is a God of love. He wants us to choose to receive His love. When we respond to His call of love, we are changed from death to life. If we choose not to respond to His love, the consequence of that choice is eternal separation from God and that is hell. God does not send us to hell. He wants a relationship with each and every person and for all to come to the knowledge of the truth. But He leaves that up to us!

What do you think?


Works Cited
1 http://www.calvinistcorner.com/tulip.htm, Matthew J. Slick, B.A., M. Div.