THE CALVINISTIC THEORY

John Calvin (1509-1564) was one of histories greatest supporters of this theory of the doctrine, and it has been given his name. It is the second of the major theories of election and a central issue in this study. Again, only a brief description will be given.

This theory is based on six axioms:

Man had a free will to obey or disobey God, and he chose to disobey Him.

This disobedience lead to the rejection by God, his becoming totally corrupt, and passing this rejection and corruption on to his descendants throughout history.

God did not allow His plans and purposes to be frustrated, but chose a great number of His fallen creation to be reconciled to Himself.

God has already determined who is going to be saved and who is going to be lost. Individual choice has no effect on salvation.

That election is to salvation and not to outward privileges.

Christ died only for those chosen by God.