Calvinism and Evangelism

4His_glory · May 31, 2006

I know that somthing similar to this was discussed in this forum not to long ago, but I would like to address the common misconception that Calvinism kills evangelism and missions. All that I ask is that non-Calvinists be fair in their criticism and judgemnt of what is commonly called Calvinism. One does not need to agree with Calvinism, but they must be honest in their arguments. It can be historically proven that Calvinism does not kill evangelistic efforts but the opposite is true.

Consider this quote by Princton theologica B.B. Warfeild, a true fundamentalist of his day who stuanchly defend the truth against modernism:

"Calvinism is evangelism in its pure and only stable expression,and when we say evangelism we say sin and salvation. It means utter dependence on God for salvation. It implies therefore, need of salvation and a profound sense of this need, along with an equally profound sense of helplessness in the presence of this need, and utter dependence on God for its satisfaction. Its type is found in the publican who smote his breast and cried, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" No question there of saving himself, or helping

God to save him, or of opening the way to God to save him. Noquestion of anything but "I am a sinner, and all my hope is in God, my Saviour!" This is Calvinism, not just something like Calvinism, or an approach to Calvinism, but Calvinism in its vital manifestation. Wherever this attitude of heart is found and is given expression in direct and unambiguous terms, there is Calvinism. Where this attitude of mind and heart is fallen away from it however small a measure, there Calvinism has become impossible. "

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Here is a Gospel plea by one of the greatest evangelists in chruch history admired by Calvinists and non-Calvinists alike, George Whitefield:

I offer you salvation this day; the door of mercy is not yet shut, there does yetremain a sacrifice for sin, for all that will accept of the Lord Jesus Christ. He will embrace you in the arms of his love. O turn to him, turn in a sense of your own unworthiness; tell him how polluted you are, how vile, and be not faithless, but believing. Why fear ye that the Lord Jesus Christ will not accept of you? Your sim will be no hindrance, your unworthiness no hindrance; if your own corrupt hearts do not keep you back nothing will hinder Christ from receiving of you. He loves to see poor sinners coming to him, he is pleased to see them lie at his feet pleading his promises; and if you thus come to Christ, he will not send you away without his Spirit; no, but will receive and bless you. O do not put a slight on infinite love - he only wants you to believe on him, that you might be saved. This, this is all the dear Saviour desires, to make you happy, that you may leave your sim, to sit down eternally with him at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Let me beseech you to come to Jesus Christ; I invite you all to come to him, and receive him as your Lord and Saviour; he is ready to receive you. I invite you to come to him, that you may find rest for your souls. He will rejoice and be glad. He calls you by his ministers; O come unto him - he is labouring to bring you back from sin and from Satan, unto himself: open the door of your hearts, and the King of glory shall enter in. My heart is full, it is quite full, and I must speak, or I shall burst. What, do you think your souls of no value? Do you esteem them as not worth saving? Are your pleasures worth more than your souls? Had you rather regard the diversions of this life, than the salvation of your souls? If so, you will never be partakers with him in glory; but if you come unto him, he will supply you with his grace here, and bring you to glory hereafter; and there you may sing praises and hallelujahs to the Lamb for ever. And may this be the happy end
of all who hear me!"
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Other notable men could be pointed out as well such as Carey, Judson, Spurgeon, and Brainered. We could examine the great histories of early Baptist church planting efforts by the Philadelphia Association and the Sandy Creek association both throughly Calvinistic in their soteriology.

Since I know non-calvinist wish to be honest in their arguments, I trust they will be completly honest when it comes to this matter of Calvinism and evangelism/missions, and recognize that the common argument of ignorance is not permissible.

Dale-c · May 31, 2006

It can be historically proven that Calvinism does not kill evangelistic efforts but the opposite is true.
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Well, don't you think God is better at saving souls that man is?

So why would it "kill missions"

What it does kill is Rick Warren style ministries.

There are two problems, dead beats that call themselves calvinists that confuse the issue and then there are the non-Calvanists who are too proud to admit that they didn't save anyone.
I was certianly not raised Calvinist and I still don't know that I agree with everything Calvin wrote, but when I read what the Bible actually says about God's sovereignty, I had no choice but to realize I had been wrong.

Calvinism and Evangelism

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Calvinism and Evangelism

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