Closet Calvinists

I love the doctrines of grace and don't shy away from the label “Calvinist.” I believe in the sovereignty of God. I'm convinced Scripture teaches that God is completely sovereign not only in salvation (effectually calling and granting faith to those whom He chooses), but also in every detail of the outworking of Providence. “Whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified“ (Rom. 8:30). And He makes “all things work together for good to those who love God, [i.e.,] to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Quite simply, He “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11).

That's what people commonly mean when they speak of “Calvinism.” When I accept that label, I am not pledging allegiance to the man John Calvin. I am not affirming everything he taught, and I'm not condoning everything he did. I'm convinced that Calvin was a godly man and one of the finest biblical expositors and theological minds ever, but he wasn't always right. As a matter of fact, my own convictions are baptistic, so I am by no means one of Calvin's devoted followers. In other words, when I accept the label “Calvinist,” it's only for convenience's sake. I'm not saying “I am of Calvin” in the Corinthian sense...

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