Calvinism: A Vibrant Life of Grace and Holiness
Summary
Calvinism is often misunderstood as a rigid and cold theological system, but it is, in fact, a vibrant and profound expression of the Christian faith. At its core, Calvinism is not merely about the five points often associated with it, but about a grand vision of the triune God as revealed in Scripture. John Calvin himself was captivated by the grace and glory of God, and this revelation was not just an intellectual exercise for him but a heart-transforming reality. The essence of Calvinism is about being subdued by God, leading to a life of docility and submission to His will.
Calvinism emphasizes living a life that honors God's sovereignty, cherishing His grace, and living coram Deo—before the face of God. It calls for a life shaped by God's holiness, rejecting the worldliness that has infiltrated the church. Calvinists are also committed to scriptural worship, understanding that the Reformation was as much about the right worship of God as it was about the doctrine of salvation. Calvinism also pursues godly catholicity, seeking unity among believers and demonstrating a willingness to bear with differences for the sake of the gospel.
Moreover, Calvinism is about cultivating communion with God. It is not just a theological system but a way of life that seeks to draw near to God, experiencing His presence and grace. Calvinism is more than the sum of its doctrinal points; it is a holistic approach to living a life that glorifies God in all aspects. This understanding of Calvinism challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a vibrant, heart-felt faith that transforms our lives and communities.
Key Takeaways:
1. Calvinism's Heartbeat: Calvinism is not just about the five points; it is a comprehensive vision of God's grace and glory that captivates both the mind and heart. It calls us to a deeper understanding and experience of the triune God as revealed in Scripture. [02:26]
2. Living Coram Deo: A true Calvinist lives before the face of God, seeking His glory above all else. This means living with a single eye to God's will, not swayed by the opinions of the world or even the church, but wholly devoted to God's kingdom and righteousness. [10:11]
3. Holiness and Worldliness: Calvinism calls for a life shaped by God's holiness, rejecting the worldliness that has crept into the church. It is about being conformed to the likeness of Christ, living as His image bearers in a world that often opposes His ways. [11:54]
4. Scriptural Worship: Calvinists are committed to worshiping God as He has decreed, not according to human imagination or passing trends. The Reformation emphasized the right worship of God, and this remains a central concern for those who follow in its footsteps. [13:17]
5. Communion with God: At its core, Calvinism seeks to cultivate a deep communion with God. It is about drawing near to God in worship and daily life, experiencing His presence and grace in profound ways. This communion is the heartbeat of a vibrant Calvinist faith. [17:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:36] - Misconceptions About Calvinism
- [01:29] - Beyond the Five Points
- [02:26] - Calvin's Vision of God
- [03:18] - Captivated by God's Revelation
- [04:06] - Personal Faith Journeys
- [05:39] - Calvin's Conversion
- [06:39] - Calvin's Motto
- [07:40] - Features of Biblical Calvinism
- [08:30] - Honoring God's Sovereignty
- [09:14] - Cherishing God's Grace
- [10:11] - Living Coram Deo
- [11:54] - Shaped by God's Holiness
- [12:38] - Scriptural Worship
- [14:03] - Pursuing Godly Catholicity
- [17:11] - Cultivating Communion with God
- [18:06] - Conclusion and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding Calvinism
Bible Reading:
1. John 17:3 - "This is eternal life that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."
2. 1 Peter 1:15-16 - "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
3. Romans 12:1-2 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does John Calvin identify as the foundational truth of the Christian religion, according to the sermon? [02:26]
2. How does the sermon describe the common misconceptions about Calvinism? [00:36]
3. What is meant by the phrase "living coram Deo," and how is it significant in the life of a Calvinist? [10:11]
4. According to the sermon, what role does God's holiness play in shaping a Calvinist's life? [11:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "subdued by God" reflect the transformative nature of Calvinism in a believer's life? [05:39]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Calvinism is more than just an intellectual system? How does it engage both the mind and heart? [03:18]
3. How does the sermon explain the importance of scriptural worship, and why is it emphasized as a central concern for Calvinists? [12:38]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between cherishing God's grace and understanding His sovereignty? [09:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own understanding of Calvinism. How has this sermon challenged or changed your perspective on what it means to live a life that honors God's sovereignty? [08:30]
2. The sermon emphasizes living "coram Deo" or before the face of God. How can you incorporate this mindset into your daily life, especially when faced with worldly pressures? [10:11]
3. Consider the call to holiness mentioned in the sermon. What specific steps can you take to reject worldliness and pursue a life shaped by God's holiness? [11:54]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of scriptural worship. How can you ensure that your worship practices align with what God has decreed, rather than following passing trends? [12:38]
5. Calvinism is described as cultivating communion with God. What practices can you adopt to deepen your personal relationship with God and experience His presence more profoundly? [17:11]
6. Reflect on the idea of godly catholicity and unity among believers. How can you demonstrate a willingness to bear with differences for the sake of the gospel in your community? [14:03]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of cherishing God's grace. How can you actively remind yourself of God's grace in your life and let it influence your interactions with others? [09:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Captivated by God's Grace and Glory
Calvinism is not merely a set of doctrines but a comprehensive vision of God's grace and glory that captivates both the mind and heart. It invites believers to a deeper understanding and experience of the triune God as revealed in Scripture. This vision is not just an intellectual exercise but a transformative encounter that shapes one's entire life. Calvinism challenges individuals to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a vibrant, heartfelt faith that transforms lives and communities. It is about being captivated by the grace and glory of God, leading to a life of docility and submission to His will. [02:26]
"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you allow the knowledge of God's glory to captivate your heart and mind today, leading to a deeper transformation in your life?
Day 2: Living Coram Deo
A true Calvinist lives before the face of God, seeking His glory above all else. This means living with a single eye to God's will, not swayed by the opinions of the world or even the church, but wholly devoted to God's kingdom and righteousness. Living coram Deo is about acknowledging God's presence in every aspect of life and striving to honor Him in all things. It is a call to live with integrity and purpose, knowing that every action is done before the face of God. This perspective transforms how one approaches daily life, relationships, and decisions. [10:11]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: How can you consciously live today as if you are in the presence of God, making decisions that honor Him above all else?
Day 3: Shaped by God's Holiness
Calvinism calls for a life shaped by God's holiness, rejecting the worldliness that has crept into the church. It is about being conformed to the likeness of Christ, living as His image bearers in a world that often opposes His ways. This involves a commitment to personal holiness and a rejection of the values and practices that are contrary to God's character. By embracing God's holiness, believers are empowered to live distinctively in a world that often promotes contrary values. This pursuit of holiness is not about legalism but about reflecting the character of Christ in every aspect of life. [11:54]
"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct." (1 Peter 1:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: What specific worldly influences do you need to reject today in order to be more conformed to the likeness of Christ?
Day 4: Committed to Scriptural Worship
Calvinists are committed to worshiping God as He has decreed, not according to human imagination or passing trends. The Reformation emphasized the right worship of God, and this remains a central concern for those who follow in its footsteps. Scriptural worship is about aligning one's worship practices with the teachings of Scripture, ensuring that God is honored in spirit and truth. This commitment to scriptural worship challenges believers to evaluate their worship practices and ensure they are rooted in biblical principles rather than cultural preferences. [13:17]
"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24, ESV)
Reflection: How can you ensure that your worship practices today are aligned with the teachings of Scripture, honoring God in spirit and truth?
Day 5: Cultivating Communion with God
At its core, Calvinism seeks to cultivate a deep communion with God. It is about drawing near to God in worship and daily life, experiencing His presence and grace in profound ways. This communion is the heartbeat of a vibrant Calvinist faith, inviting believers to experience the fullness of God's love and grace. Cultivating communion with God involves intentional practices that draw one closer to Him, such as prayer, meditation on Scripture, and participation in the sacraments. This pursuit of communion is not just about personal piety but about experiencing the transformative power of God's presence in every aspect of life. [17:11]
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to cultivate a deeper communion with God, experiencing His presence and grace in your daily life?
Quotes
Calvinism is often misunderstood as a rigid and cold theological system, but it is, in fact, a vibrant and profound expression of the Christian faith. At its core, Calvinism is not merely about the five points often associated with it, but about a grand vision of the triune God as revealed in Scripture. [00:00:09]
The five points are wonderful truths, but dislocated from the anatomy of biblical Christianity, they can become austere, lacking in grace, and almost floating above the realities of life, not really connecting with the way we go about living lives that are pleasing to God and honoring to the gospel. [00:01:18]
If you were to ask someone like John Calvin, "What is the great, fundamental, foundational truth of the Christian religion?" without pausing he would surely have immediately replied, "The revelation of the grace and glory of the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." [00:02:44]
The problem with many Calvinists is that the system of Calvinism has captured their minds, but it hasn't captivated their hearts. But God is the great captivating reality. The Lord Jesus Christ said in John 17, "This is eternal life that we might know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you've sent." [00:03:18]
Calvinism, subdued by God, Deus subigit, subdued by God and brought to docility. Isn't that a beautiful way to express the saving grace of God in your life? He has brought you to docility. He has brought you to embrace the yoke of Christ sweetly with a docile heart. [00:06:07]
Number one, they will live a life that honors God's sovereignty. They will acknowledge the lordship of God in their lives and in all things everywhere. They will acknowledge that He is God, sovereign, majestic, to be worshipped, to be adored, to be loved. So Calvinists honor God's sovereignty. [00:08:30]
And then thirdly, Calvinists live before God's face. They live coram Deo. We don't live looking over our shoulder, wondering either what the world thinks about us or even what the church thinks about us. I don't mean we have to live our lives irrespective of the body of Christ, but that we have to live before God with a single eye to His glory and to His will done. [00:09:53]
And then fourthly, Calvinism is a life shaped by God's holiness. One of the tragedies in modern evangelical Christianity is the manifest worldliness that has not only crept into the church, but that has come like a tidal wave into the church. We are called to be holy as God is holy. [00:11:26]
And then fifthly, Calvinists are satisfied with scriptural worship. I find it very strange that there are evangelicals who will fight to the death over what the Bible teaches that we are justified by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone, but they're very indifferent to what God would decree to us concerning how He's to be worshipped. [00:12:18]
Calvinism pursues godly catholicity. I don't know if any of you -- how many of you either possess or have dipped into Calvin's tracts and letters? Now, let's be honest. I'm not going to pounce on you. One or two, wonderful! Some of Calvin's letters are breathtaking. I'm not sure he would be invited to many Reformed conferences. His catholicity is really unsettling. [00:14:03]
And then finally, simply this. I try to highlight that Calvinism seeks to cultivate communion with God. I mentioned, in my earlier address, volume two of John Owen's works. After Calvin's Institutes, it has had more impact on me than any other book I've read, it's just, for me, it is an out of this world experience reading John Owen in volume two, "Communion with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." [00:17:11]
Calvinism should be noted for communion with God. Our services should be marked by a deep sense of drawing near to God even as God in Christ, by His Spirit, draws near to us. Calvinism is not less than five points. But it's gloriously more than five points, and I hope that perhaps if you haven't looked at the little DVD, I don't think I get any royalties from it so it's OK, I can just promote it. [00:18:06]
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