Why the need for a big breath? Because It would take a big breath to blow out 500 candles! On his 500th birthday, many believers are talking about one of the world’s most influential theologians of all time–John Calvin. While John Calvin is known for many lasting contributions to Christian theology, his most controversial teaching is with the doctrine of election or predestination.
Christians are divided when it comes to the doctrine of election. Some say that the Bible does not teach it; others say that we should ignore it; and still others say that everything revolves around it. Where does the doctrine of election or predestination fit in the life of BLBC?
To begin, passages such as Ephesians 1; Romans 8, 9, 10, and 11; and 1 Peter 1, to name a few, must be dealt with honestly. These passages clearly teach the doctrine of election. So to say that the Bible does not teach this wonderous doctrine is unfounded. Further, because the Bible does teach this doctrine we do not have the luxury to ignore it or push it aside as if it will eventually go away. Yet Scripture does not teach that everything revolves around this doctrine. To the contrary, everything revolves around God! Surely the apostle Paul’s exhortation in Romans 10:36 is fitting, “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
The doctrine of election is not meant to be scary or even controversial. However, I am a realist and know that it is scary to some and controversial to many others. As I think about the legacy of John Calvin on the night of his birthday, I am grateful that he held high the biblical belief in a sovereign God who elects a people to himself, not a people who deserve it, but a people nonetheless.
Though I do believe in the sovereign will of God to save whomever he wills (e.g., Acts 2:39; 13:48; Romans 9:10-13), God has give the means by which his elect are to hear the gospel–the Great Commission. The doctrine of election does not nullify the Great Commission; it ignites it! We may confidently go to the hard places, the poor places, the far places, the cold places, the indifferent places and trust in a sovereign God to change hearts as the gospel call goes out!
Paul was assured by God of this very hope. While discouraged in the city of Corinth, Paul was ready to pack up and go elsewhere. Then God spoke. God told Paul to continue on with the Great Commission. Why? Because of the doctrine of election. Hear the words of the Lord to a discouraged Paul,
And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:9-10).
What comfort to know that as we carry out the Great Commission we cannot fail. The gospel does not fail, so the Great Commission will not fail. It is certain and it is sure. It is so because of God, not man. So, on his 500th birthday, I am grateful for the courage of a man who stood against the theological shifting winds of his day. However, I am more grateful for a God who assures us that his Great Commission will not fail because of his sovereign hand.
Happy birthday, John. Sorry we have to eat and run, but the Great Commission calls us to the poor, the hard, and the far.
Trying to run with you,
Pastor Doug