The question "Are Calvinists Christians?" is not a stupid one, but a relevant one. My answer is that a person that is a genuine Christian has no desire to label or call himself "Calvinist". If for some reason he should at some point in his profession do so foolishly he will repent of such carnality and stupidity when God the Spirit convicts him of this fleshly sin of his. For a true Christian to call himself "Calvinist" is sin, because it does not spring from the principle of faith within. A man who goes on calling himself "Calvinist" is either a false believer, which is most often the case, or a true believer in a backslidden condition, which is not his right element. In the case of the latter such carnal self-labeling cannot go on for long time because the Spirit of Christ within him will rebuke and chastise him and he will zealously repent of it.
Adhering to the theological system known as "Calvinism" proves nothing as to a man's state and standing before God. Many or most "orthodox Calvinists" through the centuries have been wolves, false Christians. Adhering to Arminianism or semi-pelagianism does prove something as to a man's state, it strongly suggests such an one is still unconverted and in a state of darkness. The vast majority of Calvinists so-called are also thus, but it does not show from their holding to 5 point Calvinism, because those 5 points in and of themselves are biblical. But from other things which may observed in the lives and professions of Calvinists one discerns their lostness.
For example, a "Calvinist" preacher may staunchly hold to the system of TULIP, but his preaching duty faith and duty repentance and grace offers to all indiscriminately betrays to the discerning man that he is uncalled of God and most likely unregenerate. Such was for example the "prince of preachers", Charles Haddon Spurgeon, and Andrew Fuller, the famous wolf who has been called the father of the Modern Missionary Movement.
Harald
