We have declared several things to keep in mind from threads 1 and 2;
The consistent Calvinistic apologetic is therefore presuppositional, reasoning from the Scriptures, not evidential, or reasoning to the Scriptures.
What man needs is spiritual life, enablement and perception [regeneration], not merely information.
The primary influence of the Calvinistic tradition has been theological. As a comprehensive scriptural system, it has affected every area of theology. In particular, the following:
• The whole Calvinistic system is nothing more or less than a systemization of scriptural truth.
• The Institutes of the Christian Religion formed the essence or basis of all subsequent consistent systematic theologies.
• Calvin brought the doctrines of predestination and election into the realm of practical Christian experience, “giving significance to the common man.”
• Every Reformed and Evangelical Creed, Confession and Catechism reflects Calvin’s influence.
• Calvin’s practical emphasis on the Moral Law as applied to every sphere of life revolutionized and elevated Western religion, society and culture.
• Calvin’s doctrine of the Church was rooted in practicality and discipline. His principle of the separation of church and state revolutionized the Western World and brought great political and social consequences.
• By holding to the self–attestation or self–authentication of the Scriptures through the testimony of the Spirit and taking into account moral depravity and the noetic effects of the fall, Calvin pointed the way for a consistent presuppositional apologetic.
• The doctrine of the Christian ministry derived two principles from Calvin: that of an educated ministry to properly and consistently handle the Word of God and the principle of biblical pastoral counseling.
• Calvin’s contribution to the doctrine of grace was his insistence upon “Common Grace” to explain the work of God in restraining evil and the existence of gifts and talents, apart from regeneration, for the fulfillment of the creation or cultural mandate.
Keep in mind this;
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
21 For after that in the wisdom of God
the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
The carnal wisdom of fallen men cannot suppress the truth of God.
• Calvinism is the only consistent Christian theism, and so is the only Christianity that possesses an inclusive and consistent world–and–life view.
Thus, Calvinism poses the only consistent and intelligent threat or alternative to humanistic philosophy.
(Pelagianism, semi–Pelagianism or Arminianism are all essentially humanistic and deterministic as they begin with a rationalistic approach to Scripture,
posit a “limited god,”
the autonomy [“free will”] of man,
and deny Divine absolute predestination)
On thread #2 , posts 4 and 5 list many of these failed carnal philosophies.
