A Key Belief Of Calvinism In The 1500s Was That

The doctrine of predestination, the unwavering conviction that God has predetermined who will be saved and who will be damned, stood as a central and defining tenet of Calvinism in the 1500s. This belief, deeply rooted in the writings of John Calvin and scripture, permeated every aspect of Calvinist theology and profoundly shaped the lives and worldview of its adherents.

The Foundations of Predestination

Calvinism emerged during the Protestant Reformation, a period of intense religious upheaval in Europe. John Calvin, a French theologian, became one of the most influential figures of the Reformation with his rigorous and systematic articulation of Reformed theology. At the heart of Calvin's theology lay the concept of God's absolute sovereignty. Calvin argued that God is not only the creator of the universe but also its sustainer and ruler, actively involved in every aspect of its existence.

Predestination, in Calvinist thought, flows directly from this understanding of God's sovereignty. If God is truly sovereign, then nothing can happen outside of His will. This includes the salvation of individuals. Calvin believed that God, from eternity past, has chosen some individuals for salvation (the elect) and others for damnation (the reprobate). This choice, according to Calvin, is based solely on God's good pleasure and is not contingent on any foreseen merit or action on the part of the individual.

Scriptural Basis

Calvinists found ample support for their doctrine of predestination in the Bible. They pointed to passages such as:

Ephesians 1:4-5: "He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Romans 9:11-13: "Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—she was told, 'The older will serve the younger.' As it is written, 'Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.'"
Romans 8:29-30: "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

These verses, among others, were interpreted as evidence that God's choice of individuals for salvation precedes any action on their part and is rooted in His eternal decree.

Key Aspects of Calvinistic Predestination

To understand Calvinistic predestination, it's essential to grasp several key distinctions:

Unconditional Election: God's choice of the elect is not based on any condition or foreseen merit in them. It is purely an act of His grace.
Limited Atonement: Christ died only for the elect, effectively securing their salvation. This doesn't mean Christ's sacrifice is insufficient for all, but that its intentional application is limited to those God has chosen.
Irresistible Grace: When God calls the elect to salvation, they cannot resist His grace. The Holy Spirit effectively regenerates their hearts, enabling them to believe and repent.
Perseverance of the Saints: Those who are truly saved will persevere in faith and good works until the end of their lives. This is not to say that believers will be perfect, but that they will not ultimately fall away from grace.

These four points, along with unconditional election, are sometimes summarized by the acronym TULIP, though this wasn't a system Calvin himself articulated.

The Impact of Predestination on 16th-Century Life

The doctrine of predestination was not merely an abstract theological concept; it had a profound impact on the lives of 16th-century Calvinists. It shaped their understanding of God, themselves, and their place in the world.

Assurance of Salvation

One of the most significant impacts of predestination was its effect on the assurance of salvation. While the doctrine might seem to lead to despair (if one is not elect, what hope is there?), Calvinists believed it could actually provide a firm foundation for assurance. They argued that while one cannot know God's decree directly, one can look for evidence of election in their lives. This evidence included:

Faith in Christ: A genuine belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Repentance from Sin: A turning away from sin and a desire to live a holy life.
Love for God and Neighbor: A demonstration of love and compassion towards others.
Obedience to God's Word: A commitment to following the teachings of the Bible.

By examining their lives for these signs, Calvinists could gain assurance that they were among the elect. This assurance, however, was not based on their own merits but on the work of the Holy Spirit within them.

Motivation for Holy Living

Paradoxically, the doctrine of predestination did not lead to fatalism or complacency. Instead, it served as a powerful motivation for holy living. Calvinists believed that good works were not a means of earning salvation but were rather the evidence of salvation. They saw themselves as instruments of God's grace, called to live lives that would glorify Him.

This emphasis on holy living led to a strong emphasis on morality and social reform in Calvinist communities. Calvinists were often at the forefront of efforts to promote education, alleviate poverty, and combat injustice. They believed that they were called to transform society according to God's will.

A Strong Work Ethic

The emphasis on living a life that glorifies God also contributed to a strong work ethic among Calvinists. They believed that all work, whether secular or sacred, was a calling from God. They were expected to work diligently and honestly in their chosen vocations, not for personal gain but for the glory of God and the benefit of their communities.

This work ethic, sometimes referred to as the "Protestant work ethic," has been credited with contributing to the economic success of many Calvinist communities.

Social and Political Activism

Calvinists were often active in social and political affairs. They believed that God's law should be the basis of all human law and that they had a responsibility to work for justice and righteousness in society. This led them to challenge unjust rulers and to advocate for reforms that would promote the common good.

In some cases, Calvinists even participated in armed rebellions against tyrannical governments, believing that they were acting in accordance with God's will. The English Civil War, for example, was fueled in part by Calvinist beliefs about the limits of royal authority.

Challenges and Criticisms

The doctrine of predestination has always been controversial, and it faced significant challenges and criticisms in the 16th century and beyond.

Accusations of Fatalism

One of the most common criticisms of predestination is that it leads to fatalism, the belief that all events are predetermined and that human actions have no real effect. Critics argued that if God has already decided who will be saved and who will be damned, then there is no point in trying to live a good life or to evangelize others.

Calvinists, however, rejected this accusation. They argued that while God's decree is certain, it does not negate human responsibility. They believed that God works through means, and that human actions are part of His plan. They also argued that the elect will naturally desire to live a holy life and to share the gospel with others.

The Problem of Evil

Another challenge to predestination is the problem of evil. If God is all-powerful and all-good, why does He allow evil to exist? Critics argued that if God has predestined some people to be damned, then He is ultimately responsible for their sin and suffering.

Calvinists responded to this challenge by appealing to the mystery of God's will. They acknowledged that they could not fully understand why God allows evil to exist, but they insisted that He has a good and wise purpose in doing so. They also emphasized the importance of human responsibility, arguing that while God is sovereign, human beings are still accountable for their actions.

Opposition from Other Theological Perspectives

Predestination also faced opposition from other theological perspectives, particularly Arminianism, which emerged in the early 17th century. Arminians rejected the Calvinist doctrine of unconditional election, arguing that God's choice of individuals for salvation is based on His foreknowledge of their faith. They also affirmed that Christ died for all people and that individuals have the free will to accept or reject God's grace.

The debate between Calvinism and Arminianism has continued to this day, and it remains one of the most important theological controversies in the history of Christianity.

Legacy and Influence

Despite the challenges and criticisms, the doctrine of predestination has had a lasting impact on the world.

Shaping Protestant Theology

Predestination remains a central tenet of Reformed theology, which is one of the major branches of Protestantism. Reformed churches around the world continue to affirm the doctrine of predestination, though they may differ in their interpretations of it.

Influence on Western Culture

Calvinism has had a significant influence on Western culture, particularly in the areas of politics, economics, and education. The Calvinist emphasis on hard work, self-discipline, and social responsibility has contributed to the development of democratic institutions, free-market economies, and strong educational systems.

Missions and Evangelism

Ironically, despite the criticisms that it leads to fatalism, the doctrine of predestination has often been a powerful motivation for missions and evangelism. Calvinists have believed that God has called them to share the gospel with the world, and they have been willing to endure great hardship and sacrifice to do so. They have trusted that God will use their efforts to bring the elect to faith.

Predestination in Modern Context

The doctrine of predestination continues to be a subject of debate and discussion among theologians and laypeople alike. In the modern context, some have sought to soften the edges of the doctrine, emphasizing God's love and mercy while still affirming His sovereignty. Others have reaffirmed the traditional Calvinist understanding of predestination, arguing that it is essential to a proper understanding of God and salvation.

Contemporary Interpretations

Contemporary interpretations of predestination vary widely. Some theologians propose "compatibilism," arguing that free will and determinism are not mutually exclusive. They suggest that God's sovereignty and human agency can coexist, even if the exact mechanism is beyond human comprehension.

Others emphasize the "Christocentric" approach to predestination, focusing on the idea that election is primarily about God's choice of Christ and that individuals are elect in Christ. This perspective tends to downplay the idea of double predestination (election to salvation and reprobation to damnation), focusing instead on God's offer of salvation to all who believe.

Ongoing Debates

The debates surrounding predestination continue to revolve around fundamental questions about God's nature, human freedom, and the problem of evil. Some critics argue that the doctrine is inherently unfair, as it seems to suggest that God arbitrarily chooses some for salvation while condemning others to damnation. Defenders of predestination respond by emphasizing the fallen nature of humanity and the fact that all deserve condemnation. They argue that God's election is an act of grace, not an act of injustice.

Relevance for Today

Despite its complexities and controversies, the doctrine of predestination remains relevant for today. It challenges us to grapple with the mystery of God's sovereignty and to consider the implications of our beliefs about God for how we live our lives. It reminds us that salvation is ultimately God's work, not our own, and that we are called to live in gratitude for His grace.

Conclusion

The belief in predestination was a cornerstone of Calvinism in the 1500s, profoundly shaping the religious, social, and political landscape of the era. While it sparked considerable debate and controversy, it also provided a framework for understanding God's sovereignty, human responsibility, and the nature of salvation. The legacy of predestination continues to resonate today, influencing theological discussions and shaping the lives of countless individuals around the world. Understanding this key belief is crucial to grasping the complexities and enduring influence of Calvinism.