Okay, before I begin this rant, I need to clarify what a Calvinist is. First, I am a Calvinist. Calvinism is a doctrine formalized after the teachings of the Reformation theologian, John Calvin. The term Calvinism wasn't actually coined until years later as a reaction to attacks on Calvinist beliefs by Jacobus Arminian. These are the most frequently examined ends in the spectrum of salvation theology (formally, soteriology, the study of how a person is "saved"). Calvinism states that salvation is the sole work of God and that man is incapable of saving himself at any point; he is completely unable to decide to follow God and so God compels him to do it if He has predestined that man for salvation. Arminianism, on the other hand, states that while God initiates the salvation process, salvation is completed when the chosen individual decides of his own will to follow God.
I'm not really interested in debating the merits and Biblical support for the views, that's been done many times over the past four centuries. I've considered both sides of the argument and made up my mind. My interest is consideration of the fact that I feel a little confused because some of those around me who call themselves "Calvinist" are, in fact, not.
What do I mean? Those I'm thinking of state Calvinism as their position, but when I speak to them in detail they exhibit clearly Arminian positions. For example, one such person stated that he believed that it was important that we avoid "snagging on the hangups" of visitors at church. The Calvinist view states plainly that it is against the nature of men to choose God. Therefore, their hangups will prevent them from coming to Christ unless God has chosen them. If God has chosen them and they have felt the call, then there's no hangup that will stop them from entering the Kingdom.
Only an Arminian worries about whether the delivery will damage someone's chance to come to Christ. An Arminian must be concerned that his message is not only correct and complete, but also relevant and doesn't inadvertantly block someone from coming to Christ because of an offense taking on an related, but non-vital point. A Calvinist has no such worry because we know that the Holy Spirit will overcome such obstacles. We, obviously, don't want to add such obstacles deliberately, but we need not be overly concerned about them. Salvation is the work of the Spirit, not dependant upon the successes or failures of the messenger.
If you are a Calvinist, I implore you to make sure you are really a Calvinist. The most important factor when reaching out in the missions field or sharing the gospel is to make sure your presentation is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Of course, it is important to make sure the message is in terms that your listener can understand, but that is only a secondary concern. Focus on the truth and the delivery will come with the correct words by way of the Holy Spirit. He always guides the delivery of the gospel as long as you are willing to deliver it in truth and in love.
Cheers.
