Blake Long

Calvinism. For some of you, reading or seeing that word makes you cringe. But I’m here to tell you it shouldn’t. I’m here to explain that Calvinism is not the theological boogeyman people make it out to be.

I am convinced that most, if not all, Christians who are antagonistic toward Calvinism are so based on misconceptions and/or caricatures. They think Calvinism teaches one thing, and that causes them to shove Calvinism in the heresy box. I think that’s unwise and uncharitable.

So, it’s safe to say there are many misconceptions about Calvinism, but in this blog I’d like to address the common one that Calvinism kills evangelism.

Many pontificate, “Why evangelize if God has already chosen His people? If God elected people, it’s going to happen regardless of you witnessing. Calvinism kills the motivation to evangelize.”

The Great Commission

This argument ignores and/or misunderstands a couple key points. More than anything else, Calvinists evangelize because, well, God commanded us to via the Great Commission. If Jesus said it, we should do it. End of story. You could say, “Why pray if God is sovereign?” It’s the same answer with that: we pray because God commanded it. (Yes, there are also more practical answers to that, but I digress.)

We evangelize the lost because Jesus commissioned all Christians everywhere to point people to the gospel. It’s how God saves His people, which is the next point.

The Means

Additionally, this criticism misses a key point about how God has chosen to operate within the world. Means do exist; that is, God uses means to accomplish His end. In this example, it’s quite clear that God uses the evangelism of His children to bring lost souls to Him.

Additionally, Calvinism—specifically unconditional election—gives us 100% certainty that our evangelistic efforts won’t be in vain. God will save His people through our proclamation of the Word. There’s no need to despair when unbelievers aren’t receptive. If we are faithful in our witness, God will be faithful to save (He’s faithful to save regardless).

The History

This misconception also ignores the vast amount of Calvinists in history who were evangelists: George Whitefield, Charles Spurgeon, Adoniram Judson, John Calvin, John Eliot, and so many more. Evangelizing as a Calvinist has been a “thing” forever. Why? Because, if anything, Calvinism—specifically unconditional election—is a great motivator for evangelism.

Kevin DeYoung wrote:

Biblical Calvinists understand that God uses means to call His elect to salvation. Therefore, we don’t shy away from missions or evangelism. As history shows, Calvinism actually encourages missions and evangelism. In fact, many of the greatest missionaries and leaders in missions throughout the history of the church have been Calvinists.

The rich history of Calvinists being fervent missionaries for God’s grace also shows that Calvinism is not some new invention or modern idea. The doctrines of grace have been around, well, you could reason, since Jesus. (Here’s a good article on the history of Calvinism.)

Be Gracious

If you disagree with Calvinism, please try to understand it before mischaracterizing it. And on the Calvinistic side, we collectively need to do better with being gracious to Christians who don’t hold to TULIP.

I’ll be honest: I wholeheartedly believe Calvinism is true, and is the most accurate representation of how God operates in redemption; but I’m not mad about it. I don’t mind if you don’t believe it, but at least understand it correctly before criticizing it. Calvinism is not the end, though. It’s God Himself. So let’s praise Him!