Extreme Labels

Extreme Labels

            I’m reading through a book entitled “The Potter’s Freedom” by James White.  This book is a response and rebuttal to Norman Geisler’s book, “Chosen But Free”.  These books have to do with the hot topic of Election versus man’s free-will.  Great topics that I will NOT discuss, at least in detail, in this post, what I want to talk about is labeling yourself.

            In Norman Geisler’s “Chosen But Free” (CBF from now on), he asserts that John Calvin was not really a Calvinist.

            (For those who don’t know a “Calvinist” believes that man is Totally Depraved, they cannot choose an all-loving God, for they are dead in their sins.  Heaven is not an option, only Hell.  Next a “Calvinist” believes in the Unconditional Election of God.  God chose those who would believe in Him before the foundations of the world.  The Atonement of Christ is Limited, in that Christ died and saved those whom God had chosen, contrary to the opinion that Christ died for all, meaning the whole world.  The Grace that God gives is Irresistible to those whom it is poured upon.  When God reveals himself to a man, they have but one “choice”, respond to it and submit to it.  Finally, that person will persevere as God will protect those whom He has chosen through the trials and persecutions of the world.  They will not “turn their backs” or reject God throughout their life in this earth.

            This is a very limited and brief definitions of the “5 points of Calvinism”, in short are Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints)

            The chapter I just reached and am reading through in “The Potter’s Freedom (PF from now on) James White is refuting CBF’s assertion that John Calvin did not believe what is affirmed as “Calvinism”.

            This is all background as to what I want to talk about: Labeling yourself.  Is it necessary? Have we labeled ourselves based on others beliefs instead of checking for ourselves what Scripture really states? Do we rely too much on these labels and interpret Scripture through those lenses?

            For a while I relied on these labels.  I wanted to figure out what I believed and these labels were the easiest way to figure that out.  I was confronted by that by my father and constantly encouraged to figure out what I believed for myself using Scripture.  So I am!

            Over this past summer of 2012, I made a striking discovery in Romans 9 concerning the doctrine of Election.  That started this whole thing as I seek exactly what I believe.  But what about these labels?  Is there any use to them?

            Why do I label myself a 5-point Calvinist?  It can seem that we worship and follow the points of Calvinism rather than Scripture itself.  We get wrapped up in our Calvinism and we forget to interpret Scripture with an open mind.

            I guess before I go on to clarify a few things.  I am not bashing anybody.  I want people to think about what they believe and why they believe, being able to defend that belief with Scripture.  When I say “Calvinism”, I am using the term as an example of a label that people use.  It could be substituted with whatever belief system you have i.e. Arminianism, Easy-Believism, Lordship Salvationist, the list goes on.

            Anyhow, these labels, what purpose do they serve? Actually they are quite well.  If someone knows what you are talking about (i.e. Calvinism vs. Arminianism) it can be quite easy to identify yourself to them by stating “Hey I am a 5-point Calvinist” and they know exactly what you are talking about.  Labels work quite well in that respect.  The danger with this is that it is easy, as stated above, to start to interpret Scripture through that lens rather than with an open mind, as the way it should be.

            They have been great for my own personal edification.  I am able to find books on the topic specifically with Scripture which can be, on your own, looked at in the proper context.

            To say that labeling yourself is necessary is wrong.  It sure is useful though.  We must be careful to not get so caught up in the label.  Interpret Scripture carefully within its proper context and with an open mind.  Don’t go reading tons of books on the topic getting your Scripture from biased sources, go to the Word.  Of course look at these sources, but look at both sides of the issue and figure out for yourself what Scripture actually says from the context of each passage.

            My conclusion to this is that labels have their place in my life.  I do label myself a 5-point Calvinist, a Lordship Salvationist, a sinner saved by grace!  Nevertheless, one must be careful to use Scripture as their source.  Figure out what you believe for yourself.  Don’t get caught up in what someone else may believe and agree with it without looking for yourself.

            While reading these books it seems that they are interpreting Scripture through their lenses.  Yes John Calvin was an excellent exegete of Scripture, nevertheless, and maybe they have, figure it out for yourself.  The authors defend the positions of the respective “founders” of the label, CBF: Armenian.  PF: John Calvin.  Don’t defend John Calvin.  Defend Jesus Christ.