Way Of Life
Boice, quoting Warfield, states that “Calvinism is that sight of the majesty of God that pervaded all of life and all experience.”[1] He goes on to say, “it is especially important to understand that Calvinism is not a set of doctrines but a whole way of life. God has revealed the doctrines of grace not simply for the instructions of our minds, but ultimately for the transformation of our lives.”[2] Here are several ways Calvinism can be viewed as a way of life:
· Affects prayer, study, Bible reading, and meditation (Rom. 15:4; 1 Thess. 5:17; 2 Tim. 2:15; Ps. 119:15, 27, 78, 97; Phil. 4:8; Col. 3:16).
· Instills hope, confidence, joy, humility, anticipation, and thankfulness (Ps. 50:23, 30:4-5, 71:5, 107:8-9, 130:3-5; Phil. 2:3-5; 1 Pet. 1:8, 3:15; Tit. 2:3; Col. 1:21-23; 1 Cor. 13:13; 2 Thess. 2:16; 1 Thess. 5:18). Calvin wrote, “... man is never sufficiently touched and affected by the awareness of his lowly state until he has compared himself with God’s majesty.”[3]
· Heightens love, worship, and praise (1 Pet. 2:9; Ps. 66:16; 63:1-8; 70:4; 35:9; 98:1-4; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 5:2, 11).
· Drives one to learn about and seek God in his creation and providence (Ps. 111:2; 143:5; 8:3-9; 19:1-3; 40:5; 77:12; Rev. 15:3-4; Rom. 8:28).
· Fills with awe, reverence, godly fear, wonder, amazement, and delight (Hab. 2:20; Ps. 1:2; 16:11; 17:15; 25:4-11; 33:8; 36:8-9; 42:1-2; 65:4; 66:16; 86:8-13; 89:7; 107:9; 118:15; 119:14-16, 77, 92, 143, 174; 147:11; Is. 61:10; 1 Pet. 1:8; Matt. 10:28). Beeke has written, “As Calvinists, we are enamored with God. We are overwhelmed by His majesty, His beauty, His holiness, and His grace. We seek His glory, desire His presence, and model our lives after Him... we have only one concern: to know God, to serve Him, and to see Him glorified.”[4]
· Motivates to witness and work (Eph. 2:10; Tit. 2:14; 3:8; Col. 1:10, 22; 2 Thess. 2:16-17)
· Moves one to repentance, godly sorrow, holiness, and the mortification of the flesh (Rom. 3:14; 1 Pet. 2:1, 4:2; Gal. 5:16; 1 Jn. 3:3; Ps. 119:11; Phil. 3:3; Col. 3:5-9). “A penitent spirit” wrote Boice, “is one of the hallmarks of Calvinism.”[5]
· Encourages to do all for the glory and honor of God (1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Col. 3:17; 1 Pet. 4:11). Once more Boice, “The true Calvinist not only recognizes God’s glory but is also jealous to promote it.”[6]
· It is not just a way of life, it is the Christian life (1 Jn. 2:6; Eph. 5:2; Rom. 6:4; 7:4; Col. 2:6-7; 3:1-3, 12-15).
· Enables one to always rejoice and trust in Christ even in the midst of suffering (Phil. 4:4; 1 Thess. 5:16; 2 Cor. 6:10; 1 Pet. 1:3-9; 4:12-13).
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