Jennifer Rothnie Supporter Housewife, Artist, Perpetually Curious

'Doctrines of Grace', as Michael described, is a term often used in place of saying 'Calvinism'. Unfortunately, the use of the term has the side effect of branding any competing theory as "not" being a Doctrine or theory of grace. As such, this term can detract from the true Doctrine of Grace; the gospel of Jesus Christ, as well as cause division in the church if misused.

It also can be a misnomer, depending on how it is understood. While doctrine in general is simply something that is 'taught', in Christian terminology Doctrine generally refers to the basic teachings of faith in which all Christians agree. [https://ebible.com/statement_of_faith]. 

For example, one important Doctrine is the teaching that "Jesus died for our sins". http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/doctrine/

Upon the foundations of Christ, scripture, Doctrine, and the teachings of the Apostles, further teachings can be built. Many teachings can be derived through systematic theology, or by studying the word, etc, and this is good for going beyond basic teachings to maturity.

While it is beneficial to study these topics and other topics that build upon core Doctrine, we should avoid the extremes; the one of taking a teaching of man as 'gospel truth', the other of using no discernment or studying scripture at all. Not every view is equal in terms of scriptural support. The first extreme leads to division, such as denominations fracturing from others, each believing it has the whole 'truth'. The second extreme leads to moral relativism and spiritual stagnation.

In the case of 'Doctrines of Grace', it nears the first extreme as it is often used in a 'superior' sense to the gospel, as if the five points summarized the gospel or the gospel was contained in them. It should be used in an inferior sense, as should be all other teachings/theories that seek basis in the gospel and scripture, but are not Core Doctrine of themselves or even explicit scripture.

Whatever phrases we use, we should be careful in daily conversation to avoid confusion and division where possible. The terms/buzzwords we use should neither put other believers down by implication or advance a personal view as superior, nor cause confusion between Core Doctrine and other teachings/theories for younger believers or non-believers. 

As for the actual theory of Calvinism, the Church has debated for hundreds of years on the matter. There are 5 point Calvinists, 4 point, Aminians, people who identify with both, people who reject both theories, Provisionists, those with no opinion, Lutherans, Thomists, people who picks and choose, etc.

Michael covers the support verses for Calvanism above, and a contrary analysis is here; http://ebible.com/answers/17319?ori=167400.

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Having covered what the term 'Doctrines of Grace' means in common usage, let us turn to scripture and look at what the core "Doctrines of Grace" are:

Grace is Christ; the gift of God; God revealed. (Heb 1:3, I Cor 1:4-5, John 4:10)
Grace is salvation offered to all people in Christ: (Titus 2:11, John 12:3-33, Matt 4:12-17, Psalm 67:1-3)
Grace is salvation granted through faith (Eph 2:8-10, Rom 5:1-2, Joel 2:32), not by works of law.
Grace is Christ delivered to death that we might live: (Rom 4:25, Gal 2:20-21, Rom 5:6-8)
Grace is the gift of justification; being declared righteous; through Christ: (Rom 5:12-19)
Grace is pardon from God's wrath, and reconciliation with God: (Rom 5:6-11)
Grace is eternal life granted to those who believe: (John 3:16-17, Rom 6:23, John 1:1-3)
Grace is the Holy Spirit dwelling with us: (Acts 19:2, Eph 4:30, I Cor 6:19)
Grace is God's regeneration of believers into new creations under the headship of Christ: (Rom 6, Gal 6:16, II Cor 5:17, Col 3:5-11)
Grace is our adoption as sons: (Gal 4:4-6, Rom 8:15)
Etc.

These are the true "Doctrines of Grace".

January 08 2015 • 8 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

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