Calvinist Stumped by Works-Based Accusation

Non-Calvinist misquotes Calvin and Pink to prove his point, Calvinist left speechless

WOODCREST, CA - A local Calvinist was left speechless after a heated debate with a non-Calvinist churchgoer, who accused him of being part of a works-based holiness-type cult.

The Calvinist, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was trying to explain the doctrine of perseverance of the saints to the non-Calvinist, who seemed to misunderstand it completely.

"I was telling him that perseverance of the saints means that those whom God has chosen and saved by his grace will never fall away from the faith, but will continue to live in obedience and holiness until the end," the Calvinist said. "I thought it was pretty clear and biblical, but he just kept interrupting me and calling me a heretic."

The non-Calvinist, who also wished to remain anonymous, said he was shocked and appalled by the Calvinist's claims, which he considered to be contrary to the gospel of grace.

"He was basically saying that we have to work hard to keep our salvation, and that if we ever sin or doubt, we might lose it," the non-Calvinist said. "He was quoting some verses from the Bible that say we are saved by faith alone, not by works, and that nothing can separate us from the love of God."

The non-Calvinist said he tried to show the Calvinist the error of his ways by citing some of the quotes he had heard from Calvinistic preachers, such as:

"What they [the Christians at Corinth] had attained so far is nothing, unless they keep steadily on; because it is not enough that they once started off on the way of the Lord, if they do not make an effort to reach the goal." -John Calvin, The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1960), p. 197. 

"If there is a reserve in your obedience, you are on the road to hell.” -AW Pink

"Something more than believing in Christ is necessary to ensure the soul’s reaching Heaven." -AW Pink

"These quotes clearly show that Calvinism is a works-based holiness-type cult, that denies the sufficiency and security of Christ's work on the cross," the non-Calvinist said. "I don't know how anyone can believe such nonsense and still call themselves a Christian."

The Calvinist said he was dumbfounded by the non-Calvinist's misinterpretation and misrepresentation of his quotes, which he said were taken out of context and twisted to suit his agenda.

"He was completely missing the point of what Calvin and Pink were saying, which is that true faith always produces good works, and that good works are the evidence and fruit of true faith, not the cause or condition of it," the Calvinist said. "He was confusing perseverance of the saints with perfectionism, which is a totally different thing."

The Calvinist said he tried to clarify the difference between perseverance and perfectionism, but the non-Calvinist refused to listen and stormed off, calling him a legalist and a Pharisee.

"I don't know what else to say to him," the Calvinist said. "I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree, and pray that God will open his eyes to the truth of his sovereign grace."

The non-Calvinist said he had no intention of talking to the Calvinist again, and that he would warn others about his dangerous and deceptive teachings.

"I hope he repents and comes to the true gospel of grace, before it's too late," the non-Calvinist said. "He needs to realize that salvation is not by works, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone."