Talking about theology can seem rather boring at times.  Trying to get a handle on what we believe matters but it isn't always easy.  We talked of the idea of Calvinism last night so we continue that thought today.  Let's start with some preliminary statements.  One is that you should be fully aware that the ideas given here are mine alone.  They may be made from years of study or reflection from other sources but this is only my view on the matter.  Another thing to know is this whole subject is more than a little complicated.  You have to take church history into account to understand the initial setting of this development.  Perhaps this is also complicated by the fact that scripture itself never ever tries to simplify the tension between various approaches to this doctrine.  Just quoting one verse will not save you from wrestling with another verse in the Bible.  A last idea to keep in mind is that Calvinism is like any other theological issue.  It falls under the section of systematic theology.  Here is where we organize our beliefs into a pattern.  No two books of systematic theology will ever totally agree on every point.  Just keep some of this in mind as you read on.


We said that the very first idea in Calvinism is that of total depravity.  We may choose a different name but this is the traditional one.  It simply means that every child born in the world is completely in need of the grace of God.  Baptists usually follow along somewhat with this concept.  What we usually do not realize is all that it means.  Scripture does give us the idea that we are sinners outside the grace of God until we are saved.  Each part of the Bible speaks fairly clearly to this.  This is one of the reasons my denomination tends to push efforts of evangelism.  One saying is that the church exists to populate heaven.  Other quotations will be in that same thread.  We do this because of our belief that a human being is lost without a relationship with God through Jesus.  That includes every single human being on our planet at this very moment.  I know we tend to give a nod to evangelism but we usually try avoiding the real meaning of this idea of sin.  Calvinists would say that only the grace of God can intervene in such a state.  That part is also pretty accurate.  How that grace works becomes the sticking point for those who study or discuss such theology.


Just observing human nature tells us that the idea of depravity falls in several levels.  History does tell us of those who seem overcome by evil on a grand scale.  We normally think of those as the truly sinful types.  We tend to be smug in our conviction they get whatever they deserve.  But you can also realize some who claim no Christian connection who live pretty good lives.  They do not murder, steal, cheat or any of the other really big sins we talk about.  Here is one reason why my personal preference is to talk of total inability or complete sinfulness rather than depravity.  Language changes over time and this is one example.  A person outside the will or grace of God may not lead a depraved life while still living in danger of judgement.  Sin is much more than a matter of what we do since it begins with who we are on the inside.  


A person who is lost is truly in need of grace.  Here is where I would agree with the Calvinist in realizing just how amazing God's mercy truly is.  My faith journey began at the age of ten.  I was innocent of murder and the such at that young age.  My need was still genuine in responding to the love of God.  A phrase such as "the age of accountability" was beyond my grasp.  What matters in such a time is realizing that forgiveness is offered by God no matter how large of small sin is on any scale.  So what about a child who dies prior to such an age or label?  I agree with the Calvinist that all are saved by grace.  Jesus told us that the child is a precious thing to Him then and now.  Our job is not to worry about ages but to create an atmosphere where mercy becomes valid in our life.  My truest conviction is that any child born or even unborn finds rest in the arms of God.  This is our great hope in His grace.


Sin is always serious.  Grace is still greater than our sin.  We know this as God is overflowing with grace or mercy in His nature.  He will be sure to bring us into that relationship with Him simply because that is His great desire.  Do not hear me say that all are saved regardless of their action or attitude.  My point is even our failures with God can point us to His greater mercy.  Hell is still real.  But we can look to a greater reality exhibited in the cross of Jesus.  Do we?


Bro. Trey