I found this piece over at Kingdom People written by Tervin Wax. The piece speaks of the various conflicting statements that John Calvin made in his writings about the atonement. The author points out that, on one hand, Calvinists have insisted that Calvin (and the Bible for that matter) taught a limited atonement (or a definite atonement is the more preferred language). Yet the writer shows that Calvin, at times, would make statements to imply that he believed in an unlimited atonement. The comments section in this post generated some heat.
I think it is safe to say that John Calvin, like many of us, changed his views from time to time and perhaps he bounced back and forth on this issue. I know that is the case for some Arminians over doctrines such as the perseverance of the saints. Probably the most noted doctrine that we waffle on the most is the end times. I, for example, hold to panmillennialism or the biblical teaching that it will all pan out in the end! I have heard arguments for all sides and many of them sound as truthful and convincing as the next. Could it be that Calvin waffled in some of his own theology during his lifetime?
Some students of theology like to pride themselves on never changing their views. They were born again this way and they will remain this way till Jesus comes (which they know when that will be most of the time). Yet part of learning and growing is the willingness to admit that I am wrong and change my views. This doesn’t mean that I abandon clear biblical teaching such as the existence of God, the Trinity, the Lord Jesus Christ and His deity, His saving work on the cross, His miracles, His teachings, His bodily resurrection, His bodily ascension and His second coming. I don’t abandon clear teachings from the Bible but I am open to be modified and taught from the Scriptures. That is biblical discipleship (Acts 2:47; 2 Timothy 2:2). I want the Bible to cut me open (Hebrews 4:12) and show me my sins but also correct my thinking (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
How open are you to biblical truth? Acts 17:11 reminds us that the Bereans were more noble than the Thessalonians because they searched the Old Testament Scriptures concerning what Paul was teaching. We like to think that the Bereans were skeptical of Paul and searching in the Old Testament for his basis but notice that Luke says that they were receiving the word with eagerness (ESV). The NIV says “with great eagerness” (Acts 17:11 NIV). I pray that is my heart. I want to learn from God’s Word and be challenged in my thinking. As someone once wrote, “If you aren’t learning, you’re dead!”
[Link to original post and comments at Roy Ingle’s website.]
