Many people think Calvinism is equal to TULIP. Calvin’s theology is summed up in Sola Gratia. However, what we call Calvinism is associated more closely with the reformation happened in England. Sola Gratia is understood only by saints, but Calvinism was established to persuade the general public. Calvinism is more like Reformed Puritanism, which is influenced greatly by Puritan theologians like John Owen. Therefore, what we call Calvinism is either Reformed Puritanism or Owenism. We learn from history that theology goes astray when theologians focus on people, not God.

Whenever God reformed His church on the earth, His people separated themselves from the former system. In the time of the first reformation, Christ came and gave the right understandings of the prophecies spoken in the OT. Although Christ referred this as a new wine (Mark 2:21-22), it was truth that has been there from the beginning. During the second reformation, the Protestant church was considered as a new sect, but they revived the old and orthodox teachings written in the Bible. Augustine of Hippo already talked about the divine election a long time before the second reformation. Therefore, the early Reformers like Calvin insisted that they are the successors of the Apostolic church. This third reformation is not different. I am talking about an old idea about Adam. Irenaeus studied under Polycarp, who was a student of Apostle John. He viewed Adam as an immature being. I have not read Irenaeus’ writings and have no intention to read them. What I want to say is that my understanding of Adam is not entirely new.

In God’s world, reformation is equal to separation. After the third one, there will be the final separation. While the first two reformations were focused on preaching the gospel to the world, the third separation is focused on the Kingdom.

During the second reformation, the doctrine of divine election and reprobation was brought up again by the Reformers along with the Five Solas. There are many Christians who say they believe in God but consider the divine election wrong. I have no intention to persuade them. The knowledge is given by God and cannot be learned. Those who grew up in a Reformed church may have been taught about the doctrine. I am glad I did not grow up in a Reformed church because the doctrine can be used to suppress people and make them obey church authorities by causing unnecessary fear. When one’s salvation becomes a focus, the beauty of the doctrine is not revealed properly. The doctrine is not about one’s salvation. During the second reformation, one’s salvation was a focus as we read in Heidelberg Catechism Question 1 where it says “in fact, all things must work together for my salvation”. But God’s Kingdom should be the focus. It is important to shift our focus from our salvation to God’s Kingdom.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5b)

The understanding of the divine election (and reprobation) is related to the knowledge of creation. What I mean is that people do not accept the doctrine unless they understand why God created the world and why He will undo His creation at the end.

I will completely remove all things from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD. “I will remove human and animal life; I will remove the birds of the sky and the fish of the sea, and the ruins along with the wicked. And I will eliminate mankind from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD. (Zephaniah 1:2-3)

The doctrine is not an invention of some men who wanted to protect God’s sovereignty. God does not need anyone’s help because His sovereignty is absolute. It is a matter of the knowledge of God. Does God have nothing to do and count our hairs all day long? Was God merely watching what people would do during the Reformation? Or Did God plan for the Kingdom before creation and fulfill all His plans by His own hands? Read the Bible and find the answers.