In 1536 French-born theologian John Calvin published The Institutes of the Christian Religion, his personal testament of faith written to put a finish to the divisions within the expanding Protestant movement. The book had a profound effect on the development of Protestantism and outlined the theological system known as Calvinism. His central doctrine was predestination under which God predestines certain souls (the elect) through the sacrifice of Jesus to salvation, and the others whose fate is damnation. He emphazised the utter sinfulness of mankind that cannot be saved unless they are one of the elect, one of the chosen ones to be saved. Calvin taught that there are three tests that constitute a good yardstick by which to judge who is God's chosen, the elect and therefore saved. Firstly participation in baptism and the Lord's Supper, secondly a public declaration of one's faith and lastly a righteous moral life.
No comments:
Post a Comment