Dem Bones, Dem Bones, Dem Dry Bones

“When we begin to see the dead rise from the grave by their own power, then may we expect to see ungodly sinners turning to Christ by their own endeavors.” – C.H. Spurgeon

John Calvin, the French theologian who spent much of his ministry career in Geneva, Switzerland, is known for his Five-Point theology which he outlined in his magnum opus, the Institutes of the Christian Religion. This multi-volume book was published in Latin in 1536 and is considered not only Calvin’s seminal work, but also a theological classic along the lines of Augustine’s The City of God and Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica.

Calvin’s five points – which spell the word T-U-L-I-P – include the total depravity of man, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of the saints.

Total depravity means that outside of God’s intervention, man is dead in his sins and trespasses. This differs from the Armenian view that man is merely wounded by sin. Unconditional election refers to God choosing who He will save regardless of their merits or lack thereof. Limited atonement teaches that Christ died for the elect only, and not for all mankind. The meaning of irresistible grace is that the Holy Spirit overwhelms the free will of the elect and draws them to Christ for salvation. Finally, the perseverance of the saints is the doctrine that those who are truly born again, though they may backslide occasionally, will be preserved unto the day of judgment.

Almost 500 years after the publication of his most famous book, Calvin remains a divisive figure in Christianity. Reformed theologians revere him whereas Wesleyans object to many of his teachings. For the purpose of today’s devotional message, I will simply say this: in my youth, I was so prideful and arrogant that I don’t think I ever would have repented of my sins and trusted Christ as my Savior had I not been irresistibly drawn to Him by the Holy Spirit.

Here is how Charles Spurgeon, a reformed preacher and disciple of Calvin’s, described that process…

“All the soldiers and the high priests could not keep the body of Christ in the tomb; death itself could not hold Jesus in its grip: Just as irresistible is the power displayed in the believer when he is raised to newness of life. No sin, no corruption, no devils in hell nor sinners on earth can resist the hand of God's grace when it intends to convert a man. If God omnipotently says, ‘You shall,’ man will not say, ‘I shall not.’"

“He answered, ‘Whether He is a sinner I do not know. There is one thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see!’” John 9:25 (BSB)

“I will put My Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD.” Ezekiel 37:14 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President