The Presbyterian Church
John Calvin was one of the earliest Protestant reformers. Born a Roman Catholic, John turned from his family tradition in 1533 after studying the New Testament in the original language. Calvin did not start a distinct denomination, but his studies/doctrines bear his name -- Calvinism. It is often associated with Presbyterianism (although many denominations hold his tenets dear).
The Five Points of Calvinsim are:
- Total Depravity
- Unconditional Election
- Limited Atonement
- Irresistible Grace
- Perseverance of the Saints
Calvin also followed a simple form of worship: accapella congregational singing (a departure from his early Roman Catholic worship, which included instruments of music). Calvin also opposed altar worship and replace such with reading and preaching. Strict moral discipline was demanded against cursing, adultery, wife beating, playing cards on Sunday, etc. The word Presbyterian comes from the Greek word "presbuteros" (elder). So, we understand that Presbyterian church is governed by elders.
Under the leaership of John Knox, Presbyterianism began to grow. Calvinism and the Presbyterian system transferred to Scotland and the first book of discipline was written in 1560. In the mid 1600's the Westminister Association produced the Westminister Confession of Faith. This confession of faith became the doctrinal standard for both English and Americn Presbyterianism.
Francis Makemie is considered the founder of American Presbyterianism, for he established Presbyterian church in Maryland in 1684. Since that time, the Presbyterian Denomination has splintered into at least 17 different groups. --D.S.Dow
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Words of Men |
Words of God |
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"God has predestined and foreordained some men and angels out of his free grace and love without any foresight of faith in either of them, and others are foreordained to everlasting death and the number of either is so certain and definite that it cannot be increased or diminished." (Westminister Confession of Faith, Articles 3,4,5) |
Salvation is for all who believe and obey! (John 3:16; Matthew 7:21; Mark 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-17; 6:1-18)
God is no respecter of persons! (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; 2 Peter 3:9)
God offers all men the same salvation. |
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"God's grace is so irresistible, that one has no choice if elected -- he must be saved. (Doctrine of Irresistible Grace) |
Man makes the choice -- whether to receive or reject God's will. (Joshua 24;15; Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 6:16,17; Revelation 22:17) |
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It is impossible for one to fall from the grace of God. (Doctrine of Perseverance of Saints) |
The Christian is continually warned that he can fall from God's favor. (Hebrews 12;15; 1 Corinthians 10:12; 9:27) |
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"There are three baptismal modes; immersion is not necessary, but one may be sprinkled or poured." (Presbyterian Confession of Faith, chp. 30, p 157) |
One Baptism (Ephesians 4;5)
A Burial (Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12)
Going down into and coming up out of (Acts 8:36-39) |
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"Infants of one or both believing parents are to be baptized." (Presbyterian Confession of Faith, chp. 30, p. 157 -- voted by Westminister Assembly 1643) |
One Must Hear (John 6:45; Romans 10:17)
One Must Believe (Mark 16:16)
One Must Repent (Acts 2:38)
One Must Confess (Romans 10:9,10; Acts 8:36-38)
(An infant cannot do these things) |
Communion is not to be observed weekly.
"And truly this custom, which enjoins communing once a year is most wicked contrivance of the devil, by whose instrumentality soever it may have been determined." (Calvin's Institutes, book 4, chp 17)
"It ought to have been far otherwise. Every week at least the table of the Lord should have been spread for Christian assemblies". (Calvin's Institutes, book 6, chp. 18) |
The Hebrews were commanded to observe the Sabbath day (Exodus 20:8). They historically observed it weekly. Shewbread was prepared weekly for every Sabbath (Leviticus 24:5-9). Hebrews 10:1
Upon the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).
As often as the first day of the week comes around -- weekly. Steadfastly (Acts 2:42) |
Source: Traditions of Men Versus the Word of God by ALvin Jennings
Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ
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