The Only True Authority
Rejecting the Doctrines of Men
Many in the religious world argue over which doctrine is correct. Often, this debate is seen between Catholics and those who adhere to the tenets of Calvinism (whether they know they do or not).
These two belief systems dominate much of what the world considers “Christianity.” However, the fundamental issue with both is that they are man-made traditions, not the pure doctrine of Christ.
Jesus warned against following human traditions instead of God’s commandments:
"And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:9, NKJV)
Catholicism: A Church Built on Man-Made Traditions
The Roman Catholic Church claims to be the one true church, tracing its authority to Peter as the first pope. However, the concept of a pope did not originate in the New Testament. Nowhere in scripture do we find Peter being called a pope or holding supreme authority over the church. In fact, Peter himself rejects the idea of lording over others:
"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." (1 Peter 5:2-3, NKJV)
Furthermore, Catholicism elevates tradition to the same level as, or even above, scripture. Yet, Jesus condemned the Pharisees for doing the same thing:
"For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men." (Mark 7:8, NKJV)
Historically, many Catholic doctrines developed centuries after the apostles:
Prayers to Mary and the Saints (4th century)
The Doctrine of Purgatory (6th century)
The Infallibility of the Pope (19th century)
These are not found in the New Testament but were created by man. The true church is not built on human traditions but on Jesus Christ and His word:
"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11, NKJV)
Calvinism: A Doctrine of Men, Not of Christ
The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century sought to break away from the corruption of the Roman Catholic Church. However, rather than restoring pure biblical Christianity, new man-made doctrines emerged—chief among them was Calvinism, a system of theology named after John Calvin (1509–1564). Calvin’s teachings, later formalized into the Five Points of Calvinism (TULIP), drastically altered the biblical understanding of grace, salvation, and human free will.
The Origins of Calvinism: A Timeline
1517 – The Protestant Reformation Begins
Martin Luther nails his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, protesting Catholic indulgences and corrupt practices. Though Luther did not formulate Calvinism, his emphasis on salvation by grace alone laid groundwork for later theological developments.1536 – John Calvin Publishes Institutes of the Christian Religion
John Calvin, a French theologian, publishes his foundational work, which systematizes his theological beliefs, emphasizing predestination and absolute sovereignty of God in salvation. His ideas influence many in Geneva, Switzerland.1618-1619 – The Synod of Dort Establishes the Five Points of Calvinism
Following a theological dispute between Calvinists and the followers of Jacobus Arminius, the Dutch Reformed Church officially defines the Five Points of Calvinism (TULIP) in response to Arminian objections. This codifies Calvinist doctrines into a structured belief system.
Despite claims of biblical adherence, Calvinism is a 16th-century invention, not a doctrine taught by Jesus or His apostles. Its core tenets contradict the teachings of Scripture.
Examining the Doctrines of Calvinism
Total Depravity?
Calvinists claim man is so sinful that he cannot even seek God. However, the Bible teaches that all men are capable of repenting and seeking God:
"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent." (Acts 17:30, NKJV)
If God commands all men to repent, then all must have the ability to do so.
Unconditional Election?
Calvinism teaches that God arbitrarily chooses some for salvation while condemning others. Yet, Scripture clearly states God desires all to be saved:
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9, NKJV)
If God predestined certain people to be lost, this verse would be meaningless.
Limited Atonement?
Calvinists teach that Jesus only died for the "elect." However, the Bible explicitly states His sacrifice was for all:
"And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world." (1 John 2:2, NKJV)
Jesus’ atonement was not restricted to a select few but available to everyone.
Irresistible Grace?
Calvinism claims that those whom God elects cannot resist His grace. Yet, Jesus Himself speaks of people resisting His call:
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!" (Luke 13:34, NKJV)
Clearly, God's grace can be rejected.
Perseverance of the Saints (Once Saved, Always Saved)?
Calvinists claim that true believers can never fall away. However, Scripture warns against falling from grace:
"You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace." (Galatians 5:4, NKJV)
This would not be possible if salvation were permanently secured regardless of one's actions.
The True Gospel: Abiding in Christ’s Word
Calvinism, like Catholicism, is rooted in human tradition, not the New Testament church. It emerged 1,500 years after Christ, making it impossible to be the gospel preached by Jesus and His apostles. The only true authority is God’s Word, not the doctrines of men:
"He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." (John 12:48, NKJV)
Instead of following man-made systems, we must abide in the teachings of Christ:
"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32, NKJV)
Jesus established one church, built upon the truth of His word:
"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." (John 17:17, NKJV)
Instead of following the traditions of men, we must return to the simple gospel found in the New Testament:
Believe in Jesus Christ (John 8:24)
Repent of sins (Luke 13:3)
Confess faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10)
Be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
Live faithfully unto death (Revelation 2:10)
The authority for our faith and practice comes from God’s word alone, not the traditions of men:
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17, NKJV)
Let us abandon human traditions and fully submit to the authority of Christ, walking in the pattern given to us in the New Testament.
Awesome post. So many doctrines with little, if any, biblical foundation plague Christianity.