What Is a True Calvinist? (Basics of the Reformed Faith)

An excellent book that clearly communicates that at the heart of the Christian faith is the worship of God. "The goal of theology is the worship of God. The posture of theology is on one's knees. The mode of theology is repentance." (Sinclair B. Ferguson, pastor of St. George's Tron Church in Glasgow, Scotland and professor of systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia). Ryken does an wonderful job of putting forth the essential elements that must be evident in the lives of those who adhere to the doctrines of Calvinism - they are a God-centered mind, a penitent spirit, a grateful heart, a submissive will, a holy life, and a glorious purpose. Using the story of Isaiah chapter 6, Ryken demonstrates these characteristics in the life of Isaiah as well as arguing that these attributes should be part of the committed Christian life. Ryken is honest enough to point out that Calvinism carries with it the unfortunate concept to many of pride and indifference - and Ryken clearly communicates that these attributes have no place in the humble walk of a true believer. This is a wonderful and concise read for those wanting to know more about what it means to be a Calvinist.

Philip Graham Ryken continues the Basics of the Reformed Faith Series with his excellent work, What is a True Calvinist?Ryken does not rehash the traditional five points of Calvinism as formulated at the Synod of Dort. Rather, he seeks to set forth a "practical introduction to Reformed spirituality."Six pillars comprise the edifice of a true Calvinist. First, a true Calvinist has a God-centered mind. "What is most on the Calvinist's mind is the glory of God." The great Princeton theology, B.B. Warfield held firmly to this principle. Indeed, "Evangelicalism stands or falls with Calvinism."The author points to Isaiah as one who properly fell silent before the holiness of God is Isaiah 6. Ryken maintains, "What Isaiah saw, therefore, was a vision of God's sovereignty. The God enthroned in heaven is the God who rules. From his throne he issues his royal decrees, including his sovereign decree of election, and also executes his plan of salvation, drawing sinners to himself by his efficacious, persevering grace."Second, a true Calvinist has a penitent spirit. There is no room for arrogance among the Reformed. A haughty spirit, in fact, is diametrically opposed to a Calvinistic worldview. "It is important," Ryken adds, "to understand that Calvinism is not a set of doctrines but a whole way of life. God has revealed the doctrine of grace not simply for the instruction of our minds but ultimately for the transformation of our lives."Third, a true Calvinist has a grateful heart. Ryken again points to Isaiah as a model that exemplifies this characteristic: "Isaiah did nothing to remove his own guilt or to pay for his own sins. He was the object of sovereign grace, for God both accomplished and applied his redemption."Fourth, a true Calvinist has a submissive will. Isaiah demonstrates no reluctance when God called him into service. His will was totally surrendered to God's sovereign purposes. Ryken cites Al Martin: "This is how God makes a Calvinist. In one way or another he gives him such a sight of his own majesty and sovereignty and holiness as the high and the lofty One, that it brings with it a deep, experimental acquaintance with human sinfulness personally and in terms of our own generation. It brings experimental acquaintance with the grace of God, an intimate acquaintance with the voice of God, an utter resignation to the will and the ways of God."Fifth, a true Calvinist pursues holiness of life. This holiness is always mingled with grace. Indeed, a Calvinism that lacks grace is a contradiction at best. Ryken adds, "A graceless Calvinism is thoroughly repugnant to the gospel, for unless the pursuit of holiness is motivated by an ever-deepening love for God and his grace, it quickly becomes joyless and fruitless."Finally, a true Calvinist has a glorious purpose, namely, the glory of God. The true Calvinist embraces the answer to the first question in the catechism: "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever." Ryken continues, "The true Calvinist embraces the eternal purpose of the sovereign God by living for his glory."What is a True Calvinist? is a valuable piece of work. Ryken has hit the capstone of Reformed theology in a winsome way. His work is a necessary antidote in a culture where Calvinism is often unfairly maligned and caricatured.I would argue that in order for the new resurgence in Calvinism to be fruitful and honor God there must be a humble, joy-filled, Christ-saturated mindset that accompanies the doctrinal foundations of Reformed theology. This will involve a rigorous rejection of hyper-Calvinism and a Spirit-filled approach to the Christian life.

The title may give the impression that this is an explanation or defense of Calvinism. However, this small volume is written more to show what a Calvinist looks like. Another way of saying this that Ryken spends most of his time describing what effects Calvinism has on the life of the one who embraces it.With that in view, this little booklet does an excellent job. It is a welcome respite from the "everyone who isn't a Calvinist is an idiot" genre of writing that so often characterizes usCalvinists. It has none of the combative tone that many works on Calvinism possess.Ryken shows that the one who is a true Calvinist will not be characterized by his combativeness. The true Calvinist will be characterized by God-centeredness, humility, penitence, gratitude, and holy living among other things.This is a good litmus test for those of us who follow the Calvinistic tradition. If our doctrine has not produced the above characteristics in us then something is missing in our theological education.