Calvinism

This was a theology based on the teaching of John Calvin, the leader of the Protestant reformation. It is based on the principle of predestination where no action in the present life would affect a man's salvation. God alone has the power to predetermine salvation and He alone implants faith in the religion and the faith in Christ. It also stressed on the absolute sovereignty of God. Besides, it also stresses on salvation which is a new creation of God cannot be achieved by those who are free from burden of sin and death. Calvinist theology is based on five basic principles which is a summation of the judgments rendered by Synod of Dort in 1619.The first principle is the principle of total depravity ,in the sense man is unable to follow the teachings of God as they are fallen in sin and are directed based the necessity of their own natures. The second principle is unconditional election .This means, God would select those to salvation based on His discretion and not on the virtues, faith or merit of a person. The third principle is the doctrine of limited atonement where in not all in general, but only the chosen few are atoned by God as salvation is predestined. The fourth principle is irresistible grace whereby the chosen person of God would receive God's grace in abundance and be saved of sins. Finally, the saints who are people chosen by God for salvation would will continue to be in faith until the very end .Calvin's career as a theologian and reformer began in 1536 with the publication of his work Institutes of the Christian Religion at the age of 25. This along with other works made a massive influence on the followers of Protestantism. His work and teaching belonged to the second phase of the Protestant Reformation movement after Martin Luther. Soon his name became associated with the Reformed churches and the doctrine of Calvinism became popular in many parts of Europe. It also became a theological system in the New World especially in Mid Atlantic and New England and to other parts of the world.