Introduction
Paul Washer is a popular evangelical Christian preacher who has gained a large following since the late 1990s. He is known for his passionate sermons about the importance of salvation, repentance, and faith in Jesus Christ. But what is less known about Paul Washer is whether he is a Calvinist or not. This article will examine Washer’s beliefs in light of the Calvinist doctrine to determine if he adheres to the theology of John Calvin.
An Overview of Paul Washer’s Beliefs: Examining the Calvinist Doctrine
Before we can evaluate Paul Washer’s beliefs in light of Calvinism, it is important to first understand the basic tenets of Calvinism. Calvinism is a branch of Christianity based on the teachings of John Calvin, a 16th century French theologian. The five main points of Calvinism are known as the “five points of Calvinism” or the “Doctrines of Grace” and include the doctrines of predestination, unconditional election, total depravity, limited atonement, and irresistible grace. These five points emphasize God’s sovereignty and man’s inability to save himself from sin through his own efforts.
Evaluating Paul Washer’s Theology in Light of Calvinism
Now that we have an understanding of the basics of Calvinism, let us examine Paul Washer’s beliefs in relation to these five points. One of the core doctrines of Calvinism is predestination, which states that God has predetermined who will be saved and who will not be saved. Washer does believe in predestination, but he also believes that man has free will and can choose to accept or reject the gospel. He does not believe that God predestines some people for damnation, but rather that those who reject the gospel are condemned because of their own choices.
Another core doctrine of Calvinism is unconditional election, which states that God has chosen those who will be saved before the foundation of the world. Washer does not explicitly state whether he believes in this doctrine, but his emphasis on man’s free will indicates that he does not. He believes that everyone has the opportunity to accept or reject the gospel and that God does not predetermine who will be saved.
The third point of Calvinism is total depravity, which states that all humans are born sinful and can only be saved by God’s grace. Washer does believe in total depravity, but he also believes that God gives us the ability to choose between good and evil. He believes that although we are born into sin, through the grace of God we can still choose to follow Him and be saved.
A Look At Paul Washer’s Preaching in Relation to Calvinism
In addition to examining Washer’s beliefs in light of the five points of Calvinism, it is also important to look at his approach to preaching and how it relates to Calvinism. Washer’s preaching style is characterized by a passionate emphasis on the holiness of God and the need for repentance. He often calls upon his listeners to turn away from sin and turn to God in faith. His preaching also emphasizes the importance of reading and studying the Bible and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
An Analysis of Paul Washer’s Sermons in Comparison to Calvinism
When comparing Washer’s sermons to those of traditional Calvinists, there are some distinct differences. While both place a heavy emphasis on the holiness of God and the need for repentance, Washer’s sermons are more focused on personal faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. He rarely mentions predestination or election, and instead focuses on the individual’s responsibility to accept the gospel and live a life of faith. He also avoids talking about the doctrine of limited atonement, instead focusing on the universal availability of the gospel.
Conclusion
To conclude, Paul Washer is not a traditional Calvinist. While he does adhere to some of the core beliefs of Calvinism, such as predestination and total depravity, he does not believe in unconditional election or limited atonement. His preaching style is also different from that of traditional Calvinists, as he places more emphasis on personal faith and relationship with Jesus Christ than on doctrinal issues. Ultimately, Washer’s beliefs are best described as a hybrid of traditional Calvinism and evangelical Christianity.
In conclusion, though Paul Washer is not a traditional Calvinist, his beliefs do incorporate some aspects of Calvinism. Further study is needed to fully understand Washer’s theology and how it relates to Calvinism.
