Experiential Calvinism

[ElectedbyHim]

Has anyone heard of this?

I stumbled across this on Monergism.com and cannot say I have ever heard of it.

In many ways, I can relate with the 5 aspects in my own life.

Any thoughts on this are appreciated.



What is Experiential Calvinism? | Monergism

What is Experiential Calvinism?​

Experiential Calvinism, often referred to as "Experimental Calvinism," emphasizes a deeply personal and experiential relationship with God grounded in the doctrines of Calvinism. This approach to Calvinism highlights the importance of personal experience and assurance of salvation in the believer's life. It involves a heartfelt application of Calvinist theology to one's personal walk with God, leading to a vibrant, dynamic faith that affects every aspect of life.

Key Aspects of Experiential Calvinism:​

1. Personal Assurance of Salvation: Experiential Calvinism places a strong emphasis on the believer's assurance of salvation. This assurance is not based on one's own efforts but on the promises of God and the inner testimony of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
2. Transformation by Grace: Central to Experiential Calvinism is the transformative power of God's grace. Believers are not only justified by faith but are also sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit. This transformation is evident in a changed life characterized by increasing holiness and godliness (2 Corinthians 5:17).
3. Deep Conviction of Sin and Repentance: An experiential Calvinist experiences a profound sense of their own sinfulness and the need for ongoing repentance. This conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit, who brings awareness of sin and leads the believer to repentance and faith in Christ (Romans 7:24-25).
4. Intimate Communion with God: Experiential Calvinism encourages a deep, intimate communion with God through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and the sacraments. This communion is both personal and corporate, involving regular worship and fellowship with other believers (John 15:4-5).
5. Experiencing God's Sovereignty: Believers experience God's sovereignty in all aspects of life, trusting that He is in control and works all things for their good (Romans 8:28). This leads to a sense of peace and trust in God's providence, even in difficult circumstances.

Examples and Illustrations:​

1. John Calvin's Personal Piety: John Calvin himself exemplified Experiential Calvinism. His deep personal devotion and commitment to prayer and the study of Scripture were central to his life and ministry. His "Institutes of the Christian Religion" reflects both profound theological insights and a deep, personal piety.
2. Puritan Devotional Practices: The Puritans are a historical example of Experiential Calvinism. They emphasized personal piety, family worship, and the regular examination of one's spiritual state. Richard Baxter's "The Reformed Pastor" and John Owen's writings on the Holy Spirit illustrate this focus on personal experience and sanctification.
3. Jonathan Edwards' Religious Affections: Jonathan Edwards, a key figure in the Great Awakening, wrote extensively about the nature of true religious experience. His work "Religious Affections" describes the marks of genuine faith, emphasizing that true religion involves both the head and the heart.
4. Modern Examples: Contemporary Reformed authors like Joel Beeke and Sinclair Ferguson continue this tradition. Ferguson & Beeke's pastoral writings encourage believers to grow in their personal relationship with Christ.

Scriptural Basis:​

• 1 Peter 1:8-9: "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
• Philippians 2:12-13: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

Experiential Calvinism thus combines the robust theological framework of Calvinism with a vibrant, personal experience of God's grace, leading to a deeply rooted, transformative Christian life.

 

[ReverendRV]

Has anyone heard of this?

I stumbled across this on Monergism.com and cannot say I have ever heard of it.

In many ways, I can relate with the 5 aspects in my own life.

Any thoughts on this are appreciated.



What is Experiential Calvinism? | Monergism

What is Experiential Calvinism?​

Experiential Calvinism, often referred to as "Experimental Calvinism," emphasizes a deeply personal and experiential relationship with God grounded in the doctrines of Calvinism. This approach to Calvinism highlights the importance of personal experience and assurance of salvation in the believer's life. It involves a heartfelt application of Calvinist theology to one's personal walk with God, leading to a vibrant, dynamic faith that affects every aspect of life.

Key Aspects of Experiential Calvinism:​

1. Personal Assurance of Salvation: Experiential Calvinism places a strong emphasis on the believer's assurance of salvation. This assurance is not based on one's own efforts but on the promises of God and the inner testimony of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
2. Transformation by Grace: Central to Experiential Calvinism is the transformative power of God's grace. Believers are not only justified by faith but are also sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit. This transformation is evident in a changed life characterized by increasing holiness and godliness (2 Corinthians 5:17).
3. Deep Conviction of Sin and Repentance: An experiential Calvinist experiences a profound sense of their own sinfulness and the need for ongoing repentance. This conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit, who brings awareness of sin and leads the believer to repentance and faith in Christ (Romans 7:24-25).
4. Intimate Communion with God: Experiential Calvinism encourages a deep, intimate communion with God through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and the sacraments. This communion is both personal and corporate, involving regular worship and fellowship with other believers (John 15:4-5).
5. Experiencing God's Sovereignty: Believers experience God's sovereignty in all aspects of life, trusting that He is in control and works all things for their good (Romans 8:28). This leads to a sense of peace and trust in God's providence, even in difficult circumstances.

Examples and Illustrations:​

1. John Calvin's Personal Piety: John Calvin himself exemplified Experiential Calvinism. His deep personal devotion and commitment to prayer and the study of Scripture were central to his life and ministry. His "Institutes of the Christian Religion" reflects both profound theological insights and a deep, personal piety.
2. Puritan Devotional Practices: The Puritans are a historical example of Experiential Calvinism. They emphasized personal piety, family worship, and the regular examination of one's spiritual state. Richard Baxter's "The Reformed Pastor" and John Owen's writings on the Holy Spirit illustrate this focus on personal experience and sanctification.
3. Jonathan Edwards' Religious Affections: Jonathan Edwards, a key figure in the Great Awakening, wrote extensively about the nature of true religious experience. His work "Religious Affections" describes the marks of genuine faith, emphasizing that true religion involves both the head and the heart.
4. Modern Examples: Contemporary Reformed authors like Joel Beeke and Sinclair Ferguson continue this tradition. Ferguson & Beeke's pastoral writings encourage believers to grow in their personal relationship with Christ.

Scriptural Basis:​

• 1 Peter 1:8-9: "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
• Philippians 2:12-13: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

Experiential Calvinism thus combines the robust theological framework of Calvinism with a vibrant, personal experience of God's grace, leading to a deeply rooted, transformative Christian life.

I remember hearing of it In a Sermon at my Reformed Baptist Church over 20 years ago. I don't remember learning it, but I remember thinking it would be great to experience Calvinism instead of just knowing it...

What I read here, makes me think non Calvinists will say it's no different for them. I've always thought of Experiential Calvinism as experiencing God's Sovereignty through his Providence...

 

[ElectedbyHim]

I remember hearing of it Ina Sermon at my Reformed Baptist Church over 20 years ago. I don't remember learning it, but I remember thinking it would be great to experience it instead of just knowing it...

What I read here, makes me think non Calvinists here will say it no different for them. I've always thought of Experiential Calvinism as experiencing God's Sovereignty through his Providence...

This would make sense to me.

I am always looking in around in life and seeking the hand of God working through His providence, especially after prayer.

Unfortunately, sometimes I forget to be thankful after seeing Him work in my life.

Its that darn flesh I tell ya, always wants to be center of attention.

I would like to find some reading material on this subject.

When I first saw the title I thought it was some kind of "experience" based Pentecostal doctrine on Calvinism.

 

[ReverendRV]

When I first saw the title I thought it was some kind of "experience" based Pentecostal doctrine on CaCalvinism.

That's one reason why I think non Calvinists will say it's the Christian experience...

The first place I would look is at the Founder's Ministry. Founders.org

 

[Hazelelponi]

Has anyone heard of this?

I stumbled across this on Monergism.com and cannot say I have ever heard of it.

In many ways, I can relate with the 5 aspects in my own life.

Any thoughts on this are appreciated.



What is Experiential Calvinism? | Monergism

What is Experiential Calvinism?​

Experiential Calvinism, often referred to as "Experimental Calvinism," emphasizes a deeply personal and experiential relationship with God grounded in the doctrines of Calvinism. This approach to Calvinism highlights the importance of personal experience and assurance of salvation in the believer's life. It involves a heartfelt application of Calvinist theology to one's personal walk with God, leading to a vibrant, dynamic faith that affects every aspect of life.

Key Aspects of Experiential Calvinism:​

1. Personal Assurance of Salvation: Experiential Calvinism places a strong emphasis on the believer's assurance of salvation. This assurance is not based on one's own efforts but on the promises of God and the inner testimony of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
2. Transformation by Grace: Central to Experiential Calvinism is the transformative power of God's grace. Believers are not only justified by faith but are also sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit. This transformation is evident in a changed life characterized by increasing holiness and godliness (2 Corinthians 5:17).
3. Deep Conviction of Sin and Repentance: An experiential Calvinist experiences a profound sense of their own sinfulness and the need for ongoing repentance. This conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit, who brings awareness of sin and leads the believer to repentance and faith in Christ (Romans 7:24-25).
4. Intimate Communion with God: Experiential Calvinism encourages a deep, intimate communion with God through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and the sacraments. This communion is both personal and corporate, involving regular worship and fellowship with other believers (John 15:4-5).
5. Experiencing God's Sovereignty: Believers experience God's sovereignty in all aspects of life, trusting that He is in control and works all things for their good (Romans 8:28). This leads to a sense of peace and trust in God's providence, even in difficult circumstances.

Examples and Illustrations:​

1. John Calvin's Personal Piety: John Calvin himself exemplified Experiential Calvinism. His deep personal devotion and commitment to prayer and the study of Scripture were central to his life and ministry. His "Institutes of the Christian Religion" reflects both profound theological insights and a deep, personal piety.
2. Puritan Devotional Practices: The Puritans are a historical example of Experiential Calvinism. They emphasized personal piety, family worship, and the regular examination of one's spiritual state. Richard Baxter's "The Reformed Pastor" and John Owen's writings on the Holy Spirit illustrate this focus on personal experience and sanctification.
3. Jonathan Edwards' Religious Affections: Jonathan Edwards, a key figure in the Great Awakening, wrote extensively about the nature of true religious experience. His work "Religious Affections" describes the marks of genuine faith, emphasizing that true religion involves both the head and the heart.
4. Modern Examples: Contemporary Reformed authors like Joel Beeke and Sinclair Ferguson continue this tradition. Ferguson & Beeke's pastoral writings encourage believers to grow in their personal relationship with Christ.

Scriptural Basis:​

• 1 Peter 1:8-9: "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
• Philippians 2:12-13: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

Experiential Calvinism thus combines the robust theological framework of Calvinism with a vibrant, personal experience of God's grace, leading to a deeply rooted, transformative Christian life.

Ha!

I've never heard of it before but I'm doing it!

I thought this was just being a Calvinist? I mean .. is there something that makes this somehow different?

 

[Eternally-Grateful]

Has anyone heard of this?

I stumbled across this on Monergism.com and cannot say I have ever heard of it.

In many ways, I can relate with the 5 aspects in my own life.

Any thoughts on this are appreciated.



What is Experiential Calvinism? | Monergism

What is Experiential Calvinism?​

Experiential Calvinism, often referred to as "Experimental Calvinism," emphasizes a deeply personal and experiential relationship with God grounded in the doctrines of Calvinism. This approach to Calvinism highlights the importance of personal experience and assurance of salvation in the believer's life. It involves a heartfelt application of Calvinist theology to one's personal walk with God, leading to a vibrant, dynamic faith that affects every aspect of life.

Key Aspects of Experiential Calvinism:​

1. Personal Assurance of Salvation: Experiential Calvinism places a strong emphasis on the believer's assurance of salvation. This assurance is not based on one's own efforts but on the promises of God and the inner testimony of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
2. Transformation by Grace: Central to Experiential Calvinism is the transformative power of God's grace. Believers are not only justified by faith but are also sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit. This transformation is evident in a changed life characterized by increasing holiness and godliness (2 Corinthians 5:17).
3. Deep Conviction of Sin and Repentance: An experiential Calvinist experiences a profound sense of their own sinfulness and the need for ongoing repentance. This conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit, who brings awareness of sin and leads the believer to repentance and faith in Christ (Romans 7:24-25).
4. Intimate Communion with God: Experiential Calvinism encourages a deep, intimate communion with God through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and the sacraments. This communion is both personal and corporate, involving regular worship and fellowship with other believers (John 15:4-5).
5. Experiencing God's Sovereignty: Believers experience God's sovereignty in all aspects of life, trusting that He is in control and works all things for their good (Romans 8:28). This leads to a sense of peace and trust in God's providence, even in difficult circumstances.

Examples and Illustrations:​

1. John Calvin's Personal Piety: John Calvin himself exemplified Experiential Calvinism. His deep personal devotion and commitment to prayer and the study of Scripture were central to his life and ministry. His "Institutes of the Christian Religion" reflects both profound theological insights and a deep, personal piety.
2. Puritan Devotional Practices: The Puritans are a historical example of Experiential Calvinism. They emphasized personal piety, family worship, and the regular examination of one's spiritual state. Richard Baxter's "The Reformed Pastor" and John Owen's writings on the Holy Spirit illustrate this focus on personal experience and sanctification.
3. Jonathan Edwards' Religious Affections: Jonathan Edwards, a key figure in the Great Awakening, wrote extensively about the nature of true religious experience. His work "Religious Affections" describes the marks of genuine faith, emphasizing that true religion involves both the head and the heart.
4. Modern Examples: Contemporary Reformed authors like Joel Beeke and Sinclair Ferguson continue this tradition. Ferguson & Beeke's pastoral writings encourage believers to grow in their personal relationship with Christ.

Scriptural Basis:​

• 1 Peter 1:8-9: "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
• Philippians 2:12-13: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

Experiential Calvinism thus combines the robust theological framework of Calvinism with a vibrant, personal experience of God's grace, leading to a deeply rooted, transformative Christian life.

I would say any grace based believer would experience this. All 5 points would be applicable to them also. Not just calvinists.

 

[Eternally-Grateful]

What I read here, makes me think non Calvinists will say it no different for them.

Why would it be different for us?

 

[Eternally-Grateful]

This would make sense to me.

I am always looking in around in life and seeking the hand of God working through His providence, especially after prayer.

Unfortunately, sometimes I forget to be thankful after seeing Him work in my life.

Its that darn flesh I tell ya, always wants to be center of attention.

I would like to find some reading material on this subject.

When I first saw the title I thought it was some kind of "experience" based Pentecostal doctrine on Calvinism.

I remember when a beloved sister in Christ found out she had a hole in her lung, And emphysema (a lung disease) and a bunch of us sat in a room a few times a week. and held her up in prayer. 3 Months later when she went back to the doctor. The hole was gone. And the emphysema (an incurable disease) which was still there. was not as bad as he thought) The doctor could not explain it.

Of course we know what it was. God still loves his children. and while he may not do it every time. He will answer prayer.

To God be the glory great things he has done as the old hymn goes.

 

[Hazelelponi]

That's one reason why I think non Calvinists will say it's the Christian experience...

The first place I would look is at the Founder's Ministry. Founders.org

We all experience this life, and an Entity entered into time that could in some measure, be perceived, through His special revelation of Himself (aka Scripture and His relationship with us).

When we read God is Just, we can perceive a sense of that, of what that might mean because however broken, we can perceive justice - everyone loves justice actually .. the lost are just fallen creatures so good becomes evil and evil becomes good in their fallen state.

We can go down the list of God's attributes, and relate to them all. God is a God of relationship - aka something that can be perceived in some sense and related to.

God draws us into a relationship of knowing and experiencing Him that can last for eternity in a positive manner. And the more we know, the more we love.

We walk by faith not by sight, we know these things because we have had, as a people throughout history and time, an experiential relationship with God where He is revealing Himself to us.

It's a grounded faith, but it's a human experience too. Life changes, you stop doing the former things and start doing the better things. You don't face the world in the same way anymore. You have an entirely new sense of right and wrong. I'm disabled so the life part can't actually go far, but the experience doesn't stop. I don't stop learning more about His nature and loving Him more and desiring Him more.

Our culture as a whole has gotten too emotional over everything and it can deceive people into falsehoods if they are not also using reason, but it's not a dispassionate faith either. People are throughout history willing to give life and limb for this, it's definitely not dispassionate.

It's simply a new way of life, lived out as He has shared with us to do the best we are able using both our love of God and reason. That's the way I think it's best explained anyway...

I find it likely it's the same for you, or your just less touchy feely. Both types of people are good I think.

I asked my husband if I was the touchy feely emotional type and he said not entirely but I can be at times.

I will say I can tell you the year, month, day and time I was saved. So, for some people the experience of finally getting it was more powerful than others. But in the end, it's just an experience of coming to the understanding of all this, which is bigger than all of us, so much so it can barely be spoken. My lightbulb moment was that revelatory - but it's perhaps that I had studied long enough by then that there was a TON of information which just came together all at once.

Like a 5,000 piece puzzle that was all messed up in a box just started jumping up and clicking together until this beautiful picture came together... One so beautiful you can't help but fall down in worship.

What came together for me, is this...all in one heart stopping moment. And in the minute I perceived God, I also perceived myself as I really was - sin sin sin sin sin. Just a big ball of sin.

Which is when I asked forgiveness and formally entered the Kingdom.

After that it's just life and learning about God. A life of learning. And of overcoming sin. And trusting in Christ.

 

[Eternally-Grateful]

We all experience this life, and an Entity entered into time that could in some measure, be perceived, through His special revelation of Himself (aka Scripture and His relationship with us).

When we read God is Just, we can perceive a sense of that, of what that might mean because however broken, we can perceive justice - everyone loves justice actually .. the lost are just fallen creatures so good becomes evil and evil becomes good in their fallen state.

We can go down the list of God's attributes, and relate to them all. God is a God of relationship - aka something that can be perceived in some sense and related to.

God draws us into a relationship of knowing and experiencing Him that can last for eternity in a positive manner. And the more we know, the more we love.

We walk by faith not by sight, we know these things because we have had, as a people throughout history and time, an experiential relationship with God where He is revealing Himself to us.

It's a grounded faith, but it's a human experience too. Life changes, you stop doing the former things and start doing the better things. You don't face the world in the same way anymore. You have an entirely new sense of right and wrong. I'm disabled so the life part can't actually go far, but the experience doesn't stop. I don't stop learning more about His nature and loving Him more and desiring Him more.

Our culture as a whole has gotten too emotional over everything and it can deceive people into falsehoods if they are not also using reason, but it's not a dispassionate faith either. People are throughout history willing to give life and limb for this, it's definitely not dispassionate.

It's simply a new way of life, lived out as He has shared with us to do the best we are able using both our love of God and reason. That's the way I think it's best explained anyway...

I find it likely it's the same for you, or your just less touchy feely. Both types of people are good I think.

I asked my husband if I was the touchy feely emotional type and he said not entirely but I can be at times.

I will say I can tell you the year, month, day and time I was saved. So, for some people the experience of finally getting it was more powerful than others. But in the end, it's just an experience of coming to the understanding of all this, which is bigger than all of us, so much so it can barely be spoken. My lightbulb moment was that revelatory - but it's perhaps that I had studied long enough by then that there was a TON of information which just came together all at once.

Like a 5,000 piece puzzle that was all messed up in a box just started jumping up and clicking together until this beautiful picture came together... One so beautiful you can't help but fall down in worship.

What came together for me, is this...all in one heart stopping moment. And in the minute I perceived God, I also perceived myself as I really was - sin sin sin sin sin. Just a big ball of sin.

Which is when I asked forgiveness and formally entered the Kingdom.

After that it's just life and learning. A life of learning. And of overcoming sin. And trusting in Christ. And just living.

wonderful testimony, and amen.

alot of what you said I experienced also