Authentic Calvinism

In his soul-searching book, The Shadow of the Cross, Walter J. Chantry makes some very needed observations concerning the true nature of historic Calvinism. These words are not only good to correct those who slander Calvinism, but they are even better for those of us who are Calvinist in our doctrine and theology:

"True Calvinism always leads to the appreciation of self-denial. When the doctrines of grace are warmly and experimentally preached, denial of self is necessarily one of the chief experiences of the soul. Each one of the doctrines infinitely exalts the most high God and humbles the sinful and human self as a mere worm...One great benefit of the biblical truths called Calvinism is that they humble men in the dust. They make a man feel that 'the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores' (Isaiah 1:5-6). When this truth has seeped into the innermost man, he can no longer live for himself, but cries with Job, 'Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes' (Job 42:6). Calvinism that does not humble has missed its mark."