There are many “destructive heresies” invading the Christian church these days, just as the apostle Peter warned us there would be in his second epistle.
The most dangerous of these involve salvation: How exactly can we be assured of an eternity in heaven? The clear biblical answer is by saving faith alone, which means trusting in Jesus Christ to have paid the penalty for our sin, in full, on the cross. But many churches and cults teach instead a form of faith plus works: Do enough of whatever they’re selling, and we're in.
Then there is Calvinism, which teaches just the opposite: There’s literally nothing we can do to impact our forevermores, because God decided before time began who would spend eternity in heaven and who would spend it in hell. We can’t fight predestination, according to this philosophy.
I have devoted a great deal of time over the years investigating Calvinism, studying not only what Scripture says about its claims but also books and articles that various people have written on the subject. And I am convinced it’s a misrepresentation of the Bible’s clear teaching.
But it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I came across a book that refutes this unhappy philosophy in a single concise, easy-to-read, Scripture-packed volume.
That book is Yes, Jesus Loves Us: Finding God's Love Beyond Calvinism.
Written by a woman who found herself led almost unwittingly into Calvinist thinking, Yes, Jesus Loves Us describes author Andrea Oates’ growing discomfort as she began thinking through what this philosophy says about God’s character—and applying its teachings to real-life human situations. For instance:
"As a mother, I couldn’t help but think how deeply it would wound me if one of my children chose to rebel, and then people—even my other children—falsely claimed I never wanted a relationship with that child in the first place … I began to wonder: what if they claimed that my child had no hope or alternative but to rebel, and, as my rebellious child’s mother, I was in full control of changing their heart and stopping their rebellion, but chose not to? What if they said I allowed that child to suffer eternal punishment for their rebellion, not because I couldn’t intervene, but because I wanted to be glorified by their punishment?"
Such questioning sent Oates off on a deep study of what the Bible says about Calvinism. Yes, Jesus Loves Us details her findings.
There is much to be admired about this book. Just a few examples of the qualities that stood out to me:
Does all of this really matter? The author believes so, and I agree across the board. “Understanding God’s true character is vital,” she writes, “not just because it’s right, but because how we see Him deeply affects our own lives and how we treat others.”
And indeed, Oates seems like she must be one very kind Christian. She doesn’t blame or criticize those who embrace this philosophy. Instead, she writes things like this: “But I believe, in their genuine desire to honor God’s greatness, they go beyond what Scripture teaches.” She is so much kinder about their error than I have been, and I am praying that the Lord will use her example to change me!
If you’re at all concerned about Calvinism’s impact in your church and on your life, I hope you’ll read this fine book. Highly recommended!
The most dangerous of these involve salvation: How exactly can we be assured of an eternity in heaven? The clear biblical answer is by saving faith alone, which means trusting in Jesus Christ to have paid the penalty for our sin, in full, on the cross. But many churches and cults teach instead a form of faith plus works: Do enough of whatever they’re selling, and we're in.
Then there is Calvinism, which teaches just the opposite: There’s literally nothing we can do to impact our forevermores, because God decided before time began who would spend eternity in heaven and who would spend it in hell. We can’t fight predestination, according to this philosophy.
I have devoted a great deal of time over the years investigating Calvinism, studying not only what Scripture says about its claims but also books and articles that various people have written on the subject. And I am convinced it’s a misrepresentation of the Bible’s clear teaching.
But it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I came across a book that refutes this unhappy philosophy in a single concise, easy-to-read, Scripture-packed volume.
That book is Yes, Jesus Loves Us: Finding God's Love Beyond Calvinism.
Written by a woman who found herself led almost unwittingly into Calvinist thinking, Yes, Jesus Loves Us describes author Andrea Oates’ growing discomfort as she began thinking through what this philosophy says about God’s character—and applying its teachings to real-life human situations. For instance:
"As a mother, I couldn’t help but think how deeply it would wound me if one of my children chose to rebel, and then people—even my other children—falsely claimed I never wanted a relationship with that child in the first place … I began to wonder: what if they claimed that my child had no hope or alternative but to rebel, and, as my rebellious child’s mother, I was in full control of changing their heart and stopping their rebellion, but chose not to? What if they said I allowed that child to suffer eternal punishment for their rebellion, not because I couldn’t intervene, but because I wanted to be glorified by their punishment?"
Such questioning sent Oates off on a deep study of what the Bible says about Calvinism. Yes, Jesus Loves Us details her findings.
There is much to be admired about this book. Just a few examples of the qualities that stood out to me:
- It’s extraordinarily well-written, in every respect—not only in her carefully nuanced use of the English language, but also in the rhythm of her writing. Her style pulls the reader through the weightiest issues, making the book a surprisingly easy read.
- The entire book is beautifully organized. She covers each of Calvinism’s key planks, chapter by chapter. And each chapter is gracefully structured, typically including an overview of the controversy; Bible passages addressing the subject; and pertinent issues within the controversy that warrant a deeper dive, such as “Biblical Perspectives on Predestination” and “The Role of Human Choice and Responsibility.”
- Oates is not stingy with her biblical proofs. She offers an excellent and relentless selection of passages to make her case.
- Depending on the subject at hand, she wraps up her chapters with sections bearing such titles as “Where’s the error?” … “What’s the harm?” … “Call to reflect” … and “Scriptures of Hope.”
- She takes the time to analyze Bible passages used to promote and defend Calvinism. “It’s not simply a matter of differing interpretations,” she points out. “Many of its key teachings seem to conflict with the clear message of the Bible.” She then backs this assertion with biblical evidence.
Does all of this really matter? The author believes so, and I agree across the board. “Understanding God’s true character is vital,” she writes, “not just because it’s right, but because how we see Him deeply affects our own lives and how we treat others.”
And indeed, Oates seems like she must be one very kind Christian. She doesn’t blame or criticize those who embrace this philosophy. Instead, she writes things like this: “But I believe, in their genuine desire to honor God’s greatness, they go beyond what Scripture teaches.” She is so much kinder about their error than I have been, and I am praying that the Lord will use her example to change me!
If you’re at all concerned about Calvinism’s impact in your church and on your life, I hope you’ll read this fine book. Highly recommended!
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