One of the things that fascinates me about Calvinism is how its adherents and preachers seem to possess their own dictionary.
Several terms found in the Bible get new definitions.
"Sovereignty" doesn't mean that God is in ultimate control (like a king). Rather, it means that he ordains every single thing that happens.
The "Elect" are not those chosen by God to serve Him in some way; they are chosen strictly for salvation.
"Predestination" also only relates to salvation. "All" doesn't mean "without exception"; it only means "all kinds". And if Calvinists affirm "free will", it is definitely not what most people mean by the term.
Today I read an article by Dr. Pete Enns where he pointed out yet another word commonly misunderstood by Calvinists: "Works".
Enns writes:
Augustine—and those who have followed him—do not truly appreciate that “works” for Paul refer to the Law of Moses and not to a general “human effort to please God” or some such thing.
When Paul contrasts “works” and “faith” he is not saying, “You are such vile creatures that there is nothing you can do to please God—so works are worthless. Stop trying to earn your way into heaven.”
I have listened to enough Calvinist preaching to affirm that this is spot on.
I think this tendency to redefine words is a symptom of approaching Scripture with very specific presuppositions in mind. If the text itself doesn't support your ideology, forming your own definitions gives you more wiggle room to arrive at your chosen interpretation.
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