Risky Calvinists

Our world is in the grip of fear from a virus that has a survival rate (even for the most vulnerable) of 96-99%; and out of 1 million people, 2.97 people die from it. As Ben Carson once highlighted, “Your risk of being injured by a malfunctioning television this year is 1 in 7,000. […] Your chances of being seriously injured by Christmas decorations are 1 in 65,000.” He then quite rightly concludes, “The truth is that life itself is risky.”

It’s been said: “In all places, in all time, from eternity to eternity, Calvinism sees God (The Creed by E.W. Smith).” A Calvinist view of history–one where God sovereignly presides over every moment & molecule–leads to a few things. 

First, it brings a courageous calm. We know Whose hand is on history’s steering wheel. To put it another way, God can answer the question “Why?” for every season of human history, even if we never know that reason.

Second, it safeguards us against sin & hypocrisy. Wherever you go: there’s God. The Christian’s continual awareness of God’s presence drives us to do our duty, walk uprightly, and in the light of God’s favor.

Third, it makes us wise risk-takers by driving out worldly fear. Why be afraid of persecution or pestilence, when God is present with you and sees all your actions, motives, and attitudes? Life is risky. But riskier far is to fear earthly terrors and not live humbly before God’s face. Jesus instructed us as much when He said not to fear that which can kill the body, but not the soul. But to fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Mt. 10:25). As faithful Christians, you must not run the risk of fearing likelihoods. You must fear the Living God.