Calvinism versus Lutheranism has been a popular debate throughout most of European Christian history, stretching into the modern-day. Calvinism and Lutheranism both broke away from the Holy Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation of the 16th century, but both of these denominations have unique aspects, which are important for individuals to know. Over time, both Calvinism and Lutheranism grew to be large denominations, yet over the duration of history, there have been arguments and rifts between both groups. This has now led to a common, divisive debate: Calvinism versus Lutheranism.
Let's discover the differences and similarities of these denominations to find faith-filled, common ground:
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The History of Calvinism and Lutheranism
Understanding the history of Calvinism and Lutheranism is pivotal to understanding both of these denominations. Calvinism stems back to theologian John Calvin. His book, Institutes of the Christian Religion, was extremely popular during the duration of the Reformation and even into the present day. I read Institutes of the Christian Religion as part of a project from college, and it is a total of 994 pages. It is truly an epic read! Within the Institutes of the Christian Religion, biblical doctrines, redemption, and eschatology are important topics discussed by Calvin.
Lutheranism, on the other hand, was started by Martin Luther around the 1500s. Martin Luther was originally a Catholic monk who rebelled against the Catholic Church after he discovered the pope and the Catholic religion as an entity was not teaching the truth of the Bible. The Catholic Church was corrupt and the pope was power-hungry. Even though Calvinism and Lutheranism are both two different denominations and are often seen as rivals, both of them were breaking away from the corruption of the Catholic Church. This was a radical movement of the Reformation as before this time, the Catholic Church had complete control and authority of not only the Church, but also of the state.
Calvinism versus Lutheranism: Beliefs Surrounding Salvation
Salvation within Calvinism and Lutheranism centers around placing faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, redemption, and salvation. Even though they have this main aspect of salvation viewed in the same way, there are different conditions placed on salvation between Calvinism and Lutheranism. Calvinism adheres to the belief that salvation is only given to the chosen or to the “elect.” If you are not one of the elect, then you were never meant to be saved in the first place, according to Calvinism.
Salvation is different according to Lutheranism in the sense that Lutherans believe all that is required for salvation is faith in Christ and salvation is open to all people. Lutheranism is correct in this sense that everyone can be saved as God doesn’t only choose a select few. Rather, God wants all people to trust in Him and be saved by the blood of Christ (1 Timothy 2:3-4). Within this belief in the doctrine of salvation, much debate has arisen between Calvinism versus Lutheranism; however, whenever we are looking and comparing different denominations, we always need to turn back to the truth of God’s Word.
Calvinism versus Lutheranism: Religious Authority
Another argument between the Calvinism versus Lutheranism debate is regarding religious authorities. As we have established, both of these denominations broke away from the Catholic Church and the pope. Through the work of the pope and the Catholic Church, sole authority was placed on the pope and the Catholic Church rather than the Bible. According to Calvinism, the only religious authority is the Bible. Lutheranism holds to the belief that religious authority is warranted to “representatives” who have the proper authority to convey biblical truths (“Difference Between Calvinism and Lutheranism,” They Differ, 2015). What the Bible tells us is that God and His Word are our authority. The Bible is meant for everyone, which means all people will benefit from reading it. Only in the Bible are we told of the nature of God, redemption, and the way to salvation (John 14:6). Our only authority is God and His Word as the Bible tells us everything we need to know about salvation, life, and the future.
Calvinism versus Lutheranism: Communion
Communion is a hallmark difference between the Calvinism versus Lutheranism debate. This is probably the most well-known difference between Calvinism and Lutheranism. Calvinism believes the wine and bread taken in Communion is only spiritual or symbolic of Jesus’ blood and flesh. Lutheranism is different as they believe the wine and bread in Communion is the physical blood and flesh of Christ. Outside of Lutheranism, no other denomination adheres to this radical view of Communion. Many people find it odd or strange that Lutherans believe in this way, yet this is what they believe concerning Communion.
From what we are told in the Bible, we are to partake in Communion in remembrance of Christ (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24). In our participation in Communion, we are symbolically remembering the redemption of Christ by eating the bread and drinking the fruit juice or wine. The bread and fruit juice or wine we consume is not the literal flesh and blood of Christ, but rather the symbolism of Jesus’ sacrifice.
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Calvinism versus Lutheranism: The Sovereignty of God
The sovereignty of God is another important aspect of the Calvinism versus Lutheranism argument. Within Calvinism, the sovereignty of God is extremely important to their doctrine, yet within Lutheranism, it is not the most important aspect of Christian doctrine (“Difference Between Calvinism and Lutheranism,” They Differ, 2015). The sovereignty of God is the aspect of how God is in complete control of everything. In truthfulness, God’s sovereignty is important to our daily life. Knowing that God is in complete control can give a Christian great peace, comfort, and security. Downplaying God’s sovereignty is counterintuitive to the Christian walk. Without recognizing God’s sovereignty, we can cause one to believe other things can be in control of the world rather than God. If a person believes God is not ultimately in control, it can cause anxiety, insecurity, and discomfort.
Calvinism versus Lutheranism: Predestination
A fifth major debate among the Calvinism versus Lutheranism controversy is the topic of predestination. Predestination is the foreordaining or the pre-election of what will happen, especially in regards to the salvation of souls. Calvinism places a weighty emphasis on predestination as it is an important aspect of their theology. Predestination within Calvinism elects that the elect are already predestined to be saved, while others are not. As to restate the original aspect of salvation, yet again, God desires all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:3-4). The Lord did not die to save only the predestined. Biblical predestination entails that God has predestined all people to be saved; however, each person has to make the intentional decision to place faith in Christ. Lutheranism, on the other hand, does not place an emphasis on predestination to the degree of Calvinism.
Conclusion of the Matter
Regarding an end date to the great debate of Calvinism versus Lutheranism, I personally doubt it will cease anytime soon. Throughout history and into the present day, Calvinism and Lutheranism have been in quarrels with one another, and unfortunately, a lack of unity is why Christianity sees hundreds of thousands of varying denominations.
However, the important thing to remember is that we need to have equality among the body of believers, allowing a person's faith in Christ to welcome them into God's family (regardless of denomination). As long as a person has placed faith in Christ, they are eternally and completely saved by the blood of Jesus (John 3:16-17). Even though there may be some doctrinal differences, that does not mean the denomination is completely wrong.
Debates among Calvinism versus Lutheranism stretch out among different doctrinal and theological issues, yet they both agree that salvation is based on placing faith in Christ alone. Even though Calvinism believes God only died for the elect few, they still acknowledge salvation is based on faith in Christ. In this aspect of theology, Lutheranism is more accurate because salvation is open to all who would place faith in Christ. However, at the end of the day, both Calvinism and Lutheranism believe redemption is through placing faith in Christ. As believers, we do not need to let disputes arise among us as there will be many people we know who have different views on predestination, election, and eschatology, yet we should never let these matters cause friction between our relationship with one another and Christ.
As the body of believers, we are joined by Christ, not denominations. And it is through Christ's love, and not our denomination's doctrine, that others enter the fold.
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Originally published Thursday, 17 February 2022.
