A Pentecostal response to the five doctrines of grace in Calvinism’

Abstract

Background: Calvinism is known for its five doctrines of grace, embraced within Reformed Christianity, and has previously been conceptualised and theorised within the theology of grace. This doctrine requires a Pentecostal response that is necessary in developing a Pentecostal theology of grace in an era where Pentecostalism is expanding. Objectives: The five doctrines can be summarised as: (1) total depravity, (2) unconditional election, (3) limited atonement, (4) irresistible grace, and (5) the perseverance of the saints. Methods: This article is a Pentecostal response to these five doctrines of grace in the development of a Pentecostal theology of grace. Results: In other words, the article examines how Pentecostals relate to each of the doctrines as a means of defining a theology of grace within the Pentecostal tradition. To achieve this, a historical overview of Calvinism was given as part of the background to the five doctrines of grace. Conclusion: The five doctrines were outlined, and each was explained through a review of Calvin’s works and contemporary literature, offering a Pentecostal response. The primary objective of the article is to develop a Pentecostal theology of grace that applies to the Pentecostal tradition. Contribution: This article makes a valuable contribution to the theology of grace by proposing a Pentecostal response to the five doctrines of grace in Calvinism. The article proposes a Pentecostal theology of grace that recognizes human agency in the plan of salvation.