The Perceived Arrogance of Reformed Christians; or Does the Doctrine of Election Create an Elitist Attitude?
In the Arminian heresy, men who choose Christ are wise men. Men who do not choose Christ are foolish. Here is the ground for pride and arrogance. It would be ironic for a false teacher in the Arminian tradition to accuse a Reformed believer of an elitist attitude.
This accusation, of course, is prevalent, but is it justified? In this article, I wish to show the humility of Reformed theology, which holds to a high view of God and a low view of man.
When a Reformed preacher proclaims the total depravity of man and the sovereignty of God, he is saying there is nothing, absolutely nothing, in man to merit God’s election and Christ’s sacrificial death for him. This is a pride crusher, and why most people prefer man-centered theology.
Man-centered theology has a high view of man and a low view of God. Often, the same language is used by both views of God/salvation. The twisted definition of terms has a long history for those who hold to man-centered theology.
When a Reformed preacher devalues sinful humanity, showing the true assessment of man (Gen 6:5), it is an offense to the promoters of the high view of man. The common retort is an ad hominem, “What made you better than me that God chose you for salvation, while I chose for God to save me?”
The issue of God’s election is a mystery to all. We only know what is revealed in Scripture, and this is not a popular subject for those who hate the doctrine. The fact that God elected some to salvation is obvious because this group is called, “chosen” and “elect” in the Bible. God treats these people very differently than the reprobate unbelievers. All the promises and blessings afforded to God’s covenant people simply do not exist for those outside His covenant.
Man-centered men force their way into the wedding feast (Mt 22), and they do this by their free will, which they love to emphasize. However, being slaves to sin, without free will, they party crash their way into the church. They claim they have a right to be there because God has extended an invitation to all people, and they chose to come in by their own decision.
Reformed believers recognize that attendance at the wedding feast is a matter of having an authenticated invitation (Holy Spirit), having put on proper garments (Christ), and rejoicing at the grace of the King of kings, who chose for them to be there. The invitation is personal, by name, not a general free for all.
When a groom chooses His bride, he makes his choice an exclusive one. The ecstatic bride is humbled to have been his choice. In the case of a true Christian, she knows God’s choice of her is a stunning event, as if the most noble king has chosen the worst of the town whores to be his beloved one. Think of this in reverse: the most wretched whore has walked into the royal palace and told the noble king that she has chosen him for wedded bliss!
In conclusion, who is guilty of an elitist attitude? The charge against those who love and revere God for His sovereign and free choice is unfounded. The accuser of the brethren, who charges God’s children with arrogance, is the one who has usurped the free grace, the wisdom, and the power to choose from God. Who again is arrogant?
Jesus assured His disciples that they did not choose Him (Jn 15:16). The Gospel of John clearly teaches that salvation is not by the will of man (Jn 1:13). Therefore, let us repent of claiming we decided to let Christ save us, and let us humbly bask in the knowledge of His amazing love for His chosen people.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
August 20, 2021
