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except, as I recall my history, the 5 points were drawn from Calvin's teachings yes, but they were done so after his death to make arguing with the Arminians a little easier.
Well, let me enlighten you just a bit more for your edification and to set the historical record before you. "Calvinism" existed a millennium before Calvin was born. Augustine, was one of the first to bring these doctrines to the public arena in his disputes with Pelagius. They were held by many others during the time of Augustine and even before... obviously being taught by the Apostles and even Jesus Christ Himself. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

As to the infamous "Five Points", there are "5" because it was the followers of Arminius who posited "5" articles of disagreement to the church; aka: Remonstrants. At the Synod of Dordtrect, between the years of 1618-1619, for 18 months the representatives of the Reformed Churches, to which these dissenters were also members and office-bearers, deliberated and searched the Scriptures concerning these "Five Points". At the end of the day, the vote was unanimous against the Remonstrants. And, the reply given was formulated in keeping with the original "Five Points". This is why there are 5 points of Calvinism.

See here: The Canons of the Synod of Dordt.

Also, if you haven't done so, you should download the free reference program which contains many of the great Evangelical Creeds and Reformed Confessions for many denominations. You can do so here: Refcon3 Info Page.

In His Grace,


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simul iustus et peccator

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