In the ongoing debate between Provisionism and Reformed theology, some Provisionists have argued that Calvinism bears a resemblance to Gnosticism. This comparison is deeply flawed and misrepresents the foundational beliefs of Reformed theology. Here, we will clarify these misconceptions by highlighting key differences and reinforcing the biblical grounding of Reformed doctrine.
Hebrew Worldview vs. Greek Dualism
Reformed theology is firmly rooted in a Hebrew worldview, which affirms the goodness of God’s creation, including the material world. This stands in stark contrast to the Greek dualism of Gnosticism, which views the material world as inherently evil and the body as a prison for the soul.
Affirmation of Creation: The Bible teaches that God’s creation is inherently good. Genesis 1:31 states, "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." Reformed theology upholds the goodness of creation and looks forward to the resurrection of the body, as affirmed in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. This underscores that matter is good and integral to human identity.
Resurrection of the Body: Reformed theology affirms the resurrection of the body as an essential aspect of Christian hope. Philippians 3:21 speaks of Christ transforming our "lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." This is a far cry from the Gnostic disdain for the physical and their desire to escape the material realm.
Rejection of Esoteric Knowledge
Gnosticism is characterized by the pursuit of hidden, esoteric knowledge (gnosis) believed to be beyond ordinary human comprehension, accessible only through spiritual practices. In stark contrast, Reformed theology holds that the knowledge of God is revealed and accessible through Scripture, not through secretive or mystical experiences.
Biblical Revelation: Reformed theology asserts that all necessary knowledge of God has been revealed in Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." This revealed knowledge is public, accessible, and sufficient for salvation and godly living.
Regeneration: Regeneration in Reformed theology is not about acquiring secret knowledge but about the transformation of the heart by the Holy Spirit. Ezekiel 36:26-27 describes this transformation: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." This is about God’s mercy and grace in Christ, not esoteric knowledge.
Understanding and Hostility
Reformed theology recognizes that unbelievers can intellectually understand the Bible, but their rejection of it is moral, not intellectual. This is a crucial distinction that counters the claim of Gnostic elitism.
Moral Rejection: Romans 1:18-21 explains that unbelievers suppress the truth by their wickedness. They understand God’s revelation but reject it due to their moral corruption. This is not about lacking knowledge but about an inherent hostility towards God’s truth.
Hostility to the Gospel: John 3:19-20 further illustrates this point: "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed." The issue is not ignorance but a moral aversion to the light of the gospel.
Reformed Theology: A Systematic and Biblical Framework
Reformed theology provides a coherent and systematic framework deeply rooted in Scripture and the historical Christian faith. Unlike the eclectic approach of Provisionism, which often appears as a collection of ideas chosen for their appeal rather than their coherence, Reformed theology is unified and consistent in its doctrinal assertions.
Covenant Theology: Reformed theology’s covenantal framework integrates the corporate and individual aspects of election and salvation in a biblically faithful manner. It acknowledges God’s sovereign choice and the believer’s union with Christ, ensuring that both the community and individual believer are rightly understood within God’s redemptive plan.
Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: Reformed theology maintains the balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility, affirming that God’s sovereign will does not negate human agency. Philippians 2:12-13 captures this dynamic: "Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." (See article: Arminians and Provisionists Conflate Ability with Responsibility)
Conclusion
The comparison of Calvinism to Gnosticism by some Provisionists is based on misunderstandings and misrepresentations. Reformed theology is firmly grounded in the biblical revelation of God’s character and works, affirming the goodness of creation, the resurrection of the body, and the public, accessible knowledge of God revealed in Scripture. It upholds the transformation of the heart by God’s grace, the moral responsibility of humans, and the coherence of its theological system. These distinctions clearly separate Reformed theology from the errors of Gnosticism and affirm its faithfulness to the historic Christian faith.