Reformed Apologetics on the Calvinistic doctrine of grace: Calvinists response to the critics

Abstract

This study aims to systematically present the response of Calvinists on the arguments against Reformed theology on the soteriological doctrine of grace and its role on Christian living, on the forgiveness of sin and to the salvation of human beings. This paper will present the arguments against and the counterclaims for the Calvinistic concept of grace and will also discuss the significance of Calvin?s theology on grace and of the Calvinist apologetics in contemporary Christianity. This dogmatic study will be approached from a Reformed tradition perspective. The researcher shall perform the following research methodologies: a) exegesis of biblical passages limited in scope to the Pauline epistles to the Ephesians, more particularly in Ephesians 1:5-7 and 2:8-9; b) review of existing relevant literature through the hermeneutical cycle; c) Reformed apologetics on Calvin?s theology of grace; and, d) comparative analysis.