Mormonism and Five Point Calvinism, Part 4

Shawn McCraney emphasizes that true Christianity distinguishes between grace and works; salvation is solely through Jesus Christ, contrasting sharply with Mormon beliefs that mix grace and works. He warns that adherents of other systems, such as Mormonism and Islam, may be judged by the doctrines they follow rather than by Christ's grace, which leads to condemnation under those systems' requirements.

Shawn's teaching contrasts Calvinism's doctrine of "Unconditional Election" with Mormonism by highlighting Calvin's view that God predestines certain individuals to salvation and others to eternal damnation based solely on his will, not human merit. This teaching emphasizes that salvation for the elect is entirely based on God's predetermined choice rather than human deeds, invoking the concept of God's will being paramount in deciding who is saved or condemned.

Shawn critiques the doctrine of Double Predestination, which suggests that God decides individuals' eternal fates before birth, by highlighting how it disregards free will and leads to a perception of God as a puppet master controlling choiceless humans. He contrasts this view with Arminianism, which emphasizes human free will in the path to salvation and critiques Calvinists for their comfort in being among the elect, seemingly unconcerned with the eternal suffering of those not chosen.

Joseph Smith proposed a theology that combines Arminian free will with elements of his own imagination, suggesting that people have free agency based on choices made in a supposed pre-mortal existence, allowing for a flexible path to salvation rather than adhering to Calvinist predestination. He rejected the Five Point Calvinism's doctrines such as total depravity and predestination to eternal damnation, favoring a more Arminian perspective that emphasizes human freedom and responsibility in achieving salvation.

God elects some to eternal life and others to eternal damnation while still maintaining human free will within the bounds of His infinite love. The concept of total depravity and unconditional election occurs only through Jesus Christ, as represented by the theological principles summarized by the acronym T.U.L.I.P., which stands for Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints.

Shawn discusses the decision to get a cross tattoo on his hand, explaining personal reasons and how it relates to teachings from the Bible on tattoos. He emphasizes that one's faith and actions define their beliefs rather than outward symbols.