Which is not a characteristic of Calvinism?

Which is not a characteristic of Calvinism?

• A. Total depravity
• B. Salvation by faith alone
• C. Predestination
• D. Sovereignty of God

Answer: (B)

Calvinism is defined by how it views human nature and God’s control in salvation: humans are unable to save themselves due to total depravity; God freely chooses who will be saved (predestination); and God’s sovereignty governs all things, including salvation. The statement “salvation by faith alone” is a hallmark phrase from the broader Protestant Reformation (sola fide) and is not a distinctive Calvinist slogan. While Calvinists affirm that people are saved by grace through faith, the emphasis in Calvinism is on God’s initiative and grace working in and through faith (monergism), rather than presenting faith as a human work that earns salvation by itself. Therefore, that option isn’t treated as a defining Calvinist feature in this context, making it the not-a-characteristic choice.

Calvinism is defined by how it views human nature and God’s control in salvation: humans are unable to save themselves due to total depravity; God freely chooses who will be saved (predestination); and God’s sovereignty governs all things, including salvation. The statement “salvation by faith alone” is a hallmark phrase from the broader Protestant Reformation (sola fide) and is not a distinctive Calvinist slogan. While Calvinists affirm that people are saved by grace through faith, the emphasis in Calvinism is on God’s initiative and grace working in and through faith (monergism), rather than presenting faith as a human work that earns salvation by itself. Therefore, that option isn’t treated as a defining Calvinist feature in this context, making it the not-a-characteristic choice.