Calvinism has turned into the “new” version of the Catholic Church.
That is a very sweeping and inaccurate accusation against all Reformed churches.
May I suggest a visit to sermonaudio.com. Visit a whole world of Reformed churches preaching Sola Scriptura.
When I was introduced to Calvinism, aside from my basic knowledge of the Reformation, I wondered who is this guy, Calvin?
Of course, I would never consider substituting Calvin’s Institutes for my Bible...that is ridicules, but after reading Institutes it’s hard to understand how anyone could not be blessed and humbled by Calvin’s exposition of the Scripture. He stands head and shoulders above most of what passes for preaching in a lot of pulpits these days.
Just my humble opinion.
Sola Scriptura is alive and well in my reformed baptist congregation and we aren’t alone. After decades of study I became a Calvinist and left my traditional Southern Baptist church home based solely on what I found in Scripture. I got to the point that I could no longer deny the plain truths taught in the Word and realized the poor hermeneutical methods commonly employed by those against Calvinism, a group which included my own beloved pastor. All freewill systems honor the will of men. The Doctrines of Grace honor the Lord.
Ephesians 1:
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Romans 9:16 “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”