Puritan Theological Background

Puritan theology based on teachings of John Calvin (1509-1564) Puritans, then, known as Calvinist.  Calvinism is a "covenantal" theology based on Genesis.  According to Calvin, God made two covenants or agreements.  Adam and Eve could live forever in happiness provided they obeyed God's law.  To test human obedience, God forbade eating the fruit of a certain tree. This arrangement is called the Covenant of Works.  If Adam and Eve obeyed--if their works were good- all would be well.

The second agreement refers, again, to Genesis.  At first, God punished Adam with death, and was threatened with the everlasting torments of hell. God, in his mercy, made a new arrangement know as the Covenant of Grace. This means that it's impossible for humans to be obedient; they will sin no matter what.  But, if they confess their iniquity, and recognized their corrupt nature, then, after physical death, they'd be rewarded with something even better than the Garden of Eden.  The coming of Christ revealed the meaning of the Covenant of Grace: if individuals had faith in Jesus, they would be redeemed.  As a result, the central event in a Calvinist's life was a spiritual rebirth.  This rebirth required confession of sin and acceptance of Christ.  Only then, could you receive God's grace.

In no way could you merit grace by good works.  Simply, God elected certain people to receive grace.

The Puritans in American, in order to control behavior, emphasized preparation to receive grace.  Preparation was necessary but not sufficient to receive grace.  In this way, ministers were guardians of the means of grace and of social order.

1. Bible Study (interpretation by minister)

2.  Intense self examination/introspection

3. Public announcement of "depravity"

4. Public acceptance of grace and status as member of elect.

Core Beliefs:

1.  Original Sin

2. Predestination (Doctrine of the Elect)

3. Sovereignty of God