I identify as a Calvinist and embrace the five points of Calvinism. However, it is important to recognize that Calvinism primarily serves as a framework to understand salvation, rather than a doctrine intended for formal classroom instruction. When we attempt to teach Calvinism solely through the sequential presentation of its five points, there is a risk of oversimplification. It is crucial to distinguish between describing Calvinism as a thought process, where the writer takes readers through these points in a systematic manner, and describing it after its application, thereby addressing more than just a comprehension of these core principles. By placing Calvinism within the context of the human struggle, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its significance.

The issue of application arises from a disproportionate emphasis on studying theologians rather than engaging in deep contemplation and study of the Bible. It is for this reason that I am endeavoring to reintroduce the concept of the curse into the Calvinistic argument, a theme that will be evident throughout my writing. Without the inclusion of the teaching on the curse, there is no definitive guideline to prevent individuals from succumbing to a pragmatic mindset. By permitting pragmatism to infiltrate our thinking, we risk relegating Calvinism to a mere set of principles that ought to be adhered to.

It is our belief that salvation is only possible through Christ, as we acknowledge our complete corruption in both body and soul. However, these teachings must be viewed within the framework of God's role in delivering us so that we may experience eternal life. I believe there may be a misconception regarding the nature of true love, the object of our affection, the concept of true hatred, and how we should respond to negative emotions.

I have noticed that as a Calvinist, it can be easy to misconstrue the doctrine of total depravity as advocating self-hatred. In my belief, it is important to have a proper understanding of our flaws, but I do not believe that self-hatred is a necessary step towards repentance. We often emphasize that there is no inherent goodness within us, using this as a means to elevate and glorify God. However, my question is, if our old will has been eradicated and replaced with a new will from God, are we not adding to His work by resurrecting our past struggles and striving to generate more love for Christ? This is where we should reconsider the impact of the curse in our teachings. Instead of reasoning that total depravity adds value to Christ's work, why not view it as a past event that Christ already dealt with on the cross, resulting in the demise of our struggle with our sinful selves? To fully grasp the significance of Christ's redemptive work, it is crucial to place it within the context of the curse.

In this context, the individual is driven by a genuine sense of self-care and empowerment. The previous battles with fear, shame, and sadness needed to be overcome and left behind. There is no alternative approach to addressing these detestable emotions. If we truly believe in the immense significance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, shouldn't it be evident through his liberation of us from the grip of curses, rather than us attempting to demonstrate God's greatness by dwelling on past struggles and turning them into new challenges?The new individual is driven by a genuine self-love in this context, whereas the previous battle with fear, shame, and sorrow had to be overcome. The only way to address these negative emotions is to let them go. If we truly believe in the significance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, shouldn't we acknowledge that He has already freed us from the burden of past curses, rather than trying to prove our worthiness by resurrecting past struggles?

I believe that the essence of Christ's message, when He spoke about loving others because we love ourselves, lies in the idea that our motivation to love others stems from our determination to overcome any obstacles or challenges. It is difficult for us to genuinely love others if we have not experienced love within ourselves. This principle holds significant weight in the context of marriage, as the primary motivation for loving one's spouse is rooted in the love we have for ourselves. If we possess a healthy self-love, it naturally leads us to love and cherish our partner. Conversely, if we harbor self-hatred, it will inevitably translate into animosity towards our spouse. The teachings of the Bible reinforce this notion by highlighting that if we prioritize anything above our marriage, we are essentially harboring feelings of hatred towards our partner and, ultimately, towards ourselves. Thus, true self-love prompts us to be motivated to love another individual.

Self love is the fulfillment of one's desires and the experience of success that follows. According to the Psalms, understanding oneself is a deeply personal communication with God, as if each individual is the only one He created. This intimate connection with God allows Him to fulfill each person's desires as if they were the only one in existence. By seeking God's guidance and understanding, we can truly know ourselves and achieve success. Without actively seeking God and understanding our own needs, we are neglecting the opportunity to grow and truly know ourselves. It is essential to eliminate anything that hinders our connection with God in order to be free to discover and fulfill our true selves.