Subject: Is there any practical difference? |
Bible Note: Response to Questions............................. Greetings Bill! I noticed that Sir Pent has answered your questions. I was going to wait for more people to respond, but since there doesn't seem to be a rush, I'll go ahead. I don't think that the Calvinistic or Arminian perspective effects some of these questions, so I'll just touch on the ones which do. Disclaimer: To illustrate the differences, I will have to "speak" to the other side somewhat. I will try to be fair! :-) 1) How accepted you feel that you are to God? This is one area that I feel there must be a practical difference. Based on my understanding of Calvinism, God accepts the elect and not the rest. The only real proof of election is perseverance. From my perspective though, God loves the world. In fact, He loved it so much that gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him might have eternal life (John 3:16). Therefore, there isn't any doubt in my mind that I have been accepted by God. He loves me unconditionally. 2) Your ability to share the gospel with others? My understanding of Calvinism is that only the elect will be given the faith to respond to the gospel. Therefore, the proclamation of the Gospel will only be effective for the elect and ultimately, it is God's will, not the proclamation that saves. From my prespective, Christ died for all men. He wills all to be saved. Therefore, the Gospel proclamation is for everyone. I don't have to be concerned whether or not the person I am preaching to is one of the elect or not. 3) Your involvement in missions? Historically, those from the Calvinistic camp were very reluctant to get involved in missions. Fortunately, that has changed over the years. However, the theology (I think) really damages missions. Those who are elect will be saved regardless of what I do. From my perspective, preaching is crucial. Though some may come to Christ on their own, the majority will need to hear the Gospel. There is no guarantee of anyone's salvation unless they respond in faith and accept the gift of salvation. These are the practical differences that I see between Calvinism and Arminianism. They mostly revolve around God's attitude toward us, evangelism, and missions. As for the rest of the quetions, I think both sides would be pretty much in agreement. What does anyone else think? Are these real differences or just perceived ones? Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |