Subject: What are Calvins and Arminians? |
Bible Note: The following is a quotation from a denominational publication that provides a summary of the essential points of both Calvinism and Arminianism. My purpose in this Note is neither to defend nor attack either position. Rather, my purpose is to present both sides of the issue, without adding my comments or drawing any conclusions of my own. "The Christian religious world divides basically into two schools of thought concerning the spiritual destiny of people. One is Calvinism, named after John Calvin (early 16th century); the other is Arminianism, traced back to James Arminius (late 16th century). The theological debate is thus centuries old. "Calvinism teaches (1) the total depravity of man, (2) God's unconditional election (or predestination) of certain ones to saved and certain others to be lost, (3) that Christ died only for the elect, not for every person, (4) that God's saving grace toward the elect cannot be resisted, and (5) that once a person is saved, he can never lose his salvation. "Arminianism teaches something different on each of these points: (1) Though born a sinner, mankind is given a spark of divine grace that enables him to respond positively to God. (2) God does not arbitrarily consign some people to eternal damnation; their willful rejection of God's salvation makes them responsible. (3) Christ died for every person, even though some refuse to accept the provision for their salvation. (4) No person is forced against his or her will to become a Christian (5) One's salvation can be lost through willful disobedience." --JVH0212 "In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, and in all things charity." |