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Calvinism vs. Arminianism: An Introduction
Calvinism vs. Arminianism: An Introduction
Within the vast tapestry of Christian theology, few debates have garnered as much attention and generated as much discussion as that between Calvinism and Arminianism. These two theological frameworks, named after their influential proponents, John Calvin (1509-1564) and Jacob Arminius (1560-1609), emerged during the Protestant Reformation and its aftermath. While both traditions affirm foundational Christian doctrines such as the deity of Christ, the Trinity, and salvation by grace through faith, they diverge significantly on critical questions concerning God's sovereignty, human free will, the nature of salvation, and the extent of the atonement. This article aims to provide an introductory overview of these two systems, outlining their core tenets and the biblical passages often cited in support of each, without seeking to resolve the complexities but rather to illuminate the points of divergence for the earnest student of God's Word.
Calvinism: The Doctrines of Grace (TULIP)
Calvinism is often summarized by the acrostic TULIP, representing five key points articulated by the Synod of Dort (1618-1619) in response to the Arminian Remonstrance. These points emphasize God's absolute sovereignty in salvation.
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth; It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
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: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Arminianism: The Remonstrance
Arminianism, rooted in the teachings of Jacob Arminius, sought to emphasize human responsibility and God's desire for all to be saved. In 1610, Arminius's followers issued the "Five Articles of Remonstrance" as a protest against certain Calvinistic interpretations. These points can be seen as responses to the Calvinistic TULIP, often presenting a different emphasis.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Points of Theological Divergence
The core differences between Calvinism and Arminianism revolve around the interplay of God's sovereignty and human responsibility in salvation. Calvinism emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and initiative in every step of salvation, from election to perseverance, viewing human response as a result of divine grace. Arminianism, while affirming God's sovereignty, stresses human freedom and responsibility to respond to God's universal offer of grace, seeing God's election as a response to foreseen faith.
- Human Will: Calvinism views the fallen human will as entirely enslaved by sin, incapable of initiating a desire for God. Arminianism sees the will as free to choose God, enabled by prevenient grace.
- Election: Calvinism teaches unconditional election, based solely on God's decree. Arminianism teaches conditional election, based on God's foreknowledge of human faith.
- Atonement: Calvinism holds to limited atonement, Christ dying specifically for the elect. Arminianism holds to unlimited atonement, Christ dying for all, making salvation possible for all who believe.
- Grace: Calvinism asserts irresistible grace, meaning God's saving call cannot be refused by the elect. Arminianism teaches resistible grace, allowing individuals to reject God's call.
- Security: Calvinism affirms the perseverance of the saints, meaning true believers cannot lose their salvation. Arminianism suggests conditional security, where a believer can fall away and lose salvation.
Biblical Harmony and Humble Inquiry
It is crucial to recognize that both Calvinists and Arminians are earnest in their desire to uphold biblical truth and draw their conclusions from Holy Scripture. The tension between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Passages speak of God's absolute control over all things (Psalms 115:3, Proverbs 16:9) and His electing purposes (Romans 8:28-30), while other passages clearly call humanity to repent and believe (Acts 17:30, John 3:16). The Bible does not explicitly resolve this tension in a way that fully satisfies human logic, often presenting both truths side by side.
For the believer, the study of these theological systems should lead to deeper reverence for God and a more profound understanding of His Word. It compels us to diligently search the Scriptures, as commanded in 2 Timothy 2:15: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Ultimately, "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 29:29).
Conclusion
The debate between Calvinism and Arminianism is a long-standing and complex one, reflecting the deep mysteries inherent in understanding God's nature and His interaction with humanity. Both systems offer coherent theological frameworks that seek to honor God and provide a comprehensive understanding of salvation. While they present differing perspectives on the mechanics of salvation, both traditions agree on the essential truth that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
As believers, our primary focus should always be on Christ and the Gospel, recognizing that theological differences, while important, should not divide us from fellow Christians who hold to the fundamental truths of the faith. We are called to "endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3), demonstrating love for one another, for "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35).
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